By: Idrees Abbasi
Westminster International School successfully held its first TEDx event on Saturday at its Bahria Campus, Islamabad, bringing together prominent speakers, talented performers, and enthusiastic young participants in an inspiring programme designed to promote leadership, innovation, and social responsibility among students.
Organised under the theme “Chain Reaction: Ideas in Motion,” the event highlighted the transformative power of ideas and how a single action or thought can trigger a ripple effect, leading to lasting change across social, economic, and environmental sectors.
A strong panel of eight speakers addressed the audience, including Ismail Nasir, Ozair Arts, Maryam Arif, Fajer Rabia Pasha, Adeel Shahid, Imran Ali Dina, Zainamatics, and Hashim Nawaz. Their talks explored a variety of subjects such as technology, sustainability, innovation, personal development, and community responsibility, motivating students to adopt meaningful thinking and play an active role in shaping the future.
A key focus of the TEDx programme was youth empowerment, with speakers stressing that young people hold the potential to drive national progress. The event encouraged students to think critically, build self-confidence, and develop a strong sense of purpose and responsibility toward society.
The gathering was attended by distinguished guests, including Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; Muhammad Shehzad Khan, President of the Youth Council of Pakistan; and Malik Mohammad Habib Khan, former Inspector General.
Addressing the audience, Romina Khurshid Alam stated that meaningful transformation begins with self-improvement. She emphasised that progress in society is only possible when individuals first work on bettering themselves. She also highlighted the importance of teamwork, noting that success cannot be achieved alone and that collective effort is vital for national development.
Sharing her personal journey, she mentioned that she came from no political background and reached her current position through dedication and hard work. She also expressed her close connection with education, revealing that she is a Montessori-trained teacher and holds great respect for educators.
The event also featured vibrant performances by Aafi Bakshi, Akbar Niazi, Mazdoori, Takhleeq, Adam Shehzad, and Abdul Rafay, along with an energetic beatboxing act by Abdullah Armaghan. A theatrical performance by the school’s Dramatics Society and a special appearance by Shampy Gang further added excitement and entertainment to the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Raheel Sajjad Khan, CEO and Founder of Westminster International School, welcomed the guests and appreciated the participation of the speakers and performers. He said such platforms are essential in promoting learning beyond classrooms and in developing confident, responsible, and socially aware students.
The event was organised by students of the school under the supervision of the Student Executive Committee, including Wanya Hammad (Event Organiser), Mahnoor Fatima (Event Curator), Abdul Rafay (Director General), Musa Mudassar (Event Manager), and Iman Mukhtar (External Event Manager).
The programme concluded on an uplifting note, reinforcing the message that even a single idea can spark a powerful chain reaction of positive change and lasting progress.
