Susan Cain: The power of introverts on TED

It was one of the best talks in TED this year .. was waiting for it to come online so that I could share it with all.
--
In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

"I prefer listening to talking, reading to socializing … I like to think before I speak (softly)."

- Susan Cain

Susan Cain: The power of introverts

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yyeJ1jaGDU)

Julian Baggini: Is there a real you?

A good point of view for those who constantly ask themselves, who they truly are?

Applications open to LAMP Fellowship 2012-13

Do you want to work with an MP to shape national policy?  

Apply Now for LAMP Fellowship 2012-13.  

The Legislative Assistants for Members of Parliament (LAMP) Fellowship is an opportunity for exceptional young Indians who are seeking to widen their understanding of politics and policy-making in the country. The LAMP Fellowship is a unique initiative, designed to provide individualised research support to MPs, by training Fellows to assist them in their tasks as law-makers. 

The LAMP Fellowship was conceptualised by PRS Legislative Research in 2010, launched with a pilot initiative consisting of 12 LAMP Fellows. Currently, the LAMP Fellowship 2011-12 has 46 LAMP Fellows, who come from diverse academic backgrounds and are working with Members of Parliament from across political parties. 

Role of a LAMP Fellow: Each Legislative Assistant is assigned to an MP, to provide quality research support for their legislative and oversight duties. The LAMP Fellow will help MPs frame Parliamentary questions, raise issues, participate in parliamentary debates and speeches and help prepare for committee meetings.

Essential Criteria: Under the LAMP Fellowship, we are seeking committed, highly-motivated individuals to assist MPs for their work in Parliament. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be no more than 25 years of age (born on or after
January 01,1987)
• Applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
• LAMP Fellows are required to be based in Delhi for the entire duration of the Fellowship.
• Only Indian citizens can apply.

Duration: June 2012 to May 2013.

Applications are now open. Last date for applications is February 26, 2012. Apply at: www.lamp.prsindia.org

Find out more about being a LAMP Fellow at: www.lamp.prsindia.org/faqs

Hear from current LAMP Fellows and MPs in the programme. Watch the LAMP film at: http://lamp.prsindia.org/ gallery

If you have any queries regarding the LAMP Fellowship, you can get in touch with us at lampfellowship@prsindia.org

What Happens When an NGO Admits Failure

We all face failures, big or small, throughout our lives. Does admitting your failure give you a chance to learn from it and grow further. Have a look at this wonderful talk by David Damberger.

(Video Link)

David is the founder of Engineers Without Borders Calgary (EWB). After building the organization in Calgary and working with them in India, David spent four years building EWB's overseas programs as the Director of Southern African Programs.

David will be drawing on his work experience in Africa to speak about the transformative power of publicly admitting failure in the development aid sector which currently lacks accountability, creativity and transparency.

Who do you listen to ..

That's impossible, said Pride,

That's risky, said Experience.

That's pointless, said Reason,

Give it a try, whispered the Heart ...

A Day in the Life of Swaraj University

A wonderful university in India that focuses on self-directed learning - Swaraj University - check out the video below.

As a part of our creative art initiative - Art Pitara, we've also worked with another similar school in Ladakh area known as SECMOL. Off late the school has become famous since the character of Aamir Khan in the Bollywood movie 3-Idiots was inspired by the people and innovations in this school.

(Video Link)

Sustainability: Doing Well by Doing Good: by Chris Laszlo

Philanthropy/Charity is about WHAT you do with your money once you've earned it.
Sustainability is about HOW you earn your money.

A good talk by Chris Laszlo on Sustainability in Business and how small innovations in business processes can bring about huge social and environmental change.