The one with the new girl

The MyndStories Podcast

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Dear Mynd aims to create and encourage conversations around mental health. We do this through stories and that simple fact that connects us all; our human experiences. We are, after all, our stories. And our stories are us.

This maiden episode of Dear Mynd explores the theme of unfamiliar settings. It uses a children’s story - "The New Girl" by Srividhya Venkat - to touch upon a range of themes such as prejudice, isolation, friendship, support, and acceptance.

Details of the episode

1. Rejection can be instantaneous. So can acceptance.
2. The simplicity of a child’s perspective and how an adult can learn from it.
3. Friendship comes in all shapes and forms- sometimes, a classmate, other times, a teacher.
4. The ability to trust yourself and who you are is paramount in all situations.

Meet the host

Srividya Sivakumar is a reader, a teacher, and a speaker. But what really occupies her mind are those strange things that come hardbound or within soft paperbacks or on a device. Books. Yes, she’s a self avowed bibliophile and a firm believer in the magic that 26 letters and a few punctuation marks can create. A critically acclaimed poet, TEDx Speaker and a Voiceover Artist, Srividya believes in using her voice as a vehicle - one that drives change, sparks conversations, inspires calm and encourages you - to slow down, one story at a time.
Author bio
"The New Girl" is written by Chicago-based children’s writer, Srividhya Venkat. Her first-ever story was illustrated and hand-printed by her brother when she was 8 years old. She was born and raised in India and has spent many years in the US and Singapore. Srividhya is also a performance storyteller and former early childhood educator.

Resources and attribution

• The New Girl (English), written by Srividhya Venkat, illustrated by Sayan Mukherjee , published by Pratham Books (© Pratham Books, 2016) under a CC BY 4.0 license.
• Soundtrack by Muantea
• Srividhya Venkat's website

QOTD
How can we help children embrace diversity? Write to Srividya - [e-mail]

This is a MyndStories production. MyndStories is part of Metta Media Pvt. Ltd.
Enjoying our podcasts? Listen to more episodes on Spotify, Gaana, and other platforms of your choice. Visit www.myndstories.com for all the guidance you need on your mental health journey.
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