# The Conundrum of becoming Icarus | Kalpita Mukherjee | TEDxCalcutta IS Youth Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pz_FFVhox0 Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/8pz_FFVhox0 Generated: 2026-02-17T17:01:19.266+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The speaker, Kalpita Mukherjee, explores the concept of "Roots to Wings" by drawing parallels between her personal journey of self-acceptance and the Greek myth of Icarus, arguing that the real tragedy is not failing after trying to fly, but never daring to rise at all, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's foundation while pursuing ambitions. **Key Points:** - The talk connects the theme "Roots to Wings" (which the speaker wrote about after watching a video on the subject) to the myth of Icarus, whose downfall resulted from flying too close to the sun. - The speaker reflects on her childhood, where being told to stay grounded contrasted with her desire to write and express herself, leading to feelings of isolation. - The presentation highlights Icarus as a figure in Greek mythology famous for his tragic flight and fall, symbolizing hubris, disobedience, and the dangers of overreaching human limits. - A key quote from Oscar Wilde is featured: "Never regret thy fall/O Icarus of the fearless flight/For the greatest tragedy of them all/Is never to feel the burning light." - The speaker shares personal anecdotes about struggling with mental health and feeling isolated after changing schools at age 14, contrasting her parents' advice to stay grounded with her desire to fly/pursue her ambitions. - The core message advocates for embracing one's roots (foundation) to grow bigger wings, suggesting that the greatest tragedy is not failing after attempting to rise, but never rising at all. ![Screenshot at 00:05: The speaker, Kalpita Mukherjee, begins her talk on stage in front of a large screen displaying the TEDx Calcutta IS Youth branding and sponsors.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/8pz_FFVhox0/00-00-05.jpg) **Context:** This video features a TEDxCalcutta IS Youth talk by Kalpita Mukherjee, focusing on the theme "The Conundrum of becoming Icarus." Mukherjee uses the cautionary myth of Icarus—who flew too close to the sun despite his father Daedalus's warning—as a metaphor for overcoming self-doubt and societal pressure to pursue one's ambitions, linking it to her own experiences with self-expression and mental health struggles. ## Detailed Analysis Kalpita Mukherjee delivers a personal and reflective TEDx talk centered on the concept of "Roots to Wings," utilizing the myth of Icarus as a central analogy. She begins by sharing a quote she wrote at age seven about the sea withdrawing from the sand, questioning how one can yearn for something and then withdraw upon tasting it, which relates to her early desire to write about her feelings rather than focusing on external perceptions. She introduces Icarus as a prominent figure in Greek mythology known for his tragic flight and fall, cautioning against hubris and overreaching human limits. The speaker emphasizes that Icarus's father, Daedalus, warned him about the dangers of flying too high (melting wax) or too low (sea water soaking the feathers). Mukherjee then transitions to her personal roots, showing family photos, and recounts feeling isolated after moving schools at age 14, struggling with her desire to write poetry versus her parents' advice to stay grounded. She contrasts the fear of failure with Oscar Wilde's quote, suggesting the real tragedy is never attempting to rise at all. She concludes that while roots are important for stability, they should serve as a foundation from which to grow wings, urging the audience to embrace their ambitions without fear of failing, as the failure to try is the greater tragedy. ### Introduction & Theme - The speaker introduces the theme "Roots to Wings" - Cites an early poem about yearning and withdrawal - Connects the theme to the Icarus myth. ### The Myth of Icarus - Defines Icarus as a Greek mythological figure known for tragic flight and fall - Highlights themes of hubris, disobedience, and overreaching human limits - Discusses Daedalus's warnings about the sun and sea. ### Personal Roots and Struggles - Shares childhood photos to represent her roots - Recalls feeling isolated after moving schools at age 14 - Mentions struggling with mental health and feeling unable to express her true self. ### The Power of Ambition - Features an Oscar Wilde quote emphasizing that the greatest tragedy is never rising at all - Argues that staying grounded is fair but insufficient if ambition is present. ### Conclusion - Reasserts that roots should support the growth of wings (ambition) - Encourages the audience to pursue their desires without fearing the fall, as not trying is the real failure. ![Screenshot at 00:03: Slide showing the TEDx event branding \(TEDx Calcutta IS Youth\) and logos of sponsors like SMIFS Limited, Vikramsolar, Stile, Baazaar, The Backyard, 91.9 Friends FM, Doughty Life, and Topsel Toyota.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/8pz_FFVhox0/00-00-03.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:06: Speaker Kalpita Mukherjee on stage presenting against a large screen displaying the title of her talk: "Forum of Becoming ICARUS" and her name.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/8pz_FFVhox0/00-00-06.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:39: The screen displays a quote: "You don't grow up thinking that quarter way through your life you will end up pushing away everyone who even tries to come remotely close to you..." highlighting the theme of self-sabotage.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/8pz_FFVhox0/00-00-39.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:54: The screen changes to show the Icarus slide, featuring the text "Who is Icarus?" alongside an illustration of the falling figure and key cautionary themes like hubris and disobedience.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/8pz_FFVhox0/00-00-54.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:34: The screen displays a quote from Oscar Wilde: "Never regret thy fall/O Icarus of the fearless flight/For the greatest tragedy of them all/Is never to feel the burning light."](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/8pz_FFVhox0/00-01-34.jpg)