Theme: the Old, the New and the Timeless அனஂறுமஂ, இனஂறுமஂ, எனஂறுமஂ

TEDx Pollachi is an independently organised TED event. Based in the beautiful town of Pollachi, through the power of ideas worth sharing, strives to be the platform that presents Pollachi to the world while also bringing the world closer to Pollachi. This is a mission that arises from a commitment to the distinct history, culture, people, ecology and aspirations of this town and its surroundings.

Societies frequently come to be defined by the strife between the old ways and the new, old ideas and new ideas, past traditions and new trends. But, some people, often extraordinary in their own right, stand as custodians of Timeless values – Excellence, Ingenuity, Passion, Perseverance, Grit and Empathy. Their works are living records of the foundational values of humanity. TEDx Pollachi, in its second edition, like a faithful keeper of those living records, aims to promulgate the works of some extraordinary people and contribute to keep those records alive, for posterity.

Avani Hall
Devi Nagar, Vadivu Nagar, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu
Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, 642003
India

Bharathy Bhaskar

Orator

An experienced former banker and corporate diversity/inclusion champion, Bharathy Bhaskar is known for her appearance in televised debate shows in Tamil called 'Pattimandram' which has made her a household name across the Tamil-speaking world. Her active participation in televised Pattimandram, now at about 2000 appearances around the world, not only gained her fame, but also took the age-old tradition of Pattimandram to the everyday television audience. The art of Pattimandram, which emphasises rhetoric and humour is essential to her style. But her ability to add depth through contemporary ideas, philosophy and science makes her standout. She also draws inspirations from literature, mythology and everyday life. Proficient in both Tamil & English Oration, she has published over 6 books, including ‘Nee Nadhipola Oodikondiru’, ‘Mudal Kural’. She is also a regular writer with the Times of India, in her column ‘Thirukural with the Times’ is avidly read by the young and old.

Divya Mudappa

Scientist

Divya Mudappa is interested in the ecology, conservation, and restoration of tropical rainforest ecosystems, and in translating biological understanding to on-ground conservation action. She is presently a scientist with the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, based at the field research station in Valparai, Anamalai Hills. She is the author of Pillars of Life: Magnificent Trees of the Western Ghats, co-authored with T. R. Shankar Raman. With colleagues and students, she now leads a long-term conservation programme in the Western Ghats to restore degraded rainforests, reduce conflicts between people and wildlife, and foster conservation education and awareness.

Shankar Raman

Wildlife Scientist + Writer

T. R. Shankar Raman is a writer and wildlife scientist with the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, interested in the ecology and conservation of tropical forests and wildlife, especially in the Western Ghats. He is based at the field research station in Valparai in the Anamalai Hills. He is the author of The Wild Heart of India: Nature and Conservation in the City, the Country, and the Wild and co-author, with Divya Mudappa, of Pillars of Life: Magnificent Trees of the Western Ghats. He co-edited At the Feet of Living Things : Twenty-Five Years of Wildlife Research and Conservation in India with Aparajita Datta and Rohan Arthur.