The world is on fire—figuratively and literally. And in the middle of all this chaos, I want you to make art.In this passionate and empowering TEDx talk, writer and creative coach Amie McNee challenges the idea that art is frivolous or indulgent in difficult times. She argues that creativity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Art calms us, connects us, and gives us purpose. It heals our bodies, minds, and communities. More than that, it’s an act of rebellion, a tool for hope, and a legacy that outlasts us all.If you’ve ever felt like your creativity doesn’t matter, like painting, writing, singing, or creating is a waste of time in a world with so many problems—this talk is for you. Amie McNee is an author, artist, and speaker dedicated to helping creatives build meaningful, fulfilling lives. Best known for her highly successful Instagram account, @inspiredtowrite, and The Unpublished Podcast, Amie seeks to help people find and nurture their creative ambitions.Amie’s latest book, We Need Your Art, was published by Penguin in March 2025. Bestselling author Matt Haig described her new book as “a manifesto for anyone who wants to make art of any kind. A book against the insecurity and self-doubt that can stop us from doing what we love. An inspiring read and a battle-cry for the creative spirit. A joy."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

In a world that constantly tries to define who we are and where we belong, what happens when we push back? This talk shares a personal journey of navigating displacement, rejection, and resistance—from being uprooted across continents to rewriting the rules of fashion and leadership. It’s a call to anyone who’s ever felt out of place, overlooked, or underestimated to see resistance not as a wall, but as a doorway to transformation. Discover the power of adaptability, creativity, and relentless courage to carve your own path—against the current. In a world that constantly tries to define who we are and where we belong, what happens when we push back? This talk shares a personal journey of navigating displacement, rejection, and resistance—from being uprooted across continents to rewriting the rules of fashion and leadership. It’s a call to anyone who’s ever felt out of place, overlooked, or underestimated to see resistance not as a wall, but as a doorway to transformation. Discover the power of adaptability, creativity, and relentless courage to carve your own path—against the curren 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

This is the story of how two college freshmen turned failure into their biggest advantage—by building a dorm-room brand from scratch. It’s a talk about risk, creativity, and why failing early and often might be the smartest thing you do. This is the story of how two college freshmen turned failure into their biggest advantage—by building a dorm-room brand from scratch. It’s a talk about risk, creativity, and why failing early and often might be the smartest thing you do. 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

A renowned psychologist, Dr Keerthi Pai, unpacks the emotional and cognitive shifts that define adolescence in today’s digital world. She emphasises the importance of safe spaces, emotional literacy, and strong connections between adults and teens in promoting mental well-being. Dr Keerthi Pai, a distinguished Clinical Psychologist, holds dual MPhil in Student Counselling (JBAS College) and Clinical Psychology (Kasturba Medical College, Manipal), along with a PhD from Madras University. She is a Consultant at Apollo Hospitals, a Mental Health Advisor at Apollo Shine Foundation, and a Partner at Element H Psychological Support Services. As Vice President (South Zone) of the Clinical Psychology Society of India and Joint Secretary of TNACP, she actively advances mental health awareness. Trained in Marine Psychology (Denmark), she assesses and supports seafarers across South East Asia. She specializes in grief therapy, Cluster B personality disorders, and gifted adolescents. A published researcher and columnist, her book Chocolate, Strawberry & Vanilla ranks among Amazon’s top five for teens. She curated Anbu Dhaney Ellam, a theatre play on Borderline Personality Disorder, and led a 600+ participant walkathon against sexual harassment in 2024. 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

This visually engaging talk explores how colours influence mood, memory, and decision-making, revealing the subtle yet powerful ways colours shape our daily experiences. The speaker demonstrates how colours can be intentionally used in spaces such as schools, homes, and hospitals to promote positivity and concentration. Amirtha Manchari is a passionate writer, artist, public speaker, and activist who embraces diverse interests, from literature and science to business and culinary arts. Inspired by Sylvia Plath’s words, she seeks to experience and explore every facet of life. A strong advocate for feminism, she uses public speaking to voice her ideas with impact, striving to make the world a better place. 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