TED x BIMTECH 2016

TED x BIMTECH 2016 was organized on 06th February 2016 with the theme “Imagination to Reality - Designing Tomorrow”. This event was organized by Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) of Birla Institute of Management and Technology (BIMTECH). TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world, covering almost all issues from science to business to global issues, in more than 100 languages. TED is a global community, welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world. They believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world.

This event was attended by Ms. Pankti Brar (Assistant Professor, CSE department), along with students Ms. Priya Yadav(16955) and Ms. Nidhi(17092) from CSE department and Abhinav Pathak and Atala Rajiv Rao of CS & IT department from Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurgaon.

Keynote Speakers at TED x BIMTECH 2016

The event started with inaugural speech by Dr. Harivansh Chaturvedi ( Professor and Director) Birla Institute of Management and Technology (BIMTECH) who emphasized on the necessity to develop innovative ideas to change the world and solve problems of humanity and other global problems. Dr. Harivansh Chaturvedi said the TEDx movement started in 1984 to invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak with aim to bring together eminent personalities to inspire and motivate people to take up their dreams and make them real. He introduced various keynote speakers present in the event and from there pace of the event accelerated.

The first keynote speaker was Dr. Balram Bhargave (Professor of Cardiology) AIMS Delhi and also serves as the Executive Director for Stanford India Biodesign Centre. The Government of India awarded him Padma shri in 2014, which is fourth highest Civilian award for his contributions to the field of medicine. He had developed the indigenous Platinum Iridium Coronary stent and has been Instrumental in clinically evaluating India Stents which have benefited several thousand patients. A stent is a metal or plastic tube inserted into the lumen of an anatomic vessel or duct to keep the passageway open.

Dr. Balram Bhargave said though India has done well in many field since Independence, we have not been able to provide affordable healthcare and emergency medicine to everyone. There are many people who are still below poverty lines to afford the basic amenities. There are 80% of the devices that are imported but only 20% are indigenously built in the country, a wide discrimination which need to be reduced.

He cited India is in habit to wait for problems to reach critical masses before it is acted upon like India’s struggle for Independence, food grain crisis which led to green revolution , Space mission leading to setting up ISRO , Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) (mangalyan) led to Telecommunication services, evolving of Delhi Metro services, Polio eradications . So far we have relied on innovations from the west and used to import in bulk, but now it time that innovations should happen within country. We should focus on Frugal Innovation in India which is based on the principle of GANDHIAN innovation like deep commitment to serving the unserved, articulate and embrace a clear vision , able to work within constraints and creatively operate with these constraints.

There are actually two principles of Innovation, the first one being Edisonian Innovation which states anything that won’t be sold should not be manufactured and is based on purely money making business. The other principle is of Gandhian Innovation that Earth provides enough to satisfy a man’s need but not his greed. He further said that we Indians are blessed with “Jugaad Innovations” to seek solution to our every problem. The various examples of Frugal Innovations are GE ECG machine, Tata Nano car, Aakash Tablets, Aravind Eye Hospitals, Swach water filter etc. We should focus more on need based business innovation. We can stimulate personal creativity and develop problem solving concepts.

He further mentioned about the entrepreneurial opportunities that medical industry offer these day and how his team is helping the common man afford the most expensive commodities at the cheapest possible price by innovating and following the concept of “Make In India”. He has initiated an internship opportunity called Stanford India Biodesign and is helping innovators who are coming up with frugal yet effective ideas to deal to help contribute to the Medical Industry.

Mrs Sujata Sahu, second eminent speaker ,also known as the “The Iron Lady of Ladakh”, the founder and never - die spirit behind the “17,000 Feet”, foundation aimed at bringing education to isolated and ignore villages of Ladakh. An ex-corporate techie and a teacher by profession, a solo trek into Ladakh brought home the incredible difficulties of the region as she herself struggled to overcome her pulmonary edema. Keenly inspired by the simplicity of the people and their eagerness for a good education for their children, her foundation “17000 feet” has bought all these schools on map at Mapmschoil@17000ft.

Mrs Archana Sardana, next keynote speaker , has made over 300 skydives, 60 underwater dives and many BASE dives all over the world to her credit. She’s India’s first Building Aerial Span Earth (BASE) jumper. In an adventure sport like this, she has pretty much conquered the sky and the depths of the ocean. She stated how her adventurous journey started and how she was able to overcome all her fears. She cited that we have to fight all the odds that come our way to make our dreams come true in reality. The limit that we set in our minds restricts us from leaving our comfort zone but magic lies when we overcome those fears and push our limits. We should keep exploring, dreaming and discovering ourselves.

Ms. Archana believes that adventure activities make you a strong and independent person. She finds adventure sports a fitness mantra not only for the body but even the mind, and it helps build determination.

Mr. Magic Manas, another distinguished speaker , is a stage as well as close up illusionist / magician who has shared his skills and entertained people all around the world including cruise ships from USA and Australia. A seasoned professional with over 1000 shows up his sleeves, Magic Manas provides a unique variety act that combines humour and expert sleight of hand (magic) to entertain guests. He has worked with many famous comedians and performers and provides a variety show that not only baffles with astounding magic but also leaves people laughing out loud.

Mrs. Vandana Vasudevan, was next eminent speaker in the event, who is an alumna of IIM - Ahmedabad. She has studied Economics at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi. She has spent many years in senior management positions in leading banks and media companies. Her interest is in understanding how our cities are changing as India goes on an urbanization drive and civic issues we encounter as our cities expand.

The last keynote speaker , Mr. Arbind Singh, is National Coordinator, NASVI (National Association of Stree Vendors of India ). Mr. Arbind Singh is a social entrepreneur and activist working with informal workers in India. A master degree holder from Delhi School of Economics.

The event was concluded with musical note by a band performance “TANTRA” from Delhi University student Ishaan Kunwar (Guitarist ) and Akhilesh khandelwal (keyboard player).

The session was so engrossing throughout that it sparked constructive conversations and lay a path for building a sustainable future. The knowledge enhancing session was absolutely committed to motivate and inspire the young generation to achieve their dreams which they are chasing.