JOIN USTEDx, a popular concept in the West, has started finding a place in Bangalore too. The format is simple — a series of short, carefully prepared talks or demonstrations on various discussion-sparking topics are given with the idea of sharing ideas worth spreading.
In addition, at least two pre-recorded TEDTalks videos are also played. The ‘x’ stands for independently organised events which aim to give a TED-like experience.
The concept is visibly picking up with the sheer numbers of colleges organising their own TEDx events on campus. Indus Business Academy, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Indian Institute of Management, BNM Institute of Technology and others have picked up the trend.
Students themselves approach speakers, get the right audiences and put together a large-scale event to the best of their abilities.
Arpit Kumar, who recently organised one at Indus Business Academy, shares his perspective.
“I wanted to give a platform to the idea generators of our country. For that, we ensured that the quality of speakers was great and that they all had different stories to tell,” he says.
On the challenges faced in getting it all together, he replies, “One of the biggest challenges was the response — I wasn’t sure if people would attend. But they did and the feedback was very positive; people actually appreciated the event.
Another problem area was speaker confirmations, since cancellations also took place very close to the event. Marketing the event in the City was also pretty tough.”
MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology has so far conducted two TEDx talks.
“The problem was in figuring out the speakers — we wanted to have people from various industries to attract different audiences. Once you get the right mix, the rest is easy,” shares Kunal Vinayakiya, who organised the last event.
“It’s good to see TEDx picking up in colleges — some of them are doing general ones, while others are concentrating specifically on subjects like entrepreneurship and
literature,” he adds.
Each TEDx has its own theme too. For instance, TEDxSIBM (Symbiosis Institute of Business Management) had the theme of ‘Challenging The Conventional and TedxMSRIT (MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology) had ‘Food for Thought’ and ‘Unlearn the
Familiar’.
For those who have attended, it has been an interesting learning experience. “At TEDxSIBM, the two talks that I enjoyed most were by Satyajit Bhatkal, who directed Satyamev Jayate and Mark Inglis, a double amputee who climbed Mount Everest. Satyajit gave his experiences of the show and how it helped people.
The notion of ‘things don’t change in India’ was challenged and even changed by him. Mark was also a great inspiration.
He explained his difficulties and how he challenged it all and went on for his passion of adventure,” notes Anand Bhate, a student, adding, “overall, it was an amazing event, which not only motivated us all but inspired us to do something exceptional
in life!”