We Are the Government — How a Village Took Charge of Its Own Future | Devaji Tofa | TEDxDantewada
Village leader Devaji Tofa reveals how self-governance and environmental stewardship empowered his community. Through his story, learn why unity and grassroots activism can turn even the smallest village into a beacon of change. Devaji Tofa is the visionary tribal leader from Mendha (Lekha), Maharashtra, who pioneered India’s first village-led governance model. With the motto “Amchya Gavat Amhich Sarkar” (“We are the government in our village”), he empowered his community to secure rights over local resources—including becoming the first village in India to issue bamboo transit permits. Once a school drop-out and now a D.Litt. recipient, Devaji has become a national symbol of grassroots democracy, environmental stewardship, and indigenous empowerment. His legacy continues to inspire self-reliant rural transformation across the country. 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
- 17:32Brand “YOU" | Siddhaarth Aalambayan | TEDxGGDSDCollegeIn this heartfelt and deeply personal TEDx talk, Siddharth Aalambayan—storyteller, producer, and host—invites you to look beyond job titles, achievements, and social media personas to discover the true essence of Brand YOU. With humor, vulnerability, and vivid anecdotes, he brings alive a journey shaped not just by ambition, but by the people, places, and seemingly ordinary moments that leave an extraordinary imprint.From his early days as a child actor navigating film sets to becoming a global media voice, Siddharth weaves together powerful tales of unexpected friendships, family conversations, and professional pivots. His message is clear: Your real brand isn’t built by what the world sees, but by the unseen, authentic connections you make along the way. Through the theme “Brand YOU,” Siddharth encourages each listener to ask: If you were a brand, what would your tagline be? The answer, he believes, lies in your lived experiences, your values, and the legacy you create every single day. Siddhaarth Aalambayan is a celebrated Indian content creator, podcaster, producer, and storyteller, best known for his hit YouTube series The Bombay Journey, where he interviews celebrities while navigating the streets of Mumbai. With a background in acting and filmmaking, and training from the New York Film Academy, Siddhaarth brings a unique cinematic touch to digital storytelling. His ability to craft authentic, engaging narratives has made him a prominent and influential figure in the Indian digital media space. Beyond The Bombay Journey, he has also led acclaimed shows like The Male Feminist and The Dubai Journey, expanding his footprint across diverse genres and audiences. Siddharth has held key creative roles at Fork Media Group, The Storytellers, and Times Internet, shaping the branded content landscape. His work blends emotion, insight, and innovation, positioning him as a leading voice in the evolution of India’s content ecosystem. 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
- 22:20The Man Behind the Mic : Healing Through Harmony | Akhil Sachdeva | TEDxGGDSDCollegeIn his moving TEDx talk, renowned singer and composer Akhil Sachdeva shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his music and identity. He speaks about the challenges he faced, from navigating a tough entry into the music industry to the heartbreaking loss of his mother and sister—an experience that distanced him from music for a time. Akhil opens up about how grief and silence eventually gave way to healing, strength, and soulful expression. His story is not just about becoming a successful artist, but about rediscovering one’s purpose through pain and turning vulnerability into art that connects with millions. Akhil Sachdeva is a celebrated Indian playback singer, composer, and musician, known for his soulful voice and captivating melodies. Born on November 4, 1990, in New Delhi, India, Akhil’s musical journey began as the lead vocalist of the band Nasha in 2009. He gained widespread recognition with his hit song “Humsafar” from Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), which earned him the Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer (Male). Blending classical influences with contemporary sounds, Akhil has delivered numerous hits like “Tera Ban Jaunga” from Kabir Singh (2019) and “Channa Ve” from Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship (2020). Known for his versatility and emotional depth in his music, Akhil continues to capture the hearts of fans with his powerful performances. 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
- 13:20O Poder das Histórias dos Outros | Ana Sofia Fonseca | TEDxLisboaE se a chave para compreendermos o mundo fosse simplesmente escutar? Ana Sofia Fonseca reflete sobre a importância de dar tempo ao outro — para ouvir com empatia e presença. Num tempo marcado pelo egocentrismo e pela indiferença, defende que as histórias dos outros são uma das últimas fronteiras da nossa humanidade. A partir de episódios de pessoas que entrevistou como jornalista e realizadora, inspira-nos a escutar como uma forma poderosa e transformadora de estar no mundo. Ana Sofia Fonseca é uma realizadora e produtora portuguesa. O seu último filme, “Cesária Évora” (2022), teve estreia mundial no conceituado SXSW e foi exibido em mais de 60 festivais, nos cinco continentes, incluindo IDFA, DocNYC e Sheffield Doc Fest. Nomeado para “Melhor Documentário de Música” nos IDA Awards e para “Melhor Uso de Arquivo” nos Focal Awards, foi distinguido com vários prémios, entre os quais, o “Prémio Sophia” para Melhor Documentário, atribuído pela Academia Portuguesa de Cinema. Contadora de histórias há mais de 25 anos, tem seis livros publicados. Ana Sofia iniciou a sua carreira no jornalismo, construindo uma sólida experiência em televisão e imprensa escrita, distinguida com dezenas de prémios, nomeadamente o “Prémio Gazeta” e o “Prémio AMI Jornalismo Contra a Indiferença”. Fundadora da Carrossel Produções, uma produtora de cinema e audiovisual sediada em Lisboa e da Uabá em Cabo Verde. 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
- 10:16Creating Community through Music | Jurgis Didžiulis Valencia | TEDxGatewayJurgis Didžiulis demonstrates how to create “exceptional togetherness” through musical play. It's something experienced rather than explained, "becoming music" is an exercise in humanity. It’s about how we connect, how we tune in to others, and how we become truly engaged. As Jurgis puts it, “Music is a metaphor for people in flow. But it’s also a fun way of inducing that flow.” Jurgis Didžiulis (aka Jurgis DID) is a Colombian-Lithuanian with a unique talent for bringing people together through the magic of musical co-creation. Part speaker, activist, and performer, he has navigated the intersection of music and social transformation for 20 years with a focus on upgrading culture (beliefs and behaviors) through culture (creative expression). 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
- 12:43Your Wish is the Universe’s Command | Mrs. Sapna Aggarwal | TEDxVCOENOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker’s personal spiritual views and understanding of manifestation, vibrations, and the universe. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. 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.pdfEver feel like the universe is listening? It totally is — but there’s a catch. It’s always responding to your inner vibes, saying, “Your wish is my command.” In this talk, we’ll dive into how you can get better at asking for what you really want, using the power of your feelings, focus, and trust. Think of it as turning the universe into your personal genie, ready to bring you all the abundance you’re open to receiving. Sapna Aggarwal is a multifaceted personality—a mother to a 17-year-old, an acclaimed interior designer, and the founder of Ansa Architecture and Interiors, a firm recognized with several industry accolades. With extensive experience as a professor, anchor, and author, she has contributed to almost every leading Indian interior and architectural magazine and has appeared on prominent news channels. A certified Theta and Reiki healer, Sapna is a strong believer in the art of manifestation and is here to share her insights on what not to do when manifesting your dreams. 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
- 12:33Leading from Being | Cameron Martin | TEDxDublin SalonNOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal business approach to and understanding of astrology and personal growth. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. 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 world obsessed with productivity, efficiency, and relentless doing, we’ve lost sight of something essential: our Being. But what if leadership isn’t about doing more? What if the greatest leaders aren’t the ones who achieve the most—but the ones who create space for themselves and others to fully Be?In this thought-provoking TEDx talk, Dr. Cameron Martin—a leadership scholar, astrologer, and business consultant—shares his journey of redefining leadership, not as a set of external strategies, but as a deeply spiritual act rooted in Being.Through personal storytelling, research, and a surprising encounter with astrology, Dr. Martin introduces Being-Centered Leadership, a paradigm shift that challenges traditional models of leadership rooted in control, productivity, and hierarchy. Instead, he invites us to consider a new way forward—one that aligns leadership with our true nature and creates workplaces and communities where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.What You’ll Learn in This Talk: ✔️ Why traditional leadership models are no longer enough ✔️ How astrology offers a powerful roadmap for self-discovery and leadership ✔️ The #1 leadership skill that transforms workplaces: Presence ✔️ A simple practice to shift from Doing to BeingDr. Cameron Martin is dedicated to helping changemakers, executives, and conscious leaders align with their soul’s purpose. With a doctorate in Leadership Studies, he blends academic research, spiritual wisdom, and practical leadership development to guide individuals and organizations in creating authentic, purpose-driven impact. Through his signature Being-Centered Leadership framework, he helps leaders move beyond outdated models of control and efficiency to lead from a place of deep presence, self-awareness, and alignment.He is the founder of Path & Purpose, host of The Path & Purpose Podcast, and a sought-after speaker on conscious leadership, astrology, and personal transformation. Through his keynotes, workshops, and community-building initiatives, he helps individuals and organizations harness their unique soul calling to lead with authenticity, vision, and purpose.For speaking opportunities, visit: www.drcameronmartin.org? Follow Dr. Cameron Martin on Social Media: ? https://www.instagram.com/pathandpurpose/ ? https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cameron-mar... ? / @drcameronmartin Dr. Cameron Martin is a transformative leader, spiritual guide, and the founder of Path and Purpose, a platform dedicated to helping changemakers, creatives, and leaders align with their soul’s purpose. With a doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego, an MBA, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and an undergraduate degree in Business Education, Dr. Martin blends traditional business acumen with deep spiritual wisdom to offer a unique approach to leadership.As the host of the Path and Purpose Podcast, Dr. Martin inspires listeners with conversations that explore the intersection of leadership, spirituality, and purpose. His Being-Centered Leadership paradigm empowers individuals to lead authentically and intentionally, integrating astrology and spiritual tools to uncover clarity, personal growth, and leadership potential. 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