Shanaya Singh: The Kolkata Storyteller Shaping a Global Reading Movement

Shanaya Singh, a student of Mahadevi Birla World Academy, has emerged as one of India’s most widely recognised young voices in storytelling, children’s literature and reading advocacy. Through virtual platforms, books and community initiatives, Shanaya has quietly built a global presence that extends far beyond conventional classroom learning.

While many children turn to digital entertainment in their free time, Shanaya’s journey has followed a different path. Her weekends and holidays are often filled with storytelling sessions, writing projects and interactive engagements with young audiences across India and abroad. Over the past few years, this dedication has translated into international recognition, world records and a growing influence in the literary and education space.

A Foundation Built on Stories and School Support

Shanaya’s interest in storytelling found strong encouragement at Mahadevi Birla World Academy, Kolkata, where narrative-based learning is an integral part of the curriculum. The school promotes storytelling as a method to explain concepts across subjects, allowing students to explore ideas creatively and communicate with confidence.

This academic environment helped Shanaya refine her storytelling skills early on. She began exploring Indian classics, folk tales, animal stories and contemporary narratives, gradually developing her own style. Teachers and mentors observed her ability to engage listeners through voice modulation, expressions and thoughtful interpretation of texts.

Storytelling During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic became a defining phase in Shanaya’s journey. As schools closed and social interaction moved online, she turned to digital platforms to continue sharing stories. What began as informal sessions soon attracted viewers from different countries.

Her performances often included carefully chosen costumes, self-made props and original artwork, creating an immersive experience for audiences of all ages. More importantly, her stories offered comfort, imagination and connection at a time when uncertainty dominated everyday life.

This period marked the start of Shanaya’s transition from a school-level storyteller to a globally recognised reading advocate.

World Records and Global Recognition

Shanaya’s work soon drew attention from national and international institutions. She became a world record holder across four major platforms: the International Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, America Book of Records and India Book of Records. These achievements placed her among a select group of young contributors whose impact extends beyond academics.

She went on to receive the Global Achievers Award by All India Radio, followed by honours such as the Pride of Nation Award and the Shri Dadasaheb Phalke Award for spreading reading culture and positivity among children during the pandemic.

Another significant milestone was the APJ Abdul Kalam Award titled “The Pillars of India,” recognising her contribution to youth education and social values.

A Growing List of National Honours

Between 2021 and 2024, Shanaya received numerous awards reflecting the breadth of her work. These include the National Star Icon Award, International Achievers India Award, Indian Novelty Awards and the Mother Teresa Global Peace Award.

Her leadership and resilience were acknowledged through the Maharana Pratap Bravery Award and the Child Prodigy Award. During the pandemic, her consistent engagement with children earned her the Global Covid Warrior Leadership and Excellence Award.

Shanaya was also honoured with the Youth Icon Award by SPAA India, the National Child Excellence Award in Maharashtra and several education and culture-focused recognitions. In 2022, she was nominated for the Rashtriya Bal Puraskaar, one of India’s highest civilian honours for children.

Writing, Publishing and Original Work

Beyond performance, Shanaya has established herself as a young author. Her stories have been published in the Singapore-based literary magazine Borderless Journal, and she has served as an in-house writer for Bookosmia, contributing regularly to children’s literature platforms.

In 2023, she authored The World Needs Stories, a book published globally. The work reflects her belief that storytelling is essential for building empathy, imagination and emotional awareness, especially among young readers navigating a fast-changing digital world.

Ambassadorial Roles and Youth Leadership

As her influence expanded, Shanaya took on several ambassadorial roles. She serves as the International Ambassador of The Global Literary Temple and has been appointed City Brand Ambassador for Namaste India Magazine. She is also the Brand Ambassador of The Rustle of Book Club and has represented national campaigns focused on children’s wellbeing and mobile de-addiction.

Her growing leadership was recognised internationally when she was named among the top 50 world’s most influential young leaders by the World Wide Leaders Association and the America International Education Federation in 2022. The same year, she received the Telegraph Edugraph 18 Under 18 Award.

Invitations from Cultural and Educational Institutions

Shanaya’s storytelling sessions have been hosted by leading institutions across India. She has been invited by CRY India for interactive storytelling engagements, by The Indian Museum for curated literary sessions, and by We Care Kolkata, where she was later selected as ambassador for the Hunger Free Kolkata food drive.

In 2024, she was invited by Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle Comic Studios in Mumbai for storytelling sessions and was selected as their in-house storyteller. Her work has also reached multiple school networks, including sessions conducted for Sarla Birla group schools through Mahadevi Birla World Academy.

Encouraging Reading Through Community Initiatives

One of Shanaya’s most impactful contributions is her free storytelling club, which currently reaches around 150 children. Through regular online sessions conducted for various organisations, she encourages reading habits, creativity and confidence in expression.

Educators note that these sessions prioritise participation over performance. Children are encouraged to retell stories, discuss characters and experiment with writing their own narratives, making reading a shared and enjoyable experience.

A Story Still Unfolding

Shanaya Singh’s journey stands out for its consistency and purpose. From school-supported storytelling to global platforms, her work highlights the continued relevance of stories in education and emotional development. As she continues to write, perform and mentor, Shanaya remains focused on a simple goal: helping children discover the joy of reading. In a time of shrinking attention spans, her story serves as a reminder that imagination, when nurtured, can still travel far.

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