Charm and intelligence can coexist, inspiring the younger generations to break free from conventional molds. With her story, Carmen Panepinto Zayati encourages young people to overcome stereotypes and gender roles, challenging psychological barriers in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). STEM is not just for geniuses; it’s a toolkit for everyone. Yet, we tend to label and categorize people, deciding who belongs to what. What if breaking down these barriers could lead to the next big discovery? Let’s question limits and rethink who can build the future. Discover TEDxSapienzaU, the student-led TEDx event at Sapienza University of Rome, active since 2022. Learn more at https://www.tedxsapienzau.com. Carmen Panepinto Zayati, bionic engineer and Miss Universe Italy 2023, is involved in research at the Institute of BioRobotics at the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and is an influential voice in science popularization. Among the testimonials of the STEM Act and ambassador for Samsung Italy, she brings science to schools, TV, events and social media, with the aim of breaking down prejudices and inspiring new generations to approach the world of research 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
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- 14:46Who pays for assassinations on the dark web? | Carl Miller | TEDxManchesterCarl Miller joined TEDxManchester to tell us about his extraordinary discovery of a “Kill List” on the Dark Web. It was a ‘murder for hire’ website where people were paying tens of thousands to have hundreds of individuals targeted for assassination. Carl informs the police but when law enforcement are slow to react to the threat, he takes matters into his own hands and embarks on a high-stakes race to warn those in danger and unravel the sinister network behind the list.Carl Miller explores the mysteries and dangers of the digital age. He founded the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at Demos and is the author of the prize-winning 2018 book The Death of the Gods: The New Global Power Grab published by Penguin. He is also the host of the international hit podcast Kill List which was named the No 1 podcast of 2024 by The Guardian newspaper.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
- 19:36The Power of Being Unapologetically You | Vidya Rajput | TEDxDantewadaFearless pioneer Vidya Rajput reveals the courage behind fighting for transgender rights in India. In this inspiring talk, she explains how conviction and community activism can break barriers and rewrite societal norms. Vidya Rajput is a fearless transgender rights activist and a member of the National Council for Transgender Persons under the Government of India. As President of the Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, she has led grassroots efforts to provide education, healthcare, and livelihoods for the transgender community. Her advocacy has helped break barriers—enabling transgender individuals to join the state police, access government schemes, and enter mainstream employment. Honored with the Kamla Bhasin Award and the Pandit Ravishankar Shukla Award, Vidya continues to be a powerful voice for dignity, inclusion, and systemic 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
- 18:45Healing Beyond Hospitals | Suneeta Godbole | TEDxDantewadaGrassroots healthcare activist Dr. Suneeta Godbole shares her dedication to bringing medical services to remote tribal villages. She explains how compassion and community-based care can bridge healthcare gaps and restore hope. Dr. Suneeta Godbole, along with her husband Dr. Ramchandra Godbole, has devoted her life to providing healthcare services in the forests of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. Operating from their home in Barsur village, they run mobile clinics and medical camps to reach underserved tribal populations. Their efforts have significantly improved health outcomes and fostered hope in remote areas. Dr. Suneeta’s work is a powerful example of how grassroots medical care can bridge healthcare disparities in marginalized communities. 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
- 11:03Why Fighting Isn’t Just About Winning | Niranjali Soni | TEDxDantewadaYoung kickboxing champion Niranjali Soni shares how discipline and passion can turn dreams into reality. She explains why sports empower confidence and inspire young girls to break barriers and pursue their ambitions fearlessly. Niranjali Soni is a 9th-grade student and accomplished kickboxer from Dantewada. With four years of training, she has won 3 gold and 4 silver medals at national and international competitions held in Korba, Kolkata, Jammu, Nepal, and Goa. Beyond sport, Niranjali views kickboxing as a source of confidence and discipline. Her dream is to reach greater heights and inspire young girls in her community to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. 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
- 19:16Rethinking Learning Spaces | Pranith Simha | TEDxDantewadaEducation innovator Pranith Simha shares why reimagining learning spaces and empowering communities is key to transforming public education. His talk highlights how alternative approaches can create inclusive, democratic learning for tribal children. Pranith Simha is the Founder & Executive Director of Bachpan Banao, a grassroots organization revitalizing public education in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. A dropout from IISER Pune, he found his calling in education through Disha, a student initiative for slum children. Since 2012, he has led transformative programs like Padhe Dantewada-Likhe Dantewada and Sapno Ki Shala, an alternative school promoting democratic learning. His latest work focuses on youth-led children’s libraries that foster creativity and safety. A speaker at global forums, including the Harvard India Conference, Pranith continues to drive inclusive, community-based change in education. 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
- 17:33The Stories We Forget—and Why They Matter | Rajeev Ranjan Prasad | TEDxDantewadaEnvironmental scientist and storyteller Rajeev Ranjan Prasad takes you into the heart of Bastar’s tribal heritage and ecology. He explains why preserving culture and nature is crucial to shaping a sustainable future for marginalized communities. Rajeev Ranjan Prasad is an environmental scientist, author, and storyteller dedicated to documenting the rich tribal heritage and history of Bastar and Dantewada. As General Manager (Environment) at NHPC Ltd., he balances his professional role with his passion for uncovering forgotten narratives through his book “Dantkshetra” and numerous articles. Awarded the Nagari Bhushan Samman 2024, Rajeev advocates for cultural preservation and sustainable development in Chhattisgarh’s forests and communities. His work bridges science, history, and storytelling to inspire engagement with the region’s past and future. 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
