Theme: Break The Shackles

- Amidst the symphony of ideas, a resounding call to action emerges.

'Break The Shackles' echoes a timeless truth - that within each of us lies the key to unlock a world of endless possibilities. Like a river surging through the barriers, we surge past doubts, fears, and limitations, carving new paths towards progress and growth. In a world filled with challenges, this theme encourages us to question outdated beliefs, embrace innovation, and cultivate the courage to step outside our comfort zones. It calls upon us to identify and dismantle the mental, emotional, and physical barriers that restrain personal growth and inhibit collective advancement.

"Break The Shackles" is a powerful and inspiring theme for TEDxSMIU, urging individuals to challenge the constraints that limit their potential and hinder progress. It symbolizes the breaking free from self-imposed limitations, societal norms, and systemic barriers that hold us back from reaching our true capabilities. This TEDxSMIU theme becomes a beacon of hope, inviting us to shed the armor of self-doubt and embrace the beauty of vulnerability. As we share our stories of resilience and triumph, we weave a tapestry of human connection, where empathy and understanding bind us as one. So let us gather as one, hand in hand, heart in heart, and embark on this journey of rediscovery - of self, of humanity, of a world where the shackles that have bound us for too long will be shattered, paving the way for a resplendent dawn of possibility, where the human spirit soars, unencumbered and free."

| Break the Shackles, You are chained in |

Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto Auditorium, SMIU
Aiwan-e-Tijarat Rd, Seari Quarters, Opp. Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)
Karachi, Sindh, 74000
Pakistan

Ali Zaryoun

Renown Poet | Lyricist | Writer

Ali Zaryoun is a renown poet hailing from Faisalabad. He writes in several languages, including Urdu, Hindi, Farsi, Punjabi, and English as a multilingual poet, songwriter, and thinker. His range of writing makes him a great poet. A lot of his couplets or Ashaar are highly regarded, and so are his Ghazals and Poems. With his poems, the poet Ali Zaryoun challenges society stereotypes and provides a feeling of realization for his audience. Through his poetry, he promotes love, harmony, respect, and acceptance in society. Maktaba Zaryoun is his publication initiative. Alongside becoming a well-known poet of the current generation, Ali Zaryoun has also gained his fan base through social media and many other avenues. Since 1999, Ali Zaryoun has received many awards and the crowd’s hearts for his many performances at events, literary festivals, and weddings.

Anas Niaz

CEO Bioniks | Mechatronics Engineer

Muhammad Anas Niaz is a mechatronics engineer by education, a disruptive innovator by profession, and a social entrepreneur by passion. Anas has co-developed the first bio-mechatronics smart prosthesis below the elbow arm of Pakistan with my Ovais Hussain Qureshi. This fully customizable prosthesis not just gives mobility of limb to the beneficiaries, it gives them freedom, hope, and serenity. Transforming them into symbols of grit, perseverance, and trans-humanism!

Dr. Fahad Mirza

Actor | Model | Plastic Surgeon

Fahad Mirza is a Pakistani actor, model, plastic surgeon and sculptor. He is best known for his debut role as Essa in 2012 drama serial Bari Aapa. He has also appeared in Mutthi Bhar Mitti (2008), Main Deewani (2014) and Shanakht (2014) for which he was nominated as Hum Award for Best Supporting Actor at 3rd Hum Awards. Fahad was born on 26 April 1981 to a Mughal family in Karachi, Pakistan. He did his graduation in MBBS from Dow Medical College and trained in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from Liaquat National Hospital. Fahad started his career by modeling in 2007 during his studies and then auditioned for a role in Hum TV's drama serial Bari Aapa and eventually got a role, previously he had a small role in a telefilm Mutthi Bhar Mitti.

Dr. Farah Essa

MIT-HMS | Docpreneur l Advanced Ultrasound Specialist I Clinical Educator l Women & Transgender Empowerment

Dr. Farah Essa is a multifaceted individual, known as a Docpreneur, leader in the Radiology department, Social Activist, and a trailblazing pioneer in health education. Her fervent dedication lies in enhancing the overall health and well-being of diverse populations, particularly those in marginalized communities. With an expansive career spanning continents, including Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, she brings a wealth of experience in clinical practice, education, research, and innovation in radiology and healthcare. Her unwavering commitment to women empowerment, skills development, health education, and social activism has garnered her numerous awards and recognitions from both national and international organizations. Dr. Essa's passion is reflected in her efforts to empower women, differently-abled individuals, marginalized communities, and transgenders in Pakistan, offering them skills training, mentoring, networking, and microfinance opportunities.

Dr. Iffet Sultana

Educationist | Researcher | Social Activitst

Dr. Iffet Sultana is an educator, researcher and social activist who provides a wealth of knowledge to a variety of fields, including academics and social change. Her numerous responsibilities show a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity, education, and beneficial community impact. Dr. Iffet Sultana holds a PhD in Education from Iqra University, supplemented by an M.Phil. in Education and a master's in educational administration & Management from the University of Karachi. Currently, She is an assistant Professor at Iqra university at the department of B Department of Business Administration and shaping academic journey of her students with her in-depth knowledge and commitment to excellence.

Manisha Ropeta

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

Manisha Ropeta is a Pakistani police officer. In July 2022, She became the first Hindu woman in Pakistan, to become a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Beating all odds and rising to become Pakistan’s first Hindu woman Deputy Superintendent of Police Manisha Ropeta is thrilled to have “proven wrong” her relatives and is looking forward to taking on new challenges: to be a women protector by leading a feminist drive and encourage gender equality in a patriarchal society. Ropeta, who is from Jacobabad in interior Sindh province, believes women are the target of many crimes and are the most oppressed in the male-dominated Pakistan. Ropeta cleared the Sindh Public Service Commission examination last year. She ranked 16th on a merit list of 152 successful candidates.

Sameer Ali Khan

Founder Collective Pakistan | Peace Activist

Sameer Ali Khan is a Peace Activist and the Founder of Collective Pakistan and Safar Buddies, a non-profit organization that works to promote peace and understanding between different communities in Pakistan through traveling and story telling. Sameer has led various peace interventions with more than 1,000 young people from different marginalized communities in Pakistan. He has also produced multiple documentaries, social campaigns, and visual content depicting social cohesion. His work has been supported by international and national organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the Pakistani government. Sameer is passionate about creating peace on a people-to-people level. He believes that the best way to address conflict is through dialogue and understanding. He is committed to changing the narrative of hate and religious discrimination through community peace building initiative.

Sikander Bizenjo

Economist | Social Entrepreneur & Global Advocate for Climate Adaptation | Co-author of WEF Youth Recovery Report

Sikander Bizenjo is the co-author of World Economic Forum’s Youth Recovery Report and sits at the Advisory Council of the WEF Global Shapers Community. Bizenjo is the co-founder of Balochistan Youth Action Committee (BYAC ) – a youth led movement to help communities in remote and isolated villages of Pakistan. BYAC has directly supported 400,000+ people in last two years with food supplies, medical equipment, trainings, and awareness sessions. For his work in creating opportunities with limited resources in some of the most challenging terrains, he was mentioned as ‘one of the seven unsung heroes of the pandemic’ by Microsoft Founder Bill Gates. He is also the winner of UK Alumni Awards 2021 from Pakistan and recipient of Monash University Distinguished Alumni Award. Bizenjo is a passionate advocate of systems change and inclusive development that creates opportunities for local people while respecting the indigenous norms, cultures and the earth's planetary boundaries.

Yousuf Bashir Qureshi

Artist | Orator | Actor | Fashion Designer

Yousuf Bashir Qureshi's talents and passions range from fashion design, photography and painting, to food science and farming. The cultivated man has been successful at anything he touches, including his recent project 'United Pakistan', a social program that he initiated amidst the recent flood disaster in Pakistan. Ms. Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, widely known as YBQ, is a distinguished figure in the realm of Pakistani art and culture. With a career spanning several decades, he has left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of the country. YBQ is renowned for her multifaceted talents, which range from visual arts to theatre and fashion to oration. YBQ has been a powerful advocate for cultural preservation and dialogue, frequently drawing on his heritage to create pieces that resonate with a wide audience. His contributions extend beyond the canvas, as she has played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent and fostering a vibrant artistic community in Pakistan.