Develop entrepreneurial mindset: Expert to students

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 23

Strawberry Fields High School hosted its first TEDx event at the Newton Hall of the school here today.

The event was an eclectic mix of eminent speakers such as Padma Shri awardee Sudha Varghese, social entrepreneur Nihal Ahmed and international photographer Vicky Roy. They talked about the spirit of ‘Evolve or Remain’ — the theme of the event.

TEDx is an international community that organises TED-style events, celebrating local ideas and elevating them to a global stage. “By organising the event, we hope that the experience will spark discovery of new ideas beyond classrooms and encourage students to challenge conventional ways of thinking,” said Atul Khanna, Director of the school.

Nihal Ahmed encouraged the audience to develop an entrepreneurial mindset that can contribute to the betterment of local communities. Sudha Verghese demonstrated her commitment to social improvement through her work with ‘Nari Gunjan’ and ‘Musahar’ of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Detailing her experiences with vulnerable low-income young women, she inspired the students to persevere against all odds.

Vicky Roy said he ran away from home and started working as a rag picker at the New Delhi railway station before he was rehabilitated by an NGO, Salaam Baalak Trust, Delhi. He shared his tumultuous journey, which ultimately led to him winning the MIT Media Fellowship in 2014 and being listed as Forbes Asia 30 under 30 in 2016. The event also featured three students from the school, including Ganeemat Kaur of Class XI and Adavya Bhutani of Class XII.