Storytelling a Sound Strategy for Child Development

In Gujarat State the storytellers mostly relate tales from Panchtantra [1] Ki Kahania,
Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shiv Puran[2], Okha Haran [3], etc. These story tellers from early
formative years have availed themselves of every opening to add their repertoire to perfect
their style of deliverance. Countless listeners will have heard these epical stories many
times before.
Some of them may even be familiar with these epical episodes by heart, though
they would never venture to narrate them before unknown spectators. Also, lack of novelty
was never the reason to detract from the delight they always took in listening to them
again (and again). Some older friends may have heard Dongre Maharaj [4] (Mumbai) and in
past few decades many of us might have heard Morari Bapu [5] (Gujarat), Sri Sudhanshu
Maharaj [6], and Sri Ramesh Oza [7] (Sandipani Ashram, Porbandar), etc. (Personally I have
so far not ever heard any of these KathaKar or their audio tapes but I can say that they are
good story tellers and their discourses are based on some religious theme).
To maintain and preserve such eloquent method of storytelling [8] I would
recommend that we must document or hear our guests and strangers who may be
requested to narrate any life time incident (good or bad) remembered by such a visitor.
Many sightseers we may meet maybe knowing tales from his distant lands that could be
chock-a-block of occurrences, feats, and pathos.
An anecdote is told with greater simplicity, yet with near real graphic description,
factual precision, or even at times with dramatic style, to retain undivided attention of the
listener.
Like what happened to you when you first landed in USA for higher studies? [A
fiasco!! Someone helped? No one helped!!!! What?]. Maybe a three minutes brief on this
issue. Or, what happened when you started off all on your own in England for sight seeing
when your host were busy (during your first visit to Great Britain after spending a life time
in Kathiawad or Sikar [9] and Chaksu [10] for that matter)? What happened in Gulf of Mexico
when Engine of your Catamaran [11] suddenly knocked out? What happened when you first
entered the White House at Washington D.C. as Indian delegate in International Scholar
Exchange Program and met the Advisor to President Ronald Regan in [12] 1987? Did you
ever meet Waheeda [13] Rehman? Why you couldn’t meet Clint Eastwood [14] in 1987? (He
was elected mayor in April 1986 for one term in his home town of Carmel–by–the–Sea,
California, a small, wealthy town and artist community on the Monterey Peninsula) Or,
things and events like that. Or, what did you talk with Harsh Chhaya [15] when you first met
him? Did you also meet Laxmi Chhaya [16] anytime of “Mar Diya JaaE Ya Chhood diya JaayE,
Bool tere Saath Kya Suluk Kiya JaE” before she expired in 2004?
If we begin documenting true incidents or tales [fables or stories], or live examples
[by permission with names and identifiable details], whether tragic or comic, or thought
provoking, I am sure one day we shall have a real good interesting compilation of stories
that would make very interesting light material to read.
I am of the opinion that with the help of a good ‘language patch work editor’ the
compiler of these chronicles would be able to publish a handsome volume for future
progeny in which memories of our past could remain on the lips of the present and can be
obtained on tips of fingers of those who have anthology or the compilation. Maybe such a
narrative reserve may turn out to be one of the best presentations by men in unwritten
literature. Our mind is a store–house of all traditional ways, pithy anecdotes, and
convoluted hero tales, proverbs and rimes and intricate riddles. Many times our brain also
becomes a junkyard of facts. Unnecessary facts that keep overloading the system (Bhooli
[17]
Hui Yaadon Muje E.taNa Na SaTa.O– Aab Chain Se Rehe Ne Do – Mere Paas Na Aa.Oo
[Sanjog]).
Many of us are good poets and excellent writers of our emotions. We however have
made no attempt to polish our art of presenting written word and therefore our brain has
not released the information stored in huge bulk (Firstly for us to know the exact nature of
such storage; and secondly, the release of such information storage for another’s benefit).
No doubt all of us would be interested only in 1% of such storage in any person’s brain but
that too brings your self to light where all readers or listeners can learn from past
experience of the story teller.
The deeply rooted social fabric uniting ancient customs and protocols can be felt
alive in present times with suitable modifications. There is an indication that we own both
to the ancestral lineage translated from puranic texts which most Sanatan Dharma
traditions enshrine.
Charan Story Tellers
We must be thankful to those scholars who have made these traditions accessible
to us in this era of modernization. In Porbandar, Junagadh the Sorathi part or Kathiawad
there used to be good story tellers then found anywhere in Gujarat State. Mainly the
Charan and Gadhvi [18] community specialized in story telling. Even today, it is quite
possible to come across an aged person who can relate scores of tales and in some
districts people may even now gather in a garden or a house to hear such tales. A trained
Charan community member can tell a tale better than most others.
My maternal grandmother [19] JaiBa (JayaLaxmi) and her sister Mukta Masi were
great story tellers. They were uneducated but they could read Sanskrit better than a
Sanskrit teacher (could not converse in Sanskrit though like a teacher). There were stories
from Parsuram, Ramayan, Valmiki, Sharaven, VishwaMitra, Mahabharat, Ahalya Bai,
Bhraman related stories, Stories of Manu Smruti, Kapil Muni, Rishi Bhardwaj, Narad Muni,
Arjun, Bhim, Bhishma PitaMahaH, Bhrugu Rishi (Narmada River area), HoliKa Mata, Bhakt
Prahlad, Narsinh, Mahabali, Shiv Parvati, Ganesh the Warrior, Kartikaye the son of Shiv,
Bhagirath, Shukra Charya, Dronacharya, Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum, Gautam Buddha,
Mahavir Jain, Mahd Paigambar, Jesus Christ, Moses, stories of Live & Let Live, Tale of Love
& Trust, Animal Kingdom related stories, Ali Baba Chalie Chor, Takshak Nag, Naglok, stores
of Jini, Golden Egg Goose, Sati Savitri, Meera Bai, Boy Who Cried Wolf, Jack and the
Beanstalk, Samudra Manthan, Mermaid stories, and many more Indian versions of foreign
[20]
stories, Saints and their life, Hare & Tortoise, real stories about great personalities:
Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Rabindranath
Tagore, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda, Shivaji,
Mirza Ghalib, Ashoka The Great, Guru Nanak, Kalpana Chawla, People in the life of the
Mahatma, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Life, Panchtantra Ke
Kahania Monkey & Crocodile, The Big Lion & Little Rabbit, The Stork & The Crab, The Crows
& The Black Snake, Jataka Tales, Akbar Birbal stories, etc. These old persons had cultivated
a style of telling stories to young kids before bed time.
This was a method to teach them few things and also to inculcate moral inclinations
by giving examples in the form of stories. Learning (with keen interest) before bed time
was thought to be the best method of remembering and also getting undisturbed sleep.
Good dreams and good sleep are both essential for good health.
I am not trying to tell a story by way of this note but I wanted to start this note by
saying that many things that we mention in our routine life can taken a shape of good short
true story. In olden times many events were remembered, written down and these
instances were given a shape of a story or a true story or a historical fact, etc. and these
factual narration or imaginary event based on inspiration received from a factual incident
would have been made very interesting by peculiar style of the narrator.
This would help children retain the context and would enhance their long term
memory recall span. Many times the story teller would connect the same facts with current
situations for better clarity and explicability. This would enhance the retention power of the
listener (kid).
Creating Sound Moral Base by Storytelling
I would really encourage the readers to help children develop the skills of story
telling in a professional way. Not because the parents may want to train them as news
readers on BBC, or Narrator in National Geographic or Discovery Channel, etc., but to
enhance their awareness about another man’s perception, to increase their span of
attention and long term memory recall span. Story telling would in any case be a good
mental exercise. Very recently poetry and stories have been used by psychologists in order
to cure psychological disorders.
 Researchers in the field of psychology have found that Rumi’s poetry addressed the
deepest concerns of man and his psyche directly. Rumi’s works [21] present a deep analysis
of human psyche and he uses techniques such as story telling, psychoanalysis in order to
help his readers.
By story telling one can boost his confidence and lose all stage fear and become
bold to get rid of unknown fears and anxieties. Fear and anxiety being one of the central
problems of modern man engendered by modern life and the anticipation of what the
future has in store. Storytelling [22] as described by our native language is just another form
of indirect communication. Many times things that cannot be explained in normal talk
mode can be made highly explicable by way of summing up in a story form.
Storytelling is an effective mode of communiqué known to human beings for all
times. It is also commonly held to be the most natural form of communication, helping us
to understand the world around us. An anthropologist would say that it is through stories
that we instil permanence and behavioural norms into our social order.

Three creative new takes on storytelling are profiled: (1) video care plans, which
allow multimedia “life stories” to be created for seniors as a way to improve relationships
with caregivers; (2) an intergenerational program that uses storytelling to build
relationships between kids and seniors; and (3) a different kind of storytelling that unlocks
the imaginations of people with mid- to late-stage dementia.
Most successful corporate trainers are excellent storytellers or the storytelling is the
essential inseparable part of most soft skill [23] enhancement programs. Relationships with
young people can bring seniors’ storytelling abilities to life. Storytelling means very quick
[24]
and collaborative communication.
‘Children [25] have an innate love of stories. Stories create magic and a sense of
wonder at the world. Stories teach us about life, about ourselves and about others.
Storytelling is a unique way for students to develop an understanding, respect and
appreciation for other cultures, and can promote a positive attitude to people from
different lands, races and religions.
Young Learners share a remarkable variety of personal experiences, values and
ways of understanding. The language they learn in the classroom is the tool they use to
shape their thoughts and feelings.
It is more than a way of exchanging information and extending ideas, it is their
means of reaching out and connecting with other people. I would positively encourage
others to write a few lines about a good place near their house or office like a lake, garden,
river, hill, mountain, small forest patch, ancient buildings, Step well like Adalaj Ni Vav [26], or
Suraj Kund near Delhi, or a new Medical College or Dhanwantri Colleges in ancient royal
palaces donated to Indian government for public purposes by former rules of that place, or
any old monument with a photograph.
This would facilitate at least the FaceBook reader friends to be well informed before
actually setting his foot on Sorathi or Halari soils.
For example, if I do not know anything about Christianity, then notwithstanding my
physical presence in Vatican City the landlocked sovereign city–state [27] within the city of
Rome, I wouldn’t be able to comprehend its opulence, magnificence and historical
significance just because I am not aware of value of this holy conurbation. Like wise, I
thought that I must present facts to a reader in somewhat different way to enable the
reader to know Kathiawad (The way I would prefer to KNOW Christianity before I visit the
Vatican City).

Stories cover various aspects of Life

Therefore it may be necessary to give some details of past history in story telling (to kids
living in Gujarat State) related to conquest of Kathiawad, Royal family of Jamnagar, Lord
Krishna related beliefs because the place where Lord Krishna [Initially King Ugrasen and
then His elder brother Balram] used to Rule is now covered by Jamnagar District, and few
other historical details may be added in a story concerning Sorathi and Halari life in
Kathiawad region.
 The same is applicable for kids of other states. The idea is that kids pick up stories
of their nearby regions very quickly. One can narrate the account of Raja Chettier to Raja
Pallav of 666 Century [28] AD if the listener child is from Tamil Nadu, and one can give
anecdotes from Islam [29].
While the facts about Yati, Rishi, Muni, Tapasvi, Jogi and Sanyasi (Saints) who
propagated other non Sanatan Dharma religious philosophies, and Dharam Guru remain
the same irrespective geographical locations and therefore it would be essential to brief a
child (in story telling form) about the effects of religion and what these monks did for
humanity, like Jagat Guru Shankaracharya [30] left his world when he was eight years old
and set the sails to establish Chhar Dham Yatra Sthan as per original and ancient objects of
worship available at such places.
Even philosopher and thinkers like Chanakya [31] [c. 350–283 BCE] and other must
be included in Sunday short story time. Good things that Kings did must also form part of
the stories and details about the last Hindu King Prithvi Raj Chauhan [32] (1149-1192 CE)
must also be fed in story form.

It may appear that there is a fixed and compulsive Story Curriculum. However, if
one forms his curriculum and with a fixed time frame within which a child has to be told
these many stories about these many personalities, events including natural calamities
destroying cities and towns, places (and fantasies stories like Alice in the Wonderland or
Rip Van Wrinkle [33], Allah Din Ka Chirag, Alif Laila, etc.), Love stories like Meera Bai, Hir
Ranja, etc., Dacoit stories like Daku Bhupat [34] of Patanvav opposite river Bhadar near
Upleta/Dhoraji, Daku Mansingh of Chambal Ravines (also called Raja ManSinh by author
Hari Kishan Mehta in Chambal Taro [35] Ajampo), and Patriotic stories of rebels the world
over, some details of our neighbouring nations, e.g., Burma, Bhutan, Nepal, China,
Occupied Kashmir, Pakistan, and so on, then surely the child will benefit from
implementation of such a thought. Teachings of advisers like Sun Tzu [36] can also be easily
taught in short story form. Such stories will help the child formulate his strategy of life for
all times to come.
Stories can link not only between the world of classroom and home but also
between the classroom and beyond. Stories provide a common thread that can help unite
cultures and provide a bridge across the cultural gap. Adapted from a workshop by Paula
[37]
Stoyle, British Council, Jordan’.
Historical Facts presented as a Story
Sometimes documented facts or historical facts also sound like a good story. For
example the following details of Gujarat can be presented in story form: “Gujarat is
situated in North Western India sharing land border and sea shore with Pakistan. Rajasthan
is situated on the North East of Gujarat State and Madhya Pradesh is in the East.
Maharashtra and U T of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli falls on the south of Gujarat.

Arabian Sea is to the west and south west with continuous coastline of 1600
kilometres. The historical significance and political importance [38] of Gujarat must be made
known because the world’s first dock at Lothal (2400 BCE) was located away from the main
current to avoid deposition of silt. Modern oceanographers [39] have observed that the
Harappans [40] must have possessed great knowledge relating to tides in order to build such
a dock on the ever-shifting course of the Sabarmati, as well as exemplary hydrography [41]
and maritime engineering. This was the earliest known dock found in the world, equipped
to berth and service ships.
Stone Age settlements and Indus Valley Civilization traces can be seen near
Sabarmati & Mahi rivers. Harappan traces can be seen at Lothal (See End Note 13),
Rampur, Amri including near different parts of Sabarmati and Mahi.” Also historical stories
without burdening them with dates can be told to children for their benefit (Stories of the
Fall [42] of the Titans, Rule of Vikings [43] and Celtic Heritage [44], Mougal Empire [45], Chinese
Empire, Roman Empire, and so on. These facts learned in childhood, by way of stories, can
remain in memory for a very long period of time.
My grandfather’s brother [Pramodrai A. Chhaya, Advocate, Porbandar] had told me
a story of Birbal where the motto of the story was the last line of that story namely: ‘Image
that is stained by a drop cannot be restored later by trillion drops- In Hindi phonetic: Boond
Se Big.di, Hauj se Nahi SudharTi. A King while taking a perfume (attar) from a bottle and
applying one drop of it on his hand (in a hurry) dropped it on the floor.
The King unmindful of Durbar and Ministers watching him bent down and took that
drop from the ground on his finger and applied it on his hand. The Birbal smiled when he
looked at this incident.
His smile indicated that this King is so miser that notwithstanding Casks and
Hogsheads of variety of perfumes in the store of His Highness could not let one drop go
waste and took it from the floor like a commoner whereas a noble lord would not pick up a
drop of perfume fallen on the floor even though the floor is very clean.
The King saw his smile and did not like it.
Next day in reply (or as a counter to the smile of Birbal) the King filled the royal
swimming pool with perfumes and announced that all persons resident in his kingdom can
freely take perfumes as much as they want and as many times as they desire during the
day.
Next day in Durbar (Kings Court) he asked Birbal as to ‘What Did He Think’ about
noble generosity and good royal deed. Birbal replied that ‘Boond Se BigaDi, Hauj Se Nahi
SudharTi’.
These types of stories teach a child as to be careful in first available opportunity and
not to do anything that cannot be undone at a later stage.
When I read sacred books at 56 years of my age today, e.g., Bhagwat Gita by
SadChitAnand, Garud Puran, Sai Charitra, Sam Ved, etc., I feel that I have read them
before. But the fact is that I just remember these details as they had formed parts of short
stories that I had earlier heard during my childhood.
Many times facts can be told as it they are a good story, e.g. the facts concerning
maritime history of India can be presented in a story form by expanding each term used in
it: i.e.: “Gujarat State is strategically located opening out into Arabian Sea side. It had sea
trade with ancient countries like Sumer, Phoenicia, Rome, Iran, Egypt, East Africa, Malaya,
Sumatra and China, etc.
Maritime trading history of Gujarat can be traced back to 4500 years as Harivansh Puran
mentions that Prosperity of Yadavas was due to the sea. Kautilya mentioned in
Arthshashtra that main occupation was navigation (Sea Trade) for those living near sea
shore. The Bible refers to Phoenician sailors who sailed to Ophir (Abhira in Gujarat) and
brought back treasures.
The Greek ‘Periplus of the Erythrean Sea’ contains many detailed references to the
Gujarat seaports as Barygaza (Bharuch, Gujarat). Even, the Greek author Galazy has
mentioned in his book Batiyas about the shipping activity of Kachchh in circa 246.The well
known historian Huian–Tsang described Saurashtra as Sa–la–ch’a and referred it as ‘the
highway to the sea where all inhabitants were traders by profession.
Ancient maritime centers which flourished at the Gujarat coastline were: Lothal– The
ancient city of Lothal has the oldest dockyard in the world. The city boasted of 30 ships of
60 tonnes each. Lothal was an important maritime trading centre and had trade linkages
with Egypt, Arabian and Sumerian cities. Padri, a site in the Gulf of Khambhat had age old
strong highly sophisticated maritime presence of those days.
It is believed that Harappans of Padri had mastered the technique of deep sea
fishing, traversing the ocean in huge boats. Kuntasi– Kuntasi locally known as ‘Bibino
Timbo’ was a port situated at the creek mouth during Harappan period.
It was a centre for acquiring and processing raw materials for manufacturing articles
for export. Dholavira, another Harappan site was an active port which was a safe harbour
for anchoring boats.
Bet Dwarka– was a small port established in 2nd millennium BC. Dwarka was a well
planned township. Its harbour consisted of a rocky ridge modified into an anchorage for
berthing vessels, a unique feature in harbour technology which was attempted later by the
Phoenicians.
 Malvan– Malvan was a post Harappan estuarine Port, dating back to 1400 BC. It was
located on the banks of an oxbow lake formed by the Dumas branch of the Tapti river.
Vallabhi– An ancient city located in Saurasthra Peninsula was a flourishing seaport during
the Maitraka dynasty from the 5th to 8th centuries CE.
It was famous for its catholicity and drew students worldwide. Bhagatrav– Barygaza
or Bharuch was the most important ancient port. It was a commercial centre situated on
the Narmada estuary. It established itself as shipment centre and a ship–building port. It
acted as a link port to Asia, Africa, Europe and Mediterranean basin.
Bharuch acquired a strategic importance during Maurya and Gupta periods. Around
4000 ships passed through the port. Khambhat was a prominent port during 11th to 17th
century, and was a great seat of a flourishing trade renowned with its silk and gold articles.
While indigo and fine buckram, agate and carnelian ornaments were prized products, a
good deal of cotton and leather too were also exported.
Mandavi– Mandavi or the Mart, also called as Maska, was an ancient ship-building
centre on the right bank of Rukmavati River. The Port had multi–hued pennants fluttering
atop ships from over eighty countries. Surat–Surat was positioned on the most important
sea routes between Arabia, Europe and the East.
The city emerged as a minor trading centre during the 1500s and reached its peak
during 16th century. It acted as an export outlet for agro based products from Magdalla
Port.
Ports like Jakho, Lakhpat, Tuna, Mundra and Koteshwar had successfully been
carrying out overseas business along the 352 Km stretch of Kutch seashore.”
Here, each term like: Phoenicia, Arthshashtra, Phoenician sailors, Periplus of the
Erythrean Sea, Bhagatrav– Barygaza or Bharuch, etc., can be explained briefly to be
expanded at an opportune time and age. Therefore, it not essential that one has to imagine
or manufacture a story to become a good storyteller, one can remain closer to the truth in
his story telling and confine to factual aspects as well. Some good facts about Gandhiji, Leo
Tolstoy, Rabindranath Tagore, Kabir, Mirza Galib, John Keats, Gold Smith, Milton, etc., are
enough to begin a short story.

Many times a poetic46 story is better suited and at times factual stories are
beneficial in future when a child undertakes further higher studies. Many stories of good
movies that we have seen can be narrated in interesting manner, e.g.: a movie Paapi and
Jaagte Raho (Nargis and Raj Kapoor) would make an interesting story or story of many
other Indian and foreign films can be narrated to make the story telling episode interesting.
Also creative fiction of authors like Fyodor Dostoevisky, Charles Dickens, Jane
Austin, Charlotte Bronte, William Shakespear, Prophet Khalil Gibran, Anton Chekov, etc.
Under all circumstances one must avoid telling horror stories and narration of scripts with
unwarranted violent content.
Burglary, Robbery and War stories are also good enough if there is moral or a
deeper meaning to be conveyed. Crime and Punishment must also be on the agenda, but
never hard core violence and horror.
Make Storytelling a Habit
Storytelling must not be kept as your [47] secret. This article reviews the success and
challenges of the Sonke Gender Justice Network and shows us the potential that
thoughtfully designed digital storytelling efforts offer as both a psychological outlet and a
tool for community education and social activism with marginalized youth.
This must be seriously understood for better future of your mental hygiene and for
better structure of psychological profile of your children. “CREATE–SHARE–LISTEN”– the 4th
International Conference on Digital Storytelling was held in the picturesque town
Lillehammer, Norway– known from the 1994 Winter Olympics– in February 2011 explored
diversified practices of storytelling. Storytelling is also a positive psychological exercise
having many educational benefits as well [48]. It is an excellent teaching tool as it takes
information from isolated corners of brain and brings such workable information to the
special domain of the listener in order to make it purposive and meaningful in life.
 It is a part of life, intrinsic [49] to most cultures. Benefits of storytelling are:
http://www.journeyofhearts.org/kirstimd/tellstory.htm
“1. Stories are a way of translating memories into a more concrete manner that can be
handed down verbally or in written form, helping preserve culture.
2. Stories help us explain the world, making sense of the insensible.
3. Storytelling is considered one of the oldest healing arts; it has been used for
centuries as a beneficial way for grieving people to cope with loss.
4. Stories provide the mechanism by which physicians and patients communicate, look
for the meaning of their illness, and discover ways of coping with it. For many patients
telling their story is what helps them to cope with or heal from their disease.
5. Dealing with loss involves creating a private personal story and then confiding story
to others to assimilate loss.
6. Telling (or writing) the story about one’s life experiences has been shown to have
beneficial effects on illness symptoms and is associated with improved physical and
mental health.
7. Life stories are rewritten to make sense of, find meaning in the loss & reassemble
shattered lives. Losses and significant life changes become incorporated into a person’s
life story as the loss is assimilated.
8. Grieving individuals should be encouraged to tell their story of grief as often as
needed so the reality of the loss becomes real.
9. Personal stories of loss can inspire and provide hope during dark times.
10. Listening to a patient’s story of loss or illness is central to grief support can be
beneficial for a grieving person in integrating, healing & recovering from the loss.”
Stories that one must read out to their children are available on internet on web site
http://moralstories.wordpress.com/list-of-stories/ or one can read one story a day and narrate in good
style:- Importance of Keeping one’s word— Story of Arjuna going on Tiirtha-yaatra;
Great people are always humble— Story of Setu Bandhanam by Shri Raama;
Cleanliness is next to Godliness— Story of Udanka;
Respect to elders— Story of Mrukanda maharshi;
Be happy with what you have— Story of Sudaama;
Hard work can do wonders— Story of Bhageerath;
Following Dharm always— Episode of Yaksha-prashn to Yudhidhthir;
Draupadi, an ikon of a true Indian woman— Episode of Ashwatthaama killing the Upa–paandavas;
What you gave is your only investment— Neeti Katha;
The Story of Rantideva; Kaala Mahima— Story that shows Bharatiya Kaala-maanam;
Satyamev Jayate— A small story of Satya Harishchandra;
Seva to parents alone is enough!— Story of Paandurang;
Think twice before you act— Story of King Nrug;
Do not blame others— Neeti Katha;
The story of two Yogis— Neeti Katha;
The story of two brothers— Story of Shankh and Likhita showing importance of Dandaneeti;
Story of the great Parikshit maharaj;
Story of Naimishaaranyam— Story of Gauramukh maharshi;
Power of always speaking the truth— Poushy-udank charitra;
Vinayam gives Vruddhi. Ahankaar destroys— Story of King Nahush;
Story of Shiva and Vishnu— Story showing ekatvam of Shiva and Vishnu;
Duraasha leads to difficulties— Neeti Katha;
Bali-chakravarti’s story; The story of Kashyap and Takshak;
Nachiket’s Pitruvaakya paripaalan; Indradyumna’s story;
Darpam and paarushyam are more dangerous than haalaahalam— A small story of Yayaati;
Unnata Aadarsh of Bhaarateey– Kalyaanam— Story of Jaratkaaru, Devala maharshis;
Satyavrata— Story of Satyavrata;
Sādhana, dīkṣha of a cātaka pakṣhi— Neeti Katha;
The story of Dilīp Mahārāj; Bhakti of Toṇḍamān Cakravarti and Bhīm kulāla;
Śrī Kṛṣhṇa līlas–1— Shakataasur Bhanjanam;
Śrī Kṛṣhṇa līlas–2— Trunaavart Bhanjanam;
Śrī Kṛṣhṇa līlas–3— Vatsaasur Bhanjanam;
The story of Cyavana and fishermen; Greatness of Vidyābhyāsam— Story of Kacha;
The story of a Karṣhaka— Neeti Katha; Śrī Kṛṣhṇa līlas–4— Bakaasur Bhanjanam;
Śrī Kṛṣhṇa līlas–5— Aghaasur Bhanjanam; Story of the great Nāḍī Jaṅgha;
A story of the great Raghumahārāj;
The great Shrī Rām Bhakt, Kāka Bhuśuṇḍi; Sweet words of a wise Parrot— Neeti Katha;
Vartak teaches a Paṇḍita— Neeti Katha;
The King’s Daiva-Prārthan— Neeti Katha;
Kaliyugam— Story told by Maarkandey maharshi to Yudhishthir;
Śrī Kṛṣhṇa līla–6— Dhenukaasur Bhanjanam;
The great Vikramādity Mahārāja;
Śrī Śaila Śikharam—Neeti Katha; Kaikasī’s Śiva Bhakti—Conversation between Kaikasi and Raavan
before Tapas for Atm-ling;
Śrī Kṛṣhṇa līla–7— Kaaliya Mardanam; Śrī Kṛṣhṇ līla–8— Pralambaasur Bhanjanam;
Śrī Kṛṣhṇa līla–9— Vyomaasur Bhanjanam;
Story of a Brahmarākṣhasa;
Dharmasūkṣhmam— Episode of Arjun and Duryodhan asking Shri Krishn for help;
Uttam Dānam— Neeti Katha;
Story of the famous Pravar; Saadhu’s anger— Neeti Katha;
Śrī Kṛṣhṇ līla–10— Arishthaasur Bhanjanam;
Meera Bai— Previous janm katha of Meera Bai; Deepak’s Gurusev;
Aadikavi Shri Valmiki maharshi;
The story of the great Shibi Chakravarti;
Dambhodbhav’s story;
Bhaagavat Saptaah Mahima— Story of Gokarn maharshi; Story of Yavakriit;
Vikrasen (Ugrasen), the King of Ujjaini— Story that shows Kapat buddhi of a Vartaka;
Shri Raam— Dharmagnyah— Episode of Vibhishan Sharanaagati;
God always protects Sajjans— Episode of Bhagadatta-Arjun Yuddham;
Shri Raam— Satyasandhah— Episode of Shri Raam giving abhayam to maharshis;
Bhakta Purandaradas— Story of how a lobhi turns into a Bhakt;
Shri Raam— Prajaanaacha-hiteratah— Story of Shri Raam pattaabhishekam;
Lazy Somayy— Story showing how a lazy person can be destructive to the society; Bhuutaday;
Story of a Ratn Chorak;
Vyaaghrapaad maharshi— Story that shows Nishkaam Bhakti of Vyaaghrapaada maharshi;
Story of Heeraakaanii— Small story showing the greatness of Chatrapati Shivaaji;
Shri Gautam maharshi–1— Story that shows paropakaar buddhi of Shri Gautam maharshi;
Naarad maharshi’s upadesham— Episode of Naarad maharshi teaching Raaja-neeti to Yudhishthir;
Shri Gosvaami Tulasidas; Satsangatyam— Neeti Kath; Shri Raam— Yashasvi— Story of Shri Raam
doing Pitru-kaaryam and maharshi-seva;
Vidur Neeti–1— Episode of Vidur doing Neeti-bodha to Dhrutaraashtra;
Vidur Neeti–2— Episode of Vidur doing Neeti-bodh to Dhrutaraashtr;
Vidur Neeti–3— Episode of Vidur doing Neeti-bodha to Dhrutaraashtra;
Shri Gautam maharshi–2— Story of Gautam Maharshi bringing Godaavari from Paramashiv;
Story of a Pandit and a Varaaham— Neeti Katha;
Story of Saktuprasth; Importance of Vastram—Episode of Yamalaarjun Bhanjanam; Guggul Kalash
Naayanaar’s Bhakti;
Ghosh Yaatra— Episode of Ghosh Yaatra– showing Matsaram of Duryodhan;
Veera Abhimanyu— Story showing Kutila buddhi and adharma-yuddham of the Kaurav;
Bharat— Rushabh maharaj putr–1— Story showing greatness of Bharat on whose name our country
got the name Bhaarat Varsham;
Bharat— Dushyant putr— Story showing greatness of Bharat, the story of whose dynasty is ‘Mahaa
Bhaaratam’; Akshay Paatra— Story showing Atithi-seva of Yudhishthir; King Bhartruhari becomes a
Viraagi;
Story of Bhakt Jalaram of Virpur, Gujarat State and his Akshay Patra; Story of Ghushm— Kshetr–
puraanam of Ghumeshvar Jyotirlingam;
-pita seva is alone enough!— Story of Sukarm and his Maata-pita seva;
The story of Prataapabhaanu— Raavan’s puurva-janm katha;
Somu’s Krutagnyat — Neeti Katha; Destruction of Dwaaraka;
Story of Sunandan — Story showing importance of ‘Sthavishthah’ naamam in Vishnu
Sahasranaamam;
Vidya Daan Mahima— Story of Shataanand doing Vidyaa Daanam to Sangira;
Bhuu Daana Mahima— Story of Taamratundam;
Story of Dharmavyaadh— Story showing importance of Maata-Pita seva;
Vishvaas Ghaatuk Ninda— Neeti Katha;
Story of Vedasaagar— Story showing importance of Gurubhakti for learning Vidya;
Ekachakrapura Baka Vadha— Episode of killing the Bakaasur by Bhimasen;
Vande Maataram— Story showing origin, greatness and present fate of Vande Maatara geetam;
Think before acting— Neeti Katha; Annapuurna— Story of Dokka Seetaamma, a great Anna-daat;
Aashray Parityaag Dosham— Episode where Indra meets a Shukam while doing Teerth-yaatra with
Vaaman Murty;
Dadhiichi Mahaa-muni— Story showcasing the Paropakaar-gunam of Dadhiichi muni;
Abhay Daanam— Story showing the greatness of Raghu maharaj and his Sharanagati-dharmam;
Goḍagūchi— Story showing Shiv Bhakti of Goḍagūchi;
Upadesha-arhat— Stroy showing importance of Guru for Vidya;
Dronaachaarya— A very brief story of Dron, the Guru of the Paandav;
Priya Vrat— Story of the great King Priya Vrat;
Shri Raam — Rakshita-svasyadharmasy— Episode of Kaakaasur-bhanjanam;
Shri Raam— Dhanurvedech-nishchayah— Episode of Shri Raam taking Vishnu-dhanur from
Parashuraam;
Mayuur Dhvaj— Story of the great Tyaagi, Shri Krishn Bhakt, Mayuur Dhvaj;
Upakaari— Neeti Katha;
Why Raamaayanam — Neeti Katha;
Gautam’s Elephant— Story telling what Punyam is got from what Kaaryam;
Nishkaam Karm— Story of Tulaadhaar Vartak and Jaajali Maharshi;
Sheel Sampad— Story of Prahlad and Devendr;
Sahanam— Story of Shri Krishn and Duurvaasa Maharshi;
The great Kushik Maharaj— Story of Kushik and Chyavan Maharshi;
Gopayya’s Honesty— Neeti Katha;
The story of Gajam Kachchhapam— Story of two brothers Vibhaas and Suprateek;
Story of Padmapaad and Bayann— Story showing Bhakti of Bayann and Guru-bhakti of Padmapaad;
Suvarṇaṣhṭhīvi— Story of Srunjay maharaj, Shri Naarad maharshi and Suvarnashtheevi;
Dharm Nirnayam— Story of Sudhanv and VIrachan, the Prahlaada putr;
Vishnuchitt–1— Story describing the society at birth of the great Bhakt, Vishnuchitt;
Puraan Kathaa Shravanam— Story of Vimukti of two Gandharv by Seeta Raam; Kaatama Raaja —
Story of Kaatam Raaja and a Braahman;
Daatrutvam— Story of Kaashiinaath Naageshvar Rao;
Dharmabalam— Story of Bheeshmaachaary and Ugraayudh;
Mangalahasti— Neeti Katha;
Nishkapat-buddhi— Story of Aachaarya Praphull Chandra Rai;
Shri Krishn Leela–11— Story of Keshi Vadh;
Kaary-Deeksh— Story of Shri Jayprakash Narayan;
Shri Krishn Leela–12— Story of Kuvalayapeed Bhanjanam;
Ekaagrat— Story of Madhav Rao Golvarkar;
Shri Krishna Leelas–13— Story of Chaanuur-Mushtik Vadh;
Garvam— Story of Naarad Maharshi testing Nandan;
Vishnuchitta–2— Story showing Atithi seva of Vishnuchitta;
Audaaryam— Story of Vikramadity and a Braahman in Chitrakuutam;
Pratignya-paalan— Story of Deenabandhu Chittaranjan Das;
Paropakaar-buddhi— Story of Vikramadity and a Vartak;
Devasharma’s Duraash— Panchatantr Neeti Katha;
Raamayya’s Vrushabhams— Neeti Katha;
Vitaran Buddhi— Story of Vikramaadity and Avanti Raaj;
Shash-Pakshi-Maarjaal Katha— Panchatantra Neeti Katha;
Daan Gunam— Story of VIkramaadity giving Divy Kundal to a Braahman;
Krishnaahi-Jambukam-Vyaapaari Katha— Panchatantra Neeti Katha;
Bhakt Chikroda and Govardhan— Story of Shri Raam blessing squirrel and Govardhan Giri;
Vikramaaditya saves a Vipr Strii— Story showing Paropakaar-buddhi of Vikramaaditya;
Story of Sunandinii— Neeti Katha;
Govardhan Giri Puja— Shri Krishn tells why we must worship Nature and cattle; Nija Bhakt Hrudayam
— Story of Hanumaan explaining why there are dark regions in Moon;
Dusht-saangatya Dosham— Panchatantra Neeti Katha;
Paropakaari— Story of Bhogaraaju Pattaabhi Seetaaraamayy;
A Lobhi cannot get sat-gati— Neeti Katha;
Sva-Dharmam— Story of Aadi Shankaraachaary and a Vruddh; Poundareeka Vaasudev— Story of the
“False Vasudeva”.
Parents must read many short stories and make a habit of telling these to their
children daily (One good reason of my enlisting as many assorted short stories as possible
in my End Notes). Narrating style should be a bit dramatic so as to retain the attention of a
child. It is difficult to retain attention of anyone more than a minute. That is why most of
those who speak so many words all the time get stamped as boring persons.
The way there is dinner time or bed time, etc., there should be story time. These
little stories go a long way in life. These memories are normally pleasant and can be
recalled when a similar situation arises where we may need the ratio or crux of a short
story (mythological or otherwise).
A compulsive story time must be fixed for the future benefit of a growing child (The
way he needs food to grow he can benefit from these stories for his development). When a
child forms habit of listening to short stories his moron nerves are also being trained to
have patience and to listen carefully when spoken to. A silent listener can do wonders in
life.
The knowledge gained through these stories and the moral of many stories go a
long way in strengthening basic or intrinsic values in the life of a growing child. These
stories also help in developing ethical code of conduct of life. At least a child will have a
comparable status as to what the story ‘hero’ had done in similar impasse or almost
analogous state of affairs.
Story telling could be a sound strategy of Life for all times to come. For parents it
acts as mental food for growth and development of a child, and for children it is a good
pastime, and for elders a suitable short story at a fitting juncture would amount to saving
long-windedness speech.
For a retiring person a suitable anecdote or brief narrative part of a short story
would save the trouble of putting into words his feelings. All of us are not ‘Men of Words’
and for those who are not expert at narrating their feelings by verbal expressions a short
story comes as a great gift of honour.
A classroom lecturer can easily use a short story to illustrate a particular view point
and have a discussion on it in order that the hidden message contained in that story
becomes instantly recognizable, explicit, and ‘loud & clear’.
For grandparents short stories are always a great help in pleasing little children who
are always curious to know as to what happened when Androcles the Greek50 was removing
a thorn from a Lion’s Paw? or What happened when Shivji went uninvited from Kailash
Parvat to attend a Yagna ceremony at the Kingdom of Raja Daksh [his father in law who
had 27 daughters and he never liked Lord Shiv in the capacity of husband of his daughter
Uma]? or What happened when a ball went inside the underwater abode of huge and
dangerous Kali Naag when Lord Krishan (Karsan or Kisan or Krisna or Krishna) was playing
cricket? etc. Listening to good bed time moral & ethical stories would be a good habit for
children.

End Notes
1
http://pustak.org/bs/home.php?bookid=6320; http://www.indiaclub.com/shop/SearchResults.asp?ProdStock=259;
http://www.abhivyakti-hindi.org/phulwari/kahani/dhoortbhediya.htm; http://www.adhyapak.com/dadima/panchtantra1.html;
http://www.mahabharataonline.com/; http://www.hindunet.org/hindu_history/ancient/ramayan/rama_vartak.html;
http://forums.sulekha.com/forums/family/dadi-ma-ki-kahaniyan-57993.htm;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramayan_(TV_series); http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0244911/;
http://moralstories.wordpress.com/list-of-great-people/; http://www.indianchild.com/short_stories.htm;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malgudi_Days; Story of Shravan and his parents. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angry_River,
http://moralstories.wordpress.com/stories-in-english/; http://www.4to40.com/story/; http://www.induswomanwriting.com/a-
forgotten-birthday.html; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Woman_on_Platform_8;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant,
http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/02/09/stories/2004020900900200.htm; http://www.indianshortstories.in/Man-at-his-
best.html; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feludar_Goendagiri; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma_(story);
2
http://www.shivpuran.com/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva_Purana;
http://is1.mum.edu/vedicreserve/puranas/brahma_purana.pdf; http://www.vedpuran.com/;
http://www.neelkanthdhaam.org/Rspu.html
3
http://www.muzigle.com/album/okha-haran; http://www.moserbaerhomevideo.com/title-view.htm?titleid=1047;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumudini_Lakhia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aditi_Mangaldas;
http://www.audiorec.co.uk/Okha-Haran-Gujarati-Book_0
4
http://www.mp3raid.com/music/shree_dongre_maharaj_katha.html; http://www.filestube.com/d/dongre+maharaj;
http://www.bomb-mp3.com/index.php?search=dongre+maharaj+katha.
5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morari_Bapu; http://www.mp3raid.com/music/morari_bapu.html.
6
http://www.totalbhakti.com/sudanshu-maharaj-video.php?vId=2897; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudhanshu_Ji_Maharaj
7
http://www.bomb-mp3.com/index.php?search=sunderkand+by+ramesh+oza; http://www.sandipani.org/;
http://sandipani.org/SatsangSchedule.aspx.
8
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulliver%27s_Travels; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliath; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storyteller_(book);
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinocchio; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Storyteller_(novel); http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Story_Teller;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tortoise_and_the_Hare; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emperor
%27s_New_Clothes; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elves_and_the_Shoemaker; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinbad_the_Sailor;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Owl_and_the_Pussycat; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansel_and_Gretel;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Princess_and_the_Pea; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ant_and_the_Grasshopper;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapunzel; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty_and_the_Beast; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lila;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagiratha; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Narratology; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Beauty;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billy_Goats_Gruff;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Snow_Queen; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Louis_Stevenson;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot_and_the_Kangaroo; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BBmak#Poem;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Goose_That_Laid_the_Golden_Eggs; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lists_of_stories;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Thousand_and_One_Nights; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ugly_Duckling;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fairy_tales; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boy_Who_Cried_Wolf;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pied_Piper_of_Hamelin; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dog_and_the_Bone;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Aesop%27s_Fables; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Beauty;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Town_Mouse_and_the_Country_Mouse; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:English_idioms;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gingerbread_Man; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tinder_Box;
http://www.theoi.com/Text/PlutarchTheseus.html; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_North_Wind_and_the_Sun;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janaka; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arjuna; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinderella;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandora%27s_box; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Little_Pigs ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jataka_tales;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosopher%E2%80%99s_Stone; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shukra http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
%C5%9Auka; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prahlada; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabali; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uddalaka;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldilocks; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahalya; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Indian_folklore;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puss_in_Boots_(fairy_tale); http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Frog_Prince_(story); http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_and_the_Beanstalk;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wolf_in_Sheep%27s_Clothing; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Red_Riding_Hood;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol.
My friend’s tiny little daughter Veena Behen in Downers Grove (Illinois) used to show me a TV Serial Rudolf The Red Nosed Raindeer ever
day.
We have a tendency not to forget nice places, good people, hospitable friends, and pure souls. Veena Behan and her family fall in all the
above categories.
She would make me sit with her and I had to watch the Raindeer all through.
She would never sit me when I watch Ninja movies on VCR. We used to get many action and classical movies VCR Tapes (DVD was not
known to me at that time) from various places including Fun In Motion Unc, 1111 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, Game Shop 7501 W
Cermak Road N, Riverside, IL; Family video 5600 Belmont Road, Downers Grove, IL; or at 417 63rd St Ste 1, Downers Grove, IL; GameStop
7343 Lemont Road, Downers Grove, IL; or at: 1530a 75th St. Downers Grove, IL 60516, (630) 241-1001; 230 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove,
IL; Blockbuster Downers Grove Downers Grove 7531 Lemont Road, Darien, IL; Lion Video # 7540 Janes Avenue. Woodridge, IL 60517, (630)
985-0177; Classic Media Productions, 5006 Washington Street, Downers Grove, IL; 216 W. Ogden Ave. , Westmont IL. And many other shops
can be found at Naperville, Elmhurst, Lombard, Oak Brook, Woodridge near Downers Grove area.
http://wn.com/Rudolph_the_Red-Nosed_Reindeer_(TV_special). http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/Educators/Lesson-
Plans/Elementary-School/Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed-Reindeer.html; http://www.squidoo.com/rankinbass;
http://www.movieberry.com/rudolph_the_red_nosed_reindeer/; http://www.suite101.com/content/top-10-christmas-specials-
animated-a304788. One can also learn a lot from TV serials on Ramayan, Mahabhjarat, and other historical or epical
themes.
9
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikar
10
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaksu
11
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catamaran
12
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Contra_affair; http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAreagan.htm;
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-24930706.html; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan;
http://www.npr.org/news/specials/obits/reagan/timeline.html. http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/ronald-reagan-
69.php.
13
http://www.google.co.in/search?q=Waheeda+Rehman&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=szl&rls=org.mozilla:en-
GB:official&prmd=ivnso&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=SLSeTfrRDYfLrQfCm9H0Ag&ved=0CCkQsAQ&biw=136
0&bih=603
14
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clint_Eastwood; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waheeda_Rehman.
http://www.chakpak.com/celebrity/waheeda-rehman/9619.
15
http://www.harshchhayaworld.com/html/xcrpts_chooran.html; http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1122077/;
http://www.glamsham.com/celebrity/harsh-chhaya; http://harshchhaya.blogspot.com/2011/04/chooran_02.html;
http://www.dhingana.com/video/harsh-chhaya-mukta-pathak-interview/related-uBbVZdPntqQ;
16
http://memsaabstory.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/my-ten-favorite-laxmi-chhaya-songs/;
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0156857/; http://bollywood501.com/classic_f/Laxmi_Chhaya/index.html;
http://www.chakpak.com/celebrity/laxmi-chhaya/10336; http://www.bollywoodgate.com/indian-actresses/laxmi-
chhaya.html; http://indisch.wordpress.com/2009/07/29/rip-laxmi-chhaya/; http://movies.bollysite.com/actress/laxmi-
chhaya.html.
17
http://www.mp3pa.com/bhuli-hui-yadein-mukesh.html;
http://revival.mp3pk.com/revival/woh_jab_yaad_aaye/wjya09(www.songs.pk).mp3
18
http://www.in.com/music/artist/hemu-gadhavichorus-43019-1.html; http://www.in.com/music/artist/hemu-
gadhavichorus-43019-1.html; http://sargamclub.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=55.
19
Had reasonably good knowledge of herbs for common ailments. http://www.home-remedies-
guide.com/herbs/marjoram.htm
20
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fairy_tales; http://dimdima.com/khazana/stories/showstory.asp?
q_cat=Indian+Folk+Tales; http://www.bharatadesam.com/literature/indian_fairy_tales/indian_fairy_tales.php;
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/ift/index.htm; http://www2.hn.psu.edu/faculty/jmanis/joseph-jacobs/Indian-Fairy-Tales.pdf
(190 pages PDF); http://www.authorama.com/indian-fairy-tales-1.html; http://www.authorama.com/indian-fairy-tales-
28.html; http://www.mythfolklore.net/3043mythfolklore/reading/india/resources.htm; http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/ift/;
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/ift/ift03.htm; http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/eft/eft46.htm
Hitopadesha Tales is a remarkable compilation of short stories. Composed by Narayana Pandit, its origin is around
thousand years old.
These stories are similar to the Panchatantra.
Originally written in Sanskrit Hitopadesh tales are a must for crucial development of a child.
Since its origin, Hitopadesa has been translated into numerous languages to benefit the readers all over the world. In 300
B.C, Jataka Tales were written for the mankind to gain knowledge and morality.
Originally written in Pali language, Jataka Buddhist tales, translated in different languages are intended to impart values of
self-sacrifice, morality, honesty and other informative values to people.
Panchatantra Tales composed in the 2nd century B.C. is believed to be written by Vishnu Sharma along with many other
scholars.
The purpose behind the composition was to implant moral values and governing skills in the young sons of the king. Many
other stories like Malgudi Days, and Jungle Book, etc. http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-folktales/index.html;
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7128; http://www.pitara.com/talespin/folktales.asp; http://www.4to40.com/folktales/;
http://www.indiaparenting.com/stories/; http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/cft/;
http://www.mythfolklore.net/aesopica/jacobs/index.htm.
21
http://www.sufiwisdom.net/index.php?sayfa=yillar&MakaleNo=d022s023m1
22
http://www.memorybridge.org/downloads/celebratesrstorytellers.pdf; http://muse.jhu.edu/login?
uri=/journals/literature_and_medicine/v019/19.1pennebaker.html The Essay discusses health-promoting qualities of writing.
His essay focuses primarily on the physical health benefits of writing about traumatic or difficult experience.
23
http://www.hradvisory.net/; http://www.hradvisory.net/knowChandresh.htm; http://www.hradvisory.net/contact.htm;
http://www.facebook.com/people/Chandresh-Dhebar/597057098; http://www.facebook.com/people/Mitakshi-
Dhabar/591271755. http://www3.hrdpress.com/cust/PDFs/workshopPDFs/TrainTheTrainer.pdf ; http://www.wetrain.biz/;
http://www.impactfactory.com/p/train_the_trainer_skill_training_development/issues_170-4103-25309.html;
http://directivecommunication.com/dc_certified.html; http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-education-ielts-train-the-trainer-
course.htm; http://www.topseo.org/2008/03/13/train-the-trainer-management-training-workshop-ahmedabad/;
24
http://www.creatingthe21stcentury.org/Intro6-benefits-story.html
25
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/think/articles/storytelling-benefits-tips
26
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adalaj; http://www.desigujju.com/gujarattourism/en/place/47/Adalaj_Ni_Vav
27
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City
28
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7th_century;
http://www.journeymart.com/de/india/tamilnadu/mamallapuram/mahabalipuram-temples.aspx
29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam; http://www.uga.edu/islam/; http://www.religioustolerance.org/islam.htm;
http://islamworld.net/; http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/engagement/resources/texts/muslim/.
30
http://www.sringeri.net/; http://jagadgurushankaracharya.org/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagad_guru;
http://www.govardhanpeetham.org/; http://www.prajnanamission.org/ArchMediaRelease.shtml;
http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2006/12/sri-sankaran-jagadguru-sankaracharya-of.html;
http://jagatgurusankaracharya.blogspot.com/;
31
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanakya; http://www.hinduism.co.za/chanakya.htm;
http://www.freeindia.org/biographies/greatpersonalities/chanakya/index.htm; http://www.iloveindia.com/history/ancient-
india/maurya-dynasty/chanakya.html; His famous works include Chanakya Neeti, Arthashastra and Neetishastra.
32
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithviraj_Chauhan; http://hinduhistory.blogspot.com/2008/02/prithviraj-chauhan.html;
http://www.petitiononline.com/A1910A/petition.html; http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2370853565;
http://www.indianetzone.com/50/conquest_prithviraj_chauhan.htm;
http://www.indianetzone.com/50/conquest_prithviraj_chauhan.htm
33
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_Van_Winkle
34
http://www.jointscene.com/movies/bollywood/Daku%20Bhupat/15001
35
http://www.booksonclick.com/harkishan-mehta-m-207.html;
36
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Tzu; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Art_of_War; http://suntzusaid.com/.
37
http://www.caramal.com/cd/cdsbenefits.asp; We hear a lot about the importance of reading books to children, but the
importance of verbal storytelling is less emphasized in western culture. At Caramal, we believe children should have both,
as both forms of learning stimulate different brain processes and areas of development.
The benefits of audio (verbal) storytelling rather than picture books or videos are: In verbal storytelling the words and
sentiments are expressed with such animation that children become acquainted with the force and power of language.
Children also learn the art of concentration and visualization-important facets of brain development.
Their vocabulary is expanded as new words are introduced and then reinforced by repetition and re-phrasing throughout
the story.
As children are drawn into the story, they are unconsciously, but effectively, familiarized with complex sentence structure
and sequencing of events.
Through the dialogue between characters, children learn socialization skills, manners, and the art of conversation.
The characters in Sleep time Stories are sensible, caring, and responsible, with a high level of cooperation. Everyone is
appreciated and included.
The characters and unique settings are developed and expanded further in each subsequent story within each set, so kids
have a sense of growing and developing with their story time friends.
http://www.englishonline.org.cn/en/teachers/worshops/story-telling/teaching-tips/benefits-tips.
http://www.supershowstoppers.com/acting/Storyvalue.htm
38
Earlier Emperor Chandragupta Maurya had conquered this region while the rule of his grandson King Ashok prevailed in
Gujarat.
Sakas or Scynthians ruled this region from 130 AD to 390 AD. During 300 AD and 400 AD the present Gujarat formed part
of Gupta Empire and later the Maitraka Dynasty.
Chinese traveller Huien Tsang visited India in 640AD during the rule of Dhruvasena Maitrak. During the reign of Greek
incursion into this region was led by Demetrius during reign of Samprati Mauryas of Ujjain.
Thereafter Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Gujarat in1026 AD. Allaudin Khilji invaded Gujarat in 1298 AD. Last Hindu rulers of
ancient Gujarat were from Solanki clan of Rajputs from 960 AD to 1243 AD. Sri Karandev of Vaghela dynasty was last Hindu
ruler of Gujarat before he was overthrown by armed forces of Allauddin Khilji (Delhi. 1297).
The Muslim rule continued for 400 years. Ahmed Shah I (established Ahmedabad in 1411) was the first independent Muslim
ruler of Gujarat he was the successor of Muzaffar Shah.
In 1576 Emperor Akbar conquered Gujarat and annexed it to Mughal Empire.
After two centuries, in mid 18th century Chhatrapati Shivaji conquered Gujarat with his military skills. In 1600’s, the Dutch,
French, English and Portuguese established their base on coast parts of Gujarat.
39
http://www.divediscover.whoi.edu/history-ocean/index.html; http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=5064
Oceanography is the scientific study of the Earth's oceans and their boundaries. The interconnected world oceans, from
which the continents rise like islands, cover 71 percent of the world's surface. Most human beings live on or near
coastlines, and human history is closely linked to the oceans. They serve as a source of food, as the key to weather and
climate, and as the highways for ships of commerce. Much of the history of the planet itself is recorded in the bottom
topography, geophysical properties, and sediments of the oceans. The modern discoveries that have revolutionized
geological thinking have in fact largely been the product of work in the ocean sciences.
http://inventors.about.com/od/ofamousinventions/a/Oceanography_4.htm; http://www.jstor.org/pss/1778351;
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/17580_oceanography-study-of-ocean; http://www.industryall.com/Harappans_Wikipedia/?
search; http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Lothal; http://science.jrank.org/pages/4843/Oceanography.html;
http://science.jrank.org/pages/4843/Oceanography.html; http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread438741/pg1;
40
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothal; http://mylifeatsea.blogspot.com/2008/06/worlds-earliest-shipyard-lothalgujarat.html;
http://www.maritimetraining.in/documents/Indias_Maritime_heritage.pdf; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dock_(maritime);
41
http://www.nih.gov.in/; http://hydrography.blogspot.com/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrography;
http://www.emodnet-hydrography.eu/
42
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanomachy; http://www.theoi.com/Titan/TitanKronos.html;
http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Mythology/FallOfTitansVanHaarlem.html
43
http://www.viking.no/e/england/danelaw/index.html; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking
44
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_nations;
45
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_emperors;
46
See: Poetics by Aristotle Translated by S. H. Butcher eBooks@Adelaide 2007.
PROPOSE to treat of Poetry in itself and of its various kinds, noting the essential quality of each, to inquire into the
structure of the plot as requisite to a good poem; into the number and nature of the parts of which a poem is composed;
and similarly into whatever else falls within the same inquiry. Following, then, the order of nature let us begin with the
principles which come first.
Epic poetry and Tragedy, Comedy also and Dithyrambic poetry, and the music of the flute and of the lyre in most of their
forms, are all in their general conception modes of imitation. They differ, however, from one another in three respects—the
medium, the objects, the manner or mode of imitation, being in each case distinct.
For as there are persons who, by conscious art or mere habit, imitate and represent various objects through the medium of
colour and form, or again by the voice; so in the arts above mentioned, taken as a whole, the imitation is produced by
rhythm, language, or ‘harmony,’ either singly or combined.
Thus in the music of the flute and of the lyre, ‘harmony’ and rhythm alone are employed; also in other arts, such as that of
the shepherd’s pipe, which are essentially similar to these. In dancing, rhythm alone is used without ‘harmony’; for even
dancing imitates character, emotion, and action, by rhythmical movement.
There is another art which imitates by means of language alone, and that either in prose or verse—which verse, again, may
either combine different meters or consist of but one kind—but this has hitherto been without a name. For there is no
common term we could apply to the mimes of Sophron and Xenarchus and the Socratic dialogues on the one hand; and, on
the other, to poetic imitations in iambic, elegiac, or any similar meter. People do, indeed, add the word ‘maker’ or ‘poet’ to
the name of the meter, and speak of elegiac poets, or epic (that is, hexameter) poets, as if it were not the imitation that
makes the poet, but the verse that entitles them all to the name. Even when a treatise on medicine or natural science is
brought out in verse, the name of poet is by custom given to the author; and yet Homer and Empedocles have nothing in
common but the meter, so that it would be right to call the one poet, the other physicist rather than poet. On the same
principle, even if a writer in his poetic imitation were to combine all meters, as Chaeremon did in his Centaur, which is a
medley composed of meters of all kinds, we should bring him too under the general term poet.
47
http://seminar.net/index.php/component/content/article/75-current-issue/146-dont-keep-it-to-yourself-digital-
storytelling-with-south-african-youth; http://lillehammer2011.wordpress.com/. http://www.silencespeaks.org/.
http://seminar.net/images/stories/vol6-issue2b/Reed_prcent_26Hill-
Don_prcent_26_prcent_23039_prcent_3BtKeepIttoYourself.pdf As resources become available, the tools of digital
storytelling are being introduced into a wide variety of contexts, with new projects involving youth emerging in increasingly
remote areas throughout the developing world. In 2008, the Sonke Gender Justice Network teamed up with the Center for
Digital Storytelling’s Silence Speaks initiative to work with a group of rural youth in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The results
of this project are eight digital stories by young Xhosa people that capture the challenges they face and the futures they
yearn for in post-apartheid South Africa. By exploring the success and challenges of the project, we show the potential that
thoughtfully designed digital storytelling efforts offer as both a psychological outlet and a tool for community education
and social activism with marginalized youth. http://www.genderjustice.org.za/projects/digital-stories;
http://books.google.co.in/books?id=B_j-ZTAJ-
CUC&pg=PA151&lpg=PA151&dq=psychologica+benefits+of+story+telling&source=bl&ots=4r4IFi1RyG&sig=ymkHE5SLS_
Et9u-
g_5fsAT8O9_Q&hl=en&ei=mUOfTcTQAsLorAf8prH1Ag&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEcQ6AEwBg#
v=onepage&q&f=false
48
http://www.helium.com/items/842112-the-educational-benefits-of-storytelling
49
http://www.journeyofhearts.org/kirstimd/tellstory.htm; http://www.timsheppard.co.uk/story/tellinglinks.html
50
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0156.html; http://www.abcgallery.com/saints/jerome.html;