Last Updated:
In this digital age, where we are often bombarded with information, it’s the simple, genuine act of storytelling that brings us back to a place of connection
he power of storytelling lies not just in the stories themselves but in the connections they build, etching memories in our souls forever.
In a world where digital innovations continue to shape the way we communicate, humans still crave the deep, unfiltered connection that only storytelling can provide. While technology has undoubtedly transformed how we interact, it is storytelling, an ancient and timeless tradition, that continues to resonate with our souls. In the age of digital distractions, storytelling remains a fundamental need for connection, authenticity, and shared experiences.
Shaguna Gahilote, the curator of the Kathakar Storytelling Festival, emphasizes the power of storytelling in today’s digital age. She highlights how, despite all the digital interventions, humans remain social creatures who long for true connection with others. “Kathakar creates the right ambience by curating an experience that allows people to come together, share in the power of storytelling, and connect with each other,” she says. The festival’s success is a testament to this deep human desire for communal storytelling, where the stories are not just told, but felt and experienced together. “It’s a curated experience that brings people back year after year, creating memories that last a lifetime,” explains Gahilote.
The festival’s founders, the Gahilote sisters, along with their chief patron, Shri Mohit Chauhan, go to great lengths to ensure that not only the storytellers and their tales are carefully chosen, but also that the entire atmosphere is conducive to creating an unforgettable experience. The ambience they craft allows attendees to set aside their digital devices and be fully present, engaging in a communal storytelling journey. “People who attend once are hooked,” Gahilote says, “and they keep coming back, not just for the stories, but for the feeling of connection.”
This deep emotional connection is something Na’ama Tel Tsur, a storyteller from Israel, speaks to when reflecting on the timeless nature of storytelling. “Although technology is making giant leaps, the human soul and emotion remain as they were thousands of years ago,” she observes. Storytelling, for Tel Tsur, offers something that the digital world cannot replicate: authenticity. “We all thirst for an immediate, authentic and lively connection that can contain our vulnerability and enhance our spirit,” she continues. Through storytelling, she believes, we have the ability to laugh, cry, and feel united—even if just for a fleeting moment. “The simplicity, directness, and lack of sophistication in storytelling are the secrets of its power,” she adds. This pure and heartfelt form of expression offers a safe space, drawing us back to a primordial connection where we can be together without the need for technological intermediaries.
Usifu Jalloh, a storyteller from Sierra Leone, echoes this sentiment, explaining the relevance of oral storytelling in the digital era. “Without the oral word, there could never be the digital world,” he says, pointing out that face-to-face, emotional interactions are instinctive and natural. “The natural interactions of humans are adaptable to emotions in real time, much more than the digital world can offer.” Jalloh emphasizes that through storytelling, we share our imperfections, creating relatable and inspiring relationships. “Being vulnerable allows people to relate to you deeply. This relationship becomes the journey that weaves your emotions into the fabric of your circumstances.” The authenticity and vulnerability inherent in storytelling are what make it so powerful, especially in today’s complex world. Jalloh notes that our brains are wired to engage with humans and stories, not just raw data. “Our brain connects better with the relatable, with the story, rather than with just data, information, and complexity alone,” he explains.
In this digital age, where we are often bombarded with information, it’s the simple, genuine act of storytelling that brings us back to a place of connection. As both Gahilote and Jalloh highlight, storytelling transcends the noise of the digital world, offering a timeless and invaluable experience. By embracing our vulnerabilities and sharing our authentic selves, storytelling creates a bridge between individuals, fostering a sense of community and belonging that no digital device can replicate. The power of storytelling lies not just in the stories themselves but in the connections they build, etching memories in our souls forever.
