What is success? Is it an inflated net worth? A glorified business card? People taking selfies with you?
On November 4, Techno India University examined this question on their Sector V campus in a TEDx session on ‘Redefining Success’, with a compelling speaker panel comprising leaders from their respective industries.
The panel included Alokananda Roy, dancer, choreographer, and social reformer, Dr Mousree Basistha, assistant professor of law, South Kolkata Law College, University of Calcutta, Darshan Dudhoria, director of Bari Kothi; Satyarup Siddhanta, a mountaineer; IAS Rajanvir Singh Kapur, managing director of West Bengal Transport Corporation; Sayantan Maitra, vice-president at MassArt, Sumit Agarwal, LinkedIn growth specialist, and RJ Arvind, journalist. The session was hosted by Manoshi Roychowdhury, chairperson, Techno India University.
Manoshi Roychowdhury (right) felicitated Alokananda Roy for her incredible contribution in the field of dance
Roy spoke about reforming people in prisons through the performing arts, in a session titled Dance: The Therapeutic Power of Movement. This was followed by Basistha’s views on ‘Seeing beyond Sight’. Dudhoria elaborated on the nuances of heritage sustainability while highlighting a new paradigm for success. Siddhanta borrowed from his mountaineering experiences to talk about success in the face of adversity, and reflected upon how he conquered more than mountains.
For Kapoor, the mantra for success was to create a more joyous workplace. Maitra, who recently helped take the cultural essence of Durga Puja to a wider audience, highlighted the power of art festivals to inspire success. Agarwal inspired everyone with his journey from limitations to leadership, and becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice. Arvind explained the impact of radio in bringing success to the entire community through engagement.
Roychowdhury observed that there was a general consensus that conventional definitions of success can be limiting, and the term must be expanded to incorporate more holistic well-being and personal fulfilment. “While society has imposed several expectations to gauge success, it should be an individualistic pursuit. To find your own passion, remain committed while limiting distractions, and having fun along the way to the summit is the true meaning of success,” she said.