Shubhangani Sooryavanshi
Festival Host, Ajmer
My name is Shubhangani Sooryavanshi, I am a final year student of B.Com from Ajmer, Rajasthan. I identify myself as a woman (she). I have done a course in journalism and a 6-month NIIT computer course. I have been a facilitator at the Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti for one year. Since 2022, through Loktantrashala, I have been trying to give voice to the issues of youth and bring about change in people through constitutional values and provide them benefits of government schemes. In addition, via the organisation, ‘Safe Pin,’ I am involved in the work of creating a safe city for women through safety audits.
Mera Sheher Mera Kitna
Hosted by Shubhangani, Mentored by Mumal Tanvar
Ajmer, Rajasthan
I imagine a festival that breathes life into the stories of women who have quietly, yet boldly, carved out spaces in the heart of our city. Once invisible in the fast-moving world of transport and public spaces, these women now stand tall as drivers, conductors, and more, navigating the streets at all hours and defying the uncertainties of the night. This festival celebrates their resilience, recognizing the struggles they’ve faced and the strength they’ve built.
Through discussions, interviews, and storytelling, these women will share how they’ve crafted safety and belonging amidst urban chaos. In places like ‘Meet in Parks,’ communities will gather, transforming everyday spaces into arenas of solidarity. This festival is a platform stage for women to reclaim their visibility, inspire strength in their communities, and ignite lasting change, one street and one story at a time.
93
participants joined the Ajmer festival, connecting through powerful stories of resilience, community, and cultural identity.
100 - 150
women and girls from nearby cities and village who are working with organisations or studying.
Festival Keywords
empathy, community, resilience, solidarity, visibility.
-
Featured Story
After watching the story "Jazba" by Aisha and Nazia Khatun, Bhagwati, Krishna, and Santra shared their similar experiences. Bhagwati, Krishna, and Santra have completed a videography course through the Digital Sakhi program. In the last week of April 2024, they did a wedding shoot in Kishangarh block near Ajmer. They are the first female photographers/videographers in Ajmer. They shared the challenges and joys they faced during this time with the participants present at the festival. Watching and listening to the stories of Aisha, Nazia Khatun, Bhagwati, Krishna, and Santra brought happiness and new enthusiasm among the participants.
- Shubhangani Sooryavanshi, Host
Mona* , Participant
"It was so great to hear such amazing stories of women breaking barriers from across generations and geographies. Felt really inspired after the event."
Shubhangani , Host
“For me, the Storybeings Festival was like a dream, something I constantly envisioned whether awake or asleep. Every preparation during the festival was a new learning experience for me, and I noticed significant changes in myself.”
