Featuring a vibrant and successful group of socially influential achievers from different sectors in the society, the DPS STS (Delhi Public School) in Dhaka organised the first-ever TEDx event at a Bangladeshi school titled ‘TEDxDPSSTSSchool’ on Saturday.

The speakers, representing various fields in the society gathered at the exclusive event which took place at DPS STS school's Uttara campus in the capital and spoke about several thought-provoking and inspiring aspects from their own experiences.

A full-day event where the students got the privilege to interact with influential people who earned their reputations through incredible achievements in Bangladesh and all over the world, the programme showcased an esteemed list of the panellists featured Mariha Zaman Khan, Barrister of Lincoln's Inn and an Advocate of Dhaka District and Sessions Judges Court who is currently working as an associate at the Gray's Chamber; Shomy Hasan Chowdhury, activist and philanthropic entrepreneur, a nominee of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and The Diana Legacy Award 2021 judge; Mohammad Mohasin, disability activist, founder and captain of Wheelchair Cricket Welfare Association of Bangladesh (WCWAB); Naveed Mahbub, renowned comedian and corporate personality; and Iftekhar Rafsan, popular YouTube personality and content creator, were the guest speakers of the event.

DPS STS also hosted Dibya Jyoti, a prominent and rising young actor who is playing the character of teenage Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Shyam Benegal directed ‘Bangabandhu’ biopic; Md Monirul Islam, Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Police and its head of the Special Branch; Tashnuva Anan Shishir, activist-cultural personality and the first transgender newscaster in Bangladesh; Pritom Hasan, famous singer, composer, and actor; and Professor Syed Humayun Akhter, Vice-Chancellor at Bangladesh Open University as the guest speakers.

Regarding the event, Bijo Kurian, Vice-Principal, DPS STS School, said, “TED talks stand out from other forms of presentations as it is highly effective in conveying information to the target audience. With the TEDxDPSSTSSchool, our goal was to bring bright minds together under one roof. Through this event, we focused on allowing conversations that are idea-focused and inspire attendees to make a difference in the world.”

Dr Shivananda, the principal of DPS STS School, said, “The event was immensely successful for all of us. The participating students across different schools and universities from the city received the opportunity to gain knowledge and be inspired by eminent personalities.”

Throughout the day-long event, speakers shared their individual experiences and shed light on meaningful topics to both educate and entertain the audiences. “I used to watch TEDx talk shows during my meals, as some of these events have really entertained and enlightened me. Now I am here, and this is undoubtedly a great honour for me, and I would suggest everyone to never stop listening to your heart and chasing your dreams,” Iftekhar Rafsan, popularly known as ‘Rafsan the Chotobhai,’ said at the event.

“People often belittle other people based on social classes and gender, especially when someone tries to break the social norms and barriers. I have been going through this battle my entire life, but I really want to appreciate this exclusive initiative because we need to spread positivity in the society,” Tashnuva Anan Shishir said.

TEDxDPSSTSSchool was effective in boosting the intelligence of attendees and providing a divergent experience, the organizers told UNB.