Stories soaked in wisdom

The art of storytelling has played an important role in preserving India's cultural history. We take a look at one vertical, Harikatha, and how one can appreciate the content.

- Deepa Chakravarthy

If you belong to Gen Z, and you glanced at the title, don't dismiss this! Undoubtedly you rule the roost when it comes to telling stories within a minute; but these stories being referred to are not like the ones on Instagram.

In this edition, Arty Affairs is exploring stories passed on as oral traditions that have stood the test of time. What is the relevance of oral traditions? How have these traditions survived? What lasting impression can they create?

To answer the questions, let us observe a phenomenon world over the indigenous tribes in various geographies have had their own oral traditions wherein stories have played a key role for passing on knowledge. In fact, UNESCO has committed itself in a big way to support transdisciplinary approaches for recognising and safeguarding indigenous knowledge traditions and communities.

The wisdom of the oral traditions are valued in academic circles and are presented as indigenous worldviews. Their knowledge is studied to find solutions to contemporary global problems in the field of mental health, and also for teaching social-emotional learning and culturally responsible behaviours.