Theme: Brave Conversations: Navigating Difficult Dialogues

This fifth edition of TEDxFIIB is our invitation to our community to embark on a journey of personal and societal growth. In a world often divided by differences in opinion, culture, and experience, the theme champions the courageous act of engaging in challenging conversations with empathy, respect, and openness. It encourages individuals to move beyond the safety of echo chambers, recognizing that it's in these brave conversations that we find the fertile ground for understanding, reconciliation, and progress.

This theme is a call to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for change. It reminds us that the most profound transformations occur when we dare to discuss the issues that weigh on our hearts and minds. From contentious political debates to sensitive family matters, brave conversations pave the way for healing, connection, and the discovery of common ground. They exemplify the power of dialogue as a tool for bridging divides, fostering inclusivity, and reshaping our shared future.

As we explore this theme, we celebrate the individuals and communities that have fearlessly navigated difficult dialogues, transforming conflict into understanding and discord into unity. We recognize that in every brave conversation, there lies an opportunity for personal growth and societal change.

Ishwar Dayal Auditorium, FIIB
Plot-5, Rao Tula Ram Marg,Vasant Vihar
New Delhi, Delhi, 110057
India

Anoushika Verma

Anoushika Verma is a resilient individual, an active observer and listener, navigating life's challenges with grace. Despite obstacles, she embraces vulnerability and authenticity, dismantling walls around her heart. As a student council member at FIIB, she embodies emotional stability, finding solace in fiction novels. Through brave conversations, she finds empowerment and support, emerging stronger and more compassionate. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of sharing struggles and opening up to others.

Biswajit Jha

Biswajit Jha a journalist-turned-social worker, social entrepreneur, author, Josh Talks speaker and columnist. He has written two books– Bike Ambulance Dada and Modern Buddha. His debut book Bike Ambulance Dada was judged as one of the most inspirational books of 2021. The book will soon be turned into a Bollywood biopic. He was the Sports Editor at Zeenews.com in Delhi, when he decided to quit his job to work for the underprivileged children in West Bengal. He is currently running several free schools and football academies for the tribal kids. He has also set up an innovative school– Epic Public School– which engages the students in real-life organic farming.

Chitra Zutshi

Chitra is a 29-year old professional based out of Gurgaon, currently working in automobile industry. An avid cricket fan and animal rescuer, she loves to explore different experiences life has to offer. Being a paraplegic since birth, she has always believed in the philosophy of self-actualization thereby making the best of what she has. She completed her first ever 10K Marathon in 2023 and plans to participate in more in the future. She enjoys meeting new people, organizing events and working out. A typical day in her life includes zooming around her in 4-wheeler, whether at work, gym or at home. Working in a highly competitive corporate world, she aims to raise awareness about persons with different abilities and promoting more employment opportunities, by being successful professional herself.

Dr Ehtesham Waquarib

Dr. Ehteshaam Waquarib is an IPS officer, currently posted as SP, Jharkhand. Prior to joining the civil services he was an MBBS who also had a doctorate in MD. In his first attempt of UPSC he got IRS; however he was determined to get IPS, and took another attempt and got IPS in the Jharkhand cadre. He is known for his tremendous work against naxals in Jharkhand and have also played a pivotal role in restricting human trafficking. On the personal front, he’s an avid reader and plays table tennis and chess, and loves cricket and badminton too.

Dr Gunwant Singh Mongia

Dr Gunwant Singh Mongia is a steel giant from eastern part of India. He is the chairman and MD of Mongia Steel Limited. He is a self made man who rose to the towering success in the steel industry literally from scratch. Today his company is one of the fastest growing renowned manufacturer of high-grade steel products, established by him in 1997. The prime motive of the company is to deliver the best quality of steel products for building the nation. He says “We aim to achieve leadership in iron industry and customer satisfaction by delivering products of consistently high quality and strive for continuous up-gradation and adoption of best industry practices to provide the best to our consumers.” Mr. Mongia is not only focused on growing his business but also he played a great role in helping the poor and needy people through his community development work. He has put in place a well-researched plan to disrupt the not-for-profit business space. His fascinating vision and plans could make a gigantic impact in the way nonprofit and for-impact businesses are practiced in India and Internationally.

Dr. Sakshi Kathuria

Sakshi Kathuria, a young, talented and passionate woman in an inspiring TEDx Talk. Sakshi has earned a PhD in Marketing through a scholarship and an alumnus of University in Delhi. Her research in the area of marketing, consumer behavior and sustainability has gained recognition in esteemed journals and conferences across the globe. She has carved for herself a promising academic career. Currently, Sakshi is an Assistant Professor and Marketing Communication Chair at the Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB). Apart from teaching, Sakshi also provides career counselling to her students. In February 2020, Sakshi entered into an arranged marriage. Like all women expect, Sakshi also looked forward to trust, love and respect in the new phase of her life. Domestic violence, dowry demands, demeaning insults and disrespect are what she faced. Sakshi shares her journey of breaking the silence of overcoming societal norms. This is Sakshi’s crusade to encourage girls to be steely in their strength, have conversations with themselves and take firm steps to retain their dignity.

Mallikarjuna Iytha

Mallikarjuna Iytha, Founder & CEO of Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA), boasts over 25 years of expertise in poverty alleviation and fair trade. Formerly heading Fair Trade Forum-India and leading F-Tec Skill Development, he champions fair trade practices and rural empowerment. An alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he advocates for social change, received accolades like "Pillar of Civil Society in India" from the President of India. As Co-founder of Believe India Fair Trade, he drives sustainable development and grassroots initiatives, authoring five books on development issues, and contributing significantly to civil society movements in India.

Niraj Gera

Hailing from the capital city of India, Niraj Gera is a social activist & a social documentary photographer. He is the Founder Chairman of an NGO Humanify Foundation. He is deeply inspired by his Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, who is a a global humanitarian leader, spiritual teacher and ambassador of peace. Niraj aspires to work towards making this world a happy place by spreading the message of love, positivity, happiness, and wisdom in all possible ways. Gera’s work as a photographer & social activist has highlighted various social issues like menstrual hygiene related myths & stigmas, acid attacks, gender discrimination & much more.

Nirupama Subramanian

Nirupama Subramanian is a leadership development coach, facilitator and Diversity & Inclusion advocate. She has coached and trained over 35000 people across 75+ organizations over the last 25 years. She is the co- founder of Growing Leadership of Women which provides learning resources for inclusion and women empowerment and My Daughter is Precious, a non profit which enables young women from underserved backgrounds to complete higher education. Nirupama is also an award winning author of 3 books. Her latest book is Powerful-The Indian woman's guide to unlocking her full potential. Nirupama has researched and created the first psychometric assessment for women in South Asia- the Powerfulife Assessment. She has written columns on 'Women and Work' for CNN 18 and shethepeople.tv and has been published in Times of India, Economic Times, Business world and Hindustan Times. Nirupama is an independent director on the Board of OSBI and an Advisory Board member at Vedica Scholars Program. Nirupama holds a management degree from XLRI and is an ICF certified PCC coach.

Pritiman Sarkar

Pritiman Sarkar is a seasoned professional with 25+ years in BFSI. His career journey spans across investment banking, payments, insurance, Register and transfer agency and managing change at scale through technology and an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. As Senior VP at SBICard, he champions customer experience, earning 3 consecutive Stevie awards for data analytics and operations. A tech innovator, Pritiman transforms businesses through digital assets, fostering partnerships. Beyond his corporate success, he's a prolific content creator, youtuber, educator, stock market enthusiast, tech lover, and cricket aficionado. He is a thought leader, and aspiring author, Pritiman combines expertise with a passion for societal value creation.

Pukhraj Joneja

Pukhraj Joneja, the accomplished CEO of Udaan India, brings over 25 years of leadership expertise to the Travel and Hospitality industries. Embracing a servant leadership philosophy, he is not only a business leader but also a passionate music creator and fitness enthusiast. Pukhraj holds credentials from IIM Calcutta and IHM Chandigarh, reflecting his commitment to excellence. Actively participating in leadership development, he has undergone workshops and assessments, enhancing his prowess. His dynamic personality, shaped by a strong value system, leaves a lasting impact on the industry and those around him. In his illustrious career, he has been associated with organizations such as Flight Center Travel Group, Orix India, Essel Group, bringing a wealth of experience to his current role.

S. Venkatesh

S.Venkatesh is a bestselling author, investor and leadership coach. He is the author of two Amazon #1 bestselling thrillers AgniBaan and KaalKoot, described by The Times of India as ‘a heady blend of conspiracy, history and suspense’. He has held leadership positions across Asia with JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, helped invest over a billion dollars of capital, and been a Director on Boards of multiple companies. An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, Venkatesh has been ranked among the ‘100 Most Influential Coaching Leaders’ at the World Coaching Congress, and is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.