In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Dr. RP Goenka Auditorium
2/4C Judges Court Road,Alipore
First floor
Kolkata, West Bengal, 700027
India

Anindita Sarbadhicari

Indian Filmmaker

A Graduate of National School of Drama, New Delhi, with specialization in Theatre Design & Direction and Post-Graduate from Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Anindita Sarbadhicari has the rare distinction of having studied at two of the premiere institutes in India dedicated to training for theatre, film & television. Her first film Barkha, a short film, was screened in several International Film Festivals and was nominated for The Oscars in students' short film category. She went on to make 22 feature films for television, several of which apart from being screened at festivals nationally and internationally, also got awarded. Bhalobasha-Mondobasha was awarded the Anandalok Best Telefilm and Best Director awards. Shadharon Meye, a film based on women's issues was awarded with the UNFPA Media Awards for Gender Sensitivity, 2007. Anindita has also attended several prestigious International Film Festivals as a Member of the Jury or as a Special Guest.

Dr. Shashi Panja

Medical Practitioner

Dr. Shashi Panja is the Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal. She is an eminent medical practitioner, a well-known politician and social worker and has been associated with several social initiatives for several years. She firmly believes in creating equal opportunities for all sections of the society. Her efforts to make a change have been remarkable, especially her endeavours in making education for all. Her contribution to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation schools as a Member, Mayor-In-Council (MMIC) Education has redefined quality education for children. After taking Independent Charge of the Women & Child Development and Social Welfare Department, Govt. of West Bengal, Dr. Panja has focused her efforts on empowering the girl child. She has been responsible for translating the West Bengal Government’s dream project The Kanyashree Prakalpa on empowering girls into a reality.

Nikhita Gandhi

Indian Playback Singer, Songwriter & Composer

Nikhita Gandhi is a playback singer, songwriter and composer who made waves with songs like Raabta, Ullu Ka Pattha, Sanedo, Raat Baaki, Mujhe Chaand Pe Le Chalo, Dhayaanchand, Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe and the romantic anthem of the year, Qaafirana. Singer as a passion and a dentist by profession, Nikhita has balanced Beauty with Brains in every aspect.

Pratima Poddar

Kolkata's First Woman Bus Driver

Pratima Poddar is Kolkata’s first female bus driver. Few years back she was working as a conductor in a minibus that her husband drove. However, her life drastically changed when her husband suddenly met with an accident which left him bed-ridden for long, making him incapable to drive heavy vehicles in future. Facing such crisis, Pratima got behind the steering wheels to drive the minibus, getting up at 3.30 am every morning for the first trip. In this endeavour she has broken every stereotype on her way!

Ruchira Panda

Indian Classical Vocalist & Composer

Vidushi Ruchira Panda, is the current torch-bearer of the Kotali Gharana which was founded by the legendary vocal maestro Sangeetacharya Tarapada Chakraborty from Kotalipara in undivided Bengal. Ruchira is trained under the tutelage of Pandit Manas Chakraborty. Accuracy of the Raga, slow and methodical Raga-rendition, high melodic content, fresh improvisations and complex fast taans characterize her style of singing, augmented by a voice that has a deep timbre and extreme power. She is an exponent of Khayal, Thumri, Tappa, Tap-Khayal, Nirguni Bhajan and other semi classical forms. Ruchira is an Established Empaneled Artist of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), SPIC MACAY, Fellow of The Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and an “A” grade artist of All India Radio. Ruchira is also a philanthropist, and is the founder-secretary of Paramparik, a non-profit organisation based in Kolkata that has helped more than 8000 poor students become doctors and engineers.

Usha Uthup

Indian Pop, Jazz & Playback Singer

Usha Uthup is an eminent Indian pop, filmi, jazz, and playback singer. Her song titled Darling which she recorded with Rekha Bhardwaj, won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2012. Beginning her career at a Chennai nightclub in the year 1969, Usha Uthup has become a modern-day legend of the music industry. In her illustrious career as a playback singer, she has recorded over 100 albums in more than 17 Indian and 8 foreign languages and has become a role-model for men and women across the country. She has been a pioneer in bringing different genres of music into the mainstream. However, her other activities carried out away from the limelight have made her a true ambassador of humanity and values. She has worked for innumerable NGOs and has toiled extensively to uplift the underprivileged members of the society. From women empowerment to mobilizing victims of natural disasters, Usha Uthup has spread a message of love and harmony through her music.