Discover the inspiring journey of an engineer, director, entrepreneur, and innovator Mr Shon Saoji through his inspiring talk at TEDxPICT. In this captivating session, Mr. Shon Saoji shares the three most valuable lessons he learned throughout his remarkable journey in the tech world. Trust the process – you don’t know the future. Shon reflects on his college days as an average student, hustling through academics and learning new skills that ultimately paved the way for his success. His journey is one that every student can relate to, proving that perseverance and patience can lead to extraordinary achievements. Whatever you do, just put your heart into it and do your best - Drawing from his corporate experiences, he reveals the secret of achieving workplace mastery by giving your best, staying committed, and constantly improving. Learn, change, and grow - With his experience as an entrepreneur and a corporate professional, Shon emphasizes the importance of adaptability. He highlights how accepting feedback and evolving with time is key to becoming the best version of oneself. Shon Saoji, a PICT alumnus and Director of Engineering at Coursera, has navigated both startups and large-scale tech organizations, gaining deep insights into what drives success in the industry. Having founded two startups and led product development at Coursera, he understands that while technologies evolve, the core principles of success—persistence, adaptability, and resilience—remain unchanged.In his TEDx talk, Shon will break down the universal mindset needed to thrive in tech, regardless of the domain or role. He will share lessons from his own journey, emphasizing how embracing challenges, learning from failures, and trusting the process can shape a fulfilling and impactful career. Through real-world examples, he will illustrate how staying committed to fundamental principles can help individuals navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology and innovation. 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

From dropping out of college to performing in front of football legends, the story of Mr. Chaitanya Deshpande is a true inspiration for all those who dare to challenge traditional career pathways. In this engaging talk at TEDxPICT, Chaitanya takes you through the unexpected twists that led him from restless days of uncertainty to becoming a freestyle footballer and viral content creator. Football, being a niche sport in India, posed its own challenges, and the speaker sheds light on how he was able to focus on getting the most out of his passion. From convincing his parents by showing them tangible results to appearing on television and making them truly proud, the journey — which seems simple enough — isn’t so in most cases. He also enlightens us about how to make a career plan fail-proof, highlighting that weaknesses matter as much as strengths do. He shares his interest in content creation and how he was able to create the ‘Saadha Manus’ page, which gave a boost to his career. This isn’t just a success story — it’s a bold answer to the question: “What if I take the road no one else is willing to?” Get ready for a talk that will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even take that leap you’ve been hesitating to make. Chaitanya Deshpande, popularly known as Saadha Manus, is a professional freestyle footballer and content creator from Pune, Maharashtra. Representing India on the global stage, he has showcased his skills in freestyle football and Panna, gaining recognition for his dedication to the sport.In his TEDx talk, Chaitanya will take the audience through his unconventional journey— choosing passion over convention, dropping out of college, and overcoming societal and financial challenges to pursue freestyle football full-time. He will shed light on the struggles of gaining parental approval, monetizing a non-traditional career, and staying motivated in the face of uncertainty. Through his story, he will emphasize the power of perseverance, self-belief, and vision in breaking barriers and carving one's own path to success. 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

What does it truly mean to be a “traveler”? Is it just about visiting new places or collecting visa stamps? In this captivating talk, Simran Malhotra redefines the essence of solo travel, proving that it’s not just about the destinations but the people, experiences, and self-discovery along the way. She takes us on a journey filled with travel stories and hyper-local experiences which celebrate different cultures and human connections. Through her adventures across India, she shares how real learning happens outside the classroom. As a model, corporate analyst, influencer and solo-traveler, she highlights the importance of exploring life beyond the routine of 9-5 and embracing the 5-9 that truly defines us. Simran Malhotra, a Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture, digital creator, and solo traveler, is also a former Miss Asia India’18 and Queen of India’18. She is an advocate for physical well-being, balancing her career with her passion for travel and fitness, and as an ACE Certified Zumba® Trainer, she encourages staying active on her journeys.In her TEDx talk, Simran explores how travel teaches life lessons often overlooked by traditional education. Drawing from solo adventures and her beauty pageant journey, she discusses how travel fosters cultural understanding and human connection. She highlights microtravel-where even exploring your neighborhood can be transformative. Through stories of spontaneous encounters and meaningful connections, Simran challenges the idea that solo travel is isolating, showing how brief moments can reshape our perspectives and how we connect with others. 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 this compelling TEDxPICT talk, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Dr. Aishwarya Nigam shares a truth that we often forget in our busy lives, our bodies hold the key to our mental well-being. Drawing from her own struggle to balance intense studies with physical wellbeing, Dr. Nigam reveals how we’ve become dangerously disconnected from our bodies and the consequences this has on our mental health. She breaks down the science of stress hormones in everyday language, showing how even the simplest movements like standing up from your desk, taking a brief walk, or practicing gentle muscle relaxation can interrupt the cycle of anxiety and fatigue. She tells the story of helping a patient with schizophrenia who experienced remarkable relief through basic movement techniques without any medication. Her practical, down-to-earth approach reminds us that movement isn’t just about fitness, it’s essential medicine for our minds too. Movement truly is a magical pill for our minds, one that’s always available, costs nothing, and words wonders. Are you ready to take it? Aishwarya Nigam is a renowned physiotherapist, yoga instructor, and content creator, known for her expertise in integrating physical activity into daily life. Initially a full-time physiotherapist, she later gained recognition as a fitness influencer on Instagram, where she shares her journey of promoting holistic well-being.In her TEDx talk, Aishwarya will delve into the holistic benefits of physical activity, illustrating how movement—whether through yoga, exercise, or simple mindful practices—nourishes not only physical health but also enhances mental and emotional well-being. Drawing on insights from science, psychology, and social perspectives, she will highlight how regular movement can lead to transformative growth, promoting balance, strength, and resilience in both body and mind. 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

What if the magic of life lies in the simplest moments? This talk uncovers the beauty hidden in the everyday and how shifting our perspective can make life extraordinary. She is Former Managing Editor NDTV 24x7 and current Chief Operating Officer of IILM Gurugram campus 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

As AI-generated art becomes more advanced, it raises critical questions about creativity, ownership, and ethics. In this talk, the speaker examines the potential dangers of AI art, from the loss of human artistic identity to the challenges of copyright and authenticity. While AI can generate stunning visuals in seconds, it also threatens traditional artists and raises concerns about originality and artistic labor. Additionally, the misuse of AI-generated images for misinformation and deepfakes presents serious risks. As technology continues to evolve, society must find a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility. This talk explores what’s at stake and how we can navigate the future of AI in the art world. Aadya Bhushan is a sophomore at Watchung Hills Regional High School. Along with participating in TEDx, she is a member of the school’s Tri-M Music Honors Society, marching band, and Academic Team. Outside of school, she is a part of the New Jersey Youth Symphony’s Flute Forum. She has a passion for playing the flute and also enjoys other forms of art such as visual art and reading. Her love of music, visual arts, and reading inspired her talk: Art: By Humans, For Humans. Join Aadya as she discusses the often-overlooked significance of art to humanity, and the potential impacts of artificial intelligence in artistic fields. 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