This talk challenges prevailing societal perceptions of disability in India, advocating for a shift from a charity-based model to one of empowerment and inclusion. It explores how deep-rooted cultural attitudes and systemic barriers limit opportunities for people with disabilities and highlights the need for policy reforms, accessibility, and a change in mindset to foster a truly inclusive society. Sai Prasad Vishwanathan is a gold medalist from Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, holds an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin, and a business degree from ISB Hyderabad. He was the first Indian with a disability to skydive from 14,000 feet and the first Asian with a disability to join the prestigious Antarctic Youth Ambassador Program. As the co-founder of Sahasra, a scholarship initiative for underprivileged students, he has worked to improve accessibility and create opportunities for people with disabilities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Often dismissed as meaningless, small talk has the potential to create deep, lasting connections—through psychology, neurobiology, and communication strategies. Tarini Swaroop is an IBDP student at Oakridge International School, Gachibowli taking Computer Science, Psychology and Math at a higher level. A keen believer in the power of interdisciplinary learning, she’s combined her varied interests into a passion to pursue Computational Cognitive Science in the future. Although you may find her fangirling over her pretty notes in school, she now indulges most of her time in her latest hobbies - formula 1 races and dorm room shopping. She hopes to bring fresh insights and thought-provoking ideas to the TEDx stage, inspiring the audience to keep the conversation going This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx