I couldn’t attend TEDxMumbai unfortunately. Reading the live coverage by Amit Verma (of India Uncut fame) of the event does make up for my absence, a little. It’s succinct and honest, capturing the essence of the talks and the event in general. He doesn’t pull punches when critiquing the speakers. Compared to other liveblogs, this coverage had actual opinions and wasn’t simply a stream of events.

Liveblogging done right.

After that, Venkat gives a speech that feels like it’s in Deepak Chopra territory. The living force in a blade of grass and all that. This is pseudo-scientific bullshit. I’m amazed that TEDx called these people here. Much WTFness.

She ends by pointing out that none of us will ever consider hiring a hijra as a cook or maid in our house. The thought then strikes me: All of us applauding her today, and applauding ourselves for being so liberal—how progressive are we really?

And some of them did more than kick ass. Dhanashree Pandit Rai, Ganesh Devy and Steven Baker gave talks that are worthy of being on TED.com—and the ratio of good talks to bad talks was probably better than TED India Mysore.

Another favourite blogger, Dina Mehta, also has some coverage of the event.