NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of military operations and related injury, which some viewers may find distressing. Contents only represent the speaker’s personal views and understanding of manifestation and consciousness. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn this stirring TEDx talk, Commodore Varun Singh (Retd.), a decorated Indian Navy veteran,ex-MARCOS commando, and cancer survivor shares his profound journey through war, injury, and illness—marked not only by the visible scars of battle but also by the quiet strength drawn from within. From the innocent spark of childhood ambition to don the uniform, to surviving a near-fatal encounter during counter-insurgency operations, and later confronting kidney cancer, his life narrative is a compelling reflection of duty, sacrifice, and transformation.With rare vulnerability and insight, Commodore Singh explores how the mind copes with trauma—turning fleeting moments into lasting memories, blurring reality with mirage, and creating dialogues with the unknown. He unravels how the memory can distort, protect, or haunt us—and how a simple smile, even when forced, can become the first step toward healing. Join us as he unravels the mysteries of memory, and invites us to reimagine pain not as a burden, but as a bridge to resilience.
Indian Naval Officer,
Commissioned in 1993 and presently tenanting the appointment of Secretary, Services Sports Control Board. Battle casualty and cancer warrior.
Wife, Reena is MABEd and is the house administrator. Daughter is MA, MBA and working for tech startup as HR executive. Son, Sarthak is pursuing MTech from IIT Delhi. 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
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