Who We Are

Once upon a rainy day in 1998, three teachers gathered beneath a Banyan tree to reflect on learning, childhood, and the magic of imagination. Among them was Geeta Ramanujam, a passionate educator and librarian, curious about one important question:

“How do we make learning meaningful, joyful, and engaging for every child?”

As they discussed the challenges of the education system — from motivating students to helping them understand concepts deeply — one answer shone brighter than all others: Storytelling.

The timeless art that brings ideas alive, sparks curiosity, and connects hearts to knowledge.

Kathotsava 25- 2023

Geeta Ramanujam-Founder Director

Kathalaya's International Academy of Storytelling

Geeta is an Internationally Renowned Storyteller, Master trainer, Educator, Author and Academician who wears many hats. She is a three-time TEDx speaker, Ashoka fellow and a pioneer of the storytelling movement in India. Geeta is the founder director of KATHALAYA’S INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF STORYTELLING.

Geeta has travelled to 48 countries and 27 states in India to establish Storytelling as a tool for learning and to set up Storytelling centres. She has trained over 99495 people so far in the field of Storytelling. Geeta has been a Master Trainer, Story performer, Speaker at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, UK, Norway, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Austria, Greece, Istanbul, Sweden, Poland, USA, Srilanka, and Brazil to name a few.

Geeta is the Indian Coordinator for the International Storytelling Network – RIC, as well as the Indian Coordinator for the Indian Storytelling Network. She has won several accolades -the recent International award for the Best storyteller at the storytelling festival in Brazil and the Governor’s award in Tamil Nadu for the Best Story Narrator. She was also recognized and mentioned by our Prime Minister, Modi ji in the “Mann Ki Baat” programme. She has twice been conferred the title of Bangalore Hero in Karnataka.