For us at Varanasi Guru, this city is a living story. You can feel it in the chants rising from the ghats and the wisdom tucked into its ancient lanes. Every corner of Kashi whispers a timeless tale. We’ve always believed our most sacred duty is not just to tell these stories ourselves, but to ensure they are passed on. The real question we asked ourselves was, how can we empower the next generation to share these stories in a way the world can truly hear and feel?
This question is the very heart of the Meri Kashi Creators’ Pathshala. It’s a dream we brought to life in a wonderful collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. Together, we welcomed over 275 of our city’s own youth, creators, and students, with a goal that is simple yet profound: to help them find their voice and share their city’s soul through the art of modern storytelling.
A Journey of Discovery
It was incredible to watch these young participants dive deep into 170 stories of Kashi and Sarnath that we have carefully curated over the years. These weren’t dry historical facts. They were the living narratives we cherish – the tales of saints and poets, the meaning behind ancient rituals, and the spirit of our temples and ghats.
Our sessions were designed as a blend of two worlds. With our cultural experts, we guided them on a journey to turn information into vivid experiences and weave emotion into every story they tell. We wanted them to carry the true essence of Kashi in their own, unique voice. Then, with the amazing support of mentors from YouTube and the media, they learned how to bring these powerful stories to a global audience through reels, vlogs, and engaging online content. This was never about memorising facts; it was about nurturing the authentic storyteller within each of them.
The Power of Our Partnership
Our partnership with the Ministry of Tourism is something we are incredibly proud of. The Ministry provided the vision and support to make this initiative possible on a grand scale. From our side, we brought our heart and soul – our years of on-the-ground experience guiding walks, sharing local secrets, and telling stories in a deeply human way.
This collaboration ensures the Pathshala isn’t just a one-time workshop but the beginning of a lasting community. Together, we are building a support system that offers:
- Deeper Training: Passing on our deep knowledge of history, mythology, and living traditions.
- Meaningful Employment: Creating pathways for them to become certified guides, heritage walk leaders, or supported content creators.
- Continuous Nourishment: Providing the mentorship and resources these young storytellers need to grow and thrive for years to come.
Through this teamwork, we are making sure Kashi’s stories are not only preserved but are retold in voices that connect with today’s travellers and inspire tomorrow’s generations.
From Participants to Our Ambassadors
The workshop was just the beginning. We are thrilled to guide a select group of participants as they become our official Meri Kashi Ambassadors. In this next phase, they will receive continued training and a platform to share their work. Their storytelling won’t be confined to a screen. With our support, they will bring Kashi to life for visitors through heritage walks, guided tours, and cultural exchanges.
A Living Library, Built by Its People
What we are building together is something truly special: a living library of Kashi. Every storyteller adds a new page, every reel a new chapter, and every heritage walk a new volume. This is not a library that sits on a shelf. It is one that grows, evolves, and breathes through the voices of its own people.
As many participants shared with us, this journey has been about more than learning new skills. It’s been about finding a deep sense of pride in becoming a voice for their own city. And for us, that is the greatest success we could have hoped for.
Our Promise for the Future
The Meri Kashi Creators’ Pathshala is so much more than a project. It’s our promise to this city. It’s about giving our youth reasons to stay, roots to draw strength from, and wings to carry Kashi’s stories to the world.
We are honoured to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Tourism to raise this new generation of storytellers. We will make sure that when the world listens to Kashi, it hears the authentic, heartfelt voices of the people who know it best: its very own.
