The Heart Behind My Storytelling Journey
Namaskar. I am Devaki, and I believe stories are the magic potion every child—and parent—needs. This is my journey from the corporate world to finding my voice, and why I am here to help you find yours.
My first job as a software engineer was terrifying. I was too scared to ask for help and felt like a failure. That experience taught me the most important lesson: your voice matters. Speak up and tell your story.
I often worry about my children's screen time. My daughter even stopped speaking her mother tongue after watching too much Peppa Pig! This personal experience taught me the importance of balancing screens with books, play, and good old-fashioned boredom.
I miss the stories my grandparents used to tell. Those whispered adventures weren't just entertainment; they were a secret superpower that planted seeds of kindness and bravery. I try to create that same magic with my own children.
On a trip to Africa, my daughter asked, "Why is everyone here so dark?" I used a story to talk about diversity. The next day, she was chatting with everyone, making new friends. This is the magical, transformative power of stories.
This is my first solo flight in 30 years! It reminds me of when I was 10 and flew as an unaccompanied minor. Life is an adventure, and I'm excited to be off to the Kukdukoo lit fest in Chandigarh to perform.
How do children spell love? T-I-M-E. This is a core belief in my life and my work. Giving our children our time, especially through shared stories, is the greatest gift.
About this collection
Whether I am performing at a literature fest or working one-on-one with a family, my approach is the same: I do not just read stories, I perform them to spark genuine connection. If you have been searching for a way to move beyond screen time and bond better with your little ones, let’s talk about how we can make that happen.
I have always believed that stories are a magic potion. My own journey—from feeling lost as a young professional in a big software firm to finding my confidence through the power of speech—is exactly what fuels my work with children today. I know the sting of being bullied, and I know the quiet strength that comes from finally finding your voice.
That is why my sessions are not just about entertainment. Whether I am hosting an interactive storytime at a school in Mumbai, performing at a literature festival, or working with parents online, the goal is always to build empathy and resilience. I do not use flashy microphones or heavy equipment. Instead, I rely on vocal modulation, simple puppets, and genuine connection.
I often share my own struggles, like the time I worried about my own children’s screen time or how we navigated cultural differences while living abroad. Parents tell me they resonate with this because it is real—not a sanitized, perfect version of parenting.
If you are a parent or teacher looking to:
- Use stories to tackle big emotions like jealousy or sadness.
- Introduce children to Indian festivals and cultural roots through fun, engaging narratives.
- Find your own storytelling voice to connect with your child daily.
Let’s connect. I offer 60-minute private sessions for small groups and larger performances for communities. My sessions are designed to be practical, heartfelt, and, above all, a space where every child feels heard.
Devaki Bhujang Gajare
I am a storyteller, a mom, and someone who knows exactly how scary it feels to be voiceless. I traded corporate boardrooms for puppet shows because I have seen firsthand how a ten-minute story can change a child’s perspective. If you want a partner in raising confident, empathetic kids, I am right here.
Looking for specific stories or sessions?
Explore my different storytelling themes and training workshops.
More from Professional Storytelling Sessions for Children by Devaki Bhujang Gajare