TED videos help me look at the world I live in. It has been a big learning experience to understand perspectives, problems and participations as a human being. I have also been active in commenting and connecting within the viewing community. As part of the connection someone I met online is currently making a visual representation of one of my poems. TED for me is a platform that brings change and connection outside the stage and auditorium. Though I used to write specific blogposts on individual videos, it was not happening on time. So I decided I will do these multipart posts where I can share the video and my comments. Here is the Part 1
Navi Radjou – Creative problem-solving in the face of extreme limits
Navi is based in Silicon valley an innovation and leadership strategist and co-author of the international best-seller Jugaad Innovation and he has spend many years studying “jugaad,” also known as frugal innovation. In this video he takes you through the Jugaad terrain in India, Africa and south america. This video on a personal level also makes us look at the excess on which we live our lives. The concept of necessity and want replaced by the flavors of excess. On the streets far away from expensive labs creative solutions blossoming due to the lack of resources. Do watch
Bruno Torturra – Got a smartphone? Start broadcasting
Bruno is the leader of Mídia Ninja collective a innovative journalism outfit that brings together volunteer citizen journalists to create, collaborate, produce and share news through live streaming on the web. They started being known world wide on their coverage of the 2013 protests in brazil. According to Bruno Mídia Ninja is emerging as an alternative to mainstream media. The power of technology helping news fly faster and with the least amount of resources – just a smartphone. A smartphone as we all know is a powerful tool. But like any tool its impact all depends on the intention of the person who holds it. And I guess here Bruno’s group provides a direction for many people who can use it to the connect the world to what happens around them.
Pico Iyer: The art of stillness
When Pico was speaking what I was being reminded was these words of Kafka “You do not need to do anything; you do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. You do not even need to listen; just wait. You do not even need to wait; just become still, quiet and solitary and the world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked. It has no choice. It will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”
Zak Ebrahim – I am the son of a terrorist. Here’s how I chose peace
I think his talk raises the point that there is a better way to life and you can find it even if you have been indoctrinated in violence during childhood… to look at life and love instead of death and hate… I have not read the book though…. but will plan to… Bottom line is that no one can give excuses, even that of childhood indoctrination to reason an act of violence… period….
Stella Young – I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much
Stella Young the Australian comedian, journalist and disability advocate left us last year Dec 6th – This powerful talk is a must watch. Stella… Your words hit a lot like stones…. I bet no one has looked at those pictures in the light that you spoke… it is not about inspiration; it is about making people think…. And your talk will make people think Stella and hats of for doing that. Your words go beyond the beautiful life you have lived.
Will Porter – The shocking move to criminalize nonviolent protest
Will is an investigative Journalist and author who focuses on the animal rights and environmental movements, and civil liberties in the post-9/11 era. It is true that across history the rule of power has been that if you are against you are branded unlawful….. does not matter what you stand for and whether you do it non-violently….. And when power and profits go hand in hand, then things get worse….. and some voices have to be there to change it…. Thanks for speaking Will…..
Andrew Solomon – How the worst moments in our lives make us who we are
Andrew writes on politics, psychology and culture. He was a finalist for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize. This is an amazing talk. One of the best I have heard. The need to forge meaning and build identity for oneself is so important because many times the world around takes up that for you and that would not be as honest as you would do. Appreciate you sharing your story with the world. Sorry I have not read any of your books, but hearing this now I look forward to reading you and understanding more on what you write. Thanks again for that amazing presentation.
Kwame Anthony Appiah: Is religion good or bad? (This is a trick question)
Philosopher an cultural theorist Kwame asks the very tricky question, Is religion good or bad. For me the whole question is quite simple; Religion creates a separation, that can be used in many insidious ways between elements of the same species and that is definitely not a natural part of evolution.
Categories: Articles, Articles & Opinions, TED Videos
You should watch Alice Goffman’s TED Talk 
Life on the Road – Kitra Cahana’s TED talk – My Thoughts 
Vinod Narayan 
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