Past Events
2024
Theme – TEDxKIDS@NMS is back, igniting imaginations with the theme “possibilities”. Possibilities are more than something that just “might exist”, the simplest definition is the variable x in any equation, substitute your creativity, effort, and ambition in that equation, and the answers you get when it’s solved are limitless. This event isn’t just about theory and algorithms. It’s about real people who’ve explored possibilities, embraced mistakes, and paved the way for themselves.
“Forget the Impossible”, and celebrate the “inevitable possibilities” on the horizon. Life isn’t a test with a single right answer, it’s a journey, and the most valuable lessons come from the detours we take.
Mr. Anant Katyayni General Secretary, Muktidhara Sansthan From the historic Rajasthani village of Viratnagar, Anant Katyayni’s genuine interest is enabling the impoverished youth to become tomorrow’s heroic storytellers. Empowering Rajasthan’s impoverished youth is the focus of his social activity. His firm, Kathakari, facilitates storytelling workshops that provide Indian youth with a platform. Beyond a mere passion, his dedication to social service is a carrying on of his father’s legacy. As the General Secretary of Muktidhara Sansthan, an NGO his father founded, he spearheads social transformation and is well-known for his enormous work in Rajasthan economically and socially deprived nomadic groups. Muktidhara aims to achieve gender equality as well as awareness and intelligence. Under his direction, Mukhtidhara has been putting a lot of effort into helping thousands of these now-established community members acquire the skills they need to find employment in the modern world. He continues his father’s enduring legacy of social reform. | Mr. Jitendra Nath Bhargava Secretary, Rajasthan Netraheen Sansthan Humble and Proficient. Those words are most commonly associated with this great man, Jitendra Nath Bhargava. He works as a senior teacher and is often considered ‘People’s Idol’ Jitendra Nath Bhargava says, “Being visually impaired is not a big hindrance in itself. There should not be prejudice and prejudice towards the visually impaired.” Despite being visually impaired, he’s living a successful life. Even though smallpox ruined his eyesight, it couldn’t prevent him from being successful. He lectures to this day on various aspects of visual impairment conducted by the Medical Mansingh College, the primary health office in Keddo, Rajasthan. His story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. He didn’t succumb to limitations; he embraced his abilities and carved a path to success. As the editor of a Braille newspaper, Jitendra Nath Bhargava promotes accessible information and empowers the visually impaired community. |
Ms. Nirali Bhagat Student Nirali is an extraordinary student gifted with an innovative mind and excellent leadership capabilities. Her commitment to problem-solving is manifested in her outstanding achievements with her trademark in innovation competitions at the national level and founding her business. Nirali is an active member of her school community, evincing the traits of an excellent organizer, shown by her role in planning and implementing different events. Her academic excellence, embellished by the accolades she has earned through competitions, confirms her intellect and determination to achieve high standards. Her progress and willingness to do good things in the world characterize her path toward success. Her vast achievements demonstrate her capacity to head, innovate, and display extraordinary contributions to her society. A world of endless possibilities awaits Nirali; she is ready to contribute to advancing the world beyond imagination. | Mr. Pratyush Singhal Student Pratyush Singhal demonstrates incredible prowess academically evident from his outstanding achievement in math, science, and computer science olympiads, he actively pursues constant activities for computer science, through research papers, app development, and participation in clubs for STEM. Beyond academics, he exhibits a strong entrepreneurship in initiatives such as OMOTECH and the India Innovation Challenge. His leadership skills are reflected by his role in project Amaya, demonstrating his commitment to social causes. With his incredible skillset and diverse interests, Pratyush is well-positioned for success in the fields of technology and entrepreneurship. |
Ms. Sarita Yogi Founder, Nath Sanskriti Seva Sansthan Sarita Yogi is an honorable person whose sole mission is to provide high-quality healthcare, skill development, and education to underprivileged groups, orphans, widows, disabled persons, and economically disadvantaged communities. She was named the Dainik Bhaskar Woman of the Year 2024. Her goal is to continue serving people with honesty & passion. She has been working as a social worker concerning women and child development for over 23 years, working on various issues related to orphans, widows, disabled people, poverty, health, education, rural development, environment & social reforms. In the last 23 years, she has adopted over 188 orphans and, with the support of donors and philanthropists, has provided them with care, education, and upbringing. Yogi has empowered 1600 women under the Nath Sanskriti Seva Sansthan, 105 of whom are widows of COVID-19. She had dedicated herself during COVID-19 and distributed over 1 lakh food packets, 7875 dry ration kits, 345 school bags, and more. | Ms. Vasudha Rawat Student Vasudha renowes herself with exceptional marks and extensive engagement in diverse projects and internships with colleges. Beyond her academic accolades, Vasudha’s brilliance shines through her varied talents and passions. As a skilled singer, dedicated athlete, and proficient debater, she embodies versatility and excellence in all her pursuits. Notably recognized for her prowess in Model United Nations conferences, debates, and interviews, Vasudha exudes confidence and intellectual prowess. Her commitment to holistic development is evident in her active participation in extracurricular activities, reflecting a deep-seated curiosity and drive for success. With her impressive achievements and steadfast dedication, Vasudha stands poised to make a significant impact on the global stage. Her journey symbolizes achievements seen by no other. She inspires her peers and future generations, encapsulating the essence of excellence and aspiration. |
2020 - Resilience
TEDxKids@NMS is an intricately woven web of changemakers yearning to create a difference and break the barriers of conformity. Its theme for 2020 is “Resilience”. The year 2020 is equivalent to a rope tied onto our hand, pulling us into an endless void. The everlasting setback is what we aim to avoid. It is in times like these, where resilience, persistence and strength are the crucial pillars of achieving the state of euphoria, fighting for that one day, far away from this societal dystopia. We bring forth the warriors of tomorrow, to be our ray of hope in these hours of sorrow. They inspire us to get up stronger than ever, because resilience is what’s our companion in this endeavor. There have been thousands of entrepreneurs and leaders who have faced this devastating obstacle. However their art of thriving has been nothing but mystical. So as we struggle to figure this year out, we’re offered a helping hand, by our speakers, who depict what resilience is all about.
Ms. Chandni Chopra Director , Simple Education Foundation Chandni is the director of Simple Education Foundation (SEF). She manages the design and execution of all structural school processes and she has played a prominent role in carving the “student vision” for all programmes that SEF conducts. The foundational building block of her work is her undying motivation towards ensuring that the children have the facilities and strength to bring about change in the world and be the leaders of tomorrow. Along with this, she personalises her connection with students by beinger experience includes possessing a degree in Business Economics and Public Policy from Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She worked alongside a few nonprofits before joining the Teach For India Fellowship in 2013. After the Fellowship, she joined Teach For India as a Program Manager and worked for 2 years. She also led TFI’s unique student leadership initiative called ‘Udyami’ in Delhi. | Ms. Gayatri Peshawaria Chef Chef Gayatri Peshawaria is quite infamous for being the owner of Gayatri’s Gourmet, a food education company based in her hometown ,Amritsar. In addition to her ten years of cooking experience she believes in cooking with seasonal and natural food to support the local farmers and to accomplish her zero waste cooking agenda. From the UK to India she hasn’t failed to portray her brilliant cooking skills, whether it’s being a wine critic, journalist or participating in Gourmet Gateway in the most famous cities of the world. She is the founder of MasterClass, an education program which empowers school students to make informed food choices whilst being in an enjoyable environment. Over 1000 children across 5 major schools in India have been trained and certified in MasterClass’ successful four year run as of now. She has travelled the world with her passion and trademark candor and continues to wow people by experimenting and creating. |
Ms. Nalini Sorensen Author Nalini is a world renowned, award-winning children’s book author, whose insight is a delight for kids. She believes in savouring the moments of sudden elation and “living life to its full potential”, a twist on the cliche. In our transient lives, she promotes being cheerful and appreciative of beauty all around. Humour and intellectual tranquility is her forte. Nalini has had many books published, Her book titles include, ‘Lucky, It’s Summer!’, ‘Lucky, It’s Not Just a Christmas Story!’, ‘Lucky, It’s Diwali!’, ‘While You Are Sleeping’, ‘Papa’s Marathon’, etc. Nalini is a woman of various talents & equal responsibilities. Her family relies on her for having a wonderful, fully balanced day filled with light humour. She has not only written readers for schools students across India, but has also attended and presented at numerous literary events. Her lively attitude towards life makes her a perfect role model for children and represents her young spirit. | Ms. Nisha Pathak Student Nisha Pathak’s dedication towards football led her to formulate the first ever girls’ football team in her school and mark her stance as a national level football player. She is a true embodiment of sheer all round excellence along with possessing the diversity to always take on all opportunities that come her way. Her sports aficionado is also accentuated as she competes as a district level swimmer. Apart from her ambition towards athletics, her hobbies range from being a part of the free-spirited requirements of dance to the beautiful broad spectrum of art. Additionally, being the immense multipotentialite that she is, she also manages to not let anything distract her from staying on top with her academic performances. Nisha is truly an inspirationist and that too, from such a young age. |
Ms. Pooja R Bhale Founder & Director of Protecte Ecology Foundation Pooja R Bhale, acts as a messenger when it comes to communicating the deep rooted harmony that mother earth possesses. She aspires to reconnect people to this planet using her understanding, knowledge and unconditional love that was developed from her vast experience as a conservation biologist and as the head of Protecterra Ecological foundation. PEF’s flagship project, which aims to revitalize our interconnection with earth by developing our perspective by raising awareness. Her profession also complements one’s passion to explore the world as she has traveled all across India, South Africa and England to contribute her skills by working in certain protected areas. Along with being an asset to her incredible initiative, she also portrays her versatility by being on the Maharashtra rugby team, acquiring a certification in Leadership For Young Adults. Apart from all this, she’s been a professor since she was 24 & also, given that she shares her home with around 40 animals. | Ms. Saniya Shah Co-Founder 0f Flypilota Saniya Shah, an inspiring female entrepreneur has had her fair share of achievements, ranging from recieving her MBA from Cornell University to becoming the CEO of Pilota. She has also led teams within the innovation incubator of Fortune 7 company, UnitedHealth Group where she created and launched new products for the company. Saniya Shah stands with pride as one of the Forbes 30 under 30 recipients. Her keen foresight and compatibility with hard work hae made her a perfect fit for being a three time founder. We are delighted and honoured to have her as one of our speakers for TEDxKids this year and inspire young, ambitious students. |
Mr. Shikhar Sehgal Student Shikhar Sehal is a 13 years old boy with wild imaginations. He not only believes and dreams to help the poor through various initiatives but he has actually made it possible to succour them through his fundraising campaign using modern science & technology for the progress of mankind and a secular approach in national governance. His interests are eclectic – plays the viola, enjoys swimming and actively participates in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences. He aims towards excellence in all that he does. His other interests include being a foodie, and travelling to different places to taste the cuisines which adds a very charming touch to his personality. | Mr. Swarup Deb MD, Girgit Studios Pvt Ltd & Animation Designer Professioal Swarup Deb is an animation designer professional, & an educator, design thinker & strategist. He is also a mechanical engineer, who graduated from Govt College of engineering Pune & worked with Bajaj Auto and Larson & Toubro before studying animation film design from The National Institute of Design. Swarup also owns the title of being a creative producer and managing director of Girgit Studios Pvt Ltd. He had founded this studio in 2011, from having a very unique vision of success towards India and to all those kids who would enjoy animation and stories through that medium. Being in this field he has helped & contributed to various design teams like TVCs, Short films, Promo films, ect, but has also spread awareness of themes which are social relevent like child abuse, parent safety for children, gender inequality through these films. He is also a recipient of the 40 under 40 award of animation xpress for being very brilliant and one the most promising individual influencer. |
2019 - The Future You
The Future You… When we think about our life do we realise how many times a day we say the word “I” ? We need to realise that every passing moment is precious, every passing moment could have been lived differently. We need to start taking action and use our time to actually make a difference in the world. Years of hard work and dedication is the key to achieve the world of our dreams where the environment is clean and fresh , malpractices don’t exist, corruption has stopped and there is acceptance for diversities.Our world consists of unmatchable beauty thus the only way to truly embrace it is by weaving the future well, by weaving the present step by step.
Mr. Aubrey Aloysius President, LAMP Trust He is an ex-International Banker, Marketing Professional,Entrepreneur, Educationist, Film Maker and Culture Enthusiast. He is also a dynamic visionary with a focus on planning and execution. He is the Founder Trustee & President of LAMP Trust. LAMP Trust aims to seed transformational thoughts and facilitate our nation’s children and youth and inspire them to dream, act and excel in every sphere of life, individually and collectively. This, we believe, will finally lead India to break the entrenched cycle of poverty & inequality, developing us into a strong economic super-power and leader-influencer in the comity of nations by 2047. The Nation Building Project “India Dreams 2047” aims to reach out to every Indian child,youth, and through them their families across India, and to the Indian Diaspora and persons of Indian origin across the globe. The project will cut through the urban-rural, socio-economic, geographic, cultural and other divides to unite the nation and its people. | Mr. Kartik Bajoria Writer, Columnist, Educator and Literary Moderator Kartik is a Writer, Columnist, Educator and Literary Moderator. Kartik’s passion for writing, has morphed into a diverse career that includes writing across various media. He has become a Regular Commentator & Contributor on Education and his articles are featured pan-India across a wide range of reputed publications such as The Hindu, Entrepreneur, Business World, The Indian Express, The Times Of India, TOI’s Newspaper In Education, Your Story and The Afternoon Kartik also draws on his wealth of professional and academic knowledge from having studied at some premier institutions the world over and from his decade-long experience across the Media Industry in Bombay. he possesses a keen knowledge of production, direction, casting, art direction as well as writing. |
Ms. Neha Sahu Co-founder, Just for Kicks and Director, Operations at Enabling Leaderships Neha, having an extensive educational background, believes education is the most important tool to create change in the world. She has been involved in diverse development projects, including initiating HIV/AIDS prevention, care and social protection with PEPSICO in Mumbai, mental health research and educational outreach in New York public schools. She has also worked with the Scratch Programming at MIT Media Labs, and international Google Apps for Education Summits, fostered her interest in changing the way children learn and apply 21st century skills. She has further developed this interest by co-founding Just for kicks to inculcate life skills, using football. Having grown this project to a full-fledged organization over the past 6 years, she is now a director, operating at Enabling Leadership to take its unique programs to urban and rural landscapes. | Ms. Rhea Saxena Student Classical group dance winner at Dfest State Dance Championship, played main role as mother in School Play Leopard, CMUN got special mention,did WIMUN Agra, at the Rajmata debate secured 3rd position, does Theatre with Jairangam and TOSS Jaipur, does theatre workshops at JKK Jaipur, participated in musical evening in 8th grade, attended ‘ Fields ‘music workshop for vocals at NMS, debate workshop with Awaaz team NMS, writes English stories and Hindi poems, plays Badminton at school level, combination of A and B grades in Grade 9 IGCSE. |
Ms. Saisha Saxena Student A free spirited individual, Saisha strongly believes in equality of all kinds. She loves to read and write, and was the recipient of The Hindustan Times scholarship award for essay writing. Saisha strongly believes in the adage- everyone wants to make a difference, but nobody is willing to be different. | Mr. Shantanu Duttagupta Publisher He started his professional career in 2004 as a freelance copywriter for advertising agencies. He then moved on to writing for the Times of India as a rookie journalist. His interest in technology then took him to the International Data Group, publishers of magazines such as PCWorld and MACWorld where he worked as a correspondent covering technology related stories. Since 2007, he has worked in children’s publishing. His love of reading landed him a job where he could truly express himself. He is extremely passionate about books and their power to change. He believes that every experience builds character and hopes that everybody finds a calling where they can express themselves creatively and passionately. |
Mr. Wasim Akram Deputy Director- Special Projects at Wildlife SOS A geologist who understands the anthropogenic influences on the environment and has an expertise in developing conservation conflict interventions, studying human wildlife interactions and wildlife crime control, he is a conservation innovator and the Deputy Director – Special Projects Division at Wildlife SOS. Wasim helped design and develop India’s First Elephant Hospital in Mathura, India’s first elephant ambulance, India’s first mobile surgical unit to mitigate human primate conflict, a pilot project to turn feral dogs into security dogs. Former Bear Stud, Bookkeeper of India with specialised training in Animal Welfare and Conservation from the Battersea Academy, United Kingdom, Wasim primarily works with reptiles, antelopes, big cats, aves and primates. | |
2018 – Wonder... Spring to ideas
Full of groundbreaking ideas and eye-opening speakers, the second edition of TedxKids@NMS will be sure to broaden horizons, ignite thought, and spark conversations. With the sole aim of promulgating individualistic, captivating thoughts and stories, this platform brings with it an extraordinary theme: ‘Wonder…spring to new ideas’. Often associated with child-like curiosity, the ability to truly ‘wonder’ is something most people lose over time, even when wondering is the first and most essential step towards ideating. Wonder provides people with a new lens through which they can view the world, a world sans preconceived notions, conformity, and mediocrity. And a world stripped of stereotypes and presumptions is the birthplace of all magnificent, pioneering concepts which can change the course of history. This capacity to wonder is what we, along with our passionate and ingenious speakers, strive to ingrain in our audience.
Ms. Aadya Sanghi Programmer A deep, thoughtful yet bubbly student, Aadya Sanghi is characterized by her far-reaching interests, which range from philosophy, writing and ballet to computer science and technology. Enthusiastic about everything she does, she loves challenges and deals with anything life throws her way with a bright smile on her face. She strongly believes that computer coding helps students in their lives, and advocates all children learning coding with a messianic vigor. | Ms. ARTI SONTHALIA Author Arti Sonthalia completed her writing credentials from Oxford University (London) and studied young adult fiction from London School of Journalism. She has also done a workshop with Robert Mckee on story writing. Her journey started with short stories for the Chicken Soup for the soul and continued to the children’s genre. Arti Sonthalia’s first children’s book “Big Bully and m-me has been “Highly Recommended” by Good Books, Young India Books, Mycity4kids and India Moms Connect.It has also been nominated for the “Crystal Kite Awards”. Her second book “Hungry To Read” has been loved by all and a collectors edition for the same has been published. It has also been nominated for the “Ficci children’s book of the year awards 2018” Her third book “Best Friends Forever” was launched last month and has received great appreciation. An avid reader, music lover, movie buff, homemaker, bathroom singer and a writer at heart. Sonthalia writes with poise and pours her heart out in her characters. |
Mr. ASHISH KULKARNI Animation Professional Ashish Kulkarni is known to be the most dedicated and colorful personality in the animation industry, this side of Hollywood. He has set up world-class animation studios in India, has created the finest original Indian animated contents and has successfully completed and marketed several animation films for studios in Hollywood over the last decade. He is a founder of Punnaryug Artvision Pvt Ltd. & Screenyug Creations Pvt Ltd and was heading Reliance Animation & Reliance AIMS as CEO. He has taken Reliance Animation to the global arena while carving a niche as the finest Indian animation studio for original IP creation. | Ms. Avni Vats Student Avni Vats is a brilliant student with a love for murder mysteries, sitcoms and chocolates; she is a student of Cathedral School in Mumbai and holds interest for Mathematics and Astrophysics. Apart from that, she is a promising ballet dancer, a national level swimmer and a prolific debater. She religiously spends two hours a week teaching the less fortunate. That’s Avni in a nutshell. |
Ms. ILEANA CITARIST Dancer Italian by birth Ileana holds a Doctorate in Philosophy with a thesis on ‘Psychoanalysis and eastern mythology’. She has come to Indian dance after years of experience in the traditional as well as experimental theatre in Europe. Ileana has been living in Orissa, India, since the year 1979 in close contact with the people, their language and culture. Ileana is a top- grade artist from Doordarshan and she is empanelled as ‘outstanding artist’ in ICCR. She has been awarded the prestigious title ‘Leonide Massine for the art of dance’ in Italy in September 1992 and the ‘Raseshwar’ award by the Sur Singar Sansad, Bombay, in December 1994. In May 1996 she won the ‘National Award for best choreography’ for her dance direction to the Bengali film ‘Yugant’ directed by Aparna Sen. In 2009 she has received the ‘Pandit Jasraj award’ from the Rotary Club of Hyderabad. She has also authored the book “Traditional martial practices in Odisha” and “My journey, a tale of two births” | Ms. JASH SEN Author Jash Sen will most certainly remind you that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She can be described in many ways: a graduate from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, a worker in the IT industries in India and the United States of America, a high school mathematics teacher in London, and a writer who never truly forgot her desires. Aspiring to be a writer from a young age, but eventually losing hope, she started the mythical, gripping Wordkeepers trilogy in 2010, after giving up her job in the IT industry and starting to teach. Her trilogy is now a best-seller, with fans eagerly awaiting the release of the third and final book. |
Mr. Vijay Bedi Photographer An incredible animal and wildlife lover, Vijay Bedi, along with his twin brother Ajay Bedi, is the youngest Asian ever to win a Green Oscar for his films ‘The Policing Langur’ and ‘Cherub of the Mist’. Fiercely promoting wildlife conservation, he has made several films on endangered species, hoping to encourage people to help protect the flora and fauna all around them. He continues working with the aim of spreading awareness about wild animals. | |
2017 – Theme- Compassion
TEDxKids@NMS is a platform for ideas that inspire kids and provide them with the opportunity to tackle questions of innovation, enterprise and optimism. “Compassion” is the essence of humanity. It is about reverence, empathy and concern for others. It accentuates values like equality and humility. And who would be better than kids to make us realize the true value of compassion? As kids are vibrant, sensitive innovators who grow ideas by sparking conversations.
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Ms. Aarushi Batra
Founder, Robin Hood Army
Founding member of a volunteer organization- Robin Hood Army which collects and distributes excess food from restaurants to the the less fortunate. The organization has now expanded to 29 cities, 4 countries, 7000+ Robins and served around 1.6 million folks.
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Mr. Anubhav Wadhwa
CEO & Founder, Tyrelessly
17 years old, Technology Entrepreneur, Speaker, Computer Programmer, Designer, Big Data Analyst, and ‘Bottom of Pyramid’ Sustainable Development Activist. Also the Founder & CEO of TechAPTO, Trends on Internet and TYRELESSLY. rching objective to contribute towards fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals.
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Mr. Arpan Patel
Sculptor and furniture designer
Co-founder of Studio Kassa, along with Aarushi Patel. He graduated from the Indian Institute of Craft and Design (IICD), then earned a Master’s degree from the University of Arts, London, in Product Design. His love for what he does gives him an eye for detail and an adoration for intricate work.
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Mr. Deepak Kalra
President,Umang
An expert trained in India and overseas with more than 27 years of experience in the field of disability. She has headed numerous projects of national repute. Her motivation, commitment and inspiration to work for the cause are drawn from her personal experiences as a mother of a 28 year old child with cerebral palsy.
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Mr. Nirbhay Narang
Student
While football is Nirbhay’s passion, science is his need. His unparalleled skills on the field can only be matched by his mind-boggling aptitude for science. He is an avid reader, and his knowledge has translated into incredible ideas. Ideas that could change the world.
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Ms. Shreya Choudhary
Student
She is a gregarious bundle of joy, sprinkling laughter and sunshine wherever she goes. Shreya believes that to be kind is the greatest virtue in the world. Her self-less work with under-privileged children just goes on to show what an altruistic soul she is.
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Mr. Siddhant Sanghi
Student
Student of Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai. He is one of only 2 board members of the Interact Club and is passionate about extending himself to serve others in whatever way he can. As an active volunteer at Om creations, an NGO for women with Down’s syndrome, he assists them in making decorations for sale in festivals, among many other activities.
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Mr. Vedant Agrawal
Student
Be it polo, skiing, academics, drama or music. His excellent analytical skills and entrepreneurial spirit make him a force to reckon with. But his vehement passion for research and debate on topics that matters sets him apart. He aspires to make cows’ milk a healthy, nourishing drink for generations to come.
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