Disha  J

Disha J

Student at Institute of Management Technology, Hyderabad

TEDx Organizer
Hyderabad, India
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About Disha

I am a…

Global soul, Hindu, Job-seeker, Student

Bio

As a curious 2nd-year PGDM student specializing in finance and HR, I'm juggling my passion for numbers and people. I live in my college hostel where I have I made my family of friends I met here. My commerce background is a strong foundation from my Bachelor's degree, and my Tally skills keep the accounting wheels turning. Always eager to learn and connect, I love meeting new people and exchanging ideas. When I'm not hitting the books, you might find me on the badminton court. We play for the victory, but just the time spent there with friends is what we gather for. when I am at home, my evenings sometimes involve culinary adventures in the kitchen (sometimes successful too!). Music, especially OneRepublic and Shawn Mendes, keeps me company throughout the day. At night, similar to all the young people my age, my imagination takes flight as I craft stories in my head. I have a loving younger brother who also troubles me a lot, my dad who is very hardworking, and my stepmother taking care of the family. Ultimately, it's the pursuit of big dreams and collecting happy moments along the way that fuels my journey!

I'm passionate about

Dancing isn't just a hobby for me, it's a full-body burst of expression. When the music hits, I can move in ways that words just can't capture. It's pure passion, a fire that ignites from the inside out. But my energy doesn't stop there. Volunteering lets me turn that same passion outward, giving back to the community that's always been there for me. Whether it's helping others or conquering a new dance routine, I pour my heart into everything I do. It's about more than just the perfect step or the feeling of accomplishment – it's about using my passions to make a positive difference. And that, for me, is the most fulfilling feeling of all.

An idea worth spreading

A couple of months ago, I saw a video, on YouTube, of a couple who live a sustainable life in "Mitti Mane". Imagine a community where houses are built with earth, nature is your closest neighbor, and sustainability isn't just a concept, it's a way of life. That's the reality at Mitti Mane, a housing project in Bengaluru, India, that's proving a simple idea can have a powerful impact. Mitti Mane, meaning "earth house" in Kannada, takes its name literally. Residents here are pioneering the use of mud for building homes. This eco-friendly approach reduces the environmental impact of construction compared to traditional methods. Mud houses also offer natural cooling, keeping residents comfortable without relying heavily on energy-guzzling air conditioning. Sustainability goes beyond the walls in Mitti Mane. Rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and waste composting are all part of the daily routine. This minimizes dependence on external resources and creates a closed-loop system for managing water and waste. Mitti Mane fosters a strong sense of community. The 15 houses are built on spacious plots, allowing residents to share resources and experiences. They've established guidelines for eco-friendly construction and single-story structures to ensure the community blends seamlessly with the environment. But it's not just about houses. A one-acre common area has been transformed into a vibrant community garden and food forest, promoting self-sufficiency and shared meals through a potential community kitchen. Mitti Mane aspires to be more than just a place to live; it's a model for a sustainable future. Residents believe in reconnecting with nature, understanding where our food comes from, and minimizing our environmental impact. They hope their example inspires others to create similar communities, proving that sustainable living is not just possible, it's a way of life that benefits both people and the planet. Mitti Mane offers a glimpse into a future where we can live comfortably with a lower environmental footprint. It demonstrates the power of community and shared values in creating a sustainable world. By showcasing a practical and inspiring example, Mitti Mane encourages others to embrace a more Earth-friendly way of life, one mud brick, one community garden at a time.

Areas of expertise

Finance, HR, Sales Pitch

The TED story

I am Disha, and I come from a vibrant tapestry of cultures. Born in Mumbai, raised in Coimbatore, and with roots in Rajasthan, I have always felt like I belonged to a little bit of everything. It is a rich heritage, but growing up in a more conservative family, I sometimes felt unsure of venturing alone. For a long time, I stayed in my shell. Back then, I kept to myself, hesitant to explore the world beyond what I knew. Maybe it was the vibrant energy of Coimbatore, or perhaps it was the burning desire to pursue a PGDM. Whatever it was, a realization dawned on me. I had so much potential waiting to be explored. Taking a big leap, I convinced my wonderful, yet traditionally-minded family, to let me travel alone to Chennai for my PGDM entrance exam coaching. Nervous, yes, but with a newfound determination for independence! Now, living in a hostel in Hyderabad, completely focused on my PGDM, I feel empowered by every step I take. Travelling solo has become a passion - a little scary at times, but so incredibly rewarding! Last year, even though my heart was racing, I volunteered to host a cultural event at college. It was not the most polished performance, but it was a huge personal victory. Standing in front of that crowd, I discovered a strength and confidence I never knew I had. Today, I am all about embracing new experiences. Whether it is hosting events, exploring delicious cuisines from various places, or visiting exciting new destinations, I love connecting with people. My journey has been stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing my potential in a new world. It's shaped me into the person I am today.

Things you might not know

Folks see me, sure, but they don't see the whole picture. My mind, it's like a big, bright carnival. Funny folks pop in and out, telling wild tales. Big adventures unfurl, like roller coasters zooming through my head. It's a nonstop show, all these stories bursting with colors, hidden behind my eyes. They might not know it, but these stories are my best friends, like a constant fireworks display lighting up my world.