The power of biomimicry in business and design Priya Venkatesh is the founder and director of The Naturalist School, a pioneering initiative in India that has upskilled over 2000 local youth across 15 States to become Nature Guides, mainly through government-recognised certified courses to earn a livelihood. It is also aimed at Conservation through formal Education and responsible Ecotourism. Priya is a leadership consultant with Ozone and has designed experiential Programmes for corporate leaders. She has been a volunteer with WWF(India) for 25 years. She is also a Master Trainer and Assessor with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. She is one of the few women from Bangalore who has crossed the Arctic and Antarctic Circles on a mission to address Climate Change and Sustainability. 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

Using creativity to address issues and find solutions Gayathri Chandrasekharan is the Editor-in-Chief of Tinkle Comics, a beloved children's publication that has shaped young imaginations for generations. With a rich career as an author, editor, and comics creator, she has been instrumental in crafting engaging stories that blend humor, adventure, and learning. Passionate about children's publishing, Gayathri has worked extensively to nurture new talent and bring fresh narratives to life. Under her leadership, Tinkle continues to evolve while staying true to its legacy of storytelling that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a love for reading among young audiences. 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 intersection of neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology Aksharaa Korrakuti is a Grade 12 IBDP student at JNIS, who will guide us through the hidden harmony between neuroscience and philosophy. Science seeks answers through logic and evidence, while philosophy embraces the complexities of human existence. From decision-making in moral dilemmas to the age-old debate on the nature of the self, this talk will bridge the gap between the tangible and the abstract. 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

This presentation begins with a familiar childhood game, Simon Says, to reveal how systems of control and strict obedience shape the minds of African children. The speaker explores how rigid rules in both education and society often silence curiosity, limit creativity, and suppress individuality. These patterns follow children into adulthood, creating individuals who fear speaking up and conform to expectations instead of challenging them. The talk highlights the long-term consequences of valuing silence over originality and calls for a shift in how children are raised and taught. It is a powerful call to break free from restrictive norms, to embrace questioning, and to create environments where self-expression and bold thinking are not only accepted but encouraged.A visionary with a heart for impact, Oyinade Adu is a 15-year-old student at Grange School, Nigeria, who channels her passion into coding, charity work, and advocacy for children worldwide. Deeply committed to empowering young voices, she believes that technology and compassion can work hand in hand to create a better future. Aspiring to become a medical researcher, Oyinade is driven by the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to make a lasting impact in the world. Today, she takes the TEDx stage, ready to inspire, challenge perspectives, and ignite change. 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

This presentation explores how simple gestures can create powerful and lasting change. The speaker reflects on a moment in her childhood when she received a low grade and felt discouraged, but a teacher's kind and encouraging words gave her the confidence to keep going. Today, she stands as an academic prefect who has set new records. She also shares a memory of her mother quietly paying for someone else's groceries, a small but meaningful act of kindness. Through these personal stories, the talk reminds us that even the smallest acts of support, encouragement, or generosity can leave a lasting mark and inspire others to grow, lead, and do good in return.A true scholar and mentor at heart, Uche Onyema is a 16-year-old student leader dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the power of shared learning. As the Academic Prefect of Grange School, Uche finds joy in helping others grow, ensuring that learning is not just a personal journey but a collective experience. Her love for debating, where she serves as the Debate Captain, has sharpened her ability to challenge perspectives and engage in thought-provoking discussions.Beyond academics, Uche expresses her creativity through crochet, art, and music, finding solace in the soothing notes of the saxophone. She thrives on building meaningful connections, spreading kindness, and inspiring others. Today, she takes the TEDx stage, ready to ignite new ideas and spark ripples of change. 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

Ever wondered how mastering communication can shape your career, leadership journey, and everyday confidence? In this inspiring TEDx talk, Prakriti Basyal, CSR & Stakeholder Deputy Manager at Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal and a LeadNext Fellow at The Asia Foundation, shares her remarkable journey — from grassroots advocacy in Nepal to leading conversations in corporate boardrooms and global leadership platforms.Through her personal stories and hard-earned lessons, Prakriti unpacks the transformative power of communication — not just as a skill, but as a tool for social impact, career resilience, and personal growth. She reveals how storytelling helped her navigate cultural shifts, tackle leadership challenges, and build meaningful networks across borders and industries.Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a corporate leader, this talk will remind you why communication isn’t optional — it’s your greatest superpower. Prakriti Basyal is a dynamic leader at the intersection of corporate responsibility, public policy, and sustainability in Nepal. Currently serving as the Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Deputy Manager at Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal, she is committed to fostering inclusive, community-centered initiatives that drive both social impact and business value. A LeadNext Fellow with The Asia Foundation, Prakriti represents a new generation of changemakers working across borders to address pressing global challenges through dialogue, leadership, and collaborative action.With a degree in International Relations and Peace Studies, she brings a rich blend of academic insight and on-the-ground experience to her work. Her diverse professional journey has spanned program coordination, civic engagement advocacy, and governance consulting — including spearheading youth-centered initiatives at Daayitwa and co-creating Nepal’s first real-time, public civic data platform, Shaasan. 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