Storytelling Circle: Bridging Cultures Through Folktales

Stories have always had the power to connect people across borders, and Storytelling Circle did just that. Organized by the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Vadodara, India (RID 3060), this cross-cultural folktale exchange created a beautiful space for dialogue, discovery, and shared heritage.

The project unfolded in two meaningful phases. The first was a virtual storytelling session held via Google Meet on March 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. The session brought together over 30 participants from both clubs, eager to share and learn about the traditional narratives that shape their cultures. Rotaractors from both Sri Lanka and India came together to present captivating folktales and cultural insights, highlighting the uniqueness—and the common threads—of each tradition. The event was chaired by Rtr. Nethmi Marcus and Rtr. Mobeetha Muralimanohar from the University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts, along with Rtr. Neel Goplani and Rtr. Prathaa Soni from the Rotaract Club of Vadodara. What made Storytelling Circle special was its interactive format. Participants didn’t just listen—they discussed, reflected, and connected. As stories unfolded, so did personal experiences, traditions, and the subtle details that make each culture unique. By the end of the session, what started as a folktale exchange had become a space of genuine fellowship, curiosity, and mutual respect.

The second phase of the project was a blog article series which was published on April 8, 2025, on the website of the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts. Each article captured the spirit of the stories shared and reflected on the cultural lessons they offered. These blog posts not only preserved the stories but also extended the reach of the project—allowing a wider audience to engage with the narratives and values behind them.

Storytelling Circle proved that even in a digital space, stories can weave strong connections. Through the simple yet profound act of storytelling, the project encouraged cultural appreciation, deepened friendships, and celebrated the shared humanity between the Rotaract communities of Sri Lanka and India.