TEDxAIUB: A CELEBRATION OF INFINITE IDEAS

Universities on weekends have usually a quiet and lifeless environment. However, on the morning of December 12, the American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) Banani campus was filled with the hustle and bustle of volunteers working diligently, all in preparation of the 2nd ever TEDxAIUB event. The event was organised by students of AIUB with guidelines set by the TED Conference.
This year, the theme of the event was “Ideas are Infinite”. Here, we provided a platform for all the brilliant minds that have come up with ingenious ideas about science, philosophy, social work and life in general.

The event started with a speech by entrepreneur Arif Nezami who talked about solving problems using technology using empathy. Next up on stage was Leaping Boundaries founder Shagufe Hossain, who took the initiative to provide a platform for the much ignored madrasa students.

Following the first session was a quick snack break for attendees and speakers alike which also acted as a networking opportunity in disguise. People from various different fields, students and professionals alike, mingled and talked about ideas they are interested in. During this break, the interaction was further enhanced by letting the attendees acknowledge their inner TEDster. They were asked to choose a stick with their names on it and were asked to give an impromptu speech on the idea mentioned behind the stick. This break was also utilised by the photo enthusiasts who used the photo booth to capture some fun snapshots.

During the second session, the stage was graced by the respected faculty member of AIUB, Tabin Hasan. Next up was a short speech by North South University faculty member Khan Muhammad Saqiful Alam. The second session was by Samid Razzak, initiator of 10 Minute School, a web-based school. Following the second session, the lunch break was announced.

In the third session, first up was Fazlay Rabbi, who manages the most popular Facebook page for the travelers based in Bangladesh. Next up was Maliha Mohsin, who talked about a different kind of homelessness and finding a place to belong to. After her, Shams Jaber was up on stage, who is the co-founder of The Tech Academy. The audience also enjoyed a musical performance by the lead vocalist of Black, Mofizul Haque Chowdhury, who performed two covers and one song from the band itself. Finally, the crowd was heavily entertained and charmed by magician and comedian Max Mystel whose stand-up comedy was as good as his card tricks. The event ended with crests that were handed out to speakers and certificates that were given to the attendees. The organisers closed the
show by thanking the sponsors and the attendees for their presence, with the promise of an even better event in the upcoming year.

Overall, it was a momentous occasion for the university and for the local TED and TEDx enthusiasts. All those who believe in the power of intellect and creativity took some valuable lessons from each of the speakers. Because while our lifetimes may be finite, our minds are brilliant and ideas are infinite.