Kumbh, an unholy sight post-mela

India, if we can't clean our surroundings and our dwellings, how can our minds be clean? Can we act more responsibly..

Being awarded Harvard accolades and lecture invites is one thing, and living upto basic hygiene is a totally different conversation.

Let's get real, sensible.. Here's the link.. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/postkumbh-mela-the-sangam-presents-an-unholy-sight/article4661217.ece

My first live TED encounter, at TEDxTughlaqRdChange

TEDxTughlaqRdChange curated by Neha Bhatnagar - was the most unexpected invite, by request that I received and rushed without a second thought.. A very good event, though like for everyone There was some lowlight to it, all in all, 'twas a wonderful time listening to all these influencers..

My favourites though were :

1. Dr. Saroja Vaidyanathan performing Bharathnatyam on Draupadi (portraying power of woman) - Was busy recording her video, and hence couldn't take a pic - check out the performance here.
2. Jodie Underhill- Waste warriors, 
3. Sonam Kalra - The Sufi Gospel project, 
4. Ashwin Sanghi, Author of The Rozabal Line, Chanakya Chant and the Krishna Key
5. Abhijit Jhala, The Happily Unmarried CEO, 
6. Meera Shankar, The second lady ambassador to he US and  
7. Suhas Gopinath, Globals Inc., CEO..

Some snaps from the event for your consumption.. ;)

Do leave your feedback..

The venue - PHD Chambers of Commerce, Hauz Khas, New Delhi; The stage, bla bla.. ;)

Jodie Underhill (Garbage girl), founder of Waste warriors narrating her spirited story / dream of clean India; and how her good work has been recognized by Adam Gilchrist, McCann Erickson India for support..
Visit: www.wastewarriors.org

World Acoustic Music band of 3 —  Adi Suhail Tarun - Aditya Balani, Tarun Balani, Suhail Yusuf Khan
Performing Zindagi ka ye majhra kya hai? 

Dr. B.K. Modi telling a story of how his daughter's conversation was influential in bringing about change in the mindset/ perspective of VHP, and subsequently pass the equal rights for women (in ancestral / parental property inheritance) bill in India

Meera Shankar, the second lady in foreign services, and the second woman ambassador to the US - during Obama's first presidential term - talking about how change is still suppressed for women in India, starting with the women's quota bill which merely gets lip service and no votes but still the change is coming about.. 

Ashwin Sanghi giving a perspective on History - and how it might not be an accurate account - illustrating a few possibilities beyond a book and of course - marketing his books ;) - Follow him on: https://twitter.com/ashwinsanghi

Sushil Pandit, a language expert, sharing his view on the disappearing languages, how art, forms of expression are dying..

Sonam Kalra, and her Sufi Gospel project members - AMAZING Music, Concept and Team! Do visit https://www.facebook.com/SonamKalraAndTheSufiGospelProject 

Suhas Gopinath, flaunted as the youngest CEO - Speaheading the Globals Inc., (www.globalsinc.com), yet down to earth and simplistic.. 

Thomas Goldthorp, a performance coach talking on 'What defines you', but was by far the most disappointing talk.. 

Abhijit Jhala, creator of the Happily Unmarried, talking about the 7 habits of highly defective people - Interesting speak! 

Sambuddha Mustafi sharing a perspective on how Doordarshan with as much financial resources could redefine how media in India works and tell the India story in much better forms and to many nations.. Tragic that no one rethinks the DD Strategy.. Check him out here.