Today I gave a small talk and moderated a followup discussion with a room full of 50 enthusiastic BITSians introducing to them the TED philosophy as well as hinting what we've been upto regarding TEDxPilani. As the host, I got to choose the talk I wanted to be shown and I chose the one which I thought would be highly relevant at such a gathering. I chose Sir Ken Robinson's talk on how creativity is as important as literacy in today's context.
The crowd loved the talk (I know this because they were laughing at all the right places). The follow-up discussion also threw up some interesting insights and we covered a whole variety of topics related to the talk such as how is this talk relevant in the Indian context given the myriad of socio economic differences in each part of the country.
Some said how such a talk wasn't enough to spark a motivation to change the entire education system. Some also felt that given the economic condition of India and the safety that a conventional job offered, it's much better follow the traditional route, while simultaneously following one's passion. Some also felt that the change while might not take place in the education system, parents and schools should be supportive enough to back the natural talents of students.
I feel the job of TED is to get the people thinking. And its probably through the TEDx initiatives that the audience they cater to will grow larger and exponentialize and in this way more and more people will start to seriously lend an ear to these ideas that are churned out during such conferences in dozens.
We will also be updating you folks on the progress of TEDxPilani.
At the same time if any of you have come across an incredible speaker, do forward his contact or make an introduction. Please get in touch with us at aniket@celbits.org
Do turn up at LTC for TED sessions every Sunday where we will be playing videos every week.
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