Dr. Sumita Kale delivered a compelling TEDx talk titled "Connecting the Dots" at TEDxGIPE, where she explored the critical need to approach public policy and development through a systems-thinking perspective. Drawing from her extensive fieldwork and policy experience, she emphasized that social, economic, and environmental challenges are not isolated issues but are deeply interconnected, often reinforcing one another in complex ways. She highlighted how conventional problem-solving methods tend to address symptoms rather than root causes, leading to short-term or ineffective outcomes. Using the idea that “a problem well-defined is a problem half-solved,” Dr. Kale advocated for holistic solutions that cut across sectors—such as education, health, employment, and climate—arguing that sustainable progress can only be achieved when these domains are understood as part of a broader, interconnected system. Her talk served as a powerful reminder that effective policy must look beyond silos and aim to truly “connect the dots” to create inclusive and lasting change. AN ALUMNA OF THE GOKHALE INSTITUTE, A FINANCIAL AND MACRO-ECONOMIST WITH EXPERTISE IN FINANCIAL INCLUSION, POLICY MAKING AND DEVELOPMENT, SHE LEADS THE INDICUS FOUNDATION AS THE CEO. SHE IS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH JOCATA AS PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST. HER WORK ADDRESSES CRITICAL ECONOMIC ISSUES AND URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES 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

The TEDxGIPE talk titled "Ask Random Questions" delves into the power of curiosity and how unconventional, seemingly random questions can lead to deeper understanding and innovation. It highlights that good random questions often take the form of analogies, counterfactuals, and challenges to the status quo—such as asking, “Is X the best way to do Y?”—while encouraging mindful observation and a return to childlike wonder. This theme aligns perfectly with the philosophy of Dr. Ashish Kulkarni, a distinguished faculty member at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE). Known for his dynamic teaching style and thought-provoking blog, Dr. Kulkarni champions an education model grounded in curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world connections. His TEDx talk reflects his belief that meaningful learning begins with asking the right questions—even if they seem random at first—thereby empowering students and thinkers to explore beyond traditional academic boundaries. AN ALUMNUS OF THE GOKHALE INSTITUTE, RECOGNISED FOR HIS INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO EDUCATION, HE EXPLORES THE INTERSECTION OF ECONOMICS IN EVERYONE'S LIVES THROUGH HIS INFLUENTIAL BLOG. THROUGH THEIR EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP, HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF NUMEROUS STUDENTS, LEAVING AN ENDURING LEGACY OF KNOWLEDGE AND INSPIRATION. 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 forward-looking and intellectually stimulating session, Saugata Bhattacharya explores the seismic shifts underway in the financial services industry driven by the advent of Generative AI (GenAI). Drawing from his vast experience in economics, banking, and policy advisory, Bhattacharya dissects the journey of financial digitization—from the early days of AI and ML-based fintech innovations to the current disruptions caused by generative technologies.The presentation delves into how GenAI is transforming decision-making, customer engagement, risk management, and regulatory frameworks in finance. With India emerging as a vibrant hub in the global AI landscape, the talk also highlights opportunities for sustainable growth, inclusivity, and resilience in the financial ecosystem. Supported by data, insights from industry leaders, and live examples, the talk is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for the future. AN EMINENT ECONOMIST, HE HAS OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, IN THE FIELDS OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL MARKET ANALYSIS, PROJECT FINANCING, POLICY ADVOCACY, CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR AND ANALYTICS. HE WAS ALSO A PART OF THE REPUTED PRIME MINISTER'S TASK FORCE ON INFRASTRUCTURE. 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 enlightening TEDx talk, the speaker draws on his extensive expertise in economics, corporate governance, and ethical business practices to provide valuable insights on navigating the complexities of the professional world. With compelling anecdotes from his career as both a scholar and educator, he addresses the challenges graduates face when transitioning from academic theory to practical application. The talk explores strategies for developing resilience, ethical decision-making, and adaptability in competitive environments, offering the audience practical wisdom for establishing a meaningful and successful career path. His unique perspective, informed by years of research on competition, poverty, and market dynamics, provides a compelling framework for how young professionals can find their authentic footing while making positive contributions in today's rapidly evolving corporate landscape. AN ALUMNUS OF THE GOKHALE INSTITUTE, DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, HE HAS CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS ECONOMICS, LEGAL EDUCATION AND ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES AS AN EDUCATOR. HIS RESEARCH IN FIELDS OF ECONOMICS ADDRESSES CRITICAL ISSUES SUCH AS COMPETITION, POVERTY, AND CREDIT MARKET IMPERFECTIONS, SHAPING FUTURE LEADERS IN THE CORPORATE SECTOR. 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 you won the "Time" lottery? Guess what...you just did. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will transform our lives, taking over the mundane tasks that we spend precious time on, and generating life-lengthening and health-improving therapies that will add life and vitality to our years. Will 80 be the new 40? AI is leading us in that direction. Come along for the ride. Michael Nuschke is a Retirement Futurist and a “Retire in Mexico” expert. Michael enjoyed a 35 year career as an investment and retirement advisor. He writes and speaks about the future of retirement via his company RetirementSingularity.com He is author of “The End of Retirement As We Know It” and chapters in two books about the future including, “Anticipating 2025” and “The Future of Business: Critical Insights into a Rapidly Changing World from 60 Future Thinkers”. He lives in Mexico and Canada, and is co-owner of FocusOnMexico.com – a business that helps educate people about moving to Mexico. 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's the difference between charitable giving and Philanthropy? Philanthropy has a long-term impact, and is driven by four essential actions: Time, Talent, Treasure, and, most importantly, TRUST. By giving your time, sharing your talents, and contributing your treasure, you will be making a difference in the lives of those you are serving. Yet the critical act of developing Trust with those who you are focused on helping will build an even greater and long-lasting relationship with those you are uplifting, and will create an everlasting impact in your philanthropic endeavors. Barbara Wilson is a retired special education teacher, administrator and school superintendent from the San Francisco Bay Area. A long-serving member and Leader in Rotary, she was appointed as an International Service Director due to her interest in helping others around the world. Her focus has been how to best use limited resources to support projects that are sustainable and would have a long term impact, for example, a project in Nogales, Mexico, that funded micro credit to beginning entrepreneurs in that community. Barbara retired to on 2010 and joined the Ajijic Rotary Club, and was a founding member of the Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club. Since her work with the Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club, she is most proud of her ability to make connections and form relationships with other Rotary Clubs and its members, as well as private donors to bring resources for student scholarships, and projects in clean water, and sanitation, dentistry, diabetes, and kidney disease. 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