If it is your dream to be on TED Talks, then look no further than Bengaluru. The city is a hot spot for TEDx events. Created by TED, these are independent events organised by citizens for the citizens. Anyone who has a space to conduct the event can get a license to organise and conduct them.
So youngsters from various streams who want to showcase other local achievers and network with dynamic minds are organising these events. TEDx Lalbagh, TEDx MAIS, TEDx GolfLinksPark, TEDxDoubleRdLive are just a few names. “This low-cost event carries the TED brand name and is a disciplined way of showcasing achievers,” says Shashank Khanna, curator, TEDxGolfLinksPark. “One of our speakers at the upcoming event is Nitin Gupta, a stand-up comedian,” says Shashank.
It was after speaking at such an event in Indore and Rourkela that Shashank thought of organising it in Bengaluru. But it isn’t only Shashank, students from Mallya Aditi International School are also organising TEDx MAIS in February. “Young people want to understand how people their age think. It is to inspire people like us who are the future to rise and achieve their enormous potential,” says Avirukt Mittal, speaker manager, TEDx Mais. Similarly 19-year-old Vivek RP, CEO & founder of CloudInfi had organised TEDx Lalbagh last year. He intends to organise more events, “I want to get writers and intellectuals for a Kannada TEDx,” says Vivek who thinks getting a license is a challenge. “Earlier we could submit the application just 45 days prior to the event. But now we need to submit the application with the final date and venue details at least four months before,” says Vivek.
“Post the event, TED management selects only the best to upload on the TED website,” says Freeman Murray, co-founder and director Jaaga and curator of TEDxDoubleRdLive. “The kind of inspirational stories you hear are very different from the usual stuff. The base of people brought together is phenomenal,” says Ranjana Nair, CEO, XXICO. But despite the logistical nightmare of organising one and the challenge of getting good speakers, TEDx has become a rage. “India is buzzing with ideas and everything is going viral. But the momentum needs to be carried forward by smart youngsters who can act as mentors for such events,” says Ian Faria, corporate trainer and success coach.
