Girlhood, Grief & the Power of Oversharing | Ankita Shah | TEDxGMCJammu
In this moving and reflective TEDx talk, Indian-Nepali writer and poet Ankita Shah opens up about the quiet, often overlooked moments of girlhood—grief, tenderness, and growth. Through her poetic storytelling, she explores the idea of oversharing—something that’s often criticized, but for many women, feels like a lifeline.
Women have been conditioned to believe that being “too much” — too emotional, too loud, too vulnerable — is something to tone down. But what if that “too much” is exactly what makes us human? Ankita shares how women are fluent in TMI not just because they’ve been told to stay small, but also because they trust that other women, with shared emotional intelligence, might just understand them best.
With raw honesty and lyrical insight, Ankita reclaims the act of oversharing as a form of connection and resistance — a way to heal, to be seen, and to remind others they’re not alone.
Her work has been featured in Anomaly, Soup Magazine, and Firstpost. As the co-founder of The Poetry Club (Mumbai, 2013–2019) and a curator at G5A Foundation, she’s built spaces where stories matter and vulnerability thrives. Ankita Shah is an Indian-Nepali writer whose poetry and essays delve into the intricate tapestry of human existence. Through her evocative words, she explores themes of girlhood, grief, and the fleeting moments caught in the web of time. Her work has been featured in esteemed publications such as *Anomaly*, *Soup Magazine*, and
Firstpost*, resonating with readers for its depth and emotional clarity.
A passionate advocate for the literary arts, Ankita co-founded The Poetry Club in Mumbai, a vibrant space that became a sanctuary for emerging poets between 2013 and 2019. Under her guidance, the club nurtured creativity, craft, and community, leaving a lasting impact on Mumbai's literary landscape.
Previously, Ankita served as a curator at the G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture, where she championed interdisciplinary arts and narratives, bridging diverse artistic expressions. 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
More from TED
- 16:15Navigating Student Leadership to Student Entrepreneurship | Harsh Kedia | TEDxYouth@MBISMaladThis talk helps to explore how certain key leadership skills can serve as a foundation for entrepreneurial success. The life journey of Harsh Kedia, from being an IGCSE and IBDP student to a successful entrepreneur and project manager, showcases his strong skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and interdisciplinary learning.As the Founder of United Diplomats' Association, he has created an educational enterprise that has trained hundreds of students and hosted MUN conferences. These are organised across multiple cities, fostering leadership and global perspectives.With a Bachelors in Commerce, a Diploma in Business Management, and a Certified Scrum Master credential, Mr. Harsh has excelled in strategic execution and innovation. 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
- 8:50The Changing World of Education | Priyanshu Pahlawat | TEDxBodhi International SchoolThe Changing World of Education Master Priyanshu Pahlawat, a Grade 12 Cambridge A-Level student at Bodhi International School, blends academic excellence with a passion for innovation. With a decade-long journey at Bodhi, he has earned IGCSE and AS qualifications along with the prestigious ICE certificate. His interests in software and automobile engineering are matched by a Cambridge Gold Award for his pioneering research in electro-aerodynamics. A confident public speaker and curious learner, Priyanshu continues to push boundaries through exploration and inquiry, aiming to inspire and innovate through every experience. 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
- 15:22People, Planet, Partnership | Lt Gen Surendra Kulkarni (Retd.) | TEDxBodhi International SchoolPeople, Planet, Partnership: Less is More Lt Gen Surendra Kulkarni (Retd.) served the Indian Army for nearly four decades, earning the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva Medal and numerous other honors for distinguished service. An academic at heart, he holds four Master’s degrees and has led Mayo College as Director for nine years, transforming it through visionary leadership. A respected voice in global education forums, he’s known for his clarity of thought, humane leadership, and ability to blend tradition with innovation. His legacy spans both military excellence and educational transformation. 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
- 8:48The key to solving the dreaming dilemma | Rahul Subramanian | TEDxJohn Paul College YouthA voice unheard is a story untold and a story untold is a legacy unknown. In his TEDx Talk, Rahul explores the vital necessity of empathy and compassion in fostering healthy, fulfilling relationships. He showcases how effective communication and listening are beyond ‘basic actions’, but rather ‘impactful skills’ which need to be honed and mastered for one to truly empower those around them. Rahul hopes to challenge societal norms and stigma surrounding intergenerational communication, aiming to reignite the voices which have been silenced and unheard for so long. Rahul loves making friends and developing strong social relationships. Whether it's at school, work, or sport, he is passionate about getting to know new people and actively developing close-knit connections. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar in a band, exercising at the gym, or going on fun adventures with his friends. 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
- 13:24The Role of Failure in Success | Vanshika Mohapatra | TEDxBodhi International SchoolThe Role of Failure in Success: Learning from Mistakes Vanshika Mohapatra is a dynamic 14-year-old from New Delhi and a proud Grade 10 student of Heritage Girls School. With a curious mind and a confident voice, she finds joy in both coding and public speaking. A passionate learner, Vanshika balances her academics with a love for music and singing, and actively pursues lawn tennis and karate. She believes in expressing herself fully—whether it’s through lines of code, on the sports field, or on stage—and is always ready to take on new challenges with energy and enthusiasm. 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
- 10:58Health is Wealth | Himangi Singh | TEDxBodhi International SchoolHealth is Wealth : Focus on Mental Health Miss Himangi Singh, the Head Girl of Bodhi International School, is a confident, empathetic, and purpose-driven young leader. She believes that true strength lies in self-awareness and compassion. Guided by integrity and resilience, Himangi champions mental well-being as a cornerstone of leadership. Her journey reflects a deep understanding that success is not just about results, but about nurturing the minds and hearts behind them. Through balanced organization and open communication, she aims to create safe spaces and lead with emotional intelligence, empathy, and grace. 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