Theme: Through the Looking Glass

A looking glass is a mirror. On the face of it, it is nothing but a mirror which gives you a superficial understanding of the world around you. However, there is so much more to the world than what we just see. So much more that can only be discovered when you step through this looking glass.
This metaphor, of stepping through the looking glass, has been taken from Lewis Caroll’s masterpiece Alice Through the Looking Glass, where the beloved protagonist of the story, Alice, steps through a mirror, entering a world similar to hers yet different: topsy-turvy, distorted, almost bizarre at first, but which ultimately gives the heroine a newer perspective to life.
Our conference Through the Looking Glass aims to pull its audience through the metaphorical looking glass, it aims to take you into the depths of the world around you that you currently only see superficially. This event will change your perspective on how you see the world because it will present them, through different speakers and their innovative ideas, in a unique fashion previously unheard of. You will get to understand the significance of professions and art forms in ways you never have. TEDxShivNadarUniversity will gather people from all walks of life, stray from the mainstream, and throw into sharp relief the ideas that are often left unnoticed!

Shiv Nadar University
NH-91
Tehsil Dadri
Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, 201314
India

Ashvina Basnet

Rehabilitation expert

Ashvina Basnet is the founder of ‘Connect the dots’, a foundation that aims to help rescue and support victims of sex trafficking. With a Ph.D. in Social work, Ashvina focuses on working with victims of sex trafficking, particularly along the India-Nepal border aiding in their rehabilitation and offering a second lease of life.

Deepak Kumar

Sport shooter

Deepak Kumar, a shooter and a Junior Warrant Officer in the Indian Air Force, brought to India a bronze at the 2018 Olympics Shooting events. Having moved from local ranges to international arenas, Kumar's insight into an athlete's psyche is as razor sharp as his aim.

Dr.Tanu Jain

Ex-Bureaucrat and teacher

Dr. Tanu Jain is a remarkable example of versatility and determination, having transitioned from being a dentist to a civil servant and now a mentor to countless UPSC aspirants. Formerly serving as an IAS officer, she has channeled her experience and expertise into founding a coaching institute dedicated to guiding future civil servants.

Humaira Mushtaq

Professional racer

Humaira Mushtaq was the first South Asian woman to race at the prestigious British Endurance Championship (BEC). She has represented India, on international tracks, a multitude of times. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, and raised in a time where the thought of women racing professionally was hard to even comprehend, Humaira gave her all to break glass ceilings and pursue her dream. Today, she stands testament to the fact that one step is all it takes to break free and create history.

Khalid Wani

Entrepreneur and marketing expert

Khalid Wani is a visionary entrepreneur, marketing expert with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries, including technology, sports, fashion, entertainment, and politics. As the founder and CEO of KWCG and a director at One Capitall Ltd NBFC, he has led groundbreaking initiatives in IoT, cloud computing, and strategic investments. Renowned for his innovative business models, Khalid is committed to transforming the Indian employment ecosystem by empowering individuals from underserved communities.

Outkasts (Girl group)

Girl group

A 7-member, Delhi-based dance group, Outkasts sparked everyone’s attention towards them when they received the first runner’s up position in the Dance category at the All-India K-Pop Contest 2023. Established in 2018, they have been making waves around the country with their dance covers of various K-pop singles, as well as other trending music. With their energetic movements, and fervour, they are a sure shot at entertainment wherever they go.

Prabahan Shakya

Singer/Songwriter

Prabahan Shakya, a.k.a. Imon, is a new voice in the Indian musical sphere, and has been noted for his ability and prowess in different parts of the industry including vocals, lyrics, production, etc. He recently released his first single, Homage, which is in his own words “about the people that one grows up looking up to. People who are in some way responsible for us…” With more new music primed to be out soon, Imon is set to be a growing household name across India.

Pranay Lal

Environmentalist

A biochemist by profession, Pranay Lal is an acclaimed author of works like Indica: A Deep Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent and Invisible Empire: The Natural History of Viruses. His work strives to draw his audience to the natural intersection between the human and the natural, and seeks to remind us that one needs to be wary of the changes that have happened. His recent sphere of interest has been towards climate change and its reversal, and the importance of climate change in the public sector.

Samarth Mahajan

Documentary filmmaker

Samarth Mahajan is an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for his thought-provoking and visually appealing storytelling. Samarth, an IIT Kharagpur graduate, switched from engineering to filmmaking to pursue his passion for capturing the complexities of human life. His acclaimed works include The Borderlands, a poignant investigation of communities living along India's borders, and KAZWA - A Million Lanterns, a cultural tradition-based celebration of resilience and optimism.

Sudhana Shankar

Dancer and storyteller

Sudhana Shankar is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer and dynamic Instagram influencer who captivates audiences with her storytelling through dance and expressions. Her mastery of the classical art form, combined with her ability to convey deep emotions and narratives, has earned her widespread admiration.

Vijaita Singh

Journalist

A passionate advocate for uncovering journalism's hidden narratives, Vijaita Singh, Deputy Editor at The Hindu focuses on stories often overshadowed in today’s fast-paced news cycle. Dedicated to amplifying critical voices and highlighting issues that demand attention. Her relentless commitment to follow-ups, persistence, and the pursuit of deeper truths holds the world accountable through impactful reporting