The one with the new girl

Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories and that simple fact that connects us all; our human experiences. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us.

This maiden episode of Dear Mynd explores the theme of unfamiliar settings. Srividya Sivakumar narrates “The New Girl” by Srividhya Venkat, a children’s story, to touch upon a range of themes such as diversity, prejudice, friendship, support, and acceptance.

Details of the episode

• Rejection can be instantaneous. So can acceptance.
• The simplicity of a child’s perspective and how an adult can learn from it.
• Friendship comes in all shapes and forms – sometimes, a classmate, other times, a teacher.
• The ability to trust yourself and who you are is paramount in all situations.

Meet the host

Srividya Sivakumar has been a teacher for over twenty years.

What also occupies her mind are those magnificient things that come hardbound, within soft paperbacks, or on a device.
Books.

Yes, she’s a self-avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create.

A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker and a Voiceover Artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle – one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm and encourages you – to slow down, one story at a time.

Author bio

“The New Girl” is written by Chicago-based children’s writer Srividhya Venkat. Her first-ever story was illustrated and hand-printed by her brother when she was 8 years old. She was born and raised in India and has spent many years in the US and Singapore. Srividhya is also a performance storyteller and former early childhood educator.

Resources and attribution

• The New Girl (English), written by Srividhya Venkat, illustrated by Sayan Mukherjee , published by Pratham Books (© Pratham Books, 2016) under a CC BY 4.0 license.
• Soundtrack by Muantea
• Srividhya Venkat’s website

QOTD

Show us some love. We would love to know what you think about this new segment. Can we use storytelling to improve mental well-being? Do you have a story to share? How can we help children embrace diversity? Write to Srividya – podcast@myndstories.com

We would love to hear from you!

This podcast is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.