The Storied Way Perspective With Rituparna

Ep 24 | Featuring Roma Balwani, Communications Strategist, Mentor

In this engaging conversation, Rituparna Ghosh and Roma Balwani explore the evolution of communication over the past 40 years, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in corporate settings. Roma shares her journey from a marketing executive to a leader in corporate communications, highlighting the role of mentorship and the challenges faced in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the significance of personal branding, especially for women in leadership, and the need for organizations to foster a supportive culture. The conversation concludes with insights on navigating the digital age and the importance of human connection in communication. Takeaways * Storytelling has been a powerful tool in communication for decades. * Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping careers and guiding young professionals. * The VUCA world presents unique challenges that require resilience and adaptability. * Women must take charge of their stories and careers to overcome barriers. * Organizations need to invest in their people to foster growth and development. * Personal branding is essential for career advancement and leadership roles. * Humanizing communication is vital in today's digital landscape. * Curiosity about others' stories enriches personal and professional growth. * Leaders must empower their teams to foster a positive organizational culture. * Patience and self-reflection are key to navigating career challenges. About Roma Balwani Roma Balwani is a veteran communications leader, ESG advisor, and passionate mentor with over 40 years of experience across Mahindra, Vedanta, L&T, and Aptech. She currently serves as CEO & Brand Custodian of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association, and Co-founder of the RB Foundation. Roma has been recognized globally for her leadership in brand strategy, sustainability, and purpose-led storytelling — including a spot on the Holmes/Provoke Influence 100 and multiple lifetime achievement awards. Her story is featured in Sheroes Amongst Us – Real Women, Real Stories. Connect with Roma Balwani | Website [https://romabalwani.com] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/roma-balwani-31b1b6/] Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rituparnaghoshstoryteller/] | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.instagram.com/rituparna.storyteller] Listen to ⁠Golpo: Stories from Around the World⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/4KlK2dOSrlUwZKY7thIS1I?si=suGeJgSaQROwwPiY0xw2_A] Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.yourstorybag.com]⁠ ⁠ Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@yourstorybag.com] Season 1 of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLavz6geK8RffRcq9EjLdG8NTCY_b2iM7K]

Ep 23 | Featuring Valentina Trivedi, Writer, Educator, Storyteller & Childist

What does it mean to be a childist? How can stories be a way of being rather than just a performance? In this soulful, stirring conversation, Rituparna Ghosh sits down with the multi-faceted Valentina Trivedi – writer, educator, performer, TEDx speaker, and one-half of the storytelling duo behind Aao Suno Kahani. From telling stories to a single child under a tent to adapting Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne as a Dastangoi performance, Valentina’s storytelling journey is filled with wonder, deep insight, and fierce joy. Like Rituparna, she feels compelled to share stories with her audience. Valentina unpacks her philosophy of storytelling as presence, vulnerability, and listening—and her belief in leading with the child. This is a conversation not just for storytellers and educators, but for anyone seeking to slow down, listen deeply, and let stories fall on them like rain. Takeaways Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with children.A child's attention is a sacred privilege for storytellers.Vulnerability enhances the storytelling experience.Adults often fear looking foolish when telling stories to children.Storytelling should be a natural and spontaneous act.The joy of storytelling comes from sharing and giving.Translation of stories can be a meditative and enriching experience.Listening is as important as telling in storytelling.Podcasts are a vital medium for sharing stories today.Stories help individuals understand themselves better. About Valentina Trivedi Valentina Trivedi is a writer, educator, performative storyteller, and TEDx speaker whose life is steeped in stories. Her work spans scripting and directing films, editing, translating, adapting classics, and performing across stages and screens. She is the creative force behind Aao Suno Kahani [https://www.youtube.com/@AaoSunoKahaani]—a beloved storytelling podcast and YouTube channel that brings timeless tales to life in Hindi. Valentina scripted and directed a biopic on the legendary yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar and has reimagined iconic narratives such as Satyajit Ray’s Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne into Urdu-Hindustani Dastangoi performances for children—complete with translated songs and rich theatricality. As an education consultant, she is a passionate advocate for the child’s point of view, conducting workshops for parents and teachers, and speaking at international forums on learning and storytelling. She is also a trailblazer in education governance, serving as the first alumna on the Board of Governors of The Doon School. Listen to Valentina’s Podcasts | Treasures from the Puranas [https://listen.hubhopper.com/podcast/treasures-from-the-puraans/315944] | Prabha Prasad ki Kahaniya [https://listen.hubhopper.com/podcast/prabhpa-prasada-ki-marmika-kahaniyam/460706] Connect with Valentina | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/valentinatrivedi?igsh=M3BlZWgzcDVmc291] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-trivedi-444a8a8?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app] Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rituparnaghoshstoryteller/] | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.instagram.com/rituparna.storyteller] Listen to Golpo: Stories from Around the World [https://open.spotify.com/show/4KlK2dOSrlUwZKY7thIS1I?si=suGeJgSaQROwwPiY0xw2_A] Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.yourstorybag.com]⁠ ⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@yourstorybag.com] Season 1 of ⁠⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLavz6geK8RffRcq9EjLdG8NTCY_b2iM7K]

Ep 22 | Featuring Dr Swati Popat Vats | President - Podar Education Network, Founder - President - ECA-APER

In this episode of The Storied Way Perspective, host Rituparna Ghosh sits down with Dr. Swati Popat Vats, globally awarded early childhood education expert and President of the Early Childhood Association India and the Podar Education Network. Together, they dive into the transformative role of storytelling in early childhood education, parenting, and teacher training. Dr. Vats shares powerful insights on how oral storytelling traditions, when used intentionally, can foster emotional growth, cognitive development, and parent-child bonding. Drawing from pioneers like Gijubhai and educational models like the Panchakosh, this episode is a rich resource for educators, parents, and curriculum designers alike. The conversation touches on: * Why storytelling is not just for fun, but a scientific and emotional tool in pedagogy * How stories help children make sense of values, conflict, emotions, and the world around them * The need to revive India’s oral storytelling traditions in a fast-paced, digital world * How educators can become co-storytellers with parents to shape more resilient, empathetic learners Whether you're an early years educator, a parent navigating bedtime stories, or someone passionate about child development and education, this episode is a must-listen. Takeaways * Storytelling enhances emotional intelligence and cognitive growth in young children * Oral storytelling builds connection, trust, and reflection—skills children need for life * Teachers and parents must become story partners, not just content deliverers * Stories allow children to explore tough topics in safe, age-appropriate ways * Gijubhai’s storytelling legacy offers a timeless, scientifically grounded pedagogy * The Panchakosh model complements storytelling in understanding holistic development About Dr Swati Popat Vats [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swati_Popat_Vats] Dr. Swati Popat Vats is the founder and president of the Early Childhood Association India and the Association for Preparatory Education and Research [https://www.notion.so/Dr-Vats-Show-Notes-2081954e545480dea113d2b21bf969fe?pvs=21]. As President of Podar Education Network [https://www.notion.so/Dr-Vats-Show-Notes-2081954e545480dea113d2b21bf969fe?pvs=21] she leads over 490 preschools and Daycares in India, Nepal, UAE, and Qatar. Dr. Vats has coined the term ‘Kiducation’ for early childhood teachers and parents to help them understand that young children need education from the point of view of their development. She is also an expert on the global think tank of Kidzania. In her career spanning over 34 years, Swati has authored many books for parents, teachers, and children [https://youtu.be/bbB_XDbiX5I?si=RwSOes9HBBLwXkyk-], her most recent works are two books on Coding for Children and books on educators like Gijubhai, Froebel, and Vygotsky. She has also helped train more than 3,00,000 children on Good Touch Bad Touch and over 60,000 teachers on POCSO awareness.  She is a globally awarded early years leader. [https://www.ted.com/talks/dr_swati_popat_vats_innocence] Connect with Dr Swati Popat Vats | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-swati-popat-vats-73017315/] Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rituparnaghoshstoryteller/] | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.instagram.com/rituparna.storyteller] Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.yourstorybag.com]⁠⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@yourstorybag.com] Season 1 of ⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLavz6geK8RffRcq9EjLdG8NTCY_b2iM7K]

Ep 21 | Featuring Mehak Sharma, Uttarakhand Wisdom Library

In this episode of The Storied Way Perspective, Rituparna sits down with Mehak Sharma for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation on the powerful intersection of storytelling and wisdom. Together, they explore the mission and journey of Project FUEL and the Uttarakhand Wisdom Library (UWL)—two initiatives rooted in honouring lived experiences and preserving cultural heritage. From the quiet villages of Uttarakhand to digital spaces across the globe, Mehak shares how personal narratives can become powerful tools of connection, resilience, and growth. The conversation reflects on what it means to reconnect with our roots, slow down, listen deeply, and carry forward community wisdom in a fast-paced world. * Storytelling shapes identity and brings people closer. * Wisdom emerges from everyday life and lived experience. * Project FUEL captures life lessons from around the world. * Human connection is vital for meaningful growth. * Culture and community are preserved through intentional storytelling. * Everyone has a story worth telling—even if it's not told often. * Contributing to a storytelling community is both a gift and a responsibility. * It's okay for stories to be light, nostalgic, or imperfect—they still matter. * We must respect and reclaim our roots while moving forward. * The challenge of gathering stories is part of the storyteller’s journey. Project FUEL [https://www.notion.so/UWL-Show-Notes-1fa1954e5454800d8aa6e54086ef1363?pvs=21] (Forward the Understanding of Every Life Lesson) captures the practical wisdom of people across the globe and transforms it into tools for learning and change. By designing immersive experiences from life lessons, Project FUEL fosters empathy, creativity, and intercultural understanding. The **Uttarakhand Wisdom Library [https://www.instagram.com/uttarakhandwisdomlibrary] (UWL)** is a living archive of the stories, traditions, festivals, landscapes, and voices of Uttarakhand. It goes beyond postcard views to capture the region’s spirit—its quiet strength, lived realities, and deep-rooted wisdom. Through storytelling, UWL seeks to preserve and share the cultural richness of Uttarakhand with the world. Mehak began her journey in the classroom, where she learned the power of clear communication and deep connection. Over time, her path led her through diverse roles in communications, administration, and digital strategy—always rooted in purpose and people. Today, she blends creative content with data-driven insights, working across platforms to amplify meaningful stories. Whether she’s decoding algorithms or sipping chai in soft sunlight, Mehak is grounded in the everyday beauty of life. Connect with Mehak: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_sharma.mehak?igsh=MW55ejNqNmswcHQ2ZA==] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehaksharma28/] Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rituparnaghoshstoryteller/] | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.instagram.com/rituparna.storyteller] Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.yourstorybag.com]⁠⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@yourstorybag.com] Season 1 of ⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLavz6geK8RffRcq9EjLdG8NTCY_b2iM7K]

Ep 20 | The Storied Way Perspective featuring Nitika Arora, Co-Founder Darwesh Heritage Walks

In this episode of The Storied Way Perspective, host Rituparna Ghosh is joined by Nitika Arora, co-founder of Darwesh Heritage Walks, to unpack the power of storytelling in reimagining and reclaiming heritage. Through a compelling conversation, they explore how heritage goes beyond bricks and buildings to include oral histories, local cultures, and lived traditions. Nikita shares the journey of Darwesh and its use of performative storytelling to breathe life into overlooked histories, especially in urban settings where heritage often hides in plain sight. Together, they discuss: * How storytelling can bridge the gap between people and the past * The role of community voices in shaping authentic narratives * Challenges of engaging audiences with history in a fast-paced digital world * The importance of educating youth and rethinking how schools approach heritage * The potential of digital platforms to make cultural narratives more accessible and inclusive This episode reflects on why history needs storytellers—to make it personal, participatory, and powerful. Takeaways Heritage lives in stories—not just monuments, but traditions, voices, and memory. Darwesh blends tangible and intangible heritage through immersive, performative storytelling. Storytelling makes history accessible by turning facts into emotional, human narratives. Innovative themes and formats help engage modern, diverse, and younger audiences. Audience participation is key—listeners aren’t passive; they shape the story too. Urbanisation and time pressures pose challenges, but storytelling adapts to remain relevant. Digital platforms offer scale, helping heritage stories reach wider, global audiences. Sustaining storytelling efforts requires collaboration, funding, and community ownership. Darwesh Heritage Walks, founded in 2013, brings Delhi’s hidden stories to life [https://youtu.be/tRYf3a3WDck?si=_MHCMUhhctWt8g0h] through immersive walks, intimate baithaks, and creative trails. Blending history, performance, and community voices, Darwesh offers a unique way to experience the city beyond its monuments. In this episode, Nikita Arora—actor, theatre artist, and Darwesh's chief curator—joins us to discuss the power of performative storytelling and how the Discover–Design–Embellish–Perform approach helps reimagine heritage for modern audiences. Connect with Darwesh | YouTube [https://youtube.com/@darweshdelhi?si=y0yKmGalWZKkYJu4] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/darwesh_taleweavers?igsh=MW1ha243ZHlndjBnag==] Connect with Rituparna | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rituparnaghoshstoryteller/] | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.instagram.com/rituparna.storyteller] Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.notion.so/yourstorybag/www.yourstorybag.com]⁠⁠Write to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@yourstorybag.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@yourstorybag.com] Season 1 of ⁠⁠The Storied Way Perspective [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLavz6geK8RffRcq9EjLdG8NTCY_b2iM7K]