Attending a TED Conference is an experience unlike any other. Over a period of five days, one gets to immerse oneself into more than 100 talks on diverse topics by world famous specialists that one would not otherwise be exposed to.
It is like The Matrix where one can get instant knowledge and skill in any domain !
Over the years, I have been attending TED on and off till the disruption by COVID. As I finished registering for this years event, ( my sixth TED) I was reflecting on my experiences at these conferences and there was one that I am compelled to share with you today.
During the conference, one session is dedicated to the attendees to come on to the main stage where they get a chance to respond to the speakers they have just heard. In 2019, I decided to respond too, but not to a speaker of that year but to a talk I heard in the previous year, 2018.
That speaker was Emily Levine.
Emily is an American humorist who speaks about science and human condition. A regular at TED, she spoke for the last time at the age of 74, suffering as she was with Stage 4 lung cancer. You can watch her 2018 talk “ How I made friends with reality’ here.
There was something magical about her talk that moved me deeply. Her coming onstage with a cheerful disposition on the cusp of death was no doubt inspiring, but what struck me was the impact she would have had on millions of people suffering from a similar condition and the strength and succour he words would have given them in the last days of their lives.
I was reminded of my own attempt with my ailing mother 30 years ago, when I recorded a conversation on a cassette and sent it to Chicago where she was getting treated. The joy of listening to my voice gave her untold happiness as she spent her last days in treatment.
So when my chance came, I went up the stage and paid homage to Emily, expressing my gratitude for her attitude and the impact she must have had with her talk. Here is the video.
I also got a chance to bump into her during the conference. Much to her bewilderment I did a shastanga pranaam and took her blessings. Attached is a photo with her.
After all these years, I was suddenly reminded of her again yesterday and was wondering why.
3rd February 2019 was when she breathed her last !!! Today is her death anniversary.
Some connections can be mystical. Mine with her is one such connection. She moved me in 2018. She made me go up the stage in 2019. She came back into my thoughts in 2023. She is now making me write this message.
I would urge you all to spend sometime today reaching out to your near and dear ones if they are aging or ailing. Give them a call. Send them a WhatsApp voice or a video message. Make a difference to their day. Make them smile and yes, share Emily’s video. They will thank you for the time you have given them and draw strength from her words and her spirit.
Hari