Look Who it Was Random video

Getting rich by giving away freely | Karun Thanjavur | TEDxPearsonCollegeUWC

1,316 views · Published 17 February 2017 · 13:12 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2017 · Nonprofits & Activism

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As a VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) volunteer in Zambia, robotics expert Dr. Karun Thanjavur aimed to take time away from science to help the underprivileged. Yet, the indomitable spirit of Susan synthesized Karun’s expertise with his passion for giving as hand-made prosthetics completely rebuilt a life.

Born in Cuddalore, a small fishing town in Southern India, Karun Thanjavur’s early education was in the rural school there, and while running free on miles of white sandy beaches. Later, with a degree in mechanical engineering and a few years experience as a marine engineer, life brought him to the beautiful western shores of Canada. In his present home, Victoria, he has retrained and is now working as an astrophysicist at the University of Victoria. Mr. Thanjavur’s eclectic life’s journey includes a three-year volunteer stint in Lukulu, Zambia where he worked as a Rural Mechanics instructor in a vocational school for disadvantaged youth. 

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

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