This talk explores the concept of Bahujan Spectatorship, focusing on how marginalized communities in India engage with media, cinema, and digital platforms. It examines how mainstream narratives often exclude or misrepresent Bahujan voices while analyzing the ways in which audiences interpret, critique, and reshape cultural content. By highlighting emerging alternative media spaces, independent storytelling, and the growing demand for authentic representation, this talk delves into the role of spectatorship in challenging caste hierarchies, reclaiming agency, and fostering social change. Jyoti Nisha is a filmmaker, producer, academician, and writer, renowned for pioneering the groundbreaking theory of Bahujan Spectatorship, which delves into the consumption and spectatorship of popular cinema, dissecting its representation of caste, gender and sexuality by India’s marginalized population. Her work centers on creating a distinctive oppositional sociopolitical Bahujan aesthetics deeply rooted in Bahujan lived experiences, culture, history, movements, and ideology, championed by Bahujan filmmakers. She received her education in journalism from IIMC, Delhi, screenwriting from FTII, Pune & and Media and Cultural Studies from TISS, Mumbai. Nisha’s journey includes serving as a Director’s Assistant to Neeraj Ghaywan’s film, Geeli Pucchi. 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

Women have played a pivotal yet often overlooked role in shaping architectural history across the world. This talk explores the contributions of women architects, designers, and builders who have influenced global architectural heritage despite facing systemic barriers. From historical figures like Zaha Hadid and Eileen Gray to unsung contributors in vernacular and indigenous architecture, the discussion highlights their innovative designs, sustainable practices, and cultural impact. By recognizing and celebrating women's contributions, this talk aims to inspire greater inclusivity and acknowledgment in the field of architecture. Aeshvarya Thakur is an architect, writer, and adventurer with a deep love for social history and public awareness. She has a strong passion for heritage conservation, preserving historical sites, and promoting public awareness through podcasts and writing. Her works on topics such as art, urbanism, culture, heritage, Sufism, and social history are both engaging and thought-provoking. She has been a regular columnist for Prabhat Khabar newspaper and has contributed feature articles and stories to many progressive literary magazines, including Sadaneera, Prerna Anshu, Kshitij ke Paar, Architecture Live, Hastakshep, and others. Currently, she writes a weekly column, Virasatnama (on heritage), for Bole Bharat News Portal. 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