Chitkara University hosts second edition of ‘Never Ending Story’ storytelling festival

Chitkara University hosted the second edition of “Never Ending Story,” a two-day festival celebrating storytelling and creative expression, organized by the Chitkara Design School.

The event brought together filmmakers, musicians, professional storytellers, design academicians, and industry practitioners from across India, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative learning.

The festival opened with musical performances by renowned artists Bindhu Malini and Lalon, whose compositions drew on Sufi, Bhakti, and experimental traditions, creating an immersive atmosphere for attendees.

A keynote Design Dialogue featured a panel including Azmina Poddar, Dr Sherline Pimenta, Pushpendra Nath Misra, Nina Sabnani, and Ramneek Majithia.

The discussion addressed the future of design education, the influence of technology on creative practices, and the evolving responsibilities of design institutions.

Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor of Chitkara University, said, “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.”

“At Chitkara University, we remain committed to nurturing creative ecosystems that combine academic rigor with real-world relevance,” Chitkara added.

Over two days, students participated in workshops covering AI and design, storytelling methods, sound design, humor in communication, improvisational music, narrative gaming, bookbinding, illustration, and play-based storytelling.

The festival also included a student short film showcase featuring submissions from design institutions nationwide.

The program concluded with a screening of Jai Mata Ji – Let’s Rock by National Award-winning filmmaker Manish Saini, followed by a panel discussion with leading filmmakers and sound designers.

The second edition of “Never Ending Story” reinforced Chitkara University’s focus on experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustained engagement with industry experts, offering students a space to experiment, reflect, and develop their creative voices alongside accomplished practitioners.