Theme: Building Bridges, Not Walls.

“Life in the fast lane, surely makes you lose your mind.” - Eagles

In this chaos-ridden jungle where wild dogs run hungry for power, elephants and donkeys run mad for money, and all others are hunted down by the grasp of starvation, humans die. Imagine this: a society, a community, a human collective turned into animals. Insentience, apathy, and selfism rule all.

I stand next to a man on the train. I look over. Do I greet him? No. We exchange an insincere smile. I move on, too busy to ask about his anguish, too self-centric to think about him. My emotions, my feelings, and my thoughts are all that matter. Do I ever find this unusual? No, because the man was just as self-centred. Do I ever find this unsettling? No; this is the ‘new normal.’

We, as a society, have collectively forgotten, maybe intentionally, the concept of ‘empathy.’ In the pursuit of individual success within the frenetic pace of modern life, the resonance of empathy has grown faint. As technology connects us across vast distances, it paradoxically widens the emotional gap between hearts. We’ve become disconnected from one another. “18,000 dead in Gaza,” we listen on the T.V. We couldn’t be more unbothered. We’ve lost all empathy.

Why must empathy be so important, though? It is a profound ability to vicariously experience the emotions of others, transcending personal perspectives to connect with the universal human condition. In a world marked by diversity and complexity, empathy serves as a bridge across cultural, social, and economic divides, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation. It not only deepens interpersonal relationships but also promotes inclusivity, tolerance, and acceptance.

Reattaining empathy is paramount in our quest for a more humane and interconnected world. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the intrinsic value of understanding and sharing the feelings of others often takes a backseat. Rediscovering empathy is not just a personal endeavour but a collective necessity. And so, our theme for TEDxYouth@HFSInternational 2024 supports just this notion.

Join us and be rekindled with your empathy.

Hiranandani Foundation School International
Ridge Street, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai
5th Floor
Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400076
India

Aditya Iyengar

Novelist

Mr. Aditya Iyengar is a published author of five novels on Indian mythology and historical fiction. His books have been acclaimed for viewing Indian mythological and historical tales through the eyes of often unexplored and peripheral characters and include stories as varied as retellings of the Mahabharata - The Thirteenth Day & A Broken Sun, a story of the Ashwatthama legend - Palace of Assassins, a retelling of the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective - Bhumika, and a historical fiction novel on the Chola empire - The Conqueror. His novel Bhumika was nominated for the Mathrubhumi Group Book of The Year Award in 2020 and his novel The Conqueror was shortlisted for the Book of the Year in the Valley of Words International Book Awards in 2019. Unlock the power residing in ourselves and building bridges that connect ourselves emotionally to the world in our TEDx Talk at Hiranandani Foundation School International on the 17th of February, 2024.

Ashdin Doctor

Director at Ormax + Author + Host of The Habit Coach Podcast

Mr. Ashdin Doctor is a Director at Ormax Consultants Pvt. Ltd, Ormax Media Pvt. Ltd, Ormax Evolve Pvt. Ltd, and Trustee at Light Of Life Trust. His life encircles around creating Habits through his The Habit Coach Podcast which has over 1500 episodes! His books, including “Change Your Habits, Change Your Life”, “One Habit a Day: 31 Habits to Transform Your Life,” and "Book Of Good Habits For Kids" and his infamous podcast make him the ultimate candidate for our TEDx HFSI 2024. Along with his professional life, his personal endeavours are no less, he has Climbed Kilimanjaro, Mount Everest Base Camp, Stok Kangri! His motto “Good Vibes Only!” showcases through his achievements and demeanour. Unlock the power residing in ourselves and building bridges that connect ourselves emotionally to the world in our TEDx Talk at Hiranandani Foundation School International on the 17th of February, 2024.

Karishma Chhatrapati

Author + Wellness expert

Mrs. Karishma Chhatrapati, an emotional wellness expert, envisions a world where individuals thrive with emotional well-being and embrace boundless personal growth, a world where emotion is the driving factor of life, a world where people accept emotion as a spectrum of possibilities. She is an Emotional Wellness Expert with over 20 years of experience in the field of mental and emotional health. Her journey as a Life Coach, Psychotherapist, Counselling Psychologist, Breathwork, Meditation & Mindfulness Mentor, Lifestyle Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Inspirational Speaker, and Writer, is truly formidable and encompasses something nobody can live up to. Her motto and mission to inspire hearts and elevate minds to foster resilience, and nurture a healthy mindset, is something everyone can join. Unlock the power and build bridges that connect ourselves emotionally to the world in our TEDx Talk at Hiranandani Foundation School International on the 17th of February, 2024.

Neeraj Jain

Managing Director at Scholastic India

Neeraj is an accomplished Managing Director at Scholastic, world's largest children's book publisher. Scholastic in India works closely with Schools to inculcate the habit of reading in students and provides resources to support their healthy needs. With expertise in the education sector, Mr. Neeraj is committed to driving sustainable growth and achieving long-term objectives for Scholastic India Pvt. Ltd. His unwavering dedication and strategic approach makes him a valuable leader in the pursuit of excellence. Mr. Neeraj holds an MBA degree from the Indian School of Business. He also has a bachelor's degree in Commerce from Hansraj College from Delhi University. Mr. Neeraj is former board member of “Excellence in School Education” (Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi) and Former Chairperson of Publishing Committee FICCI. Hear him speaking at TEDxYouth@HFSI 2024 on the 17th of February.

Niranjan Hiranandani

Managing Director of Hiranandani Group

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani is the Co-Founder, and Managing Director, at Hiranandani Group. He has also recently established a new business vertical "Hiranandani Communities". The first generation entrepreneur legend was born in 1950 in the family of an Padma Bhushan ENT specialist Dr. L. H. Hiranandani. The visionary gentleman has earned the doctorate degree after performing his research on Real Estate. Mr. NLH began his career as a professional in CA institute followed by a short span of experience in the textile industry. The intellectual and entrepreneurship skill gave him the vision to look beyond this, and then he stepped into the Real Estate industry delivering a globally landmark project "Hiranandani Gardens" at Powai, Mumbai. “Sincerity and Commitment with consistent efforts is the recipe to achieve success and scale great heights,” is the quote which very aptly sums up Dr Niranjan Hiranandani’s Magic mantra. Hear him speaking at TEDxYouth@HFSI 2024 on the 17th of February.

Shubhangi Singh

Pilot at Air India

Captain Shubhangi Singh is the first woman CPL holder from Thane district, one of the two commanders to fly the all women longest flight from Delhi to San francisco in 2016, she who commanded the first successful medical diversion across the pacific ocean, and her name existing among the first 10 woman pilot to join Air India in the international criteria. Please give a huge round of applause to O Captain! My Captain! Shubhangi Singh. Unlock the power residing in ourselves and building bridges that connect ourselves emotionally to the world in our TEDx Talk at Hiranandani Foundation School International on the 17th of February, 2024.

Vidhi Bubna

Journalist

Ms. Vidhi Bubna is an award-winning journalist covering for Telegraph, Tripoto, Asia Times, Modern Diplomacy and other publications. She has also been awarded at the UK House of Commons Twice and invited to meet HM King Charles and the royal family. She is the author of “Little Girl and the Wisdom Forest." Along with the multitude of awards she is also the founder of Everest Communications, which has featured on NewsX. As the founder of India's first scuba diving grant, she has been inducted into the Queen's Commonwealth Trust and George Bush's Points of Lights foundation. London Climate Connection is the UK's largest climate action network, where she has been invited to speak about her work in journalism and sustainability. Along with that she is also the country head for the UK for G100 - for journalism and ethical governance. Hear her speaking at TEDx Talk at Hiranandani Foundation School International on the 17th of February, 2024.