We present to you the first edition of TED^xCUSAT with the aim of celebrating the idea of TED-'Ideas worth spreading' at the Cochin University of Science and Technology campus. This season will give a platform to people from all walks of life who help inspire and catalyse our lives into powerful and better versions of ourselves. For some, this event will mean life as they have yet to experience it and for others, it will mean transcending boundaries. We believe that genius ideas are generated when different people come together under one roof and these ideas have the potential to change attitudes, society and ultimately the world. Such stories of endeavour and experience will urge you to doubt reasons, redefine your definitions and play a part in progressing forward for the greater good. All set to ignite some sweet rebellions and ask many big questions, the first ever event of its kind here will create conversations that matter and spread ideas worth spreading. Are you ready to be radically open about the stuff of life? We are!

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

The archetypal, clichéd world of today has become a garden of remembrance for many a fallen martyr overwhelmed by the enduring idea of perfectionism. The strong alliance to the sense of being perfect has been so deeply incorporated into civilization, that striking equilibrium is now considered old-school. Quitting this dangerously inherent cult of being a ‘Quintessential example’ of everything is a radical change that our present society is in desperate need of. The truth is, we are all human, we err and we are all flawed, but we cannot, and should not deplore over every flaw. Our line of thoughts, here at CUSAT are not aligned with considering that striving for perfection is generic. We do not advocate mediocrity but believe strongly in setting soaring goals for what we love and passionately following them. By doing this we can always make sure to have something to work towards since there always is room for improvement. At the same time, it is just as important to learn to be less harsh on ourselves in the face of failure when we fall short of the unrealistic ideal, we have in mind. We have to relearn how to be kind to ourselves, to grow- it is not always easy, often it takes some gruelingly hard work, immense amounts of effort, and tremendous courage to get outside our comfort zone and grow—but growth is a critical part of life. If we’re not growing, we’re dying. We believe in celebrating how "imperfectly perfect" life is, doing away with the age-old passé definition of perfect and inculcating this notion into our everyday lives. Because we are but human and as someone clearly remarked-"Screw Perfect"!