Lavanya Kumar

Brainstormer, Concerned citizen, Explorer, Idea generator, Student

My name is Lavanya Kumar. I have been born and brought up in Delhi. I would describe myself as a self-driven, detail-oriented person who is constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to learn and grow. I completed my schooling from New Era Public School. As of now, I'm a second-year student at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi where I'm pursuing Bachelor of Management Studies. SSCBS is one of the most premier undergraduate institute and has been awarded the 'Best B-school' by India Today Group. Throughout my academic career, I have effectively managed to balance my extra-curricular activities while maintaining a good academic record. I topped my school in Economics, by securing 99/100. I have maintained a consistent record of being felicitated with the Academic Excellence Award for being a Scholar for many consecutive years and displaying high academic rigor and competing among the best students. Subsequently, in college, I have maintained a CGPA of 8.86. I consider myself a patient, hardworking and determined individual who always strives to achieve the best. In the past few months I have been entrusted as the Coordinator at the Management Interaction Cell which exposed me to streamlining business strategy, developing partnerships, while exhibiting strong leadership, and decision-making skills. I have hosted and moderated podcasts for the society by inviting industry experts and gaining insights on their functioning. To boot too, I am the Placement Coordinator at the Career Development Centre (The Placement Cell of SSCBS). I dealt with complexities and challenges which have helped me work upon my problem-solving skills. From leading a team of 50+ individuals, organizing college-to-corporate sessions to handling some of the most prominent recruiters, I have actively led the team to achieve the best placement season of the college. Furthermore, I was also the Vice-Captain of my school. I see myself as a team leader. I have been exposed to team dynamics since I was a young child, whether it be through team sports, projects, or any other team-building activities. I make it a point to communicate with my team as often as I can so that I have a clear understanding of what their goals are, what my goals are, and how to tie everything together with the overall objectives of the organization with whom we are working. I am a person who is always there to listen and cater to the needs of the team and the people around me.

A life without passion is like a novel without a story. I am extremely passionate about social work. Dictionary.com defines social work as "organized work directed toward the betterment of social conditions in the community". But I would define social work as a life force that guides and gives meaning to one's life. My passion for social work stems from my grandfather, who despite handling a business dedicated himself fully to social work. This had a profound impact on me right from my childhood and ingrained in me the impact of working for your community. This has been a constant driver for me and helped me give back in whatever capacity I can. The joy of making a difference is unparalleled and can never be replaced. Social work can come in many forms and TED is its epitome. When speakers talk about their experiences and the struggles of the masses, it makes an instant connection with anyone. The way these esteemed speakers elucidate their journey of overcoming their hurdles not only inspires but pushes to face these hurdles head on. This is what social work is all about, inspiring the people to make a difference. Hence, organizing a TEDx to further this cause and reaching to every crevice is a no lesser form of social work, which is what I strive for.