NMIMS (Deemed-to-be) University hosted Sui Generis, a thought-provoking event focused on ideas, identity, creativity, and the role of artificial intelligence, at its Mumbai campus on April 22, 2026. Bringing together six distinguished speakers from diverse fields, the event explored what remains uniquely human in an age increasingly shaped by AI.
The afternoon opened with the Saraswati Vandana and the NMIMS anthem, setting the tone for discussions around the event’s central theme, Sui Generis, meaning “one of a kind.” The sessions encouraged students to reflect on creativity, individuality, technology, and lived human experience.
Arjun Ghosh began the speaker sessions by examining the relationship between language, technology, and historical archives. Addressing the evolving role of AI in language systems, Dr Ghosh said, “The question is no longer whether machines can understand language. The question is: whose language will they choose to understand?”
Entrepreneur and sustainability founder Ayush Bagga spoke about the value of asking meaningful questions in a world where answers are instantly available through AI. “In a world where every answer is one prompt away, the person who wins is not the one with the best answers — it is the one who asks questions no one else thought to ask,” he said.
Writer and entrepreneur Namrata Chawla shared her personal perspective on adapting to AI in professional life. “AI has no taste. It has no lived experience. You are the tastemaker,” she said, adding that people who know how to use AI effectively will have an advantage in the future workplace.
Psychiatrist and mental health expert Rashi Agarwal raised concerns around overdependence on technology and introduced the concept of “cognitive debt.” Asking, “Are our thoughts even original anymore?” Dr Agarwal urged audiences to seek technology that challenges thinking instead of simply validating it.
One of the most impactful sessions came from Maahi Rudawat, a 21-year-old wheelchair user born with Spina Bifida. Highlighting how AI-powered healthcare innovations can transform lives, she said, “For many, this is innovation. For us, this is independence.”
The closing address was delivered by Joel James, who encouraged students to embrace their unique experiences and perspectives. “Play where only you can win,” he said while speaking about individuality, experimentation, and learning from failure.
Reflecting on the event, Ms Niharika Dusi, a third-year student of BA Liberal Arts at the Jyoti Dalal School of Liberal Arts and organiser of TEDx NMIMS 2026, said, “The event has not only brought great minds on the stage but also opened a space for dialogue around AI, creativity and the potential of human mind.”
The speakers were felicitated by the Officiating Vice Chancellor, Meena Chintamaneni, and Registrar Tanmoy Chakraborty. Dr Chintamaneni also encouraged the organising team to expand future editions of TEDx NMIMS to reach more colleges across Mumbai.
