As part of Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan’s 23rd Annual Day celebrations, Aroma, we were honored to host Ms. Bongiswa Kotta Ramushwana, an internationally acclaimed storyteller from South Africa’s Xhosa tribe. This extraordinary event facilitated a rich cultural exchange and offered us invaluable lessons on perseverance, cultural pride, and creative expression.
The Walk-the-Talk Interview was conducted on December 11th at our prestigious CBSE- affiliated Top school in Visakhapatnam. The interaction commenced with a warm welcome, introducing Ms.Bongi to our Krishna idol and the Puja Room, symbolizing the deep-rooted cultural values our institution upholds. This gesture resonated deeply with Ms.Bongi, whose storytelling and traditional Xhosa attire reflect her pride in her own heritage.
The conversation that unfolded during the tour was both enlightening and inspiring. Ms.Bongi shared her incredible journey into storytelling—a career path she had to carve out against all odds. Initially, her parents envisioned a conventional career for her as a doctor or lawyer. However, after enrolling in an uninspiring college course, she dropped out and started working. Her employer, recognizing her natural talent, encouraged her to explore storytelling and introduced her to a company that trained and hired storytellers. Demonstrating remarkable perseverance, Ms. Bongi contacted the company every Wednesday until she secured an opportunity. This anecdote highlighted her unwavering belief in her passion and the power of persistence.
During the campus tour, Ms. Bongi admired the intricate student-created paintings of Simhachalam temple architecture, referring to our students as “magicians.” Her appreciation underscored the seamless connection between creativity and cultural identity. As she discussed blending music and dance into her craft, she revealed that storytelling in her tribe is deeply intertwined with traditional songs used to celebrate joy and mourn sorrow, illustrating the universal role of art in human experience.
The discussion also ventured into the societal stigma often attached to unconventional careers. Ms. Bongi passionately advocated storytelling as a legitimate and rewarding profession. She explained how storytelling extends beyond entertainment—it can teach complex concepts in subjects like math and physics and even promote emotional healing. Her insights left us with a renewed respect for the versatility and impact of storytelling as a career choice.
One poignant moment occurred when we showcased student-painted portraits of Indian freedom fighters Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose. Ms. Bongi was visibly moved and reflected on the shared struggles of freedom fighters in India and South Africa. Her reflections highlighted the universal quest for freedom and justice, bridging the histories of two nations.
At our “Stairs of Kindness” initiative, Ms. Bongi shared a heartfelt memory of visiting an African prison where freedom fighters were once punished by colonial forces. While this evoked sombre emotions, she expressed hope in how our kindness initiative symbolized healing and optimism for the future.
One of the most inspiring segments of the interview was Ms. Bongi’s work with deaf storytellers. She explained how storytelling transcends barriers, using expressive hand gestures, body movements, and facial expressions to communicate emotions and narratives. She drew parallels between these techniques and the intricate expressions seen in Indian classical dance, showcasing art as a universal language.
As the interview concluded, Ms. Bongi commended Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan for fostering a unique blend of academics, values, and creativity. She encouraged us to continue nurturing future generations of storytellers, artists, and compassionate leaders who embrace cultural pride and innovation.
Her journey left us profoundly inspired, reminding us of the power of perseverance and the importance of celebrating our heritage. Ms. Bongi’s visit was a beacon of cultural exchange and a testament to the transformative potential of storytelling in shaping a better, more connected world.
Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan, the top CBSE school in Visakhapatnam takes immense pride in hosting such enlightening events, reaffirming our commitment to holistic education that integrates cultural values, creativity, and academic excellence.