Shanaya Singh: The 11-Year-Old Storyteller from Kolkata Shaping a Global Reading Movement

At just 11 years and 9 months old, Shanaya Singh is already a familiar name in India’s literary and cultural circles. A student of Mahadevi Birla World Academy, Shanaya has built an extraordinary profile as a storyteller, author and reading advocate whose influence now stretches far beyond classrooms and borders.
While children of her age often spend weekends with screens and games, Shanaya’s time is filled with storytelling sessions, writing projects and interactive engagements with young audiences across the world. Her journey reflects how creativity, when nurtured early, can evolve into meaningful social impact.

Early Start Rooted in School and Stories

Shanaya’s foundation in storytelling was shaped both at home and at school. Mahadevi Birla World Academy, Kolkata, has long emphasised storytelling as part of learning, weaving it into subjects such as language, social studies and even science. This environment allowed Shanaya to experiment with stories not just as entertainment but as a tool for understanding ideas and emotions.

During the pandemic, when schools shifted online and social interaction became limited, Shanaya turned adversity into opportunity. She began hosting virtual storytelling sessions, drawing from Indian classics, folk tales, animal stories and original narratives. With confident screen presence, expressive voice modulation and thoughtfully chosen costumes and props, she quickly captured the attention of audiences of all ages.

From Online Sessions to International Recognition

What started as informal storytelling soon evolved into a global platform. Shanaya began receiving invitations to perform at national and international forums, connecting with children and families across continents. Her work during this period earned her a rare distinction: she became a world record holder across four major platforms, including the International Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, America Book of Records and India Book of Records.
These recognitions marked a turning point, positioning her among the youngest achievers to be acknowledged simultaneously by multiple global record institutions.

A Remarkable List of Awards and Honours

Between 2021 and 2024, Shanaya received an exceptional number of awards recognising her contribution to children’s literature, education and social engagement. Among them are the Global Achievers Award by All India Radio, the Pride of Nation Award, and the Shri Dadasaheb Phalke Award for spreading reading culture and positivity among children during the pandemic.

She was also honoured with the APJ Abdul Kalam Award titled “The Pillars of India,” the National Star Icon Award, the International Achievers India Award, and the Indian Novelty Awards. Her leadership and resilience were further recognised through awards such as the Maharana Pratap Bravery Award and the Child Prodigy Award.
Her role during the pandemic earned her the Global Covid Warrior Leadership and Excellence Award, while her consistent work with children led to honours like the Youth Icon Award by SPAA India and the National Child Excellence Award in Maharashtra.
In 2022, Shanaya was nominated for the Rashtriya Bal Puraskaar, one of India’s most prestigious honours for children, highlighting her growing national stature.

Author at a Young Age

Shanaya’s engagement with stories goes beyond narration. She is a published author whose work has appeared in the Singapore-based literary magazine Borderless Journal. She has also served as an in-house writer for Bookosmia, contributing stories that resonate with young readers.
In 2023, she authored The World Needs Stories, a book published globally. The book reflects her belief that storytelling builds empathy, curiosity and emotional intelligence, especially among children growing up in a fast-paced digital world.

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Ambassadorial Roles and Cultural Engagement

As her influence grew, Shanaya was invited to take on several ambassadorial roles. She serves as the International Ambassador of The Global Literary Temple and has been appointed City Brand Ambassador for Namaste India Magazine. She is also the Brand Ambassador of The Rustle of Book Club and has led national campaigns focused on children’s wellbeing and mobile de-addiction.

In recognition of her broader influence, Shanaya was listed among the top 50 world’s most influential young leaders by the World Wide Leaders Association and the America International Education Federation in 2022. The same year, she received the Telegraph Edugraph 18 Under 18 Award, further reinforcing her presence in education and youth leadership spaces.

Invitations from Leading Institutions

Shanaya’s storytelling sessions have been hosted by prominent organisations across India. She has been invited by CRY India for interactive storytelling, by The Indian Museum for curated literary sessions, and by We Care Kolkata, where she was later selected as ambassador for the Hunger Free Kolkata food drive.
In 2024, she was invited by Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle Comic Studios in Mumbai for storytelling sessions and was selected as their in-house storyteller. Her reach has also extended to school networks, including storytelling sessions conducted for Sarla Birla group schools through Mahadevi Birla World Academy.

Creating Access Through a Free Storytelling Club

One of Shanaya’s most impactful initiatives is her free storytelling club, which currently engages around 150 children. Through regular online sessions, she encourages reading habits, imagination and confidence in self-expression. These sessions are conducted for children from different backgrounds and for various organisations, making reading accessible beyond formal classrooms.
Educators observing her work note that the sessions focus on participation rather than performance. Children are encouraged to retell stories, discuss characters and even write their own narratives, fostering a sense of ownership over reading.

A Young Voice with a Lasting Message

At 11 years and 9 months, Shanaya Singh’s journey already spans world records, global awards, authorship and grassroots community work. Yet, those close to her say her focus remains simple: getting more children to read and enjoy stories.
In a time when attention is fragmented and reading habits are declining, Shanaya’s work offers a quiet but powerful reminder of the role stories play in shaping young minds. Her story, much like the ones she tells, continues to grow with each new chapter.