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Arabian Nights or Thousand and One Nights is retold and understood in a manner that is at once contemporary and irresistible. Narrated in Tamil by scholar Dr. R Lakshmi Priya it is at once taking us back into the history of storytelling and into the magic of classic storytelling collections. Arabian Nights is the story of many stories narrated with a strikingly startling story frame. In this storytelling in Brio TV Dr. R Laksmi Priya narrates the frame story of Arabian Nights and analyses it in the context of current post colonial understanding of the western gaze and orientalisms. The analysis tells us that these western translations of Arabian Nights that are available to us must be written incorrectly in their highly demeaning portrayal of women. The protagonist and chief storyteller of the 1001 nights in Sheherazade, herself a wonderful and brave women risks her life for the sake of other women. Welcome to Keladi Kanmani of Brio TV with Dr. R Lakshmi Priya.

A very, very profound storyteller Dr. R. Lakshmi Priya also narrated the story of Satyavan and Savitri wherein Savitri tricks Yama, the god of Death into returning her husband Satyavan back into the world of living.

What makes a city a space of storytellers?

In this thoughtful conversation, Geetha Ramanujam reflects on Bangalore —

its stories, its traditions, and the deeper role storytelling plays in shaping culture.

From the story of Punyakoti to the living heritage of Janapada Loka,

she reminds us that storytelling is not something we simply learn —

it is something we inherit, live, and carry forward.

In a world that leans towards information and writing,

this is a gentle return to:

 listening

 memory

 oral traditions

And what truly makes a storyteller.

If this resonates with you,

Kathalaya offers spaces to explore storytelling more deeply:

 For details: 82773 89840

 Certified Intensive Beginner Storytelling Course 

Batch 183

 Kathalaya Centre, Bangalore

 April 17–19

Register: https://forms.gle/8B2xAo9oQAia7pdH6

Batch 184

 Defence Colony, Delhi

 June 5-7

Register: https://forms.gle/fZDxPTtSmXnhUSBC6

Batch 185

 Himalayan Writing Retreat, Satkhol, Uttarakhand

 June 12-15

Register: https://www.himalayanwritingretreat.com/event/storytelling-course-kathalaya/

 The Diploma in Storytelling 

Batch 39

  Kathalaya Centre, Bangalore

 June 14-17

Register: https://forms.gle/CA4t9jBArZgVLKrG6

  Antardhwani Retreat – The Storytellers’ Inner voice

  Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

 July 17-19

Register: https://forms.gle/te5ZHJ3SZC6VyPxw6

Poornima Sivaraman’s children’s book ‘My Collection of Short Stories for Children’ published by The Momma Clan has 15 short stories.

11. The Interesting Insects – This story is about observances and the importances of observing nature with a will to learn from various living beings. The children observe the behaviour of ants, squirrels, monkeys and lizards and come to logical conclusions. This is a must-read story for all children to learn from nature.

12. Experiences in Life – Rohan is rushing for an interview when he sees an old man lying on the street. The old man is getting a heart attack and needs medical attention. Rohan knows he may lose the job interview but does what his heart thinks is right. Read this enchanting story about timely and compassionate action and the consequences thereof.

13. The ego can be a spoiler – Tarun had been spoilt and pampered as a child and due to this was unfriendly and hostile to classmates. His parents don’t teach him about sharing. But Rinky does – a new girl in school she is nice to Tarun and brings him back into the fold.

14. Caring for Parents – In this story, we see grandparents being shouted at in front of children by the parents. It tells us about why we need to respect the elderly and continue India’s tradition of learning and caring for elders. It teaches us about how to learn and cherish our elders.

15. Staying away from online negativity – This story of Rinku, who is wayled by wrong usage of technology devices and needs to be bought back on the path. This story questions why we need so much social media and technology? What use is it serving if we become disconnected from our communities?

Poornima Sivaraman’s children’s book ‘My Collection of Short Stories for Children’ published by The Momma Clan has 15 short stories.

6. A Thrilling Trip – This short story is about an eagerly awaited trip to a forest by a group of children. They meet playful monkeys in the forest. They also find a boy shivering in the hut, wearing tatters. And due to this, they take him back with them. This story is about the wonderful wilderness and also compassion.

7. Lessons of Sharing – The story of an apartment on holiday and festival days like Holi and Diwali is narrated here. The children grow up in mutual understanding and care for all. They get together and contribute to gifts for underprivileged children. They learn about the benefits of living together as a community.

8. A Different Birthday Party – A Different Birthday Party is the story of Sohan who has always been an adorable child and given the best birthday parties. But one birthday, Sohan is sad. The reason is he has seen an orphanage and wants to do all birthdays with the orphans. His friends too join him.

9. A Visit to a Farm – This story is about children visiting a farm. They encounter nature, the luxuries of village life – healthy food, fresh fruits and veggies. The encounter air of the farm life. this story comes as a breath a much needed breath of fresh air.

10. The Strange Object – A mystery story about two children giving a burial to a puppy that died. Teaches us about respect.

Poornima Sivaraman’s children’s book ‘My Collection of Short Stories for Children’ published by The Momma Clan has 15 short stories.

1. The Lost Ring – A wedding is in progress. The ring is found missing. Who will save the day but a child who finds the missing ring? A positive story about being helpful and truthful.
2. Learning by Mistakes – This is a short story which is both a story and guide to parents and teachers on how to notice and handle difficult situations. What do you do when the child is doing something not to be done. Krishh has been stealing money from home to give to friends who are gambling with it. Find out how to deal with such situations.
3. Self-Defence – Rinku was a young girl living in a village with her grandmother. While the boys could play till late in the village girls had to come home early. Rinku’s story is one of positive psychology in action. It shows how the medium of the short story can be used to communicate messages for children that help and guide them as well as change society.
4. Acceptance – Learning to be accepting of children who are different is important for both parents and society. Sundar is a boy with a twisted hand and fingers that don’t move. This is his story. It is written in both a nonfiction tone and a advise-giving tone to help people and guide them in special education needs.
5. Learning by Nature – A visit to the grandparents village and their home means a rich ecological experience for the children used to the hustle and bustle of city life The children are amazed by a mango groove and discover the magic of nature.

In the beginning

Highest of the Norse Gods

King Glyfi and the three chieftains of the Aesir

Logrinn and Sjaelland