During these two days, our facilitator helped us to understand the story structure in detail. Apart from this, we learned how to create the character and how to present the same. For that, Sagar sir taught us different types of abhinaya. Sagar sir also helped to overcome the resistance of presenting the story in front of everyone.
Day 3 and 4 of our Critical Thinking class were incredibly engaging and thought-provoking, filled with activities that challenged us to question our choices and the biases that shape them.
One of the standout exercises was an activity where we each chose a product we are loyal to—one we use regularly without ever considering an alternative brand. Once we selected our “dear” product, we were asked to do something unthinkable: “murder” it. We had to find alternative products, research them, and identify any disadvantages of the product we were so attached to. This was no easy task, but as we delved into the research, we discovered that there are often many options out there that could rival or even outperform the products we habitually use. This sparked a new awareness in us, prompting us to examine how easily we become attached to brands, often due to influences like media, culture, or familiarity.
This exercise led to deeper reflection about how our choices are shaped by biases we might not even be aware of. We also realized how critical it is to question and rethink the decisions we make, even the ones we assume to be entirely our own.
Another stimulating activity involved debating controversial topics. We were tasked with defending both sides of an argument, which made us confront our biases head-on. Whether rooted in personal emotions, cultural perspectives, or societal influences, our biases emerged and became visible. This exercise helped us understand how biases can sway our perspectives without us realizing it, especially in areas that we feel strongly about.
In short, these days were a deep dive into the power of critical thinking. They reminded us of the importance of questioning our assumptions, considering alternative viewpoints, and examining the underlying reasons for our choices. We left with a renewed sense of curiosity about the world and the ways our minds work, eager to continue this journey of discovery.
I really enjoyed the past two days of the Life Class.
The 5th and 6th sessions on Storytelling were engaging and went very well. The facilitator did an excellent job teaching us how to write a story. Their communication and explanation skills were impressive, and their guidance on vachika, angika, aharya, and satvika aspects of storytelling was truly commendable. The movie we watched was also fantastic.
The storytelling sessions 5 and 6 have been like a transformative journey, offering new insights into the art of narrative construction. Through a deep dive into the four types of abhinayas—Angika, Vachika, Aharya, and Satvika—we learned how these elements can dramatically shift the emotional depth and tone of a story. One of the most striking moments was when we explored how these expressive tools could enrich a narrative, with the film Rockstar serving as a powerful illustration of the protagonist’s evolution through each type of abhinaya. This real-world example allowed us to understand how emotional intensity and character development can be communicated through physical gesture, dialogue, attire, and emotional states. Sagar Sir’s approach to blending these elements into our storytelling exercises encouraged us to experiment and refine our own creations. It was a truly inspiring experience to see how these elements could be woven together to craft a story that feels both vivid and dynamic. The ability to breathe life into our narratives, using these tools, has left a lasting impression, reminding us that storytelling is not just about what is told, but how it is expressed.
#storytelling
In the storytelling sessions on days 5 and 6, we had the opportunity to dive deeply into essential storytelling elements, such as story structure and character development. We learned how to build a story that flows logically according to a structured framework. This process helped us understand the importance of organizing a story from beginning to end, ensuring that it captivates the audience and moves seamlessly.
A major focus was on crafting compelling characters and establishing their goals, motivations, and conflicts. These elements help bring the story to life, allowing readers to connect with the characters and become invested in their journey. Additionally, we discussed how to create focus in our stories by centering on key moments or conflicts, which adds intensity and purpose to the narrative.
The sessions were engaging and well-structured, and they gave us the freedom to use our creativity to prepare our own stories. Working with my own ideas allowed me to apply the techniques we learned and enjoy the process of bringing my story to life. Overall, these sessions were incredibly enriching, and I felt motivated and inspired to continue exploring the art of storytelling.
Blog Post: My Experience with Storytelling Sessions
Over the past two days, I had the pleasure of diving into the art of storytelling through engaging sessions focused on the four types of abhinayas. We explored each abhinaya in depth, learning how each type can uniquely shape a story’s narrative, bringing different layers and perspectives to the tale. One of the highlights was crafting my own story, structuring it carefully, and detailing it in a way that aligned with the abhinaya style. Completing the accompanying worksheet solidified these concepts, allowing me to reflect on how versatile storytelling can be.
The key takeaway from these sessions was discovering how to narrate the story. These two days were truly fruitful, and I’m grateful for this enriching experience. Thank you!!
We learned about four types of Abhinaya and how to develop characters for a story. We also created our own story independently, which was a great achievement! The wonderful sessions ended with a movie screening. Thank you Sagar Sir for making the sessions engaging!
The storytelling life class on the 5th and 6th days was an extraordinary experience, filled with inspiration, learning, and creative engagement. Sagar Sir’s approach to teaching and motivating each of us to create our own stories was nothing short of remarkable. His ability to make storytelling accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of prior experience, showed his deep understanding and passion for the craft.
Through concepts like “abigyas,” character building, and narrative structure, Sagar Sir guided us in a way that each topic felt clear and meaningful. He didn’t just explain the elements of a story; he brought them to life, allowing each participant to connect with the material on a personal level. His encouraging words and insightful feedback gave us the confidence to explore our own ideas and express them fully.
Beyond the technical aspects, Sagar Sir fostered an environment that celebrated creativity and self-expression, making each session not only educational but truly enjoyable. His dedication to passing on the art of storytelling created a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment, and his teaching has left a lasting impact that will undoubtedly inspire us as we continue to write and share our own stories.