Published Jul 07, 2025 | 9:16 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 07, 2025 | 10:43 PM
On Monday, the corridors and classrooms of SNDP HSS, Udayamperoor, near Kochi, echoed with the vibrant voices of characters from the stories of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, the literary legend fondly called the Beypore Sultan.
“Priya prapanchame njan oru cheriya jeeviyaanu…”
“Onnum onnum immini balya onnu…”
“Ntuppappakkoraanandaarnnu…”
The corridors and classrooms of SNDP HSS, Udayamperoor, near Kochi, resonated with the voices of characters from the stories of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, the literary icon fondly remembered as the Beypore Sultan on Monday, 7 July.
The school marked the legendary writer’s death anniversary – observed on 5 July – in an extraordinary manner on the following working day.
In a celebration now being widely appreciated in literary circles, 52 students from Classes 5 to 10 narrated Basheer’s stories in their respective classrooms before the day’s lessons began. Each storytelling session lasted around ten minutes, setting a vivid and reflective tone across the school.
Principal Saju OV and Headmistress Deepa S Narayanan have extended strong support to the project titled Vidyalayam Kadha Parayunnu (The school tells a story).
Initially introduced as a pilot in her classroom by Smitha Karun — the high school Malayalam teacher — the initiative gradually expanded to include the entire school and later drew in the wider community.
“This is not just about reading. Telling stories builds confidence, develops imagination, and encourages expression. Teachers too begin classes with a story, and we note down the moral on classroom boards. Slowly, it became a routine – every day, one student shared a story in class. Then grandparents were invited to share tales, followed by interested parents, theatre artists, and even local personalities,” Saju told South First.
The Basheer remembrance event was a natural extension of this storytelling project. “We decided to devote the day exclusively to Basheer’s works, his stories and characters, and the students were truly excited,” he said.
“We have around 3,200 students,” said the principal. “Reading and storytelling help them develop beyond academics. It opens up their imagination.”
Deepa added, “Parents feel proud when they see their children narrate stories with confidence. We share videos in school WhatsApp groups, and many parents later come forward to tell stories. This takes only a few minutes of class time, but the impact is huge.”
In connection with the project, the school also invited guest storytellers, including theatre professionals adept at dramatic narration. Students not only listened but sometimes enacted the stories, turning classrooms into mini-stages.
The initiative has now become an integral part of school culture. Stories written by students, moral boards, rotating storytellers, and inclusive participation from family and the community all reflect a simple truth: storytelling still holds the power to shape young minds.
