Theme: "A DREAM WITH AN EMPTY POCKET"

TEDxThaparUniversity 2017 is an independently organised TED event with a mission to carry forward the vision of TED, “ideas worth spreading” into the brains of young minds and hence inspire them so as to make the world a better place. At TEDxThaparUniversity, speakers with world changing ideas come together with an inspired audience to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.

Thapar University
Patiala, Punjab, 147004
India

Ankita Shah

Poet/ Curator at TPC

Ankita Shah lives in Bombay but often wonders what it would’ve been like to grow up in Nepal and write in a language her mother could read. She proudly admits that she started writing when she fell in love but immersed herself when she fell out of it. Her recent work is about her family and her identity.She works with an arts and culture not-for-profit and also co-runs The Poetry Club (TPC). As a part of TPC, she curates poetry readings and conducts workshops. She has been previously featured at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2016, Times Literature Festival 2016, Kavya Hotra 2016, an annual multi lingual poetry festival in Goa, and the Poets Translating Poets Festival 2016. Other than poetry, she is passionate about Indian classical music, birding and eating between meals.

Karolina Goswami

Editor in Chief - India in Details

Karolina Goswami (Editor in Chief- India in Details) is a production engineer but the events in her life took place in such a way that she ended up in India, keenly observing and commenting on this country to the people of the world. Today, she runs an online platform by the name of India in Details that is followed and watched by millions across the world. On India in Details, she produces movies and documentaries through which she talks to the world about India, about Indian diaspora and about the things of their interest. There are billions of people around the world who have little or no idea what India is really about. The mainstream international media has largely failed to give a balanced coverage to all sides of this country and through India in Details she has been trying to fill that gap.

Mukul Varma

CEO - ASFI

Ruining one’s life is easy but helping the victims is not. Mukul Varma, Director Acid Survivors Foundation India - Delhi Chapter, is on mission to stop Violence against Women in India and rehabilitate survivors through gainful employment. In collaboration with International Organisations he has collected funds and created various brands such as Vedic Collection Pvt. Ltd. to manufacture natural wellness products working as a Chief Communication Officer. So lets all learn from him the true spirit of humanity.

Nidhi Kulpati

Journalist

Nidhi Kulpati, A well established name in Indian Journalism, best recognized for her anchoring in Prime Time, Mukhyamantri Chale Gaon, Yuva Sansad and Dilli Durbar. Get inspired by one of the most influential faces in Indian media, serving as the Senior Editor and Senior News Anchor NDTV, recipient of Pandit Haridutt Sharma award for excellence in journalism.

Ravinder Singh

Author

"I had not read a single book when I wrote my first novel. If I can be an author, anybody can" -Ravinder Singh The author of the best selling novel "I Too Had A Love Story", is one of the most celebrated Romance-Fiction writers of India. His journey from a Computer Engineer to the author of 5 books is an excellent example of how sometimes the tragedy in our life completely transforms us. His writing style is coherent and serene and is decorated by evocative emotions which have resonated with audiences around the world..

Sajal Jain

Technology/Business Strategist

Promoter and Advisor of Mobile Computing Company and an internationally acclaimed business strategist, who is currently engaged with World’s Largest online retailer, working on work process improvement. Recently crowned Young Manager 2009 and 2010 competing against leading Indian corporates like TATA, Aditya Birla Group, Bharti Enterprises, and L&T.

Shri Gauranga Das

Spiritual Scientist / Director - Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV)

Leading his iniatiative Goverdhan Eco Village to win the United Nations Award for Excellence and Innovation in Sustainable Tourism (UNWTO), Shri Gauranga Das became the first ever Indian to win the recognition. Currently serving on the Temple Presidential Board of ISKON Chowpatty, Trustee of ISKCON’s GBC College for Leadership Development, Divisional Director of ISKCON Worldwide Devotee Care, Temple Development and Systems Administration and as the Dean of Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha Research Center, he has mastered the philosophy of life. Get acquainted by the tides of conscience on the shores of science in the ocean of spirituality.

V Minor

Musicians/Fusion Artists

V-Minor is in an unbreakable relationship with experimenting while constantly flirting with innovation. Having found themselves in the crevice between being outstanding musicians and amateurs, they were lucky enough to dare to dream. As a bunch of common, everyday and unremarkable individuals who came together to discover perfect sync and coordination which transpired into what is now a flourishing YouTube channel, V Minor stands for everything that represents the perfect mixture of fun, innovation and holding of traditional values whilst bringing in a fresh zest of modern day music. V Minor stands testament that irrespective of your background, opinions, ideas and interests, there can always be a perfect sync. Just like the music they produce where they mix different styles of music perfectly.