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

Leander Kirschner, CEO of Bamboo Artists — the most successful independent label and publishing company in the GSA region — takes us behind the scenes of how his time at Amazon, Spotify, and Uber shaped a bold new vision for the music industry. In this eye-opening talk, he reveals how lessons from hyper-growth startups helped him reshape what a modern label and publishing company can be — and what every creative business can learn from the tech industry. Leander Kirschner is the CEO of Bamboo Artists, the leading independent label, publishing and management company in the GSA region. With a tech-driven approach inspired by his experiences at Spotify, Amazon, and Uber, Leander has built Bamboo Artists into a powerhouse of efficiency and innovation in the music industry. Under his leadership, Bamboo Artists has seen multiple #1 albums and singles as well as several gold and platinum records. In the last six months, Bamboo Artists' roster has generated over 1 billion streams, cementing its position as a leader in artist discovery and development. Leander’s hands-on mentality and expertise in building effective teams have made him a successful serial entrepreneur, known for driving creativity and operational excellence in every project. 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

From an anxious, insecure child to a confident artist and public speaker, this talk traces Rahul’s profoundly personal journey of transformation. Through stories of evolution and revolution, it explores how courage pushes us out of our comfort zones—and how kindness brings us back to ourselves. Through his stories and experiences, he invites us to reconsider the imposed ideals of masculinity and offers a new way forward: one rooted in vulnerability, strength, and compassion. Rahul Unnithan is a multifaceted creative force, seamlessly blending the worlds of theatre, classical music, and marketing.He is an actively practising Carnatic classical vocalist, and as a spirited theatre artist, Rahul has collaborated with multiple troupes and directors in Delhi as an actor and sound designer. His noteworthy stints include acting at a theatre festival organised by Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academi and as a guest artist at LTG actors’ repertory.Beyond the stage and studio, Rahul is a strategic marketer with a flair for crafting compelling campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences.At TEDxJIMS, Rahul will dive into his journey from a child with severe confidence issues and insecurities, who constantly dreads social interaction to becoming an artist to whom stage has become his second home. 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 thoughtful and introspective session, Mr. James Godber delved into the power of authenticity and self-awareness. His talk, “Being You,” was a gentle yet powerful reminder of how important it is to embrace who we truly are — not just in moments of success, but especially during times of uncertainty and change.Drawing from his personal life and diplomatic journey, Mr. Godber spoke about the courage it takes to remain grounded in our values and identity while navigating a complex, fast-paced world. He encouraged the audience to shed societal expectations, stop chasing perfection, and instead, celebrate their individuality. His message was simple yet profound: being yourself is not only enough — it's your greatest strength. James Godber serves as the Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru, India. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in strengthening UK-India relations, focusing on areas such as biotechnology, biosecurity, and regional cooperation. Notably, in March 2023, he participated in a panel discussion on "Biotechnology & Biosecurity Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific," co-organized by the Takshashila Institution and the British Deputy High Commission. citeturn0search2 Through such engagements, Godber contributes to fostering collaboration and dialogue between the UK and India on critical issues. 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

A senior officer with a futuristic vision, Mr. Jain’s talk was an eye-opener into the complexities of urban traffic management. With Bengaluru’s notorious traffic woes affecting productivity and mental health, he detailed how efficient traffic systems and smart policies can significantly improve the city’s livability and economic performance. His insights blended policing, urban planning, and technology to highlight a powerful and practical vision for the future of Indian cities. Kuldeep Kumar R. Jain is a 2011-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer currently serving as the Joint Commissioner of Police in Bengaluru. A native of Rajasthan, he grew up and completed his education in Chennai. Over his career, Jain has held several key positions, including Superintendent of Police in Chamarajanagar and Vijayapura districts, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic West Division) in Bengaluru. In February 2023, he was appointed as the Commissioner of Police for Mangaluru, where he emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and took significant steps to combat illegal activities. After a five-month tenure, he was transferred back to Bengaluru. Throughout his service, Jain has been recognized for his firm stance against corruption and commitment to upholding the law. 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