Theme: Solitude to Solidarity

Throughout history, communities have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, fostering innovation, and promoting resilience. They have offered support in times of crisis and have been the driving force behind significant societal changes. Whether it’s a close-knit group of friends, a social movement, or a global network, communities provide the space for us to share our stories, dreams, and visions. They remind us that we are not alone in our journeys and that our collective achievements are something to celebrate.

We may seek peace through solitude, but fulfilment is inherently vested in Solidarity. We may think and ideate in our lonesome but turn to our people when these are to be advanced. In our lone efforts, support from the community acts as a catalyst that exponentiates the impact of individual endeavours and adds greater dimensions.

In general, communities can be expressed as an interplay of various factors, like economic changes, technological advances, cultural shifts, and others. But one thing that remains common is that they are dynamic and evolve continually. This year’s TEDxIIMShillong theme, ‘Solitude to Solidarity: The Evolution and Significance of Communities’ revolves around the contributions of developed communities to various spheres of humanity, as they lie at the heart of human interactions.

TEDxIIMShillong embraces the diversity of ideas that communities inspire. We recognize that communities have the power to ignite inspiration, drive positive change, and encourage individuals to express their unique selves. Our roster of speakers for this event represents a spectrum of experiences and backgrounds, each adding a distinct element to the tapestry of our discussions. Their stories serve as testaments to the transformative potential of communities.

We are honoured to host speakers who have travelled diverse paths, surmounted obstacles, and found strength in unity. When woven together under the TEDxIIMShillong banner, their narratives create a mix of creativity, courage, and innovation for others to draw inspiration.

Our choice of theme underscores the evolving dynamics of our world, where communities are more essential than ever. In an age where individuality is celebrated, we must also acknowledge the profound impact of communities in shaping our collective identity. Communities fuel innovation, encourage dialogue, and foster collaboration, making them the bedrock of societal progress.

“Solitude to Solidarity: The Evolution and Significance of Communities” isn’t just a theme; it’s a call to action. It urges us to recognize the role of communities in our lives and embrace collective action’s power. At TEDxIIMShillong 2023, we aim to inspire you to be an active part of this interconnected tapestry, to share your experiences, and to find strength in unity. Together, we can co-create a brighter, more interconnected future, where the beauty of our shared humanity shines through. Join us on this remarkable journey of discovery and transformation.

International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture, Shilllong
Mawdiangdiang
Shillong, Meghalaya, 793018
India

Atsi Jamir

Coffee Lady of Nagaland,' Zakietsono Jamir (Atsi), founder and owner of Farmer Square Café. At her café, she serves freshly ground coffee in an eco-friendly, pristine environment. Her cafe is a place for coffee lovers and a hub for locally processed food products like pickles, sauces, mushrooms, and canned pineapples. She's a true entrepreneur who joined the Her&Now support programme, which has played a pivotal role in scaling her business to new heights.

AVM Kaushik Chatterjee

A true Renaissance leader with a distinguished career in the Indian Armed Forces and beyond, AVM Kaushik Chatterjee. Starting his journey with the Indian Navy in 1989, AVM Chatterjee has honed his expertise in psychiatry, policy-making, research, and public speaking. AVM Kaushik stands as a beacon of excellence across various fields with over 70 peer-reviewed publications, 700+ citations, and multiple recognitions for his contributions. He's been a professor since 2010 and has served as a psychiatrist in hospitals across numerous Indian cities.

Harsh Pamnani

A true storyteller with a fiery passion for branding, Mr. Pamnani brings a unique perspective to the business world. He shares his insights with a global audience as a contributor to renowned business publications, including Forbes. He collaborates with organizations like the World Bank and Deloitte and innovative startups like FirstCry. As a sought-after speaker, he's graced prominent forums like TEDx, Google Business Group, Josh Talks, and prestigious institutions like IIT and IIM.

Shyamal Dutta

Mr. Shyamal Datta, a world-renowned photographer whose lens captures the essence of life like no other. Mr. Datta recently earned a prestigious spot among the world's top 100 photographers in the International Portrait Photographer 2023 book. His photographic journey has taken him from the rugged landscapes of North and South America to the remote corners of India's northeastern states. His unwavering dedication to his craft and passion for storytelling through photography has earned him international recognition.

Subhajit Mukherjee

'Green Man of Mumbai,' Mr. Subhajit Mukherjee, a true environmental visionary. With his incredible Mission Green Mumbai, he's led a remarkable initiative of planting an astounding 60,000 trees within the city. His motto, 'Each One, Plant One,' has not just resonated; it's flourished. He has rallied communities to protect and nurture trees, and his 'Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyaan' shows his commitment to water preservation.

Sunita Bhuyan

Mrs. Sunita Bhuyan, a renowned violinist with a Master of Music degree and over 25 years of expertise in learning and development. As the Chief Mentor at Atos Prayas Foundation, she orchestrates innovative health and wellness programs for children and communities, exploring avenues like yoga, meditation, arts, and music. Beyond her role there, Mrs. Bhuyan's journey as a self-employed consultant and faculty spans prestigious organizations and projects worldwide. Her focus on leadership, values, collaboration, and change has resulted in groundbreaking learning frameworks and training methodologies.

Swasti Saraogi

Swasti Saraogi, the driving force behind the Robin Hood Army (RHA) – an initiative that's changing lives, one meal at a time. Swasti has played a pivotal role in elevating the organization's presence from 100 cities to a staggering 400 chapters within India and internationally. The RHA, a volunteer-based NGO, bridges the gap between surplus restaurant food and those in need, with a footprint spanning India and ten other countries. With over 2L+ volunteers across 401 cities and having served meals to over 118.46 million people, RHA is more than just an organization—it's a way of life for Swasti.