How Woodworking and Words Save Lives | Ajay Kumar Mandavi | TEDxDantewada
Master calligrapher Ajay Kumar Mandavi shares how art can heal even the deepest wounds. Through his work with former inmates and ex-rebels, he reveals why creativity and mentorship are powerful tools for redemption and transforming lives. Ajay Kumar Mandavi is not just an artist—he’s a transformer of lives. A master of wooden calligraphy art, he has spent over a decade teaching his craft to inmates in Kanker Jail, many of whom were once involved in the Naxalite movement. But his role goes beyond art; he is a mentor, counselor, and guiding light, helping prisoners find purpose, peace, and a path back into society.Through his Shanta Art initiative, he has empowered hundreds of former inmates, turning ex-rebels into skilled artisans who now create intricate wooden masterpieces instead of wielding weapons. His journey proves that art can heal, redemption is possible, and second chances can carve out a whole new 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
More from TED
- 13:56TedX UNITBV | Dincolo de note. Muzica, limbaj universal al viitorului? | Anca Preda | TEDxUNITBVCum poate muzica să comunice fără cuvinte și să unească oameni din culturi diferite? În discursul său, Anca Preda explorează muzica drept limbaj universal al viitorului – de la liniștea unui cântec de leagăn până la armonia unei societăți sustenabile. Un discurs despre empatie, știință și puterea sunetului. Anca Preda a început studiul pianului la vârsta de 7 ani și ulterior a absolvit studiile doctorale la Universitatea Națională de Muzică din București cu distincția „Magna cum Laudae”. Totodată, este absolventă a Facultății de Comunicare şi Relaţii Publice din cadrul SNSPA București. De-a lungul anilor de studii, a fost laureată a numeroase concursuri, olimpiade naţionale şi concursuri internaţionale din Franţa, Grecia și România și a luat parte la cursuri de măiestrie susţinute de pianişti din România, Germania, Franţa, Singapore şi SUA. A debutat pe scena de concert alături de Filarmonica de Stat din Sibiu, a participat la festivaluri naţionale şi internaţionale şi a susţinut recitaluri și concerte în ţară și în Franţa, Italia, Marea Britanie, Spania. În prezent, este conferențiar universitar la Facultatea de Muzică din cadrul Universităţii “Transilvania” din Brașov, având funcția de prodecan cu activitatea didactică și cercetarea științifică. 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
- 5:37Tech in Hospitals | Fanta Diop | TEDxTheAquilaSchoolTech in Hospitals Tech in Hospitals 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
- 5:53Tech in Healthcare | Jannah Khalil | TEDxTheAquilaSchoolTech in Healthcare Tech in Homes 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
- 3:49Tech in Healthcare | Omisha Sehgal | TEDxTheAquilaSchoolTech in Healthcare Tech in Healthcare 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
- 3:54Tech in Warfare | Omar Eneim | TEDxTheAquilaSchoolTech in Warfare Tech in Warfare 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
- 16:50See Yourself Winning, Not Failing | Horia Tecau | TEDxCambridgeSchoolofBucharestHoria Tecău, a Romanian former professional tennis player and three-time Grand Slam champion! With victories at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, Horia has faced both triumphs and challenges throughout his career. He will share his journey of perseverance, self-belief, and the drive to push past doubt to achieve success. Horia Tecau is a former tennis professional, triple Grand Slam champion in doubles, silver medalist at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, together with Florin Mergea. Reached the No. 1 ATP team rankings in 2015, after winning The Masters. Horia won 38 titles in his career, including the mixed doubles title at the 2012 Australian Open, 2015 Wimbledon and the 2017 US Open. Horia is a national ambassador for UNICEF Romania and he is the first Romanian tennis player to write a children’s book - 'Life in tennis rhythm'. 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
