Samir is a Sudanese who was born in Libya, went to school in
Cyprus, worked in USA for 7 years and then for another 7 years in India and now
has come back to where he belongs-Sudan.
This he observes is an emerging segment, a new culture created
by people coming back to Sudan. If you watch the TEDx talks you will see a
complete kaleidoscope of what Sudan is.
Sustainability has two parts. What we need today is to Sustain
the Ability and have the Ability to Sustain. We need both.
Samir spoke at the TEDx Khartoum Change 2013
(Positive Disruption) on Wednesday,
April 3rd, 2013 at DAL Excellence centre.
This event was inspired by the TEDx Change which took place on the same day and
time at Seattle and was convened by Melinda French Gates. Samir referred to Melinda
Gates statement that Positive Disruption needs courage. He wonders why courage and
why not perseverance, genius, hard work or intelligence.
Samir shared the TEDx Khartoum statistics which says that there has
been a 50% increase in attendees in the last 3 years for TEDx Khartoum as well
as TEDx Youth. There are 2800 active Facebook members, Weeklong Blog
Contributions, Talks on YouTube and official website.
The base has been set
for TEDx Khartoum. How do these TEDx events take place? Announcements are made
in FB and websites. People get mobilized. Groups work with Speakers. Themes and
topics are finalised. Marketing activities begin, blogs are written. There’s a
lot of excitement. Then the speakers deliver their basic stories which are so
interesting that they motivate and energise and develop you. They show you how
to think outside the box. Some of us are excited, moved and energized with some
of the speakers.
What happens the next day we wake up? What percentages of
people actually do something about it?
Samir spoke of his cousin and uncle who had initiated the
open heart surgery on a child who was of 3 years age. Samir was inspired by
their sustainability. He also spoke of another cousin who had pioneered a forum
called ‘One Mike’ where people could voice their opinion. “Now that’s sustainability
action” said Samir.
Samir has seen the world in USA and India. He has interacted
with people from all over the world. Learnt the typical accents of Americans,
Indians, Italians, French and other people. Having watched TED since 2006 he came
back to Sudan with a dream. Has already spent 3 years in Sudan and is unable to
do much. He has his plans but whenever he wanted to do something he has been
hit. He wanted to make a difference but
didn’t know how to do it. What to do next?
There is a paradox in Positive Disruption. Every time you
make a Positive Disruption it becomes a norm and you need to make another
positive disruption.
TEDx is a positive
disruption. What next? How can we spread the thoughts and ideas all across the country?
More people need to have access to it. The telecoms are trying their best to
expand and meet the increasing demand of users. We need sustainability. This is
a challenge to TED Universe.
We need the experts to show us how to do it. Give your expertise
and show people how to make the difference. There is a difference in the
Sudanese culture. We think in terms of today and less of tomorrow or the day
after. We need to evolve forums, councils and institutional bodies to make
things happen. The world is changing. His favourite hero is Spiderman.
Spiderman’s uncle, before his death, told him that with power comes great
responsibility. Likewise, TED has opened the Pandora’s box.
People in this world
are dying by the seconds. Even if you can take care of the six people next to
you, one can achieve something. He
quoted Julie Dixon, one of the speakers in TEDxChange- “Influence is the
currency of change”. Currency means barter, exchange, one gives you ideas you
need to take action upon and in return you give your enthusiasm, effort and your
drive.
He shared his favourite Dalai Lama quote “If you think
you’re too small to make a difference… try sleeping with a mosquito in the room”.
Well don’t we understand that very well being in Sudan?
“Thus let not there be just talk but let us put them into
action. Make this a way of life. Let us take professional help whether from
Sudan or around the world. This is a
country with potential and resources. Sudanese nationals have written the
constitution in other countries, built regions, taught today’s billionaires in
other countries. Why not apply here. Why can’t we do it here? That’s my
challenge” declared Samir.
