With the initiative of two friends and co-organizers, Shirish Pokharel and Nimesh Ghimire, the spirit of TEDTalks is being brought here through TEDx. [break]
According to the TEDTalk website, www.ted.com, “Stemming off of the TED talks, TEDx was created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading.” The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.”
“TED (short for Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a US private non-profit foundation that is best known for its conferences held in six continents, devoted to what is called “ideas worth spreading.” The lectures or TED Talks are widely popular in the Internet as being persuasive, ingenious and inspiring.”
The press release states that, “TEDxKathmandu is the first ever TED-inspired project in Nepal. We believe in the power of inspired ideas and knowledge and their capacity to change the world for the better. Our goal is to draw this future nearer by giving established and budding Nepali change makers the chance to share their ideas with both Nepali and international TED audience.”
As for how the idea of bringing the TED experience to Nepal evolved, Shirish Pokharel says, “Well my friend and I wanted to bring it here and after doing some research, we found out that it hadn’t been done in Nepal yet.”
The 19 year old mentions that a similar event was planned last year but could not materialize.
“We had everything planned and we had a pre-event, but due to bandhs and various other reasons, we weren’t able to have the actual large event.”
This year, the event has been planned for July 30, 2-6pm but the final details like the venue and speakers are yet to be finalized.
“We have seven speakers who have confirmed so far,” the co-organizer says and lists Anil Chitrakar, social entrepreneur, Ani Choying Drolma, Buddhist nun cum singer, Haushala Thapa, social worker and Sunil Babu Panta, Constitute Assembly member and gay rights activist as some of the scheduled speakers.
Pokharel who is attending Tufts University, Boston, in the fall adds that this is an initiative he would like to hold annually.
“Last year was unfortunate but we’re planning on doing this every year. In fact, we’ve already had people tell us that they will support us next year!” In the spirit of TEDxKathmandu’s longevity, the young organizers have already compiled a list of potential speakers for three year’s worth of events.
Through the planning seems to be well into the advanced stage, Pokharel admits there have been difficulties.
“The hardest part of it has been trying to get hold of all the speakers. We’re aiming for nine to eleven people, plus a band and they’re all doing it for free!” he says.
Pokharel also adds that he feels this kind of event is necessary because according to him, “In the national discourse that exists, we are missing motivation and inspiration.” With this event, he hopes to “inspire people to innovate” so that everyone can do more for the country.
Unfortunately this year’s event will only be open for some 100 people. “We needed a license from TED to hold the event and for this one we’re not allowed more than 100 people,” Pokharel says. With limited seats, the event will be open either by invitation or by application.
“Initially we thought about selling tickets but then we decided that having an application process might be better so that we can refine the crowd and choose people who will benefit most,” he says.
To apply visit http://tedxkathmandu.com/attend-tedxkathmandu/ and fill out the application form. Although the deadline for the application is yet to be set, “The deadline will be about four to five days prior to the event and then probably other people who are involved with screen the applications.”
For more information, visit tedxkathmandu.com.
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