By Manvi Mehra:
Our brain cells, when ignited with curiosity or inspiration, enter a phase of inquisitiveness and exploration. An idea is a spark, if triggered, possesses the power to transform the world for the better. The art of challenging the mind to think out of the box doesn’t come easy. You take a gamble on the future holding the past close. The aim of TED as an organisation is to provide a platform to those who are aware of the power that words, opinions, ideas, and actions possess. The power to create and transform.
Shiv Nadar University, in the hope of facilitating conversations that are intriguing and thought provoking, held its first TEDx event this year on November 13. The audience heard from a wide range of individuals. They heard the stories and ideas that the speakers had to share. From lawyers to chefs, filmmakers to entrepreneurs and from activists to illusionists, all exhibited different thoughts but had one thing in common – the drive to give rise to conversations that matter.
Being young adults, we face this constant pressure of figuring our lives out. To be always aware of the destination we are headed towards. We might have enrolled ourselves into a college, have a degree, or even have a job, but we must always remember that its a long journey towards the unknown, and we carry nothing with us but the mere desire for liberation and happiness. The moment we think that the future is in our control, that there’d be smooth sailing thereon, is the moment when we are wrong. We must always allow ourselves to run wild after things that intrigue our souls to the very depths. To follow one’s passion is liberating. To bind one’s soul with the society’s expectations is annihilating.
The above paragraph summarises what a number of speakers hinted towards. Amrita Mahale, Vaibhav Mehta, Ramesh Menon, Laura Quinn, and Karan Singh, to name a few, shared their stories and learning which inspired many in the audience to expand their horizons. It is completely magnificent – how an exchange of thought amongst a few people in a closed room can lead to life altering actions all around.
To those who missed it, be sure to attend the conference next time. Come, join us on this journey towards spreading ideas and be enthralled by the words and wisdom of those who are courageous enough to nurture an idea.
_
Image provided by author.
This post has been done in collaboration with TEDxShivNadarUniversity.