Discover how community, resilience, and the power of seeing potential in others can lead to transformation across generations. This moving talk follows the courageous journey of a girl who survived domestic violence and hardship to become a leader unlocking the potential in others. Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernandez is the president of Urban College of Boston. In 2024, the Boston Business Journal named her one of the city’s Power 50 leaders influencing their local communities for good. In March 2018, Diverse Issues in Higher Education named Salomon-Fernandez one of the Top 25 Women in Higher Education. Beyond credentials and accomplishments, Yves believes in the power of human connection and in challenging stereotypes, norms, and expectations that limit people’s ability to achieve their full human potential. As an educator, she believes her role is to help others unlock the power of their own agency and build community. Yves uses her personal narrative to up lift others and to demonstrate that leaders are ordinary people who take risks. She has failed, learned, grown, and succeeded with the help of the community. n her spare time, she enjoys road trips with her daughter and underwater adventures with her son. Her TEDx talk focuses on taking risks, failure, and community. 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 inspiring TEDxNERIST talk, self-taught designer Aku shares his powerful journey from Nagaland, a state rich in culture yet marked by conflict, to becoming a global voice in sustainable Indian design. Raised in Nagaland, Aku bridges indigenous art, traditional textiles, bamboo craft, and modern design thinking to create meaningful, heritage-driven work. Discover how tribal tattoos, handmade craft, and Northeast Indian culture influence his creations, and how design can be a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and empowering artisan communities. Whether you're passionate about Indian heritage, ethical design, rural craftsmanship, or the creative economy, Aku Zeliang is a visionary designer and cultural innovator from Nagaland, redefining sustainability through indigenous craftsmanship. Founder of Urra Design and Creative Director of Cane Concept, his work bridges tradition and modernity by transforming cane, bamboo, and wood into timeless, functional design. With over a decade of experience, Aku has collaborated with artisans across India, exported to 26 countries, and represented India at global events like Homo Faber in Venice and India Design Fair. His acclaimed creations—such as the Tokri Chair and Huh Tu collection—reflect a deep commitment to cultural preservation and innovation. In 2022, he and his team received the EDIDA “Young Talent” award. Aku’s design philosophy champions heritage, sustainability, and community empowerment, placing Indian craftsmanship on the global stage 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

Have you ever been asked, “What do you want to be?”—and your answer was, “I don’t know”? You’re not alone. In this raw, heartfelt, and deeply relatable talk, Eksha shares her journey from being clueless in college to becoming a national-level boxer, a model, and a police constable—all while navigating doubts, fears, and societal expectations. This isn’t a success story; it’s a search story—for everyone who feels lost, ordinary, or confused but still carries the quiet fire to be something unique. From punching through failures to standing tall in both uniforms and heels, Eksha’s message is powerful and clear: you don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to keep showing up. Through her journey, you’ll discover why not knowing what you want can be your greatest gift, how to tackle self-doubt, fear of judgment, and feeling “not good enough,” and why your uniqueness, family, and inner drive matter. This talk is a testament to how manifestation, hard work, and emotion can change your life. Eksha Kerung is a multi-faceted police officer, model, athlete, and youth icon from Sombaria, West Sikkim. Currently serving as a Constable in the Sikkim Police’s Anti-Riot Unit, she exemplifies discipline and dedication. A state-level boxer and two-time national athlete, Eksha transitioned seamlessly into the world of fashion, winning Miss Sikkim 2018 and gaining national fame as a finalist in MTV’s Supermodel of the Year 2021. She further rose to prominence as the face of Maybelline New York in India. In 2024, she showcased her versatility by appearing in Warner Bros. Discovery’s Reality Ranis of the Jungle. Eksha’s journey from uniform to runway reflects the evolving role of women in modern India—breaking stereotypes and redefining success across multiple domains. Her story inspires countless young individuals to pursue their passions with resilience, courage, and purpose. 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 if your access to success, love, and purpose wasn’t determined by the world—but by your own mind? In this powerful talk, Aarzoo explores a profound question: Have you been living by a passport you never chose? This isn’t about the passport that lets you cross borders; it’s about the passport of identity—the one that determines your access to joy, love, ambition, and personal growth. You’ll learn how the labels you unknowingly accept shape your life, understand how your protective nervous system silently limits you, and discover how to break free and reissue a new identity—one that truly aligns with your potential. Whether you’ve ever felt “not enough,” feared success, or simply wondered, “Is this all there is?”, this talk invites you to reflect deeply. Ask yourself at the end: Who would I become, if nobody ever told me who I’m supposed to be? Aarzoo Shah is a dynamic entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, writer, and psychologist with a Master’s in Psychology from Mumbai University. Drawing from her deep understanding of human behavior, she has built a global digital brand focused on personal growth and transformation, impacting lives in over 15 countries. Born and raised in Mumbai, Aarzoo’s journey from modest beginnings to founding a successful digital platform reflects her belief in the power of resilience and purpose. She has delivered two TEDx talks, authored transformational content, and mentors individuals through seminars, mastermind programs, and her YouTube series I’m Beautiful From Within. Her work blends psychology with practical strategies for personal and business development, emphasizing self-belief, mental wellness, and work-life balance. A respected voice in global and educational spaces, Aarzoo continues to empower individuals to rise above self-doubt and lead meaningful, purpose-driven lives. 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 empowered by smartphones, AI, and modern education, are we still dragging ancient biases into the future? In this bold and thought-provoking TEDx talk, women's rights activist Jarjum Ete raises a powerful question: Why, despite all our progress, are women still denied equal inheritance, property rights, and social agency especially in tribal societies like Arunachal Pradesh? Drawing on decades of grassroots activism, Jarjum shares personal insights into the journey of women’s empowerment, the troubling resurgence of patriarchal resistance among youth, and the complexities of inter-community marriages. From property rights to peacebuilding, from the village to the digital realm—this talk is a wake-up call to rethink how we define progress. Jarjum Ete is a prominent social activist, women’s rights advocate, and former Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women. A member of the Galo tribe, she began her activism in 1985 with the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society, where she helped build a statewide movement for gender justice, legal reform, and tribal rights. With a postgraduate degree in English Literature from Arunachal University, she has led campaigns for women’s political representation, anti-liquor laws, and codification of tribal customary laws. She has served on national committees, participated in the 1995 UN Beijing Conference, and remains a powerful voice for inclusion, secularism, and clean politics. Currently, she is the General Secretary of the All India Mahila Congress (in charge of Sikkim and Nagaland), and continues to inspire future leaders by challenging patriarchal norms, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, and promoting skill-based development in Arunachal Pradesh. 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 inspiring TEDx talk, Veena Ramagopalan—Navy veteran, corporate leader, and leadership coach—shares her powerful journey of transformation and reinvention. From breaking barriers as one of the first women officers in the Indian Navy to navigating leadership in the corporate world, Veena reveals three timeless lessons on staying relevant: embracing discomfort, committing to lifelong learning, and adopting a solution-oriented mindset.Her talk encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, adapt fearlessly to change, and continually evolve in the face of disruption. Whether you're a student, professional, or leader, this talk will challenge how you view growth and relevance in today's fast-changing world. An ex-Naval officer, Sr program manager in Philips IT Applications, and Co-founder and Director of Inroads Leadership Development (an alumnus of GCT). 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