Theme: Sustainability

The theme for TEDxGoodShepherdIntlSchool 2023 is ‘Sustainability.’ Beyond just being “green,” sustainability entails meeting the current generation’s needs while preserving the ability of future generations to meet their own needs in terms of society, urbanization, and the economy. It also encompasses sustainable personal, educational, and career goals.

Adopting sustainable practices offers significant benefits in the short-term and long-term. To achieve sustainable development, it is essential to harmonize three key elements: Economic Development, Social Inclusion, and Environmental protection.

The exponential progress humans have made over the past centuries raises the critical question of resource conservation for the future. Failure to make sustainable choices can lead to devastating consequences, including the faster depletion of fossil fuels, mass animal species extinction, and irreparable damage to the atmosphere. Our finite resources should be used conservatively and cautiously to ensure there is enough for future generations without compromising our present quality of life.

Achieving sustainability goals involves investing in disruptive practices and green technologies that improve water consumption, enhance air quality, ensure energy security, preserve biodiversity, and minimize the carbon footprint. Organizations and individuals worldwide are demonstrating sustainability as a core value in their policies, daily activities, and behaviors.

The ideas of sustainability are still relatively new to us, whether it is implementing sustainability strategies or assessing the long-term practicality of sustainability goals. The scope of the discussion is wide-open and dynamic.

P.C.Thomas Auditorium
Muthorai Palada, Good Shepherd Knowledge Village
Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu, 643004
India

Jothi Viknesh

Dancer, Cultural Enthusiast, & Workshop Facilitator

Jothi Viknesh is a world record holder for the longest drive in an electric auto rickshaw. He is a passionate advocate for sustainability and is committed to using his travels to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection. Jothi is also a dancer and cultural enthusiast, and he uses his art to celebrate the diversity of India. In his TEDx talk, Jothi will discuss his journey of driving across India in an electric auto rickshaw. He will share the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way. Jothi will also talk about the importance of sustainable travel and how we can all make a difference. He is a thought leader in the field of sustainability, and his talk is sure to be informative and inspiring. Jothi is also a life coach who uses his passion for dance, fitness and culture to celebrate the diversity of India.

Leenika Jacob

Graphic Designer and Social Communication Account Planner

Leenika Beri Jacob is a graphic designer, rural and social communication account planner, and the co-founder and managing trustee of Kala Chaupal Trust. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of communication, with a focus on social impact. Leenika is a Rex Karamveer Awardee and has spoken at various forums on the role of culture in addressing the climate crisis. She is a mother of three and believes in reinvention based on the principles of purpose. In her TEDx talk, Leenika will discuss the intersection of arts, culture, and sustainability. She will share her insights on how we can use culture to raise awareness about environmental issues and to inspire people to take action. Leenika is an inspiration to us all.

Saher Bhamla

Environmental Activist

Saher Bhamla is a 22-year-old environmental activist who has been working in the field since she was 15. She is the founder of One Earth Network, a youth-led organization that works to promote sustainability. Saher has organized numerous environmental initiatives, including beach cleanups, biogas plant installations, and waste management programs. She is passionate about using her platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and to encourage young people to take action. In her TEDx talk, Saher will discuss the importance of sustainability for the future of our planet. She will share her insights on how we can all make a difference in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. Saher is an inspiration to young people everywhere. She is the director and youth head of Bhamla foundation in Mumbai.

Shandip Sabapathy

Chartered Accountant and Motivational Speaker

P. Shandip Sabapathy is a Chartered Accountant, Master in Applied Psychology, and a motivational speaker. He is also a mentor to CA students and has addressed over 1,00,000 people in the last decade. Shandip is passionate about farming and sustainability, and he is committed to using his skills and experience to make a positive impact on the world. In his TEDx talk Shandip will discuss the importance of sustainability and how we can all make a difference. He will share his insights on how to find and sustain happiness. Shandip has inspired countless young minds to discover their path, find their purpose, and live to the fullest of their potential.

Shobana Chandrashekar

Civic Activist & Leader in Sustainability

Shobana Chandrashekar is a civic activist and sustainability leader who has worked tirelessly to improve the environment in the Nilgiris. She is the Convenor of The MOB (Make Ooty Beautiful) Project, and she has led successful campaigns to ban single use plastics and promote sustainable menstrual practices. Shobana is also a founding trustee of The Nilgiri Mountain Arts Initiative, which runs Gallery OneTwo, a free public art gallery created from an abandoned toilet. She is a passionate advocate for sustainability, and she is committed to using her platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet. In her TEDx talk, Shobana will discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainability in the 21st century.

Shrenik Chowdhary

Director of Grainspan Nutrients Pvt. Ltd.

Shrenik Chowdhary is the Director of Grainspan Nutrients Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of agricultural fertilizers. He is a passionate advocate for sustainability and is committed to using his skills to make a positive impact on the world. Shrenik holds a Master of Engineering in Information Technology from Chennai and is a strategic planner and international marketer with strong leadership qualities. He is a frequent speaker on the topics of sustainability and business, and his work has been featured in publications such as The Economic Times and The Hindu Business Line. In his TEDx talk, Shrenik will discuss the importance of sustainability for businesses and how it can be achieved. He will share his insights on how to incorporate sustainability into business practices.

Suhas Ramegowda

Director of Indian Yards & Entrepreneur

Co-founder of Indian Yards Foundation & The Good Gift, a Development Entrepreneur Suhas Ramegowda has spent 13+ years in the corporate world with Royal Dutch Shell being his last employer. In 2017, he decided to do something more meaningful with his life. He lived off the land, built his own earth home, harvested water from the mountain forest stream, harvested electricity from solar, grew food, etc. During this time, he also got integrated into the communities living around him - primarily Irulas and Kurumbas. He has built a sustainable brand right here in the Nilgiris which handcrafts an alternative to barbie / plastics using pre consumer textile waste whilst fueling sustainable economic development of rural & indigenous communities. Mr. Suhas will be speaking about Social Sustainability.