Theme: Perception

Our curator framed it best < an excerpt from the event>

My name is Ashmita Randhawa and I am the license holder for this TEDx event. Hope you are all set for a great day of conversation and good madness.

I've been asked 2 questions about this event: what possessed you to organize a TEDx event ?(yes, possessed was the word used) and the 2nd- why the theme of Perception? Here's what i hope will be my brief answer to both,

The first question is easier to answer-> It starts with me blaming my sister for my love of all things TED... she introduced me to my first and all time favourite talk by Sarah Kay (one I highly recommend by the way!) and it's been a slippery slope ever since. Having volunteered at an event in the States, I went in search of a TEDx here in Newcastle. Unable o find one, I did what any other "normal"person in my shoes would do- I decided to organize one!

So, why Perception. As I stand in front of you today, you have already percieved me in a different, unique way. You may have thought of me as a woman, an Indian, and American, perhaps even Canadian (apparently an american accent mixed with some Geordie is Canadian).

But there always so much more- I have lived in 4 countried and each country has taught me how I can be percieved and has challenged me to shed any pre-dispositions of the people I myself might have.

So how else have I felt that Perception has played a big role in my life? I have felt the sharp edge of religious conflict at its worst and have learnt that what you perceive about any religion or school of thought should always be open to new facts. The biggest thing is that one needs to be willing to listen, as that is the first step in potentially changing your perception.
The heart of the matter is that perception rules our world. That's what I'm hoping we can challenge today through this conference. It's a means to introduce you to new schools of thought and hopefully encourage you to view a thought from many different lenses.

The Lit & Phil
23 Westgate Road
Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE
United Kingdom