Stories got a platform this weekend in Hyderabad as Katha & Crafts, an activity center to promote learning through storytelling for children, hosted Katha Dhara, its first offline Telugu program for students of six government schools, including a learning center at Amma Social Welfare Association, Shadnagar.
Scheduled for March 28, the non-profit initiative will bring together around 120 children from underprivileged backgrounds for theater and puppetry. Bhumika Theater will present three Telugu stories using live music and performance, while Spoorthi Theater will stage a puppet show. 31 Dosalu, A humorous folk tale.
“The event is also a way to show children that they can step away from screens and engage in more meaningful activities,” says Kshamata Chepuri, founder of Katha & Crafts. “Screen exposure is no longer limited to urban locations; even in rural areas, children often lack access to after-school activities or guidance.”
Renu Chamarthi during a session. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The initiative hopes to encourage children to connect with others, make crafts, play together and share stories. “They can also take these ideas back to their communities,” she adds.
Originally planned on 22 March to mark World Storytelling Day and World Puppet Day (20 March), the event was rescheduled due to examinations and availability. “With this year’s theme, ‘Light in the Dark,’ we hope to bring that light to children beyond screen time and into a larger-than-life experience in the auditorium,” she says.
virtual event
Enthusiastic participation of the group of students. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Kshamata started Katha Dharam as a virtual storytelling initiative in 2020, a year after losing her best friend to cancer. “This was just before Covid, and I didn’t even get a chance to meet her because she was in the UK,” recalls the professional storyteller.
During that time, he met the NGO I Can Volunteer, which works with children undergoing cancer treatment in Hyderabad. “It wasn’t about money, but about one-on-one human connection, involving them through stories, games or anything that could make a difference,” she says.
His fundraising efforts continued even after the pandemic, supporting cancer patients financially. In one example, the team raised funds for a young girl who had successful surgery, but later died. “She was a student, very positive and her family was very grateful. That’s when I realized that stories can also make a difference,” she says.
Rohini Jayanti brings a story alive. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This led to the second edition of Katha Dhara, in which storytellers from all over India including Chennai, Mumbai, Jharkhand and Delhi participated. This year, the concept has evolved into an offline, self-funded program supported by Kshamata’s family. “Since we could not directly involve cancer patients, we shifted our focus to government schools,” she says.
One of Katha & Crafts’ flagship initiatives, StoryParty began as a Facebook Live series and has since evolved into in-person storytelling events across the city. Reflecting on her journey, Kshamata credits it to the support of her parents and the encouragement of her students and peers. Often described as a ‘facilitator’ by fellow storytellers, she continues to bring people together through stories that inspire learning and create meaningful social impact.
Katha & Crafts is organizing Katha Dhara on 28th March at Telangana Saraswat Parishad, King Koti, Hyderabad; From 9 am onwards. For invitees only.
published – March 25, 2026 11:39 am IST