Pessimism is negative and one has always heard of staying away from Pessimism but this very mindset can sometimes work wonders for you, the talk explains exactly how! With a keen eye for financial strategy, Rahul has played a pivotal role in Nestlé's market growth. His expertise in leveraging data for strategic decision-making offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape. 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 thought-provoking TEDx talk, Dr. Jitamitra Desai, Professor at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, challenges one of our deepest assumptions — that we are truly in control of the choices we make. Titled "The Choice Matrix," this talk explores the illusion of choice and the subtle yet powerful forces—like family, media, health, and career—that shape our decisions more than we realize. From the food we eat to the careers we pursue, Dr. Desai illustrates how our perceived freedom is often a carefully constructed matrix of external influences. Whether you're a student of behavioral science, a curious thinker, or someone questioning the "whys" behind your decisions, this talk will leave you questioning the very foundation of choice itself. Dr. Jitamitra Desai is a distinguished Professor of Operations Research in the Decision Sciences group at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), recognized for his groundbreaking work in mathematical and computational decision analytics. With a keen focus on developing large-scale optimization algorithms, his research has significantly impacted fields like aviation, transportation, location theory, energy analytics, and wireless communication networks. Jitamitra’s academic pursuits also extend to exploring networks and graphs, stochastic decision analysis, and emerging biological applications. Beyond academia, his passion for tennis, coffee, and the technology startup ecosystem fuels his creativity, while his role as a dedicated father adds a personal dimension to his multifaceted life. Renowned for his expertise in optimization theory and algorithm development, Jitamitra’s work bridges the gap between complex decision problems and practical applications, advancing both the theoretical and applied aspects of operations research. 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 refreshingly honest and humorous TEDx talk, Pranjal Kamra—founder and CEO of Finology Ventures—breaks the myth that successful entrepreneurship requires a breakthrough idea or an elite background. Sharing his journey of building one of India’s most used stock analysis platforms from the small city of Raipur, Pranjal speaks candidly about failures, improvisation, and the beauty of not knowing it all.With zero corporate experience and no technical background, Pranjal and his team of freshers took on the giants of finance and built the Finology Ticker—a tool now used by over 2 crore Indians every quarter. From failed product launches and server crashes to lockdown chaos and hard-earned breakthroughs, he shows how resourcefulness, resilience, and “copying smartly” can be a startup’s biggest assets. This is not a how-to guide for startup success—it’s a real, relatable, and deeply inspiring story about why being naïve, taking risks, and getting your hands dirty can sometimes be your biggest advantages. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, product builder, or simply curious about the reality behind startup life, this talk will make you rethink what it truly takes to create something impactful. Pranjal Kamra is the Founder of Finology Ventures, a leading FinTech and Financial Education platform dedicated to simplifying the complexities of finance for individuals across the globe. Under his leadership, Finology has emerged as a trusted name, empowering millions to make informed financial decisions. He is the author of two bestselling books, "Mint Your Money" and "Investonomy," which have helped readers gain clarity on personal finance and investment strategies. Pranjal is also a prominent financial YouTuber with a community of over 6.3 million subscribers. Through his content, he demystifies investing, personal finance, and wealth-building, making these topics accessible to everyone. A thought leader and influencer in the financial world, Pranjal Kamra continues to inspire individuals to achieve financial freedom and security. 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 engaging and heartfelt talk, Vivek Prabhakar, Co-Founder of Chumbak, shares the entrepreneurial journey of building one of India’s most beloved design-led consumer brands—rooted in culture, powered by authenticity, and scaled with fearless execution. Vivek unpacks the philosophy behind “roots and wings”, the dual forces that grounded Chumbak in Indian identity while giving it global aspirations. With a dose of humor and hard-won insight, he walks us through lessons on finding your "why", knowing your consumer, building the right teams, and the messy beauty of execution. From rejecting marble Taj Mahals as India's sole souvenir to launching a billion Indian emoji stickers on global platforms, Vivek’s story is a masterclass in staying true to one's origins while daring to fly. With learnings like “culture eats strategy for breakfast”, “focus is better than passion”, and “hierarchy is dead”, Vivek inspires the next generation of founders to build businesses that reflect who they are, not just where the market is going. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative thinker, or someone wondering how to make a dent in the world while staying authentic—this talk will leave you inspired, and smiling. Vivek Prabhakar, founder of Chumbak, is a visionary entrepreneur reshaping India’s design and lifestyle space. Co-founding Chumbak in 2010, he aimed to create a globally-inspired yet India-centric brand known for its vibrant designs. Based in Bengaluru, Vivek transformed Chumbak from a quirky souvenir startup into a leading lifestyle brand offering home décor, fashion, and accessories. With a rich marketing and brand strategy background, he brings over a decade of expertise in building innovative consumer brands. Under his leadership, Chumbak has grown into a nationwide name, blending Indian heritage with global appeal through its retail network and online platform. Beyond Chumbak, Vivek mentors budding entrepreneurs, engages in industry forums, and pursues his passion for photography. 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 raw and thought-provoking talk, Balram Vishwakarma explores a reality few are willing to confront: that the ability to dream big is, in fact, a privilege. Drawing from his lived experiences in Mumbai and his work as a self-proclaimed "non-academic ethnographer," he brings forth voices from the city’s labor class—people who seldom have the luxury to imagine a future beyond survival. With humor, insight, and deep social observation, Balram uncovers how environment, socioeconomic status, and access to role models directly shape the dreams people dare to have. Through hundreds of grassroots interviews with everyone from food delivery riders to welders and street vendors, he challenges conventional narratives of meritocracy and ambition. Balram also reflects on his own upbringing and the quiet limitations placed on dreams due to a lack of guidance, mentorship, and resources. He urges those in positions of influence—particularly graduates of elite institutions—to help democratize access to opportunity by offering internships, mentorship, and belief to those who come from less privileged backgrounds. Balram has previously worked with digital storytelling platforms like FilterCopy and Pocket Aces. His mission is simple yet powerful: to expand the boundaries of who gets to dream in India. Balram Vishwakarma is a Mumbai-based storyteller with a passion for documenting the lives of India’s urban labor class. His work shines a light on the resilience and quiet ambition of people in unorganized or gig economy jobs—hawkers, app-based workers, and self-employed professionals. Through his stories, Balram hopes to break down the misconceptions and biases surrounding these professions, encouraging empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of their struggles and dreams. When he’s not telling stories, Balram co-runs a communications organization that helps brands connect meaningfully with their audiences. Whether through his personal projects or professional work, his focus remains on amplifying voices that often go unheard and building narratives that inspire real change. 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 is consistently challenging you to grow, how does someone find their footing. Through personal stories and experiences, Vivek explores the delicate balance between roots—the traditions and connections that shape who we are and wings the courage to explore, innovate, and chase new possibilities. Vivek is part of the India Leadership Team and leads the Markets function. He also leads Clients & Markets programme for the PwC Network’s Asia Pacific & Americas (APA) cluster. In his role, he helps harness the firm's vast capabilities to create tangible and long-lasting impact for our clients and society. Vivek is a resident of Mumbai and been a lifelong PwCer - joined in 1995 as an article trainee. He is a qualified chartered accountant and in his close to three decades of experience has led many assurance, due diligence and advisory engagements for some of the largest domestic and international clients within the banking, asset management, mutual funds, private equity and capital markets segments. He previously led the Financial Services sector for PwC India and the India-West region Assurance practice. Vivek is closely involved in various industry committees and is an active member at industry events and forums. 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