From 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

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

Former corporate professional turned organic farming activist Akash Badave reveals how returning to the land sparked a farming revolution in Dantewada. His talk shows why organic farming and empowering indigenous farmers are essential for sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation. Akash Badave left a corporate career at Barclays to become a rural changemaker in Dantewada. As founder of Bhoomgaadi Organic Farmers’ Producer Company, he empowers 3,000 tribal farmers—many women—to practice organic farming and connect directly to urban markets. Since 2013, Akash has championed preserving indigenous crops, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and making Dantewada a 100% organic district. His work exemplifies how grassroots initiatives can transform agriculture and 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

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

In this timely and empowering talk, Chinyere Uchendu—widely known as SixFigureMom—explores how women across the globe can harness the power of the digital revolution to reshape the future. With refreshing clarity and an unapologetic passion for impact, Chinyere unveils the limitless possibilities that lie in remote work, AI, and digital entrepreneurship—especially for women navigating the complexities of work, family, and purpose.Drawing from her own journey as an AI Automation Specialist, digital marketing expert, and mother of three, Chinyere shares how she turned digital disruption into an opportunity for personal freedom, financial growth, and societal transformation. Her message is clear: the future of work is already here, and women don’t need permission to claim their place in it.As the visionary founder of SixFigureMom, Chinyere has helped thousands of women transition from burnout to breakthrough—teaching them how to build profitable online careers, work remotely, and find balance without compromise. Her platform has become a digital lighthouse for women seeking clarity, confidence, and control over their income and time.She also leads DigifydTech Solutions (formerly DvirtualAssistant), where she has guided over 10,000 global businesses and trained more than 25,000 students in leveraging digital tools for growth.Her mission to close the digital skills gap in Africa led her to launch Learnify Africa, an edtech platform equipping women and youth with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the online economy.With accolades as an award-winning digital consultant and the real-life wisdom of a woman balancing ambition with motherhood, Chinyere challenges outdated notions of what women can and should be. She calls on a new generation of women to not just survive the digital shift—but to lead it.Today, Chinyere Uchendu stands as a beacon of what’s possible when purpose meets technology. Her talk is a compelling call to action: for women to stop waiting, start learning, and boldly shape the future on their own terms—one click, course, and client at a time. Chinyere Uchendu, sixfiguremom, is an AI Automation Specialist, Growth & Digital Marketing Consultant, and passionate advocate for digital literacy.Through her platform, SixFigureMom, she empowers women to achieve a better work-life balance by teaching them how to work remotely and build successful online careers.As an award winning Digital Marketing Consultant and Team Lead at DigifydTech Solutions(formerly DvirtualAssistant), She has helped over 10,000 businesses worldwide and trained more than 25,000 students in leveraging the internet for growth and online income.She is also the Founder of @learnifyafrica, an edtech company dedicated to bridging the digital skills gap among women and youths in Africa. Her mission is to create a community of digitally empowered individuals who can thrive in the online economy.She's a wife and mom of 3 incredible children. 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