V-Talks

What does it take to build something from nothing — and what does that have to do with how students should be thinking about their education? Averil Spencer, co-founder and CEO of Launch Girls and an alumna of both MIT and Harvard, brought the lived reality of entrepreneurship into the room. Not as a success story to be admired from a distance, but as a mindset — a way of approaching problems, uncertainty, and growth that students can begin practising long before they ever start a company.

Everyone is told to study harder. Far fewer are ever taught how to actually learn. Dr. Shyam Raghunath Joshi turned the spotlight on something students interact with every day but rarely examine: the mechanics of learning itself. From retention to reflection, the session unpacked practical techniques that help learners become more deliberate, more effective, and ultimately more independent — the kind of session that students leave wanting to rethink how they have been approaching their own education entirely.

Devyani Wankhede, an IITM BS student and author of The Art of Doing It Tomorrow, addressed a habit almost every student knows well: waiting for the "right moment" to begin. She shared why procrastination happens and how small, consistent actions matter more than perfect timing.

Dhivya Kannan, mindfulness life coach and founder of Ni Nurturing Institute, explored how a calm and focused mind leads to better work. The session introduced simple mindfulness practices that help reduce stress, improve concentration, and make everyday tasks feel more manageable.

Dr. Yayati Gupta, Assistant Professor at Mahindra University and a PhD (CSE) alumna of IIT Ropar, spoke about the value of building meaningful professional relationships. She shared how students can start networking early through peers, mentors, and communities, and how these connections shape future opportunities.

In this open Q&A session, Dr. M.S. Lakshmi Priya, IAS, Secretary of the Coir Board under the Ministry of MSME, answered participants' questions directly. The conversation covered her journey in public service, career choices, and practical advice for students planning their own paths.

Prof. Pretty Bhalla, Professor at LPU, Hapttitude Coach, and Culture Architect, introduced the idea of Hapttitude, which brings together happiness and attitude. The session looked at how our thinking patterns shape our emotions and behaviour, and shared simple ways to build a more positive and resilient mindset.

Lakshay Kumar, a final-year B.Tech (CSE) student at IIT Ropar, spoke from a student's point of view about managing academics, personal interests, and side projects together. He shared practical tips on prioritising, managing time, and avoiding burnout while still exploring what excites you.

Dr. Amit Kumar Marwah, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Acropolis Institute of Technology and Research, Indore, reflected on what learning means now that AI can quickly produce answers. He encouraged students to value the process of understanding, not just the final result, and to use AI as a support rather than a shortcut.

Jyotsna Lakshminarayanan, Woman FIDE Master and chess coach, drew parallels between the chessboard and the classroom. She shared how patience, strategy, learning from mistakes, and mutual trust help build a strong relationship between teachers and students.

Smt. Amrita Murthy, Principal of Wisdom School, Karnataka, explained what emotional intelligence is and why it matters as much as academic ability. The session covered recognising and managing your own emotions, understanding others, and using these skills to build better relationships at school, at work, and in life.