It was an enriching experience that we will all remember forever.
Aspiring journalists from the School of Journalism and Film Production, Lovely Professional University, attended the Mind Rocks Youth Summit 2016, organized by the India Today Group at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, on 17th September 2016.
The summit comprised a series of events – Amitabh Bachchan’s grand entry, a musical performance by Ankit Tiwari, Sakshi Malik’s showcase of wrestling moves, and a hot debate between Subramanian Swamy and Asaduddin Owaisi, to list a fe. Renowned journalist Avantika Singh of India Today group was our host for the day, while her other well known colleagues coordinated the proceedings. Students from different schools and colleges across the country, were invited to witness the event.
An interview with wrestler Sakshi Malik, this year’s Olympic bronze medalist, kick started the event. The star cast of the movie ‘Pink’, comprising legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, Tapsee Pannu, and the producer of the movie Shoojit Sircar, was invited next. After that Varun Dhawan set the stage on fire with his groovy moves and winsome interaction with the audience. Kanhaiya Kumar, JNU student’s union president, addressed the audience next, after which Ginni Mahi and Kaveri Kapur, emerging singing sensations of India, Alisha Behura, winner of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and Keshav Tyohar, runner up, ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs 2014’ enchanted the crowd with their talent. Soon after, Sorabh Pant, the founder of East India Comedy had everyone laughing till their stomachs ached. Next, Shantanu Deshpande, CEO and Co-Founder, The Bombay Shaving Company and Vivek Prabhakar, Co-Founder of Chumbak, gave the students some tips and tricks of being an entrepreneur.
As the day progressed, a the audience witnessed performances, discussions and interactions with movers and shakers across varied fields. Sushant Singh Rajput’s appearance infused energy into the crowd and had everyone cheering, “Dhoni!! Dhoni!!.” Raghav Chaddha, the national treasurer of AAP, Anupriya Patel, the current Health and Family Welfare minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Sachin Pilot, the youngest MP of India, shared their experiences and urged the students to take up politics. Angira Dhar and Anisha, the YouTube sensations, discussed the latest trends in social media and how social media is helping young people realize their dreams.The Patriot Act, a debate between Asaduddin Owaisi and Subramanian Swami, hosted by Rahul Kanwal, was one of the highlights of the evening, as everyone cheered and whistled for each strong point or question raised by either. Kangana Ranaut spoke passionately about true women empowerment and also lifted the spirits of the crowd with her energetic dance performance. Ankit Tiwari’s mesmerising performance brought the awe inspiring event to an end.
It was an enriching experience that we will all remember for ever. Only a lucky few are fortunate enough to attend an event like this and I feel thankful for having got that chance. Mind Rocks rocked!
