Sankala Foundation partnered with the Kathakar International Storytellers Festival 2025, India’s first and only oral storytelling festival. Founded in 2010 by the NGOs Nivesh and HHACH under the patronage of UNESCO, the festival honours the memory of Thakur Vishva Narain Singh, India’s first Braille Editor and the Father of Braille Literature. Organised by the Gahilote Sisters – Rachna, Prarthana, and Shaguna – the festival celebrated the art of storytelling through performances by renowned storytellers engaging conversations with acclaimed artists, and vibrant musical performances.

Over the years, the festival has hosted luminaries such as Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, A R Rahman, Imtiaz Ali, Manoj Bajpayee, and many more, alongside internationally renowned storytellers like Nell Phoenix, Usifu Jalloh, and Polina Tšerkassova. This year’s Chief Patron was the celebrated singer-songwriter-composer Mohit Chauhan.

As part of the festival, Sankala Foundation conducted a special storytelling session led by our mentor, Mr Bharat Lal, Secretary General, National Human Rights Commission with school children. He narrated stories of conservation and peaceful coexistence between tribal communities and their surroundings. This session inspired young minds to protect and conserve India’s rich cultural and natural heritage.