Seeing Things from a Wider Lens | Silondiwe Mathebula | TEDxKhiva Presidential School
"Seeing Things from a Wider Lens" explores how diverse cultural and linguistic experiences can expand understanding, challenge assumptions, and deepen human connection. Through stories from classrooms across continents, the talk highlights the value of empathy, open-mindedness, and embracing difference in a complex, interconnected world. Passionate educator with a love for languages, cultures, and the arts; holds a degree in Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Born on September 17th and a proud Virgo. Teaching experience spans three continents—seven years in South Africa, one year in Abu Dhabi, and currently based in Uzbekistan. Fluent in eight South African languages, including Zulu; conversational in Arabic and currently learning Russian and Uzbek. Interests include poetry, art, history, philosophy, and the complexities of life, all of which inform a dynamic approach to teaching and cultural exchange. Constantly seeking growth through new experiences and perspectives. 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
- 19:36The Power of Being Unapologetically You | Vidya Rajput | TEDxDantewadaFearless pioneer Vidya Rajput reveals the courage behind fighting for transgender rights in India. In this inspiring talk, she explains how conviction and community activism can break barriers and rewrite societal norms. Vidya Rajput is a fearless transgender rights activist and a member of the National Council for Transgender Persons under the Government of India. As President of the Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, she has led grassroots efforts to provide education, healthcare, and livelihoods for the transgender community. Her advocacy has helped break barriers—enabling transgender individuals to join the state police, access government schemes, and enter mainstream employment. Honored with the Kamla Bhasin Award and the Pandit Ravishankar Shukla Award, Vidya continues to be a powerful voice for dignity, inclusion, and systemic change. 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
- 18:45Healing Beyond Hospitals | Suneeta Godbole | TEDxDantewadaGrassroots healthcare activist Dr. Suneeta Godbole shares her dedication to bringing medical services to remote tribal villages. She explains how compassion and community-based care can bridge healthcare gaps and restore hope. Dr. Suneeta Godbole, along with her husband Dr. Ramchandra Godbole, has devoted her life to providing healthcare services in the forests of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. Operating from their home in Barsur village, they run mobile clinics and medical camps to reach underserved tribal populations. Their efforts have significantly improved health outcomes and fostered hope in remote areas. Dr. Suneeta’s work is a powerful example of how grassroots medical care can bridge healthcare disparities in marginalized communities. 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
- 11:03Why Fighting Isn’t Just About Winning | Niranjali Soni | TEDxDantewadaYoung kickboxing champion Niranjali Soni shares how discipline and passion can turn dreams into reality. She explains why sports empower confidence and inspire young girls to break barriers and pursue their ambitions fearlessly. Niranjali Soni is a 9th-grade student and accomplished kickboxer from Dantewada. With four years of training, she has won 3 gold and 4 silver medals at national and international competitions held in Korba, Kolkata, Jammu, Nepal, and Goa. Beyond sport, Niranjali views kickboxing as a source of confidence and discipline. Her dream is to reach greater heights and inspire young girls in her community to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. 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
- 19:16Rethinking Learning Spaces | Pranith Simha | TEDxDantewadaEducation innovator Pranith Simha shares why reimagining learning spaces and empowering communities is key to transforming public education. His talk highlights how alternative approaches can create inclusive, democratic learning for tribal children. Pranith Simha is the Founder & Executive Director of Bachpan Banao, a grassroots organization revitalizing public education in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. A dropout from IISER Pune, he found his calling in education through Disha, a student initiative for slum children. Since 2012, he has led transformative programs like Padhe Dantewada-Likhe Dantewada and Sapno Ki Shala, an alternative school promoting democratic learning. His latest work focuses on youth-led children’s libraries that foster creativity and safety. A speaker at global forums, including the Harvard India Conference, Pranith continues to drive inclusive, community-based change in education. 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
- 17:33The Stories We Forget—and Why They Matter | Rajeev Ranjan Prasad | TEDxDantewadaEnvironmental scientist and storyteller Rajeev Ranjan Prasad takes you into the heart of Bastar’s tribal heritage and ecology. He explains why preserving culture and nature is crucial to shaping a sustainable future for marginalized communities. Rajeev Ranjan Prasad is an environmental scientist, author, and storyteller dedicated to documenting the rich tribal heritage and history of Bastar and Dantewada. As General Manager (Environment) at NHPC Ltd., he balances his professional role with his passion for uncovering forgotten narratives through his book “Dantkshetra” and numerous articles. Awarded the Nagari Bhushan Samman 2024, Rajeev advocates for cultural preservation and sustainable development in Chhattisgarh’s forests and communities. His work bridges science, history, and storytelling to inspire engagement with the region’s past and 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
- 17:22From Child Bride to Changemaker | Phoolbasan Bai Yadav | TEDxDantewadaFrom child bride to women’s empowerment leader, Phoolbasan Bai Yadav shares her journey of transforming adversity into collective strength. She explains how grassroots movements and community spirit can rewrite destinies and create lasting change. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav is a Padma Shri awardee and grassroots leader who turned her journey from child bride to changemaker into a movement for over 200,000 women in Chhattisgarh. As the founder of Maa Bamleshwari Janhit Kare Samiti, she leads 12,000+ women’s self-help groups that work on health, education, sanitation, and livelihood initiatives. Her efforts have mobilized over ₹150 million in community-driven impact through micro-enterprises, social reform, and mutual support. Phoolbasan’s story is a powerful example of how determination and unity can transform entire communities. 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
