While TED is a global platform dedicated to powerful talks on technology, entertainment, and design, TEDx events are locally organized gatherings that bring communities together to share ideas, spark deep conversations, and inspire action.

The theme, “Rues”, the French word for “streets”, reflected the idea that streets are more than pathways; they are places where stories converge, identities form, and possibilities are born. 

The event was inaugurated by Chief Guest Prof K. Tharanikkarasu, Director, SEI&RR, and Mr Mohit Gupta, Associate Director (Marketing), Eaton, as the Guest of Honour. The inaugural session was also graced by Prof P. Natarajan, Dean, School of Management, and Prof R. Kasilingam, Head, Department of Management Studies.

Speaking at the inauguration, Prof Tharanikkarasu expressed pride that such a prestigious platform was being hosted at Pondicherry University for the very first time and emphasized the value of bringing together highly intellectual voices to inspire the community. Prof P. Natarajan highlighted what TEDx represents globally and described the event as a meaningful collaboration that should grow into a tradition carried forward in the years to come. Prof R. Kasilingam reflected on the chosen theme “Rues”, connecting it with his own journey, while also underlining the significance of this being a student-led initiative from start to finish. Mr Mohit Gupta, speaking on behalf of Eaton, shared how the event symbolized a valuable collaboration between Eaton and Pondicherry University, reflecting shared values of innovation, dialogue, and thought leadership.

The day featured a powerful lineup of seven speakers from diverse fields, each weaving their unique story around the essence of purpose, resilience, culture, and community:

·         Dr Kaushik Sridhar, sustainability leader and author, shared his journey from surviving crises to thriving in global boardrooms, urging audiences to find their “dot”, a personal purpose that anchors and inspires action.

·         Anuradha Thakur, tribal artist, spoke on rediscovering art through India’s cultural vibrancy, showing how communities and colours can be woven into living stories of joy.

·         Mona Doctor-Pingel, architect from Auroville, traced the roots of Pondicherry’s spiritual and cultural heritage, and shared her projects that blend beauty, innovation, and local craftsmanship.

·         Arjun Majumdar, founder of Indiahikes, drew parallels between trekking and entrepreneurship, highlighting the values of focus, sustainable growth, and leaving no trace.

·         Isha Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (East Pondicherry) and lawyer, spoke on the transformative power of streets and how her journey in litigation and public service became an instrument of justice and empowerment.

·         Dr Vasudharani Devanathan, neuroscientist, explored the “hidden streets of the brain,” showing how neurons adapt to stress and resilience, and how conscious living keeps the brain healthy.

·         G Karthikeyan, founder of Sristi Foundation, shared inspiring stories of how soil, nature, and community transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, creating dignity and inclusion.

The event also hosted performances from renowned artists, Mr Basab Sen, Mr Gauri Shankar Pattnaik, Ms Amritha Pai, and Ms Svaha Myvannan, blending culture, stories and innovation.

This event left the audience deeply moved, offering not just ideas, but lived experiences that challenged conventional thinking and sparked new perspectives.

With Eaton as the event sponsor and the wholehearted support of Pondicherry University’s faculty and students, TEDx Pondicherry University marked an inspiring beginning for a tradition of thought leadership on campus.

Organized entirely by the students of Department of Management Studies, the event was spearheaded by Aman Ahmad P V (Organizer), Fathima Fahma K T (Co-Organizer), and Sharon Elizabeth Sonny (Curator), under the guidance of Faculty Coordinator, Prof Victor Anandkumar.

*** 

SS/SH

 

(Release ID: 2168758)