“Kiran is a magnificent storyteller and human being.” – Yo Yo Ma.
“Kiran understands at a very deep level that art not only holds intrinsic value, but is a powerful tool for social change. I have seen him link poetry, storytelling and photography with issues as diverse as gang warfare, human trafficking, peacebuilding, and countering violent extremism. This ability to link disparate world views and modalities for peace is extremely rare, and Kiran is a genius in this regard. His ability to link different cultures, his brilliant ingenuity, his vast creativity, his love for a wide range of storytelling traditions – and his modesty -- strike me as the values we desperately need during a polarizing and traumatic time in the world. Kiran is a once-in-a-generation social leader” - Melanie Greenberg. Managing Director, Peacebuilding, Humanity United.
“Kiran is an exceptional individual that has led outstanding arts and humanities projects towards collective impact. By scaling up his Storytelling for All approach to ensure equity, diversity and critical conversations are core to the arts, and public discourse at large. Kiran is constantly working for social change, whether he’s training troops in using storytelling for non-violence conflict prevention strategy at the Pentagon or empowering grassroots student activists across the US South to share stories on their own terms. His goal is always to amplify the voices and stories of America’s most historically marginalized groups and help advance multiculturalism as a foundational core value for our nation.. Kiran brings a mastery and unique expertise to the field of storytelling and narrative change for the benefit of the wider American public, where his accomplishments are undeniably far above what is expected from his peer group. Although newer to our nation, he has established himself as a national leader, an interdisciplinary specialist, a public folklorist and educator, whom is always creating important national dialogue collaborations across the United States, and beyond.” - William Ferris. Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History. Senior Associate Director. Center for Study of the American South
“Kiran’s work building community and cross-cultural constructive ties among people through their most cherished and meaningful cultural assets is much needed in our globalized societies, in search of a creative, peaceful future. I applaud him for his talent, devotion, innovation, and energy in service of his cause–the cause of all of us.” --Dr. Daniel Sheehy, Director Emeritus, Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage
“I met Kiran when he arrived to undertake graduate studies at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, as a Rotary Peace Fellow in the fall of 2011. However, I have known him since 2009 when we first started communicating about his interest in the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program. Rotary Peace Fellows are leaders who promote cooperation, peace and conflict resolution in their communities and around the world. Most Fellows arrive, study, make some contribution to our program, the university and the community, then move on and send us periodic updates. Only a tiny handful lead those around them, including faculty, senior administrators and community leaders, to become better human beings and much better contributors to our society. Kiran is one such Fellow. Kiran has already made an enormous impact, both in the United Kingdom and since 2011, in the United States, and he will continue to do so. On November 3rd, 2012, Kiran was invited by the Rotary International Representative to the United Nations to deliver a keynote address to discuss his work and ideas for using the arts as a force for social change. He spoke to an audience of more than 1,300 Rotarians, United Nations officials and representatives from worldwide international development organizations in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. During the two days before his keynote address, Kiran walked all over the city, listening to stories of residents’ experiences with the storm, which led him to dedicate his speech “to the people of the city who took me in and offered inspiration, truly Telling Stories that Matter”.” - Susan E. Carroll Managing Director. The Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center.
“Through the story arts, he has been able to break down barriers, heal hearts and improve the human condition. Working with teachers, he supports the use stories to fuel the imaginations of students and build their self-image and self-determination. He is firmly on building community. I don’t believe there is any element of our society that Kiran could not- and would not- face for the purpose of bringing peace and well-being to our world. His gentle and caring sprit fills all the space around him. Being with Kiran is both inspiring and soothing. He has a calming and peaceful nature putting you at ease and making a space for open and meaningful dialogue. Through our work at the Niswonger Foundation, Kiran has provide support for our college leadership program, for the educators across the region, for school children, and to me, personally, as a mentor and friend. Kiran is the very definition of nonviolent activism. He doesn’t shy aware from the hard questions. He merely uses his tremendous talents to share life lessons peacefully, respectfully, and convincingly. I want to keep learning from him.” --Nancy Dishner, ED.D. President and CEO, Niswonger Foundation.
“Kiran’s contributions explore culturally diverse approaches through working with communities affected by conflict and marginalization.” --Joanne Orr, Chair of UK National Commission, UNESCO Scotland Committee
“With his background in the arts as well as an ability to teach effectively, Kiran gives individuals and communities new ways to approach collaborative efforts aimed at conflict resolution on any level.” --Rebecca Popham, Managing Editor, Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation-USA
“Kiran Sirah is an exceptional individual who brings a broad background and a true mastery to the field of storytelling. Kiran Sirah’s significant accomplishments have enjoyed widespread acceptance and implementation by the storytelling community and are undeniably far above what is expected from his peer group and have established him as a nationally and internationally outstanding researcher in his field. His work is certainly important to the field and to the United States” --Congressman [Former} Phil Roe. 1st district, Tennessee. ( a sponsor for Kiran’s 2016 exceptional ability Greencard.)
“Kiran Sirah led a session that explored and examined how military captains could fully use their own personal stories as a way to build key relationships in their community building programs. Kiran Sirah was also asked at the training event to draw from his own past experiences working with members of Scottish and Northern Ireland army and police and those affected by the sectarian conflict as examples of such work and how he used storytelling as a peace and reconciliation tool as well as a conflict prevention strategy on dealing with difficult subjects and areas of tension- such as sectarian or ethnic and race based divisions. The program established by Mr. Sirah prior to coming to the US became one of the largest anti - sectarian cultural diplomacy programs in the UK- with nearly 90,000 people that have since participated. We are fortunate to have the skills and expertise of MR. Sirah here in the United States.” …” In my career, talent like Mr. Kiran Sirah’s is difficult to find, both in terms of professional practice and in terms of theoretical understanding.” -- David Stanley, Protocol Officer, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. Fort Benning, GA
“Kiran's kind of enthusiasm and support is greatly appreciated. He gave an outstanding talk about the power of stories for community building and peacemaking.” --Nicole Saylor, Head of the Archive, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
“Compared to other education and public relations professionals whom I have worked with, Kiran Sirah has a sharp instinct for presenting complex information from a relatable and fresh perspective.” --Dr. Alice Wessen, Public Engagement Manager, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
“Kiran brought a fresh, creative energy to our team and helped us to think about creative storytelling in new ways. The toolkit he developed while he was with us continues to be a useful resource for the global network of Partners [for Democratic Change] Centers all over the world.” --Julia Roig, President, Partners for Democratic Change
“We have engaged the work and expertise of Mr. Sirah to enable our fellows’ experiences to focus on developing personal narratives that promote the core values of our program in particular to advance comprehension of democracy and religious liberty as core values in the United States”-- Barbara Zasloff, P.hD, President. International Center for Contemporary Education
“Kiran’s scope of work and influence are not limited to Tennessee. He recently received a call from the White House asking him to seak about response to recent tragic events through storytelling. Calls like this across the country and the world are not uncommon for Kiran as he is a known leader in his field of professional storytelling, expertly communication its impact on community development, social justice, and peace. Kiran Sirah’s brilliance in purpose, message, and action is a gift to Tennessee and our country. His accomplishments and impact are unique and significant and his work propels him toward his personal goal of peace in the world.” --Stephanie B. Conner. Immediate Past Chair. Tennessee Arts Commission.
“He is a true leader in advancing the role of storytelling in our nation’s historical and cultural research. I was a first-hand witness to Mr. Sirah’s approach to his craft. Many social scientists may view it as an intellectual exercise, but Mr. Sirah sees the connections between storytelling and real-world social issues with unusual clarity. He uses it as a tool to build empathy, defuse painful divisions, and construct a more peaceful world. Mr. Sirah’s work is directly relevant to some of the United States’ most urgent national interests today. A country that is in severe need of increased cross-cultural compassion and awareness should take heed of the potential contributions of Mr. Sirah.” --Harold Closter. Director [former) of Smithsonian Affiliates.
“Kiran is one of those thinkers whose ideas often seem, at first glance, brilliantly outside of the box; on closer examination, however, one realizes that they’re not so much outside of the box as busily re-framing the box, re-conceptualizing possibilities in strikingly original ways. What emerges is not necessarily what one expects, but instead what one couldn’t even have imagined . . . but which seems to make complete sense once it’s in place.”
--Dr. Glenn Hinson, Acting Director, Folklore Program, University of North Carolina
“Kiran's presentation added significant depth to the program and encouraged the audience to view intercultural communities through a different lens – that of storytelling!” --Jessica Trijburg, Melton City Council; Melton, Australia
“With his background in the arts as well as an ability to teach effectively, Kiran gives individuals and communities new ways to approach collaborative efforts aimed at conflict resolution on any level.” --Rebecca Popham, Managing Editor, Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation-USA
“Kiran emanates joy and warmth! I'm excited to share his wise words and his recent talks with everyone...” --Jan Elston, Vice President for Competitive Grant Programs, East Tennessee Foundation
“Kiran is truly an expert in the field of professional storytelling.” --Dr. Brian Noland, President, East Tennessee State University
“Kiran is an excellent communicator and people-person which makes him highly suited to tasks involving facilitation and mediation. He is able to relate to people on many different levels and is genuinely passionate about his work which contributes to his success in dealing with sensitive and often contentious topics.” --Dr. Rhiannon Mason, Director of the International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies and Senior Lecturer in Museum, Gallery and Heritage Studies, Newcastle University
“He is very creative and accomplished in a variety of visual and performing arts and uses these talents to facilitate the expression of identity by marginalized and troubled communities for which he demonstrates compassion and understanding. His work has shown the value of the arts in bringing together communities in conflict, promoting mutual understanding that lays a foundation for conflict resolution. Most important is that Kiran has the will and an abundance of charm needed to inspire others to support him in positive actions towards these ends.” --Frank Webb, D.Phil. Professor of the Practice of Public Policy, Duke Center for International Development, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University
“Kiran’s commitment to thoughtful dialogue, connecting people across difference and conflict, and creating transformative educational experiences is exceptional, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from him.” --Emily Chavez, Outreach, The Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University
“Kiran understands at a very deep level that art not only holds intrinsic value, but is a powerful tool for social change. I have seen him link poetry, storytelling and photography with issues as diverse as gang warfare, human trafficking, peacebuilding, and countering violent extremism. This ability to link disparate world views and modalities for peace is extremely rare, and Kiran is a genius in this regard. His ability to link different cultures, his brilliant ingenuity, his vast creativity, his love for a wide range of storytelling traditions – and his modesty -- strike me as the values we desperately need during a polarizing and traumatic time in the world. Kiran is a once-in-a-generation social leader” - Melanie Greenberg. Managing Director, Peacebuilding, Humanity United.
“Kiran is an exceptional individual that has led outstanding arts and humanities projects towards collective impact. By scaling up his Storytelling for All approach to ensure equity, diversity and critical conversations are core to the arts, and public discourse at large. Kiran is constantly working for social change, whether he’s training troops in using storytelling for non-violence conflict prevention strategy at the Pentagon or empowering grassroots student activists across the US South to share stories on their own terms. His goal is always to amplify the voices and stories of America’s most historically marginalized groups and help advance multiculturalism as a foundational core value for our nation.. Kiran brings a mastery and unique expertise to the field of storytelling and narrative change for the benefit of the wider American public, where his accomplishments are undeniably far above what is expected from his peer group. Although newer to our nation, he has established himself as a national leader, an interdisciplinary specialist, a public folklorist and educator, whom is always creating important national dialogue collaborations across the United States, and beyond.” - William Ferris. Joel R. Williamson Eminent Professor of History. Senior Associate Director. Center for Study of the American South
“Kiran’s work building community and cross-cultural constructive ties among people through their most cherished and meaningful cultural assets is much needed in our globalized societies, in search of a creative, peaceful future. I applaud him for his talent, devotion, innovation, and energy in service of his cause–the cause of all of us.” --Dr. Daniel Sheehy, Director Emeritus, Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage
“I met Kiran when he arrived to undertake graduate studies at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, as a Rotary Peace Fellow in the fall of 2011. However, I have known him since 2009 when we first started communicating about his interest in the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program. Rotary Peace Fellows are leaders who promote cooperation, peace and conflict resolution in their communities and around the world. Most Fellows arrive, study, make some contribution to our program, the university and the community, then move on and send us periodic updates. Only a tiny handful lead those around them, including faculty, senior administrators and community leaders, to become better human beings and much better contributors to our society. Kiran is one such Fellow. Kiran has already made an enormous impact, both in the United Kingdom and since 2011, in the United States, and he will continue to do so. On November 3rd, 2012, Kiran was invited by the Rotary International Representative to the United Nations to deliver a keynote address to discuss his work and ideas for using the arts as a force for social change. He spoke to an audience of more than 1,300 Rotarians, United Nations officials and representatives from worldwide international development organizations in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. During the two days before his keynote address, Kiran walked all over the city, listening to stories of residents’ experiences with the storm, which led him to dedicate his speech “to the people of the city who took me in and offered inspiration, truly Telling Stories that Matter”.” - Susan E. Carroll Managing Director. The Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center.
“Through the story arts, he has been able to break down barriers, heal hearts and improve the human condition. Working with teachers, he supports the use stories to fuel the imaginations of students and build their self-image and self-determination. He is firmly on building community. I don’t believe there is any element of our society that Kiran could not- and would not- face for the purpose of bringing peace and well-being to our world. His gentle and caring sprit fills all the space around him. Being with Kiran is both inspiring and soothing. He has a calming and peaceful nature putting you at ease and making a space for open and meaningful dialogue. Through our work at the Niswonger Foundation, Kiran has provide support for our college leadership program, for the educators across the region, for school children, and to me, personally, as a mentor and friend. Kiran is the very definition of nonviolent activism. He doesn’t shy aware from the hard questions. He merely uses his tremendous talents to share life lessons peacefully, respectfully, and convincingly. I want to keep learning from him.” --Nancy Dishner, ED.D. President and CEO, Niswonger Foundation.
“Kiran’s contributions explore culturally diverse approaches through working with communities affected by conflict and marginalization.” --Joanne Orr, Chair of UK National Commission, UNESCO Scotland Committee
“With his background in the arts as well as an ability to teach effectively, Kiran gives individuals and communities new ways to approach collaborative efforts aimed at conflict resolution on any level.” --Rebecca Popham, Managing Editor, Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation-USA
“Kiran Sirah is an exceptional individual who brings a broad background and a true mastery to the field of storytelling. Kiran Sirah’s significant accomplishments have enjoyed widespread acceptance and implementation by the storytelling community and are undeniably far above what is expected from his peer group and have established him as a nationally and internationally outstanding researcher in his field. His work is certainly important to the field and to the United States” --Congressman [Former} Phil Roe. 1st district, Tennessee. ( a sponsor for Kiran’s 2016 exceptional ability Greencard.)
“Kiran Sirah led a session that explored and examined how military captains could fully use their own personal stories as a way to build key relationships in their community building programs. Kiran Sirah was also asked at the training event to draw from his own past experiences working with members of Scottish and Northern Ireland army and police and those affected by the sectarian conflict as examples of such work and how he used storytelling as a peace and reconciliation tool as well as a conflict prevention strategy on dealing with difficult subjects and areas of tension- such as sectarian or ethnic and race based divisions. The program established by Mr. Sirah prior to coming to the US became one of the largest anti - sectarian cultural diplomacy programs in the UK- with nearly 90,000 people that have since participated. We are fortunate to have the skills and expertise of MR. Sirah here in the United States.” …” In my career, talent like Mr. Kiran Sirah’s is difficult to find, both in terms of professional practice and in terms of theoretical understanding.” -- David Stanley, Protocol Officer, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. Fort Benning, GA
“Kiran's kind of enthusiasm and support is greatly appreciated. He gave an outstanding talk about the power of stories for community building and peacemaking.” --Nicole Saylor, Head of the Archive, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
“Compared to other education and public relations professionals whom I have worked with, Kiran Sirah has a sharp instinct for presenting complex information from a relatable and fresh perspective.” --Dr. Alice Wessen, Public Engagement Manager, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
“Kiran brought a fresh, creative energy to our team and helped us to think about creative storytelling in new ways. The toolkit he developed while he was with us continues to be a useful resource for the global network of Partners [for Democratic Change] Centers all over the world.” --Julia Roig, President, Partners for Democratic Change
“We have engaged the work and expertise of Mr. Sirah to enable our fellows’ experiences to focus on developing personal narratives that promote the core values of our program in particular to advance comprehension of democracy and religious liberty as core values in the United States”-- Barbara Zasloff, P.hD, President. International Center for Contemporary Education
“Kiran’s scope of work and influence are not limited to Tennessee. He recently received a call from the White House asking him to seak about response to recent tragic events through storytelling. Calls like this across the country and the world are not uncommon for Kiran as he is a known leader in his field of professional storytelling, expertly communication its impact on community development, social justice, and peace. Kiran Sirah’s brilliance in purpose, message, and action is a gift to Tennessee and our country. His accomplishments and impact are unique and significant and his work propels him toward his personal goal of peace in the world.” --Stephanie B. Conner. Immediate Past Chair. Tennessee Arts Commission.
“He is a true leader in advancing the role of storytelling in our nation’s historical and cultural research. I was a first-hand witness to Mr. Sirah’s approach to his craft. Many social scientists may view it as an intellectual exercise, but Mr. Sirah sees the connections between storytelling and real-world social issues with unusual clarity. He uses it as a tool to build empathy, defuse painful divisions, and construct a more peaceful world. Mr. Sirah’s work is directly relevant to some of the United States’ most urgent national interests today. A country that is in severe need of increased cross-cultural compassion and awareness should take heed of the potential contributions of Mr. Sirah.” --Harold Closter. Director [former) of Smithsonian Affiliates.
“Kiran is one of those thinkers whose ideas often seem, at first glance, brilliantly outside of the box; on closer examination, however, one realizes that they’re not so much outside of the box as busily re-framing the box, re-conceptualizing possibilities in strikingly original ways. What emerges is not necessarily what one expects, but instead what one couldn’t even have imagined . . . but which seems to make complete sense once it’s in place.”
--Dr. Glenn Hinson, Acting Director, Folklore Program, University of North Carolina
“Kiran's presentation added significant depth to the program and encouraged the audience to view intercultural communities through a different lens – that of storytelling!” --Jessica Trijburg, Melton City Council; Melton, Australia
“With his background in the arts as well as an ability to teach effectively, Kiran gives individuals and communities new ways to approach collaborative efforts aimed at conflict resolution on any level.” --Rebecca Popham, Managing Editor, Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation-USA
“Kiran emanates joy and warmth! I'm excited to share his wise words and his recent talks with everyone...” --Jan Elston, Vice President for Competitive Grant Programs, East Tennessee Foundation
“Kiran is truly an expert in the field of professional storytelling.” --Dr. Brian Noland, President, East Tennessee State University
“Kiran is an excellent communicator and people-person which makes him highly suited to tasks involving facilitation and mediation. He is able to relate to people on many different levels and is genuinely passionate about his work which contributes to his success in dealing with sensitive and often contentious topics.” --Dr. Rhiannon Mason, Director of the International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies and Senior Lecturer in Museum, Gallery and Heritage Studies, Newcastle University
“He is very creative and accomplished in a variety of visual and performing arts and uses these talents to facilitate the expression of identity by marginalized and troubled communities for which he demonstrates compassion and understanding. His work has shown the value of the arts in bringing together communities in conflict, promoting mutual understanding that lays a foundation for conflict resolution. Most important is that Kiran has the will and an abundance of charm needed to inspire others to support him in positive actions towards these ends.” --Frank Webb, D.Phil. Professor of the Practice of Public Policy, Duke Center for International Development, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University
“Kiran’s commitment to thoughtful dialogue, connecting people across difference and conflict, and creating transformative educational experiences is exceptional, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from him.” --Emily Chavez, Outreach, The Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University