TEDx 2024 Report for PlanetPowai

TEDx Youth@HFS International 2024 Report

On February 17, 2024, TEDxYouth@HFS International celebrated its 6th edition, gathering distinguished guests, speakers, and eager audience members. The event served as a global platform for young minds, innovators, and change-makers to exchange ideas, catalyse action, and ignite meaningful conversations. Under the theme "Building Bridges Not Walls," the event emphasised the vital importance of forging connections, bridging divides, and nurturing understanding in today's increasingly fragmented world

The event kicked off with an electrifying start as our hosts, Neev Ramani and Abhimanyu Gupta, took the stage to welcome everyone. They set the tone for the day by introducing the esteemed Head of School, Mrs. Kalyani Patnaik, who delivered an insightful speech on the importance of "Building Character." Following Mrs. Patnaik's inspiring words, esteemed trustee, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani opened the floor as the first speaker of the day. The captivating start to the event set the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking day ahead.

Throughout the day, attendees were treated to a diverse lineup of speakers, each offering unique perspectives on the theme. From Mr. Neeraj Jain, MD of Scholastic India, drawing parallels between his love for Mumbai auto rickshaws and society's empathy deficit disorder, to esteemed filmmaker Mr. Kabeer Khurana sharing insights from his personal journey through the film industry, the event truly enabled the community to be rekindled with their lost empathy

Next, the audience awaited with a palpable anticipation as Captain Shubhangi Singh, a seasoned pilot, graced the stage to present her talk, "Journey Towards The Skies." With eloquence, she delved into the topic of time scarcity in today's fast-paced world, challenging common perceptions and inviting reflection. The hosts then introduced Ms. Karishma Chhatrapati, an Emotional Wellness Expert, who challenged the event’s status quo and encouraged the audience to focus on ‘intrapathy’ over empathy in which she brought to attention the importance of being connected with one’s own self and to stop seeking external validation.

The momentum of insightful discussions continued with Mr. Aditya Iyengar's presentation on "How to Build Bridges with Stories." With captivating storytelling, the mythological novelist emphasised the transformative power of narratives in fostering empathy, a skill crucial in bridging divides in today's world. And who better to continue the discourse than a journalist, Ms. Vidhi Bubna who recognised the importance of empathy in fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change.

Finally, to close the conversation for the day, Mr. Ashdin Doctor took the stage with infectious enthusiasm. His talk centred on the exploration of unconscious habits, offering a fresh perspective on dismantling metaphorical walls and constructing bridges in personal and professional spheres. As his presentation concluded, the audience was left with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility, inspired to embrace empathy and conscious action in their own lives.

Complete with invigorating dance performances, an exhilarating musical number, and a poem by HFS International’s youngest TEDx speaker 8 year old Erica Goyal, the event left attendees with hearts full of inspiration and minds buzzing with newfound ideas as they departed the event with a renewed sense of purpose. TEDx Youth@HFS International 2024 had succeeded in its mission to spark conversations, inspire action, and foster connections. As participants reflected on the day's discussions and experiences, they carried with them the belief that by building bridges—not walls—we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.

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