Learning from a Master Storyteller About the Power of Narrative in Creating Connection

Kiran Singh Sirah is an award-winning storytelling artist, folklorist, and peacebuilder who champions the transformative power of narrative to foster empathy, justice, and community healing. As the former President of the International Storytelling Center, Kiran has spent more than two decades developing arts and human rights initiatives around the world. His work has earned recognition from institutions such as UNESCO, the White House, the United Nations, and the European Commission.

Where Storytelling Meets Peacebuilding

But what makes someone both a storyteller and a peacebuilder?

Listening to Kiran share his story, I immediately felt a deep connection. His parents, refugees from Kenya, were forced to flee their home with only 48 hours' notice. The trauma and dislocation of such a moment is almost impossible to grasp fully, yet their child grew into someone profoundly compassionate: a listener, a storyteller, and a bridge-builder working to create a more just and humane world.

Stories of fleeing and survival live in many of our bloodlines, whether it's our parents or grandparents, these ancestral journeys shape who we are.

Lessons in Humility Through Cultural Practice

Kiran carries forward the beautiful lessons of humility passed down through his family. One powerful memory he shared was of cleaning hundreds of shoes at a Gurdwara in London at his mother's request, an act of “seva”, which is an act of selfless service in Sikhism. At the time, the task felt unfair and menial. But later, he came to understand it as a profound act of humility, a reminder that we are all equal and that dignity lies in service, and that as Kiran has stated “you should never be ashamed to get on your knees”

The Heritage of Narrative Wisdom

Storytelling for Kiran is both heritage and practice. He grew up sitting at the knees of his grandparents, absorbing stories that helped him understand himself, and his place in the world. This resonated deeply with me.  Like Kiran, I've learned that humility, dignity, and respect are foundational values and lessons that stories carry and preserve. As a second-generation Canadian who had no connection to grandparents before their passing, I did not have the opportunity to experience intergenerational storytelling firsthand. Through the colorful stories my parents passed on, I have come to know my grandparents, and I recognize pieces of myself in them which has given me a sense of belonging without being physically connected to them.

Becoming a Citizen of the World

We all have stories that change the course of our life. Kiran spoke about the pivotal moment in life. He was working at the National Museum of Scotland when 9/11 happened. He recalled the fears experienced by Muslims, and especially visible Muslim women who wear the hijab, as they were targets of harm. But at the same time, other communities were being attacked, such as the Jewish community, by far-right extremists who were trying to divide the community that was peacefully living in unison. This is when Kiran stated that he “wasn’t just a citizen of one place or one nation, but a citizen of the world”. He felt the need to delve deeper, seek knowledge, hear stories, and create peace.

Finding Voice in Unexpected Places

Kiran reminds us that we are all storytellers in our own way. A story doesn't need a voice to be shared, it only needs a way to be expressed. He spoke of someone he knew who could move only one toe, and yet, that was where their story began.

That insight was profound. We often only hear and see what we already recognize, unintentionally silencing voices waiting to be acknowledged. Imagine a world where every voice is shared, heard, appreciated. I wonder if we would be more at peace with one another?

The Ongoing Journey of Storytelling

Every moment matters. Everything we see, hear, and feel is a story, whether it becomes a cherished memory or one that's left unspoken. These stories are always unfolding.

And as Kiran continues to share his wisdom and build peace through narrative, it's clear that his journey as a storyteller began early, and continues still. So does yours. The lessons we carry, the stories we pass on, and the way we choose to listen—these are the quiet foundations of peacebuilding, and they live within us all.

Have you discovered the power of storytelling in your own life? Share your experiences in the comments below or join our community workshop on narrative and healing.