Theme: Zeitgeist - The Spirit of our Times

TEDxBDSIS is an independently organized TED event at B.D Somani International School in Mumbai, India. Through the theme of Zeitgeist - The Spirit of our Times, we aim to explore the tangible and intangible agents defining the spirit of our age. Zeitgeist resonates with our need as a community to reflect on the intellectual, ethical, and cultural climate in today’s world. Our distinguished and eclectic panel of speakers will share their unique perspectives on a wide range of topics. From sustainability to resilience, cultural innovation and preservation to mental health, and branding to leadership, our speakers will offer insights and ideas that aim to challenge and inspire you and encourage learning and growth.

BD Somani International School
625, G.D. Somani Marg, Cuffe Parade
Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400005
India

Gaytri Bhatia

Environmental Analyst & Founder of Vrindavan Farms

Gaytri Bhatia has been a ‘grower’ at Vrindavan Farm for over a decade. She has consulted with the US Environmental Protection Agency analyzing industry emissions into air, water, land. She has also been a speaker at the Terra Madre Giovani 2015 Conference and a speaker for The Manifesto, engaging in conversation on the current state and the future of agriculture, funded by NASA. Gaytri believes that most of our individualized actions, including agriculture, tend to disturb Earth's natural harmony. Her vision is toward embracing, understanding, respecting, and maintaining elemental harmony. At Vrindavan Farm, all the work is done by the hands of the indigenous folk of the community and Gaytri’s. Combining indigenous wisdom and modern day knowledge, they aim to spread within the community, a return to the ancient art of harmonious farming. One of the quotes Gaytri tries to live by is ‘Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.’

Kaashvi Mehta

Student

Kaashvi Mehta, currently an 11th-grade student at B.D Somani International School, has a great passion for Indian classical music and dance. She also enjoys playing a variety of instruments, including the piano, guitar, and ukulele. Apart from her artistic pursuits, she is deeply committed to environmental and ethical issues, which led her to create a website to express her views. In her upcoming TEDx talk, she will share her personal journey of transitioning from FOMO (fear of missing out) to JOMO (joy of missing out). She is eager to inspire and connect with the audience through her story.

Kumar Rathod

Assistant Manager at Oscar Foundation

Kumar plays a vital role in the Oscar Foundation's Football Programme, primarily managing and guiding the on-ground associates and coaches in Mumbai and Daman & Diu. He leads the team and provides individual support to every member to foster their growth and development at OSCAR. Kumar is a certified coach with a 'D' license in Coaching from AIFF (All India Football Federation) in 2016. Additionally, he has earned a Diploma in Sports Business Management from Pyramid Sports, England and completed national and international training courses, including the Manchester United Coaching Course in 2017, Premier Skills Football Coaching Training (Kerala) in 2015, and International Grassroots Football Coach in 2014 (taught by coaches from Bayer Leverkusen and Queens Park Rangers). Kumar has also accompanied the boys' team as a coach for OSCAR UK Tour to Spain and the UK.

Lulu Raghavan

Managing Director of Landor & Fitch India

With over two decades of experience in brand management and performance, Lulu Raghavan is an expert in brand transformation across industries. She presently serves as the Managing Director of Landor & Fitch India, where she leads a team of strategists and creatives that provide clients with comprehensive and strategic brand and design solutions. Lulu has been recognized as a leader in her field, including being named IMPACT Top 50 Women in Media, Marketing and Advertising in 2019, anchoring Bloomberg UTV’s Beyond Logo show and serving on the Cannes Lions Design Jury. She is the award winner of Campaign India's Women Leading Change of the Year 2023. In addition to her work with Landor & Fitch, she is involved in several initiatives including the WPP Stella India Council. She believes that design and brands can create commercial and social value, and her unique combination of strategic vision, creative flair, and empathetic leadership has made her a standout figure in the industry.

Roshan Mansukhani

Music Therapist and Motivational Counselor

Roshan's passion for music and his desire to help people cope with their issues inspired him to create a groundbreaking workshop called 'Music - A Holistic Heal'. His motivation for embarking on this project was rooted in a moving experience he had with his teenage daughter's friend, who confided in him about their struggle with drug addiction. Roshan, in response, invited the friend to join him in music-making on his DJ console, and after a few sessions, the friend opened up about their drug problem and desire to quit. Through music therapy and counseling, they were able to overcome their addiction and achieve sobriety. This transformative experience became a turning point for Roshan, who left behind his successful career of 18 years in event management to pursue a new career path as a music therapist. Today, he specializes in counseling teenagers and has received numerous accolades for his outstanding work, including The Man of Excellence Award in 2019, among others.

Veda Shah

Student

Veda Shah is a student at BD Somani International School in the 9th Grade. She has a passion for playing tennis, enjoys learning about biology and loves participating in debates. One of her favorite pastimes, was when she was younger, was hiking with her family during the weekends, and this is where her love for trekking and nature came about. During her talk, she will share her personal journey of trekking, starting from climbing the Kedarkantha peak to eventually reaching the Everest Base Camp. She will delve into the concept of resilience and how she developed it through her trekking experiences.