Storytelling
This World Book Day, we're celebrating the creative forces who bring stories to life. Storymakers is a tribute to the authors whose voices give depth to our imaginations and meaning to our shared experiences. Celebrating the authors who shape our literary landscape. From the books that first stirred their love of language to their hopes for the future of storytelling, step inside the world of those who shape it-word by word, story by story.
1. Sanjukta Khaund | Storymaker
Author of The Art of Falling Forward, Sanjukta Khaund brings the same compassion and insight to her writing as she does to her work as a counsellor and ICF-certified coach. With a background in counselling psychology, Sanjukta has dedicated her life to helping others navigate personal growth, emotional resilience, and life's many transitions.
Her journey as an author wasn't planned-it unfolded naturally, inspired by a lifelong love of writing and a belief that vulnerability can be transformative. "Writing is therapeutic for me," she says. "It gives shape to my thoughts and clarity to my purpose."
Sanjukta's reading list is a window into her worldview. She draws inspiration from thinkers like Carl Rogers and Victor Frankl, as well as storytellers like Mitch Albom and Fredrik Backman. Literature, for her, is both compass and companion-shaping her empathy, deepening her understanding, and fueling her voice.
As a storymaker, Sanjukta believes that while storytelling formats may evolve, their heart will remain the same: a bridge between souls. "The future belongs to stories that speak to us-raw, real, and resonant." As per Sanjukta Storytelling will keep evolving-embracing books, podcasts, tech, and AI-but its heart remains unchanged. The future lies in stories that resonate emotionally and connect deeply with readers, wherever they are.
2. V. Shruti Devi | Storymaker
Lawyer, environmentalist, politician, and author-V. Shruti Devi's voice resonates across courtrooms, policy tables, and the written word. A Supreme Court Advocate and senior member of the Indian National Congress, Shruti's journey is rooted in activism, law, and literature. Her writing draws from a life immersed in languages, philosophy, history, and environmental justice.
A graduate of St. Stephen's College and Delhi University's Campus Law Centre, her books-Spirit of the Constitution' , Earth Republic, Creatures of the Current, Deep Wood Trance, Canvassing Art and Ad Altiora Nitimur-reflect her unique intersection of legal acumen and lyrical expression. Whether through essays, poetry, or environmental fiction, her storytelling channels deep thought, sharp observation, and layered influences-from Sanskrit and Roman classics to magic realism and modern politics.
For Shruti, literature is both heritage and invention. She recalls wanting to create a new language as a child-a passion now channeled into shaping syntax, coining terms, and reviving lost narratives. "The influences we absorb-linguistic, cultural, musical-become the undercurrent of our creative voice," she shares.
As a storymaker, Shruti believes the future of storytelling lies in its ability to remain democratic, connected, and ever-evolving-with AI bridging readers to stories they were always meant to find.
3. Shoneeka Ghai | Storymaker
A storyteller in every sense, Shoneeka blends creativity, consciousness, and craft. She is an author and a seasoned advertising professional and a short filmmaker. Through her advertising work she has shaped narratives for iconic brands like Samsung, Unilever, Pepsi, and BBC India. Through her production house, Zikr Productions, she creates films that inspire and awaken. And her latest book âLove Vipassana: The Union Within' is being loved by young and old for revealing how to manifest love in marriage through inner union.
Shoneeka's storytelling is deeply spiritual. For over two decades, she has immersed herself in metaphysical studies, practicing and teaching Gnosis-the esoteric wisdom that explores human psychology and the universal truths beneath all religions. Her writing and work are rooted in self-mastery, healing, and presence.
Books have been her guiding light. Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now has been her compass through life's phases, teaching her the art of presence. Louise Hay's books, especially her mirror work exercises, has deeply shaped her understanding of emotional healing and transformation.
To Shoneeka, stories are not just narratives-they're medicine. "We're all on a collective path of healing," she says. "And storytellers hold the power to uplift or unsettle the world. Our responsibility is to speak truth and spark light."
With her love for Vipassana, chakra healing, and meditation, Shoneeka continues to tell stories that soothe the soul and stir the spirit. Do pick up âLove Vipassana: The Union Within', it will surely open your mind.
4. Priyanka Mathur | Storymaker
Priyanka Mathur's storytelling is shaped by a life that spans continents, cultures, and creative pursuits. Raised in Nigeria and born in New Delhi, her early exposure to diverse worlds sparked an imagination that continues to fuel her writing today. Whether through her beloved The Adventures of Gul series or her chilling short story collection As Darkness Falls, Priyanka's stories carry a heartbeat of identity, resilience, and courage.
With a background in English Literature, Visual Communications, and an MBA in Marketing, her journey spans print media, marketing communications, and now, a blend of entrepreneurship and authorship. Her books reflect her experiences-of constant movement, cultural duality, and the quiet power of introspection.
Her literary compass includes The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, Butterfly by Yusra Mardini, and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini-stories that highlight struggle, endurance, and the strength of women in adversity.
To Priyanka, storytelling is essential-not just for entertainment, but for survival. "It shapes how we think, speak, and connect," she says. "In a world constantly shifting, stories anchor us. And with evolving technology, the ways we tell them are limitless."
Priyanka continues to write, illustrate, and inspire-one tale at a time.
5. Sumant Batra | Storymaker
Internationally renowned for his expertise in insolvency law, Sumant Batra wears many creative hats-lawyer, author, biographer, and cultural chronicler. With nearly three decades of global legal experience, his authoritative books on insolvency are cornerstones in the field. But Sumant's storytelling extends far beyond courtrooms and legal systems.
His bestselling historical novel Anarkali, the acclaimed biography Sanjeev Kumar - An Actor's Actor, and the beautifully curated coffee table book The Indians reveal a writer equally at home in fiction, biography, and cultural commentary. With three new titles on the horizon, Sumant continues to expand the boundaries of his literary repertoire.
A lifelong lover of suspense and mystery, his early reads-both in Hindi and English-sharpened the analytical lens that later defined his legal mind. The Godfather by Mario Puzo remains a personal favorite, while newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express influenced the clarity and rhythm of his writing.
For Sumant, storytelling transcends genre. "Even in court, my arguments are stories. Complex facts come alive when told well," he says. "Whether in law or literature, the power of narrative endures."
Sumant Batra is a storyteller at heart-bringing insight, elegance, and depth to every page he writes.
