Theme: Off the Beaten Path

Most people color inside the lines and never venture outside the boundaries. It's not often that you see someone choosing the road less traveled. Today's conventional ideas were once unorthodox notions that were busted by the initial leap taken by some. So, when you reach the fork in your road, what do you do? With the knowledge that every choice you make has an effect on your life and those around you, what option will you select? Do you choose to challenge the herd mentality and explore the undiscovered?

Join us for the 2017 edition of TEDxBITSPilaniDubai and get inspired to walk the uncharted roads. After all, "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus
Dubai International Academic City, PO Box 345055, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Dubai, Dubayy, 345055
United Arab Emirates

Denver Britto

Food Blogger, WhereMyFoodAt

For them, the magical recipe of happiness is two scoops of love, heaps of laughter and a quart of memories shared over a delicious bowl of Pasta. Food excited them, and through their blog, these food pundits are exploring their passion while unraveling the hidden food gems of Dubai, and now abroad. Be it intricate restaurant reviews, or an exquisite Instagram spread, these connoisseurs never leave any stone unturned in sharing their love for all things delicious! Presenting Denver from Dubai's favorite 'WhereMyFoodAt'.

Kimberly D'Souza

Food Blogger, WhereMyFoodAt

For them, the magical recipe of happiness is two scoops of love, heaps of laughter and a quart of memories shared over a delicious bowl of Pasta. Food excited them, and through their blog, these food pundits are exploring their passion while unraveling the hidden food gems of Dubai, and now abroad. Be it intricate restaurant reviews, or an exquisite Instagram spread, these connoisseurs never leave any stone unturned in sharing their love for all things delicious! Presenting Kimberly from Dubai's favorite 'WhereMyFoodAt'.

Marwan Shakarchi

The Artist, MYNEANDYOURS

In a world dominated by ads and logos, his symbol defeats the purpose of all other symbols. Maybe, because it isn’t trying to tell you something. Confused? Nicknamed as ‘The Man Behind The Clouds’, this Superman climbs buildings and leaves his mark wherever he goes. He doesn’t speak frequently, but when he does, that savoir-faire forces the world to listen to his non-conformist philosophies. He is that unconventional British Artist who has given Street Art, a whole new meaning in the glitz and glamour of UAE. He is Marwan Shakarchi.

Naima Thompson

Founder, Necessary Arts

This TEDx, All the World's a Stage! And all men and women merely players. But there is one woman who plays too many parts. This Drama Devotee makes you see the world through someone else's eyes. From the latchkey kids of NYC to the refugee camps of Middle East and Africa, she lives for 'Reaching the Unreachable'. Founder of the NGO, 'Necessary Arts', she is a humanitarian who is not just raising funds for the underprivileged, but imparting the 'Theatre Of the Oppressed' across the globe. A cancer-survivor who won't tell you of her battles because there are others who are battling worse. Whether you are a teenager or an adult,she is giving life lessons you have never heard before. Maybe, not your usual Drama Class!

Niharika Pathak

Wayfarer, She and her adventures

She is a dauntless solo trekker, an offbeat travel blogger, a sports ninja, a culture aficionado. She is just hard to define! Yes, Niharika is our very own BITS Pilani, Dubai alumnus. Crowned as Miss India Oman 2014, among top 10 worldwide, she is flying high. She is the only other woman from her state to reach the Everest Base Camp and the youngest 'Student Pilot' Licensee. In this writer's mind, words climb avalanches and valleys. She walks a lonely road -but mind you- not the ones you dare!

Nura Arabi

Health Promotions Specialist

She is the bubbly voice of the Breakfast Club Show, pearl FM Radio 102.00 that shares health tips for tiny tots. She is the motivating mind that pens fitness columns on Layali, the web magazine. A swimming and Zumba trainer, Nura is a proud academic of Brock's University, Canada. A 'Game Changer in GCC', she is a sportswoman that has raised many eyebrows, yet empowers women to break the gender stereotypes. Her name may mean 'noor' - light - but within, she is fire. And she has a history, waiting to be told.

Rafih Filli

Founder, FiLLi Cafe

Meet the founder of your favorite tea cafés. Rafih FiLLi believes that good food, friends and a warm cup of tea is all you need to be truly happy. For him, vision knows no boundaries, and his immense success can be attested to his finely tuned business sense. Mr. FiLLi believes that the path to success lies in the connections you make with everyone you meet. In his words, "Every person you meet, should remember you". And we're just a cup away from hearing his story! So join us for a cup of tea and some talk, because day or night, tea is always right!