Jyoti Subramanian
Jyoti has been sharing Hindu mythology stories for more than 15 years in the Dallas metroplex.
Her storytelling journey began in 2006 when the public library in Irving was looking for someone to share stories from India. She accepted the invitation and used it to dig into her own heritage which she had taken for granted while growing up in India. She had walked by temples of many deities scattered in every nook and corner of the city, and seen Swamis in saffron robes moving around on the streets, but never thought much of them.
She was raised in a broad-minded family in the cosmopolitan city of Bombay, where most of the middle class had already adopted western attire and behavior. Her work environment in a five-star hotel also required her to wear western clothing and speak English, also the medium of teaching in her school. She hardly ever spoke the two Indian languages in which she was affluent. She speaks more Hindi and Sindhi to her folks now than she ever did while living in India.
Although her family did not follow a routine of worshipping in temples, her best teachings came from her family. Her highly spiritual mother who had personal experiences with miracles taught her about faith in God, being open-minded to all religions, and accepting people of all colors, backgrounds and beliefs. Her father, who had travelled to faraway lands, taught her how to live a healthy life in society while maintaining boundaries, dressing appropriately and social etiquette. The baby amongst five kids, she developed a high level of patience and tolerance on which she comments, “By the way, that was the biggest gift I’ve received from my siblings, it helps my emotional-self coping with this world, a temporary home!”
Jyoti is grateful for the Dallas Storytelling Guild, the medium between her and the public library in Irving where she debuted as a Hindu mythology storyteller. Her most memorable storytelling moments are the ones where she shared the stage with her daughter, Meena, telling tandem tales.
469-441-4390 or 972-395-3941
Gotmythstorytellrs@gmail.com