Reviving oral traditions

Saawni Pai Raike founded ‘Kaani Kaani Kotwa’ to revive an appreciation for the timeless art of oral narratives. She is now preparing for her first storytelling session in Goa

ADITHI SHARMA 

In an era dominated by digital screens and fleeting attention spans, Saawni Pai Raiker is endeavouring to bring back the love for the traditional art of storytelling. Based in Mumbai, she is the founder of ‘Kaani Kaani Kotwa’, a storytelling initiative deeply rooted in Goan folklore and tradition. As she prepares to bring her unique storytelling sessions to Goa for the first time, audiences can anticipate an experience that transcends mere narration, delving into cultural revival and imaginative engagement.

Raiker’s journey into storytelling was initially a personal endeavour, aimed at keeping her daughter engaged without the use of screens. “Stories became the best form of entertainment I could offer her,” she recalls. Over time, her storytelling sessions attracted her daughter’s friends, leading to intimate gatherings where children would huddle close, immersing themselves in tales woven with vivid imagery.

The seeds of this passion were sown in Raiker’s own childhood, influenced by her grandparents’ rich narratives. “I have vivid memories of lying down next to my grandmother while she painted lucid imagery of gods, kings, queens, and nature with her words,” she shares. These early experiences honed her imagination and laid the foundation for her future storytelling pursuits.

Enrolling her daughter in a Waldorf school in Mumbai also significantly influenced her storytelling journey. “The Waldorf curriculum uses storytelling across kindergarten and the grades to bring relevant aspects of life to the consciousness of the child depending on their age,” she explains.

Inspired by this approach, Raiker completed a teacher training course at the school, working with mentors in the field for nearly two years before launching ‘Kaani Kaani Kotwa’.

The name ‘Kaani Kaani Kotwa’ is derived from a Goan folk song, “Kaani Kaani kotwa, mhatarechya naatva,” traditionally sung during the Shigmo festival by Romta Mel dancers. The song narrates the tale of a grandmother in distress, saved by her grandchildren—a story that resonated deeply with Raiker. “Whenever my daughter would say ‘Aaja Kaani sang’ (Aaja, tell me a story), my father would sing this song to her, and it stuck,” she explains.

In selecting this name for her venture, Raiker aimed to anchor her storytelling in the traditions and culture of her homeland. “Goa is steeped in stories, and from what I’ve learned from my elders, storytelling was done in a sing-song manner,” she notes. Her initiative seeks to revive these oral traditions, ensuring that the joy of telling and listening to stories continues to foster bonding and memory-building.

Raiker’s storytelling sessions predominantly feature Indian folk tales, with a current focus on bringing Goan folk stories to a broader audience. “Most of the stories have a moral, but since I work keeping in mind the Waldorf philosophy, I let the children take back whatever they have received rather than stating my opinion upfront,” she elaborates.

Her sessions are thoughtfully curated around themes relevant to the season and month, occasionally incorporating original stories crafted under the guidance of her mentors. Environmental safety, a topic close to her heart, often features in her narratives, aiming to instil a sense of responsibility and awareness among young listeners.

Reflecting on her storytelling journey, Raiker recounts a poignant moment that affirmed her path. “One day, a little girl who was sitting very close to me held eye contact and just wouldn’t let go. She was immersed in the story with her entire being,” she recalls. This encounter underscored the profound impact of storytelling and reinforced her dedication to the craft.

While her primary audience comprises children, Raiker acknowledges the universal appeal of storytelling. “Stories are meant for healing. Even the simplest of tales can touch the listener in a way one might not even have thought of,” she observes. “In fact there have been times when parents have left saying, ‘This session was as much for me as my child; I feel so good’.”

While she has yet to conduct sessions exclusively for adults, Raiker hopes to explore this avenue in the future.

As Raiker prepares for her first storytelling session in Goa, she plans to present ‘Rooster Raga’ by Natasha Sharma—a story that has previously elicited enthusiastic responses from children in Mumbai. “The flow of my sessions follows a ‘breathe in and breathe out’ pattern, allowing the children’s energy to be balanced,” she says. The session will encompass rhymes, body movement, storytelling, and art- all centred around the selected theme.

Looking ahead, Raiker is eager to delve deeper into Goan folk stories, aiming to adapt region-specific narratives to resonate with a wider audience.

For those inspired to embark on their own storytelling journeys, Raiker offers heartfelt advice: “Passion is the right word. You need to feel the love towards stories and believe in the power that they hold.” She emphasises the importance of active listening, connecting with audiences, and continuous learning. “The best teacher will always be experience. So, don’t hesitate to begin your journey. Only when you begin will you know what can be improved,” she says.