Stories Connect Us is a powerful reflection on the invisible threads that bind humanity together through the art of storytelling. In an age overwhelmed by noise — where information moves faster than understanding — this talk reminds us that stories remain our deepest form of connection. They carry truth where facts alone cannot, evoke empathy where debates fall silent, and remind us that we are all part of one shared narrative. Drawing from experiences in conflict zones and classrooms alike, the talk explores how stories can heal divisions, restore dignity, and ignite change. It celebrates storytelling not merely as communication, but as compassion in motion — an act that bridges hearts, generations, and geographies. At its core, Stories Connect Us invites us to listen more deeply, to see beyond differences, and to recognize that every voice — no matter how faint — adds meaning to the collective human story. I am a former Resident Editor at NDTV, with over two decades of frontline reporting from India’s conflict zones, where I witnessed and chronicled some of the most critical moments in the country’s recent history. I have authored four acclaimed books that reflect my commitment to telling nuanced, insightful stories. My work has been recognized with the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism (2006–07), and I have had the honor of being the first recipient of the Penguin Random House Writers Residency Award in 2016. I am also the founder and curator of ArtEast, a festival celebrating art, culture, and livelihoods in India’s Northeast. Over the years, I have held prestigious fellowships, including the Edward Murrow Fellowship (2006) and Senior Fellowship at IDSA (2011), which have enriched my perspective and deepened my engagement with journalism, literature, and cultural advocacy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx