Srinagar: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Saturday organized first international TEDx conference at the Convocation Hall of University of Kashmir. The theme of event was ‘Interpreting the Future’ and around 250 noted personalities from across various fields participated in the mega event.
The event was presided over by the recently appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir; Prof Nilofer Khan and she was Chief Guest at the event. The event was organized by the Department of Training and Placements, NIT Srinagar.
In her presidential address, Prof. Nilofer Khan said such platforms are important for young minds to explore new dimensions of hope.
She hailed the Director NIT Srinagar to organize such important events for our youth of Valley and called for collaborative efforts from other institutions as well.
“These events also provide a platform to passionate societies to reveal their ideas and doings and of course act as a great inspirational drive for the youth to come up and put forth their inner potential of science and research,” Prof. Nilofar said.
She said our young minds will be inspired by the resource people who are from diverse fields.
On the occasion, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal said that such events inspire the students to accelerate in their careers and are important for all-round development.
“TEDxNIT Srinagar is not the outcome of one day’s work; it is the result of months and consistent efforts of the students. They have worked day and night and left no stone unturned on way to success,” he said.
Prof. Sehgal said the outcome speaks for itself, having the presence of such notable personalities from across the country.
“TEDx NIT Srinagar gave the valley’s best brains an opportunity to participate in the ‘mini-TEDx competitions’ where students proposed unique and creative ideas. It was useful in bringing them together and providing them a vibrant platform,” he said.
Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari, Registrar of the NIT Srinagar said motivation is also one of the key elements for igniting self-determination and self-belief.
“We had organized Mini TEDx events in 2 phases for students across the valley, it gave the young minds a platform to showcase their talent, and put forward their articulated ideas,” he said.
Prof. Bukhari said the top 50 students were given the opportunity to experience TED live. This event witnessed mass participation and a bunch of innovative ideas which we were seeking and proved to be a grand success, he said.
The occasion was also graced by noted and eminent speakers from various filed who shared their journeys with the young students.
1968 batch senior IAS Officer, First Chief Information Commissioner of India; Wajahat Habibullah delivered his talk on ‘Path of our Country’s Democracy. He said democracy is itself a process of evolution and governance.
Founder of RISE and WISE App, Mubeen Masudi delivered his address on ‘Unravelling Present.’ Former Chairman of AICTE, Prof. SS Mantha spoke on ‘Our Country’s Changing Education System.’
Famous career influencer, and entrepreneur, Daksh Sethi who is also known as ‘The Wolf of Job Street’ delivered his talk titled ‘Bridging the Soft Skills gap of our Country.
Former Director, ISRO Propulsion Complex and Ex-Deputy Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Dr. Venkitakrishnan PV delivered his address on ‘Gaganyaan: India’s First Human Space Flight.’
Noted rapper, singer, Composer and finalist of India Got Talent 2015, Parry G spoke on o topic titled ‘A Journey with Hip Hop’. Founder and CEO at GAME, Shrishti Sharma delivered his lecture on ‘Learn to give up. He also shared his journey with the students and stated that there are no shorter cuts. Sharma urged students to work to achieve goal of success.
Prof. S.S. Mantha who is the former Chairman of AICTE and former president of NBA spoke on ‘Our Country’s Changing Education System’. He said many noted universities and colleges in the country had adopted local languages as a medium of education. We are working on many aspects, he said.
Prominent Psychology Researcher at Harvard University, Dr. Baland Jalal, who is a leading expert on Sleep Paralysis, also delivered his address on ‘World of Dreams in Neuroscience’. He is also visiting researcher at Cambridge University.
Vice-Chairman, Central Institute of Hindi, Anil Kumar Sharma Joshi spoke on ‘Languages and Society.
Head and Senior scientist at Division of Food Science and Technology SKAUST-K and Principal Investigator of All India Coordinated Research Project, Dr. Syed Zameer Hussain delivered his address on ‘Food Security: Facts, Fears and Future Strategies.
Rizza Alee, Kashmir’s Youngest Kashmiri to pursue Mount Everest delivered his topic on ‘reaching the heights within.’
Earlier, Dr. Obbu Chandra Sekhar (Head, Training and Placement Department) welcomed the eminent speakers and performers. He expressed his gratitude to Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Sehgal, and Registrar Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari for extending their full support in organizing such events.
“Our Institute witnessed outstanding placement profile, with more than 550 placements out of 620 eligible students. NIT Srinagar students are getting job offers from major companies across the globe and India. We will continue to excel in our respective fields,” he said.
Dr. Obbu Chandra Sekhar said TEDx is a way of spreading ideas to inspire the youth and learn for the best. It aims to connect our youth and nurture their minds. We conducted events in 250 schools and colleges across the Kashmir Valley,” he said.
A formal vote of thanks was presented at the end by Syed Aga Hadi Riza, Curator, TEDxNITSrinagar. He thanked all the eminent personalities, guests, and participants for making the event a great success. The event was hosted by Mir Faizan.
The Chanakya IAS Academy Srinagar, Kashmir’s biggest TV Channel ANN, Kashmir Monitor, Resonance Eduventures, Mad for Momoz and Kingz Landing, Kohli brothers, Sunny Smile Bakes, Frozen bottles, WHSS and Web cycle, Kaarigar, Geeks For Geeks, Broadway Education Hub were the sponsors of the mega event.
