Unique empathy group listens to your story

Every Sunday morning, you can walk into Cubbon Park and treat yourself to a murukku by sharing a personal story.

Run by a group of friends in their 20s, Table and Stools is a listening community, which aims to lend a non-judgemental ear to anyone who needs it. Started in Chennai in 2023, the group launched its Bengaluru chapter in June 2024. They set up an informal kiosk at Cubbon Park on Sundays from 8 am to 11 am.

Currently, the group has six core members in the city. “We call ourselves ‘listeners’. When someone wants to share a personal experience, we ensure that they are heard. We don’t interject or share our personal insights,” shares Jino J Ampakkadu, co-founder of the group.

When Ampakkadu’s friend told him that hardly anyone takes time to sit and listen to each other nowadays, it struck a chord.

“Conversations are usually overshadowed by our need to share our own experiences. We’re programmed to think about what to say next instead of just listening to the person talking,” shares the 24-year-old.

Moved by this realisation, Ampakkadu set up a table and stool in an open area in Chennai’s Anna Salai and invited people to share their stories.

“The murukku adds a nostalgic touch. Growing up, when travelling by train, people would randomly strike up conversations. Midway through the conversation, an aunty or uncle would offer you a murukku or biscuit. So as a reward for being brave enough to share a personal story, we offer people a murukku in return,” says Ashwin Kumar, member.

Despite initial apprehension about the need for a listening community, people are now warming up to the idea, Kumar shares.

“Often people tend to shy away thinking they’re being recorded for social media. But we assure them that their stories will not be shared with anyone. Many find the experience of talking to a stranger therapeutic as they get to share things they are not comfortable sharing with their friends or family,” adds the 22-year-old.

Over the last few months, the group has begun noticing patterns in stories shared.

“Most teenagers and younger millennials tend to talk about romantic relationships. People over the age of 40 focus more on platonic relationships and its impact on their lives. Work-related experiences are also quite common. And then there are parents who nudge their kids to go share an ‘Akbar-Birbal’ story for a murukku,” shares Kumar.

The group has also organised sessions in Goa, Mumbai and London. “One of our members is planning a session in Switzerland. We’re also being invited to literature and art festivals,” adds Ampakkadu.

For details, check @tableandstools on Instagram.