This talk explains how digital connectivity has changed the way we experience new places and cultures-- and offers a path to rediscovering authentic connection through intentional moments of 'lostness' Born and raised in Canada, Steven Hayward is a Professor of English at Colorado College where he's been taking students on study abroad programs for decades. A Canadian bestselling author, he's published four books of fiction and directed the documentary feature The Block Plan, which won "Best Picture" at the 2022 Helsinki International Film Festival. His talk examines how digital connectivity has changed the way we experience new places and cultures-- and offers a path to rediscovering authentic connection through intentional moments of 'lostness'. 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 flunking classes to flipping failures, Jatin Ahuja’s story is not your typical entrepreneurial tale. In this raw and riveting TEDx talk, he shares how he broke out of the repetitive patterns of life, built a food empire from scratch, lost it all, and rose again—stronger and smarter. After the rise and fall of Uncle Jack’s, betrayal from a close partner, and watching his 100-crore dream dissolve into debt, Jatin didn’t give up. He rewrote his destiny by founding the JAY Foundation—a 250-crore conglomerate that stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention. This is a story for every black sheep out there—the ones who never quite fit in but are destined to stand out. Ankush Arora is the founder of Uncle Jack’s, a widely loved American-themed quick-service restaurant chain that started in Chandigarh in 2016. Drawing inspiration from the street food culture of New York, the brand became known for its gourmet burgers, loaded fries, freak shakes, and creative presentation — including fries served in jars and pop-culture-inspired menu items. What began as a small venture with an investment of ₹2 lakh quickly scaled into a multi-crore business. Under Ankush’s leadership, Uncle Jack’s expanded to over 20 outlets across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, with ambitions to cross 100 stores nationwide. An electrical engineer by education, Ankush also studied marketing and business management at Harvard Summer School. His sharp sense of branding, focus on quality, and deep understanding of consumer trends have helped position Uncle Jack’s as one of India’s most exciting homegrown food brands. 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

What if every thought you’ve ever had was a hint at something possible? In this thought-provoking talk, Nityanandam Shree explores the incredible power of the human mind and the idea that the very act of imagining something means it’s possible. He invites us to understand that the most powerful way to live is with balance—not too much, not too little. Whether it’s emotions, food, or ambition, he reflects on how equilibrium in all aspects of life is key to true well-being and fulfillment. Nityanandam Shree is a renowned Indian yogic scientist, Ayurveda Acharya, and wellness educator dedicated to promoting holistic health and spiritual harmony. He is the founder of Anandam Ayurved, a wellness brand offering Ayurvedic products and consultations, accessible through platforms like the Zaimboo app . Through his initiatives, including Vishwa Mangal Sadhna and Sanskriti Bazaar, he aims to foster global unity and well-being through traditional practices . Nityanandam Shree actively conducts free yoga and meditation camps, spiritual discourses, and Ayurveda seminars globally . His teachings blend ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern lifestyle approaches, making holistic wellness accessible to a broad audience. 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 captivating talk, historian and storyteller Eric Chopra challenges the way we perceive history—as distant, dull, and detached. From humorous anecdotes of school museum trips to haunted monuments in Delhi, Eric reimagines history as a deeply human and ongoing narrative that we are all part of. He shares how embracing our shared past can be healing, empowering, and full of wonder—and how even ghost stories can lead us through the corridors of time. Through his platform Itihasology, Eric has been making history personal, accessible, and alive. What you do matters—because history is still being written, and you are part of it. Eric Chopra is an Indian writer, researcher, and curator passionate about making history accessible and inclusive. In 2019, he founded Itihāsology, a digital platform dedicated to exploring India’s layered past through engaging storytelling, visual content, and community initiatives. The platform delves into diverse themes—from art and gender to folklore and the supernatural—offering fresh perspectives on lesser-known historical narratives. Eric’s work extends beyond digital content; he leads heritage walks, museum tours, and hosts The Itihāsology Podcast, where he converses with scholars and enthusiasts to bring history to life. His forthcoming books focus on Delhi’s haunted heritage and the Harappan Civilization, reflecting his interest in the intersections of history, culture, and storytelling. Through his multifaceted approach, Eric continues to inspire a broader appreciation for India’s rich and complex history. 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 heartfelt and raw talk, Arouba Kabir shares her journey from a childhood shaped by separation and fear, to a life-changing diagnosis in her 20s, and how these invisible wounds continued to shape her life. Through the lens of inner child healing, she explores why we fall into emotional replay loops—and how we can break free from them. Arouba invites us to ask: Are we reacting to the present, or reliving the past? This talk is a powerful call to disrupt the cycle, heal deeply, and rewrite the story of who we become. Arouba Kabir is a renowned counseling psychologist and wellness coach, and the founder of Enso Wellness, a platform dedicated to holistic mental health care. With over a decade of experience, she offers therapy to individuals, couples, and groups, combining techniques like CBT, hypnotherapy, inner child healing, and meditation. Her own battles with anxiety, depression, and cystic fibrosis give her work a deep sense of empathy and authenticity. Arouba is also a passionate advocate for emotional literacy, regularly conducting workshops and awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health and encourage open conversations. 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 insightful TEDx talk, Sameer Sharma challenges the common obsession with rapid growth and scaling in the startup world. Drawing from his own experiences, he explains why success isn’t just about speed, but about how well you grow. Sameer shares his journey from the heart of India’s startup ecosystem to Silicon Valley, revealing the dangers of chasing growth at all costs and the importance of sustainability, profitability, and trust in building long-lasting businesses. His message to young entrepreneurs: focus on fundamentals, not just funding, and create businesses that endure, not just grow fast. Sameer Sharma is a seasoned Indian entrepreneur and the founder of uEngage, a technology platform empowering local businesses—particularly in the food and beverage sector—to launch commission-free ordering apps and engage customers directly. Launched in 2018, uEngage has played a pivotal role in digitizing over 1,000 brands and supporting India’s ONDC initiative. Prior to uEngage, Sameer founded Trideal, which was acquired by Paytm’s LittleApp in 2015, and later co-founded Shoutlo, a hyperlocal deals platform. His professional journey includes roles at HCL and E*TRADE Financial in the U.S., as well as leadership positions at Paytm Mall. Sameer is also an active angel investor supporting early-stage startups. He continues to inspire and mentor emerging business leaders across India. 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