What are some of the things that can help reform Pakistan? This powerful question set in motion innovative ideas and discussion at TEDxMargalla, held at a local cinema recently, said a press release issued by the organisers.
For the second year in a row, speakers from varied backgrounds managed to motivate and intrigue an audience of over 100 from the twin cities. The event brought together some of the brightest minds in the country to share ways in which one could “Rethink Pakistan.”
Among other speakers, the event featured the Engro CEO Asad Umar, LUMS Vice Chancellor Dr Adil Najam, columnist Sami Shah and a youth activist and social entrepreneur, Khalida Brohi, who shared their vision on the theme.
Lahore University of Management Sciences Vice Chancellor Dr Najam talked about the challenges of climate change and the power of individuals in taking actions to combat development challenges. Whereas, Asad Umar urged greater investments in public education and stimulating the economy by opening up borders to regional trade and business opportunities.
Discussing her personal journey, Khalida Brohi spoke about helping women in Balochistan and Sindh become financially independent and educated. Meanwhile, Sami Shah had the audience in fits of laughter with his funny yet thought-provoking talk on the importance of humor in the society.
The Thespian Alliance, a local mime troupe gave a hilarious performance titled “The War Within” to depict the personal battles individuals fight when trying to reform themselves.
TedxMargalla Curator and Licensee Saad Hamid highlighted, “This is the only city-wide TEDx conference based in the capital. We have now twice delivered on our promise of providing an inspirational journey to all our attendees and live viewers.”
TED is a non-profit organisation devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading”. In that spirit, TEDx is a programme of local, self- organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organised events are branded TEDx, where x stands for independently organised TED event.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 3rd, 2012.
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@Saad Hamid: TEDx was done in Cinepax, Rawalpindi. There was TEDxNUST just few months back in h12 NUST.
TEDx events should be promoted and held everywhere. Events like these show us the silver lining of the dark clouds surrounding us and we learn to be the change we need!
Amazing event, learned a lot from it! LET'S RE-THINK PAKISTAN!!!!