Threads of Change: Weaving Livelihoods, Empowering Futures | Sumita Ghose | TEDxIIMKashipur
NOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn a rapidly evolving world, how do we bridge the widening gaps between rural and urban, tradition and modernity, continuity and change? Social entrepreneur Sumita Ghose takes us through a transformational journey—one that redefines livelihoods by empowering rural artisans, especially women, to become active stakeholders in their own futures. From navigating globalization’s impact to pioneering community-owned enterprises, she explores how vision, resilience, and collective agency can create sustainable, inclusive growth. This talk is a testament to the power of craft, community, and conscious capitalism in shaping a more equitable world.Sumita Ghose exemplifies how social enterprise can catalyze change in the lives of thousands. As the founder of Rangsutra, a pioneering organization empowering rural artisans, she has created a platform for over 2,000 artisans—primarily women—to connect with markets and thrive economically. Through her efforts, Rangsutra bridges rural craftsmanship with global opportunities, working with clients like IKEA. Sumita Ghose is a self driven social entrepreneur who believes in bringing solutions to the problem of unemployment in rural India, and women’s lack of access to paid work, can be found in both : society and the market. She has demonstrated through her work in Rangsutra
over the past 16 years, that it is possible to bring about socio – economic transformation in rural India, run a profitable social enterprise while ensuring women’s empowerment and creating impact. Her core strength is an ability to lead from the front, to walk the talk, and to motivate team and artisans to play an active role in co creating
and running a creative enterprise like RangSutra.Before working as the Founder and Managing Director of Rangsutra Crafts India - a social enterprise which works for socio economic development in rural India by engaging both: the community and the market, she has also worked as a Senior Program Manager at Hunger Project, India . She was also a part of the MacArthur Fellowship for women’s health and livelihoods on Majuli Island, Assam, India. 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
More from TED
- 11:03What happens if the Amazon dries up? | Tom Matthews | TEDxAmazôniaClimatologist and Explorer of extreme environments Tom Matthews makes the connection between the vanishing glaciers of the Andes and the health of the Amazon rainforest — and flags the risks of disrupting a water cycle that links the entire South American continent.A National Geographic Explorer, climate scientist and faculty member at King’s College London, Tom is interested in the social impacts of climate change. This drives him to understand the most extreme climates on the planet. His research takes him to investigate everything from deadly tropical heat waves to severe windstorms in cold-weather mountains, to map the limits of Earth's climate envelope and chart the course of change. His work reveals the interdependence between the glaciers of the Andean summits and the immense Amazon rainforest below.Explorador da National Geographic, cientista climático e membro do corpo docente do King’s College de Londres, Tom tem interesse nos impactos sociais das mudanças climáticas. Isso o impulsiona a compreender os climas mais extremos do planeta. Sua pesquisa o leva a investigar desde ondas de calor tropical mortais até tempestades de vento severas em montanhas de clima frio, para mapear os limites do envelope climático da Terra e traçar o curso das mudanças. Seu trabalho revela a interdependência entre as geleiras dos cumes andinos e a imensa floresta amazônica lá embaixo.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
- 14:56Can Education Truly Change Generations? | Eela Dubey | TEDxDFBEDUIn this deeply moving and inspiring talk, Eela Dubey takes the audience on a generational journey that underscores the transformative power of education. She begins by sharing the story of her grandfather, who bravely left India to pursue education in the United States—a decision that would ripple across generations and shape the trajectory of their family’s future. Through this poignant narrative, Eela highlights the sacrifices, struggles, and cultural resilience that have defined her family’s pursuit of knowledge and opportunity.Eela then transitions to her own story, revealing how her grandfather’s legacy inspired her to build a company dedicated to making quality education accessible and affordable for Indian families. She addresses the pressing issue of rising education costs and the barriers that prevent many from achieving their academic dreams. With passion and insight, Eela demonstrates how one bold decision—whether it’s pursuing education against all odds or creating solutions to empower others—can create a lasting impact that transcends generations.This talk is more than a personal story; it’s a powerful reminder that education is not just a degree or a stepping stone to a career—it is a legacy, a tool for freedom, and a catalyst for change. Eela’s message resonates with students, parents, and educators alike, urging us to reflect on the value of education and the role it plays in shaping lives and communities. Whether you’re navigating your own educational journey or supporting someone else’s, this talk will move you, inspire you, and remind you why we must never take the gift of education for granted.Watch now to be inspired by a story of courage, resilience, and the enduring power of education to transform lives across generations. This TEDx talk was recorded at the Department of Business Economics, University of Delhi, South Campus, a hub of academic excellence that promotes thought-provoking discussions and inspiring ideas. Ms. Eela Dubey, Co-Founder and CEO of EduFund, is dedicated to transforming education financing in India. A graduate of New York University, she started her career on Wall Street at Quest Partners, gaining expertise in global finance. Her passion for social impact led her to work with the United Nations and NGOs, shaping her commitment to financial inclusion.While working at US Freedom Capital in Mumbai, she identified a major gap in India’s education system—the lack of accessible financial solutions for families. In response, she co-founded EduFund in 2020. The platform supports over 100,000 families, allowing investments starting at just ₹100, fostering long-term financial planning with 15,000+ active users.Beyond EduFund, Eela advocates for financial literacy through education. Her mission is to empower Indian families to invest in their children’s future, making higher education more affordable and accessible. 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
- 13:56Why consistency matters more than you think | Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi | TEDxDFBEDUIn this inspiring TEDx talk, Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi reveals how the power of consistency transformed her life. She takes us through her journey of overcoming self-doubt and setbacks after losing her job, to building a thriving writing career and founding her own venture, Summit 21. Through her story, she demonstrates that monumental change often begins with small, daily habits and the courage to keep showing up, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.Niharikaa reminds us that success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or having all the answers—it’s about taking action, even when it feels uncomfortable. While many people have great ideas, it’s those who consistently show up and put in the work who ultimately succeed. Her story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of discipline, perseverance, and the willingness to start where you are.Watch now to discover how embracing consistency and self-discipline can reshape your future, unlock your potential, and help you turn your dreams into reality. This talk is a must-watch for anyone looking to overcome self-doubt, build resilience, and create lasting change in their lives.This TEDx talk was recorded at the Department of Business Economics, University of Delhi, South Campus, a hub of academic excellence that promotes thought-provoking discussions and inspiring ideas. Ms. Niharikaa Kaur Sodhi is a writer, educator, and entrepreneur who has built a global community around personal growth, creativity, and the creator economy. With over 3 million monthly views on Medium and LinkedIn, she helps individuals unlock their potential through writing and digital entrepreneurship.Her journey began as a side hustle in 2020, and by 2021, she quit her job to pursue writing full-time. She has since become a 22x Top Writer on Medium, a LinkedIn Creator Accelerator fellow, and an educator with 12,000+ students across 30+ countries. Through her cohort-based course, Summit 21, she has mentored over 150 students in personal branding and content creation.A firm believer in authenticity, she collaborates only with brands that align with her values in education, the creator economy, and sustainability. Her work focuses on high-impact storytelling and personal branding, helping individuals and businesses communicate their mission effectively. 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
- 11:19Chess & Complexity | Adit Sood | TEDxSharjah English SchoolCould a quantum computer checkmate chess itself? Adit Sood walks us through why solving chess is one of computing's greatest challenges, and quantum computing may be the key to solving it. || Adit Sood is a Grade 9 (Year 10) student at Sharjah English School and an avid chess player. He is a passionate programmer, aspiring to pursue a career in computer science and artificial intelligence. 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
- 15:16"Nascere è scoprire l'essenziale" | Fratel Mauro Billetta | TEDxUniPaIl talk esplora l'importanza di relazioni umane autentiche come base per il cambiamento sociale. Viene presentata l'idea di "rinascita" attraverso le sfide della vita, enfatizzando la necessità di uscire dalla propria zona di comfort e di abbracciare il rischio. L'autore condivide esperienze personali, come il coinvolgimento in una comunità religiosa e il lavoro nel quartiere di Danisinni a Palermo, dove è in corso un processo di rigenerazione urbana e sociale. Il focus è sull'equilibrio tra individualità e appartenenza, con un appello alla responsabilità collettiva e alla costruzione di comunità, simboleggiato dalla riapertura di un asilo locale, un passo verso una società più connessa e resiliente. La proposta finale è quella di superare la meritocrazia e la repressione, per promuovere un modello di comunità che valorizzi il dono, la solidarietà e l'amore. Padre Mauro Billetta è un frate cappuccino che opera nel quartiere Danisinni, a Palermo. Con il suo impegno religioso e sociale, si è dedicato alla cura delle persone più fragili e al recupero di spazi dimenticati, trasformandoli in luoghi di aggregazione e cultura. È conosciuto per il suo lavoro di inclusione sociale, cercando di rispondere ai bisogni della comunità locale, spesso attraverso progetti di solidarietà, educazione e riqualificazione urbana. Padre Mauro è anche impegnato in iniziative che favoriscono la crescita spirituale e il benessere collettivo, promuovendo il dialogo e l’integrazione tra le diverse realtà sociali di Palermo. 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
- 10:07"Da goccia nasce Marea" | Antonio Perdichizzi | TEDxUniPaNel suo talk, Antonio Perdichizzi racconta con passione il valore di fare impresa come motore di cambiamento, specialmente per i giovani in Sicilia. Parte dalla sua esperienza personale, segnata dalla necessità di cercare opportunità oltre i confini dell’isola, ma con la consapevolezza che, nonostante le difficoltà, la Sicilia rimane la sua terra. La pandemia diventa per lui un momento di profonda introspezione, che lo porta a una scelta radicale: vendere la sua azienda di successo e dar vita a una nuova organizzazione. Un progetto che non solo intreccia il profit e il no-profit, ma anche il globale con il locale, e la certezza con l’incertezza. È la sintesi di un percorso di crescita che ci insegna come le sfide possano diventare straordinarie opportunità di cambiamento. Un invito a rimanere fedeli alla propria visione, senza paura di reinventarsi, e a dare valore all’impatto sociale in ogni impresa. Antonio Perdichizzi è un imprenditore e innovatore siciliano, fondatore e CEO di WeMake, una startup che promuove la digitalizzazione e l'innovazione nel settore industriale. Con un forte background in ingegneria, ha creato anche Sicilian Hub, un'iniziativa per promuovere l'innovazione e il networking tra le startup siciliane, e Startup Europe Week Palermo, un evento che mira a sensibilizzare e connettere le comunità imprenditoriali locali con l'ecosistema europeo. Perdichizzi è anche un attivo sostenitore di progetti legati alla sostenibilità, all'innovazione sociale e all'imprenditorialità, contribuendo a sviluppare soluzioni tecnologiche per la trasformazione digitale delle aziende. 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
