Theme: Puzzle of Identity

TEDxSRCC is an initiative which aims to ignite and magnify the wealth of knowledge of the youthful minds inciting them to unravel their true potential , explore beyond the possible and redefine definitions. At TEDxSRCC, we believe in exploring new ideas which are worth spreading because we believe ideas are the beginning points of all fortunes. With a vision, to convert ideas to things, we bring dignitaries from all walks of life who have demonstrated a phenomenal accomplishment in their life to share their ideas and wisdom in a bid to create an environment of change.

Our theme for this year is, "Puzzle of Identity"

“I am not who you think I am; I am not who I think I am; I am who I think you think I am.” - Jay Shetty

We place ourselves on a platform of self awareness, we pride ourselves f or self introspection. But, do we really know ourselves? Do you really know yourself? Everyday, we try to live upto what others think of us, but actually we live upto what we think they think of us. We live in a perception of a perception of ourselves, and our self esteem is based on external reactions. Inside these multiple layers of trying to live up to others expectations, we have lost ourselves.

The people who understand that your identity stands apart from what others perceive you to be, that you have the power to revoke something's effect on you, find the right path to self actualization. It is about focusing on your true, personal values. It is about finding yourself, lost somewhere within all these layers you've created.

M. L. Bhartia Auditorium
Alliance Francaise de Delhi 72, Lodhi Estate – 110003
Delhi, Delhi, 110003
India

Ajeet Bajaj

Indian Mountain Climber

With the same unwavering spirit, Mr. Bajaj followed his hobby, his passion and also his profession of adventure and exploration to become the first Indian to ski to the North Pole and complete the polar trilogy. With over 30 years of experience in adventure sports, he is the first Asian to have rafted and kayaked some of the most challenging rivers in the world spanning six continents. In 2012, Ajeet Bajaj was conferred the Padma Shri by the President of India. He has also been felicitated with the Hall Of Fame award by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) for his contribution to the growth of adventure tourism in India.

Ankur Warikoo

Indian Entrepreneur

Ankur Warikoo is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and angel investor by profession. Currently, he’s the co-founder of Nearby with having had past experiences in prestigious organisations like Groupon India, Rocket Internet India, Accentium Web and A.T. Kearney. He is widely known for his weekly series called "Warikoo Wednesdays" and also hosts a podcast called Building It Up With Bertelsmann. With successful establishment of strong pillars in the field of education and startups he is an inspiration to a larger audience. With diverse interest and profound knowledge, Ankur Warikoo has led importance to a world full of opportunities and learnings that empowers individual thought optimistically.

Anna Hazare

Indian Social Activist

In 1965, at a book stand in New Delhi railway station, a young man by the name of Kisan Baburao Hazare, decided to dedicate his life to the nation. Today, we know him as Shri Anna Hazare, the man behind the Right to Information and Lokpal Bill movement! Recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, he has till date led more than 16 movements to promote rural development, increase government transparency and eradicate corruption in India.

Avanti Nagral

Musical Artist

Bombay and Boston based artist and creator Avanti thrives at the intersection of pop and soul. She is on a mission to create music that challenges societal norms. Avanti’s music bridges social impact and aims to reclaim the way young girls see themselves, around the world. With songs in English, Hindi, Marathi and Punjabi on the way – empowerment and global sounds are key. Nominated for ‘Best Actress in a leading role’ for her portrayal of Agnes in ‘Agnes of God’ at the National Theater Awards in India, Avanti’s passion for being on stage spans disciplines. Avanti has spoken and performed at the United Nations and TEDx conferences, and has performed at venues and festivals across India, the US and Southeast Asia. She released the first virtual reality music video in all of South Asia for her single ‘I Like’, and has since released several tracks including a virtually shot, cross continental video for, ‘The Long Way.’

Dushyant Singh

Indian Poet

Dushyant Singh, is a well known storyteller and writer whose stories have touched the hearts of millions. His stories “Mera Pehla Doosra Ishq” and “Extra Pen Hai Kya” have gained millions of views on social media. His love stories and poetry evoke the purest feelings in the hearts of the audience, gaining him the administration of many. He has shared his stories in collaboration with many platforms such as Ishq FM and Tape a Tale, and now it's our turn.

Harteerath Singh

Director of Hemkunt Foundation

“The moment I am on ground zero, everything else seems to pause. Knowing that an impact has been made brings a smile to my face It’s all about putting in the effort, the result will come- aaj nahi to kal!” -Harteerath Singh Harteerath Singh is the Community Development Director at Hemkunt Foundation.The Hemkunt Foundation was set up by Harteerath's father in 2010, but this year, the NGO was catapulted into the limelight after it provided thousands of oxygen cylinders — free of cost — to COVID patients who were facing breathing difficulties. Harteerath, as a part of this NGO has been a part of many relief operations both locally and internationally. His work as a part of Hemkunt Foundation, has earned him the special jury award in HTCity 30 under 30. He has also graced the cover of the Cosmopolitan Magazine. A good samaritan with a social consciousness found in few, Harteerath Singh continues to work towards helping those who need it, no one barred.

Ilana Yahav

Sand Artist

Over her many years as a sand artist, Ilana has staged numerous performances in dozens of countries around the world, in different cultures and for people from diverse backgrounds: from small, local and intimate performances to huge and grand productions. She's performed before the King of Spain, the King of Belgium, and many others. All of Ilana's performances are unique events that draw the audience into the experience and make them wound up in the creative process emerging before their eyes. Something captivating happens in all her performances. Ilana’s creations express her yearnings for peace and the values of friendship, compassion, love and the protection of our environment – values that touch many hearts and create a deep sense of identification and empathy.

Javed Akhtar

Poet, Lyricist and Activist

Inspiring and impacting many with his words and poetry, Javed Akhtar is an Indian political activist, poet, lyricist and screenwriter. He is a recipient of the Padma Shri (1999), Padma Bhushan (2007), the Sahitya Akademi awards as well as five National Film awards. Javed Akhtar was chosen as a recipient for the Richard Dawkins award for being "the bright light for reason, freethought, and atheism in a dark time". Establishing himself as an icon to the masses, he is best known for creating films such as Deewar, Sholay and Zanjeer as a screenplay writer alongside crafting the deeply motivational poetry for the movie “Zindagi na milegi dobara”

Meenakshi Lekhi

Indian Politician

Meenakshi Lekhi is an Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She is a Member of Parliament from the New Delhi Parliamentary constituency in the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha. She is also a lawyer in the Supreme Court of India. She won the high-profile New Delhi parliamentary constituency as a BJP candidate in the 2014 elections and was re-elected in 2019. In July 2016, she was appointed as chairperson of the Committee on Privileges of the Lok Sabha in Parliament. On 26 July 2019, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla appointed Lekhi as a chairperson of the parliamentary committee on Public Undertakings and is continuing since then.

Rahul Mishra

Luxury fashion Designer

A journey paved with opportunities , hard work and success. The story of a young fashion designer, Rahul Mishra from Kanpur to Milan is eloquent of the revolution that shook the Indian fashion industry. From graduating in science from Kanpur University, untouched by fashion to creating fashion as his destiny, Rahul Mishra fought all odds with a vision rooted in Indian ideology and creating a universal fashion brand. Mr. Rahul Mishra is a renowned Indian fashion designer based in Delhi who won the International Woolmark Prize in 2014 at Milan Fashion Week.

Salman Elahi

Music Artist

A Mumbai based singer-songwriter that writes in Urdu/Hindi. Having performed across the country at several venues, it’s been three years since he’s been performing music. The biggest inspiration for his album was his father ‘Shaan Elahi’ whom he lost in 2017 and the album is a tribute to him. It has been inspired by all sorts of things he has experienced since 2017 like travelling, finding peace, self realisation, happiness, and positivity. According to him, “There is no process for songwriting. It is full of surprises and you never know when the right things are going to hit you. It comes from your personal experience and the people you are surrounded with.”

Vikram Dev Dogra

Ironman of Indian Army

With an untiring zeal and an uncomparable determination, Major General Vikram D Dogra made choices to move forward and become the First serving Army General to complete the Triathlon called IRONMAN and was awarded Ati Vashisht Seva Medal (AVSM) by the President of India to recognize his "distinguished service of an exceptional order”. He has served the armed forces in various capacities for over 41 years and is the only General across the globe to have completed the Ironman Triathlon, the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world, with competitors having to complete the events within 17 hours to earn the title. Major General Vikram Dogra did it for the first time in 14 hours and 21 minutes and became the first serving army officer to do it and once again on 28 July 2019 broke his own record by 41 minutes.