Vahini's Musings

  Interactive Storytelling: Video Games as Cultural Texts in Digital Humanities Interactive Storytelling: Video Games as Cultural Texts in Digital Humanities For a long time, the term “cultural text” has been reserved for novels, plays, poems, and films—works that clearly belonged to the humanities. Yet in today’s digital age, video games have grown into one of the most important cultural forms of storytelling. They are not only entertainment but also artifacts that reflect social histories, values, and struggles. Within the field of Digital Humanities (DH) , video games are now examined as serious cultural texts, worthy of the same critical attention as books or cinema. What makes games distinct is their interactivity . Unlike traditional media, video games allow players to actively shape stories, take on roles, and make choices that carry consequences. This makes them powerful cultural texts and a vital subject of study for anyone interested in how digital culture influen...

  Digital Humanities as Public Humanities: Engaging Communities Beyond Academia The phrase Digital Humanities (DH) often brings to mind images of scholars, archives, and academic projects housed within universities. While this perception is not entirely inaccurate, it only captures a fraction of the story. In reality, the essence of digital humanities stretches far beyond academia. At its best, DH functions as a bridge between scholarly inquiry and public engagement, transforming itself into what many now call Public Humanities . This shift not only democratizes knowledge but also redefines how communities understand, preserve, and participate in cultural life. In this blog, we will explore how digital humanities has evolved into a powerful form of public humanities, highlight its impact on community engagement, and consider the challenges and opportunities it presents in fostering collaboration beyond traditional academic spaces. From Digital Scholarship to Public Engagem...

  Narrative Medicine: Why Doctors Need to Read Fiction   Introduction Medicine has long been considered a science of facts, tests, and treatments. Yet, in recent years, educators and practitioners have started emphasizing a different but equally vital aspect: the role of stories. This is the foundation of narrative medicine , an approach that encourages doctors to engage with literature, particularly fiction, as a way to better understand the human experience of illness. Reading novels, short stories, or even poetry may seem far removed from diagnosing diseases, but it builds skills that are essential for effective medical practice—empathy, communication, and perspective. What Is Narrative Medicine? Narrative medicine is an interdisciplinary field that brings together storytelling, literary analysis, and medical practice. The term was popularized by Dr. Rita Charon, a physician and literary scholar at Columbia University, who argued that doctors need to “listen to ...

  Storytelling and the Doctor–Patient Relationship: A Humanistic Approach     Introduction Healthcare is usually seen as a discipline rooted in science, yet its effectiveness depends equally on human connection. Behind every diagnosis lies a personal journey—of suffering, resilience, and meaning-making. One of the most powerful ways this journey surfaces is through storytelling . When patients recount their experiences, and doctors genuinely listen, a deeper relationship unfolds. This narrative exchange goes beyond clinical facts; it creates trust, mutual respect, and a shared understanding that supports healing. Why Patients Tell Stories Illness unsettles life. It interrupts routines, alters identities, and raises fears about the future. Patients rarely speak only in the language of symptoms. Instead, they explain how illness has reshaped daily life: “I can no longer climb stairs without help,” or “I felt sick after the stress of losing my job.” Such acco...