The Challenges of Storytelling in the Context of keeping alive the Indian Traditions Sub theme: Traditional Media & Storytelling

The Universe is made of stories, not of atoms. ~ Muriel Rukeyser, the American poet and political activist aptly expressed in The Speed of Darkness. To specify the stories about you and me - Storytelling is the most traditional oral art form subsisted for both the story tellers and the listeners alike. This traditional media forms an integral part in imparting our social values which shaped our social fabric since the time immemorial. Storytelling is the prime component of folk media that is an effectual means of communication in contemporary world since it not only facilitate to bond individuals with their traditions but also restore the lost culture of the society. It outlines both verbal and non-verbal communication of expression for the local folks and bestow them a probability to accent out their beliefs on diverse issues. Various nations like India, have innate numerous rich, valuable popular and powerful folk media forms, which were nurtured over the period of time and ensure the emotional veracity of the nation. The expansion of audio-visual and new media transformed the world into a village but could not outshine the folk media of diverse ethnic groups and regions. This research paper will highlight the usage of modern media formats of storytelling like teleconferencing through Skype etc. and further the paper will also focus on the traditional media used in diverse genres of traditional storytelling art forms still prevalent in West Bengal and mention of a few pan Indian perspectives. The paper would also focus on the life and works of a few urban storytellers through interviews who are intrinsically involved to keep the ancient art forms alive through traditional media formats. The research methodology used is through personal interviews by this author.