Chitkara University once again turned the spotlight on the power of stories as it hosted the second edition of “Never Ending Story,” a two-day storytelling and creative expression festival organised by the Chitkara Design School. Designed as an immersive, hands-on learning experience, the festival brought together students, educators, artists, filmmakers, musicians, and industry professionals to explore storytelling across disciplines, formats, and technologies.
At a time when storytelling is rapidly evolving through digital tools, artificial intelligence, and interactive media, the festival offered students a rare opportunity to step beyond classrooms and engage directly with contemporary creative practices. The event reaffirmed storytelling not just as an artistic pursuit, but as a vital skill that connects design, culture, technology, and human experience.
A Festival That Blends Art, Design, and Industry Insight
The second edition of Never Ending Story of the Chitkara Uni built on the success of its inaugural run, expanding its scope and deepening its engagement with real-world creative ecosystems. Participants included filmmakers, professional storytellers, musicians, design academicians, and creative practitioners from across India, creating a vibrant space for collaboration and exchange.
Unlike conventional academic conferences, the festival emphasised experiential learning. Students were encouraged to experiment, question established formats, and develop narratives using sound, visuals, movement, humour, play, and emerging technologies. This interdisciplinary approach reflected the changing demands of creative industries, where storytelling now extends far beyond books and films into gaming, branding, digital platforms, and immersive experiences.
A Musical Opening Rooted in Tradition and Experimentation
The festival opened on a powerful note with musical performances by acclaimed artists Bindhu Malini and Lalon, whose compositions drew inspiration from Sufi and Bhakti traditions, blended seamlessly with experimental sounds. Their performances created an immersive atmosphere that set the tone for the days ahead, reminding attendees that storytelling has deep cultural roots even as it adapts to modern forms.
The opening performances highlighted how music itself functions as narrative—capable of expressing emotion, identity, and social commentary without words. For students of design and storytelling, this served as a compelling reminder that stories can be told through sound, rhythm, and silence just as effectively as through text or visuals.
Conversations on the Future of Design and Creativity
One of the key highlights of the festival was the Design Dialogue, a keynote panel discussion that brought together leading voices from the design and creative education space. The panel featured Azmina Poddar, Dr Sherline Pimenta, Pushpendra Nath Misra, Nina Sabnani, and Ramneek Majithia, who engaged in thoughtful discussions on the future of design education.
The dialogue explored how technology—particularly AI and digital tools—is reshaping creative practices, while also raising important questions about ethics, authorship, and human agency. Panelists reflected on the evolving responsibilities of design institutions in preparing students not just for jobs, but for meaningful participation in society as creative thinkers and problem-solvers.
The discussion at Chitkara resonated strongly with students navigating a rapidly changing creative landscape, offering insights into how adaptability, critical thinking, and storytelling remain central despite technological disruption.
Leadership Perspective: Storytelling as a Core Human Skill
Speaking at the event, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor of Chitkara University, emphasised the foundational role of storytelling in design and culture.
“Storytelling lies at the heart of design, culture, and human connection. Platforms such as Never Ending Story empower students to think critically, create fearlessly, and engage meaningfully with the world around them,” she said.
She further highlighted the university’s commitment to nurturing creative ecosystems that balance academic rigour with real-world relevance, ensuring that students graduate with both conceptual depth and practical skills.
Hands-On Workshops at Chitkara That Encourage Creative Risk-Taking
Across the two days, students participated in a wide range of interactive workshops designed to push creative boundaries. These sessions covered topics such as AI and design, storytelling methodologies, sound design, humour in communication, improvisational music, narrative gaming, bookbinding, illustration, and play-based storytelling.
Each workshop emphasised learning through doing, allowing students to prototype ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and receive direct feedback from industry professionals. The diversity of sessions reflected the festival’s core philosophy: that storytelling thrives when disciplines intersect and when creators are willing to experiment.
For many students, these workshops offered a first-hand glimpse into how storytelling skills translate into professional creative practice, whether in films, games, digital media, publishing, or experiential design.
Showcasing Student Voices from Across the Country
Adding to Chitkara’s festival’s inclusive spirit was a student short film showcase, featuring submissions from design institutions nationwide. The showcase celebrated emerging talent and provided young creators with a platform to share their perspectives, stories, and visual languages with a wider audience.
The films reflected a range of themes—from personal narratives and social issues to experimental storytelling formats—demonstrating the diversity of voices shaping India’s creative future.
A Powerful Closing with Cinema and Conversation
The festival concluded with a screening of “Jai Mata Ji – Let’s Rock” by National Award-winning filmmaker Manish Saini. The screening was followed by an engaging panel discussion with leading filmmakers and sound designers, who shared insights into the creative process, collaboration, and the realities of working in the film industry.
The closing session tied together the festival’s central themes—storytelling, collaboration, experimentation, and resilience—leaving students inspired and better equipped to pursue their creative journeys.
Reinforcing a Culture of Experiential Learning at Chitkara
The second edition of Never Ending Story reinforced Chitkara University’s focus on experiential and interdisciplinary learning. By creating a space where students could learn alongside accomplished practitioners, the festival bridged the gap between academia and industry.
More than just an event, the festival functioned as a creative laboratory—one that encouraged reflection, dialogue, and sustained engagement with storytelling as a living, evolving practice. As creative industries continue to transform, initiatives like Never Ending Story play a crucial role in preparing students to navigate complexity, tell meaningful stories, and shape culture through design and imagination.
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