The second edition of TEDx Gulshan took place on Saturday in Tejagaon under the theme ‘Innovation for Equality’. 16 local and foreign speakers spoke at the event including the Speaker of the National Parliament of the Government of Bangladesh Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury and the former Chief Secretary Abul Kalam Azad. The event brought extraordinary speakers together as well as inspired the participants and influenced their thinking on various topics.
Dr. Shireen Sharmin, in her speech, brought up the story of becoming the country’s first woman speaker. Her speech highlighted how innovation and equity can be incorporated in the public sector. She said – Innovation is not limited to the private sector but is a driving force for change in the public sector and empowering women’s leadership.
Former Chief Secretary Md. Abul Kalam Azad said – Innovation should be our driving force to achieve equality and TEDx Gulshan has once again proved their ability to spread this message.
Praveena Yagnambhat, Chief of Staff, Boeing India said – Innovation is the key to equality, my journey proves that, even one person can make a difference.
Ankita Bakshi, content strategist at BBC Storyworks, highlighted the power of storytelling in her speech. She said – through our stories we can overcome barriers and bring people from different walks of life together.
UNDP Bangladesh Head of Communication Md. Abul Qayyum highlighted the role of social media and his personal journey in raising awareness for equality. He further said, “TEDx Gulshan has worked as an influencer in transformative discussions and I am glad to be a part of it”.
Dr. Rubana Haque, Vice Chancellor, Asian University for Women; Bangladeshi singer and lyricist Shayan Chowdhury Arnab; Abir Rajbeen, Head of Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company, Bangladesh; a2i’s National Consultant Accessibility Bhaskar Bhattacharya; Bangladeshi radio jockey and television presenter Kibria Sarkar; Ankita Bakshi, Content Strategist, BBC Story-Works; Bangladeshi YouTuber and content creator Iftekhar Rafsan; Ex-Army Commando and Triathlete Imtiaz Elahi; and BRAC’s People, Culture and Communications Senior Director Moutusi Kabir spoke at the event.
TEDx Gulshan was organized along with speeches and music and entertainment. Shayan Chowdhury Arnab’s acoustic storytelling and Ritu Raj’s music enthralled the participants.
One of the special aspects of TEDx Gulshan was the inclusive diversity program. There were special arrangements and sign language interpreters for the participation of persons with special needs.
Ashfaq Zaman, Curator of TEDx Gulshan, said, “The main credit of the success of our event goes to the speakers. The speakers brought out their experiences and perspectives in their speeches and inspired the audience. Through such events we can showcase our culture, our innovation and our social cohesion on the world stage.”
Lead Academy was the knowledge partner of this event. They played a special role in organizing TEDx Gulshan. LEAD Academy is a world-class online learning platform that uses information and technology to empower nation builders with STEM and future readiness skills.