The University of Toronto Scarborough Library is thrilled to announce the third cohort of the Sophia Hilton Library Storytelling Fellowship. This initiative program continues to foster a vibrant community of storytellers who explore and celebrate diverse cultural narratives through innovative and creative means.
The Fellowship is designed to support students in developing their storytelling skills, with a focus on Tamil cultural heritage and community engagement. This year, we are proud to welcome three exceptional fellows who bring unique perspectives and a deep passion for Tamil culture and storytelling.
Meet the 2024-25 Library Storytelling Fellows
Bhavana Akilan
4th year student
Major in Neuroscience, Minors in Psychology and Health Humanities
Bhavana draws inspiration from the Tamil poet Kaniyan Pungundranar’s quote, “Yaadhum oore, yaavarum kelir,” which translates to “people everywhere are my kith and kin.” She aims to reflect on renowned Tamil literature through the lens of present-day youth experiences. Bhavana aspires to use devised theatre to co-create characters based on lived experiences, advocating for mental health awareness among second- and third-generation immigrant Tamil students through her work in the Fellowship.
Jyotshana Chaileyndrachankar
3rd year student
Major in Human Biology, Immunology, and History
Jyotshana’s deep-rooted passion for Tamil culture and storytelling is evident in her extensive background in Tamil cultural arts. She has performed classical dance, played the Veena, and participated in various storytelling workshops. Jyotshana aims to preserve and promote Tamil heritage through innovative storytelling and performances, collaborating with like-minded individuals to celebrate Tamil culture.
Amari Lukshmi Sabeshan
2nd year student
Neuroscience specialist
As a second-generation Canadian with Sri Lankan roots, Amari is dedicated to sharing the beauty of Tamil culture. She believes in promoting Tamil culture through artistic performances, including Bharathanatyam, a South Asian dance style. Amari seeks to use various media to depict classic Tamil stories, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding within the Scarborough University community.
The Sophia Hilton Library Storytelling Fellowship not only provides leadership experience but also helps fellows gain a deeper appreciation for Tamil culture while building lasting connections. We look forward to the innovative projects and contributions from this year’s fellows.
For more information about the Library Storytelling Fellowship, please visit our information page, or view past Fellows project in our Digital Tamil Studies project.