As SRCC’s Youth Conference 2018 progressed, the stage was graced by many more brilliant speakers from varied backgrounds, with equally varied thoughts, views, and opinions, to share.
The second day at the Youth Conference 2018 at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) started with an enthusiastic first session. Manoj Kohli, the Executive Chairman of Softbank Energy, a global company with the aim of spreading and enlarging renewable energy, addressed the gathering. An alumnus of SRCC, Mr. Kohli talked about his college days at SRCC almost 40 years ago (he graduated in 1979). After his graduation, he also talked about his work in the telecom industry including his stint as the Managing Director and CEO (International) at Bharti Airtel.
Mr. Kohli spoke about the ways in which he believes success can be attained by students. Using what he called the “Four-C’s formula of Character, Courage, Creativity, and Circus (striking a balance), he gave a lengthy exposition based on his experiences. “However, success and happiness has to go together,” Mr. Kohli said, underlining the importance of family values, personal relationships, and ethics in the professional life. He left with a standing ovation from the audience who were visibly enthralled by his speech.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, added to the list of famous personalities to share their experiences at the conference. He talked of his days at SRCC. “I am a storyteller. The drive to tell my stories is what keeps me going. I have come a long way and there is a long way to go,” he said when asked about his days and dreams. On being asked about Rang De Basanti, he said, ”All the seven characters are original inspirations. It was a life we lived at University of Delhi.”
The next speaker for the day was Arjun Vajpai. This 25-year-old mountaineer from Noida talked about his experiences climbing six eight thousand meter mountains of the world. On being asked what kept him going, he said, “If you are not living on the edge, you’re taking too much space. It’s that simple.” Arjun Vajpai is the youngest to climb 6 peaks above 8,000 m.
Following next was Anu Aga, social worker, billionaire and Chairperson of Teach for India. In her address, she recounted her experiences and journey from a Fulbright scholar to the chairperson of Thermax.
Next up was Political scientist, and a University of Delhi faculty, Bidyut Chakrabarty. He talked about the inspiration of Indian Constitution and its derivation from sources like Vedas and the Enlightenment philosophy.
In an anti-climatic wrap, the band of Awaaz which was supposed to be the last act of the day could not perform as the conveners abruptly shut down the programme. The organizers cited security issues for the abrupt cancellation.
Image credits: Adithya Khanna for DU Beat.
Sara Sohail
Nikhil Kumar
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