Beyond Degrees: Empathy & Community in Education | Dr Pushpinder Walia | TEDxBasant Nagar
In this heartfelt talk, Dr. Pushpinder Walia, principal, teacher, and academic leader with over two decades of experience, reflects on the missing link between higher education and real-world empathy. Through anecdotes from her work with students, from visiting old-age homes to disaster relief initiatives, she shows why community engagement must be an essential part of education.Drawing from literature, personal experiences, and cultural wisdom, Dr. Walia urges us to rethink the role of colleges and universities—not as degree factories but as places where young people learn gratitude, empathy, and the courage to make a difference. She reminds us that true education is measured not by grades and titles, but by the lives we touch and the compassion we practice. Dr. Pushpinder Walia is the Principal of BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar — consistently ranked among India’s leading women’s colleges by NAAC. She holds a Doctorate in Literature from Guru Nanak Dev University and is a recipient of the Mahatma Hans Raj Award (2024) for her outstanding contributions to education and community development.
A scholar of culture, history, and gender studies, Dr. Walia has presented her research at prestigious platforms including Oxford, Cambridge, Germany, Hungary, and Austria. Her leadership combines academic excellence with initiatives that empower women, making her a trailblazer in education and social impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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