NT BUZZ
More than often we fail to realise that the solutions to most of our problems lie within. To promote some of the most significant solutions to the problems in the society, TEDxPanaji held its maiden TED Talk event recently with the theme ‘Answers Within’ at Goa University.
Nine speakers narrated their stories about special efforts they have undertaken and how the society could benefit in tackling with some of the most evident but seldom spoken issues. Addictions psychiatrist, Abhijit Nadkarni, who has authored numerous publications and contributed immensely in the field of research spoke on issues encompassing global mental health, particularly alcohol use disorders. He stressed on the importance of counsellors in the lives of those battling addiction.
Amit Dias, the co-founder of the Dementia Society of Goa, who has been recently awarded a fellowship in Public Health Leadership at the Emory University, USA has been creating awareness on dementia. Building the idea of dementia friendly society, Dias strongly batted for the much needed human touch while dealing with the elderly who fail to remember.
Addressing the issue of sustainability and green architecture, architect, Hyacinth Pinto, shared her experiences of finding the right balance between beauty and sustainability. She displayed why it is a good decision to support traditional mud houses and sustainable architecture.
Isabel De Santa Rita Vás, popular for her classroom teachings is a firm believer in the healing quality of theatre as an art form, and its rare collaborative nature. She delved on the strengths of theatre as a collaborative art form and a tool to bridge the ever increasing gap between different groups of people across the world.
Fighting dyslexia, founder of SmartKlock Inc, Jason Fernandes explained how to streamline the numerous notifications that one receives through the day on the smart phones. Having won over dyslexia and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the award-winning entrepreneur, inventor and technology columnist revealed the science behind smartphone addiction and offered technological solutions.
Mohammad Babalal Shaikh, hailing from a small coastal village in Vengurla, Maharashtra and managing trustee of University of Life in Dhamapur, believes that poverty was his strength, spoke about the need to create a samruddh (prosperous) Bharat through samruddh villages. He showcased innovations of students from the University of Life at Dhamapur village. He emphasised on the need for experiential learning and the need to avoid exporting and neglecting talent and resources in India.
The state convenor of Goa River Conservation Network, Rajendra Kerkar is a father who insisted that her daughter will not go to school but instead would learn from the nature’s university. Samruddhi who is sixteen today is a student of ‘School Without Walls’. This inspiring father-daughter duo shared their experiences of this journey and what they anticipate the future to be like. Richard Dias, an engineer turned event-manager who is on the team that runs the solid waste management plant at Saligao, spoke about the importance of segregation of garbage at source.
Victor Hugo Gomes, founder of Goa Chitra and Goa Chakra museum at Benaulim, spoke about ancestral wisdom and showcased some of the ancient tools and implements that are based on experiential learning, science and concern for nature and other living beings.
Beyond the day of speeches, TEDxPanaji which provided the platform for ideas to be resonated in society plans to help the individuals in their efforts in making the society a better place. Organiser of the event Dattaprasad Shetkar said, “TEDxPanaji will support one of the speaker’s initiatives through the donations and sponsorship collected during the event. Going further, we will showcase the progress of each of the speakers on all TEDxPanaji platforms wherever we have the opportunity, which includes our website, social media, events and future initiatives.”
Several speakers like Victor Hugo Gomes, Samruddhi Kerkar, Mohammad Babalal Shaikh and others received a standing ovation. The event was anchored by Jervis Pereira. Vice Chancellor of Goa University, professor Varun Sahni was present throughout the occasion. To give this event a local floavour traditional Goan snacks and refreshments were served during the breaks. The stage decor included large cut outs of TEDxPanaji logo, red and white buntings in the shape of keys and traditional Goan windows with shells adorning the stage. The event was powered by Goa University.