Anthesis: Awakening your Ambition
Have you ever seen a little child: walking those first steps, stuttering that first word, or learning to play and run as they grow? Isn’t that a beautiful journey an individual undertakes from being a meagre, tiny embryo, sheltered and nurtured inside their mother’s womb, through birth and life? Life-changing moments never cease to enthrall us, just as how alluring it is when a bud blossoms into a flower. Anthesis, the miracle of a single flower as it blooms against all odds, embracing fulfillment and beauty, signifies the decree of nature, renewal, evolution, and optimism. Much like a plant that can thrive in even the harshest situations, a person can find courage and resilience amid countless adversities and emerge stronger and brighter, embodying hope. A celebration of the potential for growth and the magnificence that results from the struggle, through anthesis, we may be the change that can inspire others to share their stories and ideas with the world. It serves as a reminder that change and progress are possible, and with the right attitude and perseverance, one can achieve the impossible. Anthesis: Awaken your Ambition is a reminder of how anthesis and ambition are both processes that involve growth and transformation. Without persistence, commitment, and the ability to overcome inevitable obstacles, one can, regrettably, fall short of their full potential and shall remind of the flower that fails to attain efflorescence. Just as seeds need careful nurturing to pave the way to new beginnings, ambition also needs tender care to allow for the manifestation of achievements from the bud of dreams and desire. At TEDxKIITUniversity, we nurture and celebrate inspiration that can be the catalyst for change in the world we live in. Through their journeys of anthesis, our speakers have managed to connect with innumerable individuals, leaving us with inspiring and enduring insights only through their utter tenacity and presence of mind, balancing numerous elements of life, despite the harsh elements of nature. They allow themselves to develop and thrive while defying the odds thrown their way. Anthesis is the development and change, blossoming, the signifier of growth, the little spark that can ignite the fire of optimism and hope we seek. Through this platform, we want to kindle the fire and help people find the motivation to discover their moment of anthesis, awaken and achieve their dreams while leaving an imprint in the sand of life that inspires.
Prof (Dr) Ravindra Kumar Sinha
A Padma Shri Awardee, a resilient biologist, researcher, and conservationist by profession, has devoted his life to studying and conservating Gangetic dolphins. Known as the "Dolphin Man of India", he has authored many research papers and reports to raise awareness about these creatures. His relentless actions played a pivotal role in establishing India's first National Dolphin Research Centre and formulating the Conservation Action Plan for the Gangetic Dolphin. His dedication and commitment are truly admirable.
Prof (Dr) Ravindra Kumar Sinha
Genre: Wildlife
Venugopal Yadav
An extraordinarily gifted artist who creates sand art with the belief that it is not merely about what you observe but what you can communicate to others, his exceptional aptitude and artistic ability have made him a celebrated artist. Having received many accolades and even earning a place in record books, his work serves as a beacon of inspiration to anyone with a passion for pursuing their dreams with determination.
Venugopal Yadav
Genre: Sand Artist
Lipsa Hembram
The visionary behind Galang Gabaan and a celebrated fashion designer who is making a remarkable impact through her work, designs curated by her not only promote the rich heritage of Odisha's tribal communities but also initiate socio-economic changes. With national and international recognition under her belt, including showcases at Lakme Fashion Week and a feature in a PSBT-DD National Documentary, her journey from a NIFT alumnus to success is indeed reflected in Anthesis: Awaken Your Ambition.
Lipsa Hembram
Genre: Fashion
Aparna Kumar
As the first-ever IPS officer to ski to the Geographic South Pole and the first civil servant to complete the "7 Summits Challenge", this Tenzing Norgay Awardee has reached numerous pinnacles, surmounting every hindrance. In six decades, she is the first female director of ITBP Academy, Mussoorie, and a beau ideal for women all around. Her stalwart journey is for everyone to imbibe.
Aparna Kumar
Genre: Mountaineering
Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh
An accomplished Indian para swimmer from the state of Bihar, he is a world record holder for the longest open-sea swim by a person with paraplegia. Having made his mark in the swimming world with multiple medals at National and International para swimming championships, including the World Para Swimming Championship, he has demonstrated exceptional talent, grit, and tenacity. An inspirational sportsperson with an unrelenting spirit, he is the pinnacle of resolute determination.
Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh
Genre: Sports
Commodore Vijaypal Singh Rawat
A Shaurya Chakra awardee who has served in the highly specialised commando force, the MARCOS of the Indian Naval Services, he is known for immense gallantry and valour. Having received top-class training with the renowned US Navy SEALs, this Indian Navy veteran has played a key role in the Mission Rakhshak in Kashmir and provided deep insights into the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, making him the pride of the nation one of the most decorated, cherished, and celebrated service members.
Commodore Vijaypal Singh Rawat
Genre: Defence
Sangeeta Kapoor
A Guinness World Record holder with over 1000 shows and counting, her brilliance in the craft continues to enchant, both figuratively and literally. Her movie has won India's Top Most Girl Magician Award, and she is a Global Magical Entertainer and Trainer of Magic Art & Illusion. Holding the baton of her family legacy, she has performed on several prime-time national and international TV shows.
Sangeeta Kapoor
Genre: Magician
Srikanth Mannepuri
A renowned wildlife conservationist, photographer, and filmmaker with an unceasing passion for forests and wildlife, he utilises his photography skills to narrate enthralling stories and raise awareness about sustainable living and conservation practices. His image titled ‘Just One Day’s Catch’, showcasing Marlin and Sail fishes at the Kakinada coast, earned him the Highly Commendable award in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, London in the Oceans niche. His work has garnered widespread recognition with a large social media following. His commitment to saving wildlife, the environment, and the world while narrating stories has become a driving force for him and the youth worldwide.
Srikanth Mannepuri
Genre: Wildlife Photography
Vishal Prasad Gupta
An engineer with a unique idea and a vision to transform the energy sector, he has earned recognition as the world's first individual to create biofuel with algae and leads India's biofuel revolution. His work has been recognised and published in 'The Morning Standard'. He is dedicated to providing a viable replacement for fossil fuels worldwide for the sake of the environment. His journey and unwavering dedication are indeed inspirational.
Vishal Prasad Gupta
Genre: Environment/Renewable Energy
