Team Madhari, an incredible classical and vocal band from Bengaluru, graced the Epoch stage with a performance that left the audience spellbound. Their rich harmonies, intricate melodies, and masterful blend of classical music resonated deeply, transporting everyone to a world where every note told a story. With their flawless execution and passionate delivery, They reminded us of the timeless beauty of traditional music, proving that classical artistry still has the power to captivate and inspire. A vibrant Music Team from Bengaluru with a group of talented musicians who bring the diverse sounds of India to life. From soulful classical melodies to contemporary tunes, they blend tradition with innovation, creating a divine musical experience. They continue to mesmerize audiences and uphold the rich legacy of Indian music. 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

Ammaz Farooqi talked about his project SheDrives, Pakistan’s first ride-sharing service exclusively for women and transgender individuals, launched in Lahore in September 2024. This initiative addresses the challenges of harassment and discrimination faced by these communities. Beyond transportation, Farooqi is working on establishing Pakistan’s first gender guardian school to provide education and vocational training for transgender individuals, aiming to improve their socio-economic status. His focus is on social impact, gender inclusion, community empowerment, and addressing societal challenges like harassment, discrimination, and access to education and vocational training for women and transgender individuals. Ammaz Farooqi, CEO of SheDrives, is breaking new ground with Pakistan’s first ride-hailing service exclusively for women and transgender individuals. SheDrives not only provides safe and reliable transportation but also creates empowering job opportunities for these often underrepresented groups. Ammaz’s vision fosters inclusivity and addresses key mobility challenges in the country. At TEDxAIMC, he will discuss the journey of launching SheDrives, the hurdles overcome, and how the service is contributing to a more inclusive and accessible future for all. 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 her talk, Yumna Majeed emphasized the importance of diverse professions in the field of space exploration, highlighting that it’s not just astronauts who contribute to space missions but also engineers, educators, artists, and medical professionals. Yumna shared her personal journey from being a Medical Laboratory Technology student at Allama Iqbal Medical College to becoming a prominent space educator. A pivotal moment in her journey was winning a telescope in an international competition, which was signed by her favorite astronaut, NASA’s Scott Kelly. This achievement not only provided her with essential equipment but also served as a significant motivator to continue her outreach efforts. Yumna also acknowledged the support of Dr. Imran during her time at Allama Iqbal Medical College, who encouraged her to pursue her passion for space education alongside her medical studies. Introducing Yumna Majeed, the visionary Founder of Exploration by Yumna and an inspiring speaker at TEDxAIMC: Breaking Barriers! With a deep passion for space science and STEM education, Yumna has dedicated herself to making science engaging and accessible for young people in Pakistan. Through her initiative, she has sparked curiosity and a love for exploration, challenging barriers in the fields of science and technology. Yumna’s mission is to empower youth to pursue careers in STEM, fostering a culture of learning and discovery. Join us as she shares her journey, insights, and vision for a future where exploration and innovation have no limits! 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

Dhanjay Keys Live brought a wave of calm and magic to Epoch with his soulful piano performance. Each note he played felt intentional and heartfelt, creating a serene atmosphere that made the entire room vibe and listen. Their music didn’t just fill the space, it moved people, offering a moment of reflection amidst all the energy of the event. A remarkable duo, a highly renowned music composer, classical keyboardist, and sound engineer, popularly known as Dhananjay Keys, joined by an eminent violinist. Dhananjay’s musical journey began at five, mastering various genres, with his recent hit audio project for Drushti Bottu gaining widespread acclaim. His fellow musician, a sessions recording artist in the Kannada and Tulu film industries, began with vocal training before discovering his passion for the violin. His notable work includes violin background scoring for KGF 2 with Ravi Basrur. 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 powerful and personal session, Dr. Muralidharan Keshavan shares the story of his Epoch, a challenging yet meaningful phase in his life as a psychiatrist. An Epoch is more than just a moment in time; it’s a turning point that shapes who we become. For Dr. Keshavan, it was a time filled with professional and personal struggles, growth, and deep reflection.He talks about the real issues faced in the field of mental health - patients with no proper access to healthcare, limited services, and overworked emergency departments. It wasn’t easy for the staff either, as they dealt with burnout, stress, and mental health issues of their own, especially the older ones. Even administrators had to constantly adapt to new guidelines and rising expectations.Despite these hurdles, the talk shines a light on how he and his team rose to the occasion with skills such as delegating responsibilities, building team spirit, and staying creative under pressure. He also opens up about his own emotional journey, moving through self-doubt, anger, helplessness, and fear. His message is honest and relatable, showing how even professionals struggle but what matters is how we respond.Dr. Keshavan shares what kept him going: a strong social circle of friends, family, peers, and seniors, and the power of trust and teamwork. He highlights key skills that made a difference empathy, communication, patience, and active listening.In the end, his message to us is simple but deep: Turn your skills into action. Focus on your strengths. Trust the process. The journey might not have a clear destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth taking. Stay grounded, stay humble, and be ready to adapt, no matter how the goalposts shift. Dr. Muralidharan Kesavan, Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Superintendent at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), is a recipient of the Asian Young Psychiatrist Award and several other awards for his research on bipolar disorder, depression, and brain stimulation. 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 that often urges focus on a single path, Dr. Shivananda Koteshwar serves as a compelling example of a truly multi-faceted existence. His philosophical perspective on life, aptly titled 'Three P's - Passion Persona & Pursuit - A Way to Life,' serves as a powerful narrative challenging the notion that one must choose a single lane, instead weaving together a rich tapestry of diverse experiences.His professional life lies in the intricate world of semiconductor chip design, showcasing his technical calibre. Yet, Dr. Koteshwar seamlessly transitions from this technical domain to the expressive realm of acting and writing, revealing another compelling facet of his persona. The list keeps going - an entrepreneur, a teacher, a student, encompassing many more shades of his colourful life.Beyond his professional and artistic life, he has made a great impact as a philanthropist, driven by a profound commitment to empowering others. His efforts focus particularly on encouraging individuals to discover and nurture their own unique interests and passions. Through his support, he fosters various opportunities for growth and development within the community - a pursuit driven by empathy and compassion.Dr. Koteshwar's journey highlights that one can pursue various passions, showcasing how with vigour one can break free from the walls bounding them. His example serves as an inspiration, proving that an individual can show the world that a coin can indeed have more than two faces. Dr. Shivananda R. Koteshwar, famously known as Shivoo, skillfully balances his corporate leadership role in the semiconductor industry with his philanthropic endeavors. He is the founder of Belakoo Trust, dedicated to rural education and skill development. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, he serves as a professor and BoS member at top institutions. 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