TedX
TEDx

There are very few days that are as invigorating as a day with Ted.

I love the idea of an idea. So when Ecole Mondiale World School (EMWS) invited me to be a speaker for the TedX event they were hosting, I naturally jumped at the opportunity.

Ted Talks started in 1984 when the founders got together and hosted the first Ted event. 30 years, a YouTube channel, 1 billion views and a gazillion ideas later, Ted events have reached every corner of the world. Besides the main Ted events, there are many independently organised Ted events, known as TedX, that are managed by schools, colleges and institutions.

TedX
TEDx

If you have an idea that could inspire someone, or could create another idea, why not share it? Maybe that idea could change the world – solve world hunger, bring peace in the world or maybe just make a child smile. Speakers talk about their inspiring journeys, radical achievements and wonderful thoughts.

At TedxEMWS, Parmesh Sahani spoke about cross pollination of ideas. About how, because of the various hats he wears, he lands up utilising ideas from one field in the discipline of another. A self-proclaimed idea junky, he says mixing ideas in different disciplines creates very interesting results that may surprise you.

TedX
TEDx

12 year old author, Yamini, joyfully shared the story of her challenges in publishing her own book. Elsie Nanji, a design consultant at Red Lion, spoke about the need to keep our inner child alive. Sam White, the co-founder of Promethean Power systems, provided an inspirational tale of finding the passion to proceed in spite of the odds. A basic requirement for innovators and pioneers.

We all have problems, but when you consider the story of Siddharth CJ, one can’t help but consider how trivial our problems tend to be. Understanding cerebral palsy from a patient’s point of view made me realise that inside a seemingly out of control body can be a very intelligent and wise mind. Siddharth’s story showed that passion, determination and will power are no match for overwhelming odds.

TedX
TEDx

The event itself was incredibly well planned and immaculately executed. Each detail was carefully crafted, each aspect carefully considered and hours of non-stop effort cheerfully exerted by the students of EMWS.

The flow of ideas continued during the breaks, as people, inspired by the talks, excitedly exchanged notes and shared stories. Languages are evolving as the non-native users bring their external influence in the way sentences are structured and words used – I learnt that at Ted.

The world has become a global village and everybody is contributing to its development, thanks in a small part to Ted. Here one idea inspires another which triggers a third till they collide with blood, sweat and tears to become a thing to hold or a joy to share. Ted events have done a marvellous job of bringing ideas to where they belong – out in the open.

TedX
TEDx

Thanks Ted. The time has come to raise our glasses to new ideas. Let us cerebrate. To ideas! Those sexy little things.

TEDxEMWS is supported by Wizard Constructions in association with Samvedna Foundation. Partners include Gammon India, Nayaab Jewels, GEFACHE and Ecole Mondiale World School. Mentored by the organisers of TEDxGateway.