Storytelling for Change | Malaika Vaz | TEDxBITSGoa

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker recounts their transformative journey to Antarctica, which sparked a passion for wildlife conservation and storytelling. They founded Kriya, an organization empowering marginalized communities through adventure sports, and highlighted the importance of storytelling in driving social change. The speaker emphasizes the need for young storytellers to tackle environmental issues with courage and compassion, using digital platforms to amplify their messages. By sharing personal experiences and lessons learned, the speaker motivates others to embrace storytelling as a powerful tool for creating a positive impact on the world and advocating for the protection of our planet.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Encountering humpback whales in Antarctica inspired a passion for storytelling about the natural world.
• 🌍 Adventure across all seven continents enriched the speaker's understanding of environmental issues.
• 🚀 Kriya, an organization founded by the speaker, empowers underprivileged communities through adventure sports.
• 💔 The earthquake in Nepal prompted the speaker to use their expedition to raise funds for affected communities.
• 🎥 Transitioning to wildlife filmmaking allows the speaker to highlight the urgent need for environmental conservation.
• 🌱 Everyone has a role in storytelling about environmental issues, regardless of their profession.
• 🔍 Curiosity and exploration are essential in discovering compelling stories that drive social change.
• 🤝 Humility is crucial in storytelling; acknowledging diverse perspectives enhances understanding.
• 📱 Digital media provides unprecedented opportunities for sharing stories and engaging global audiences.
• 💡 Storytelling infused with courage and compassion can lead to meaningful social and environmental change.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to become a storyteller?

The speaker was inspired by their experiences with humpback whales in Antarctica and realized the importance of sharing these experiences to promote social change and environmental awareness.

What is Kriya, and what is its mission?

Kriya is an organization founded by the speaker that empowers underprivileged communities through adventure sports and exploration, aiming to inspire courage and strength.

How did Kriya respond to the 2015 earthquake in Nepal?

Kriya used their expedition to Ladakh as an opportunity to raise funds for earthquake victims in Nepal, demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility.

What does the speaker mean by 'democratizing adventure sport'?

Democratizing adventure sport refers to making adventure sports accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background, allowing diverse groups to benefit from the experiences.

What role does storytelling play in conservation efforts?

Storytelling serves as a powerful tool to communicate important ideas, inspire love for the natural world, and motivate people to engage in conservation efforts.

What was the speaker's experience with wildlife filmmaking?

The speaker has become an emerging wildlife presenter and filmmaker, aiming to create impactful stories that connect people with wildlife and inspire action towards conservation.

What critical issue regarding manta rays did the speaker uncover?

The speaker discovered an illegal trade of manta rays in India, driven by demand for traditional Chinese medicine, which they are now documenting to raise awareness and promote policy change.

How does the speaker suggest young people find their own stories to tell?

Young people are encouraged to explore their surroundings, identify issues that resonate with them, and tell those stories with courage and compassion.

What does the speaker emphasize about audience engagement?

The speaker highlights the importance of knowing the audience and reaching out across socio-economic and cultural boundaries to effectively communicate stories.

What is the significance of technology in modern storytelling?

Technological advancements in digital media have transformed storytelling by allowing individuals to communicate globally, engage with audiences, and mobilize support for important causes.