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