Theme: Reality Check

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Government Engineering College, Thrissur
Ramavarmapuram, Viyyur
Thrissur, Kerala, 680009
India

Aswathi Dinil

Special Educator

Aswathi Dinil Sanker is a multifaceted woman who loves all the multiple roles she plays in life. She is a special educator, a businesswoman, a trainer, a graphologist, a writer and an enthusiastic marathon runner. She is the co-founder of Samathva Center for excellence,a training institute centered around children and the executive director(training ) of Finomis Gurukul, Calicut. After her MBA, she started her career as a corporate banker with a leading bank but it was the birth of her daughter and her diagnosis with Down Syndrome that led her to embark on a more fruitful journey of enlightening and empowering children with special needs and their caretakers. She is an active advocate and a source of support for the Down Syndrome community in Kerala.

Athul P M

Musician

P M Athul aka Munna has practically been a musician since childhood. He gained immense popularity in 2014 when he released a music video by the name "Enikku Oru Koppum Illa" which damned social commentary on the downtrodden in our society. He has his hand in many a musical venture, namely Shanka Tribe, a musical group that has been performing incredibly surreal music that expands our senses beyond imagination and leads us into a world that we never knew existed before. They've performed at NIT Ragam, Strawberry Fields Bangalore etc. The effect that aesthetic music has on our soul is unprecedented and as a performer, Munna along with his friend have been performing the Hang Drum under the name HangEssence for quite a while now. If you wish to feel the euphoria of the soft, heavenly taps upon a massive alienistic instrument; be prepared, for you'll truly explore the depths of reality as Munna lights up the insides of your being

Chandrakant Nair

Quizmaster, Former Army Doctor

Major Chandrakant Nair, fondly known as Captain, is without a doubt one of the best quizmasters in the country. He is also a former World Quizzing Champion. In his childhood, he wanted to follow in his parents' footsteps and become a doctor. Then the Kargil War took place. He was in his 10th standard. This left a deep impression upon him and made him want to join the army badly. So naturally, he did both. He enrolled in the Armed Forces Medical College and became both a doctor and subsequently a Major. However, as an army doctor, he felt that his other interests of quizzing, reading and travelling were taking the back seat. So he took the brave decision to quit his job and pursue quizzing as his full time occupation. He has since become one of the country's premier quizzers, regularly winning laurels both at home and abroad. As a QM, he stands out among his peers because of his calm demeanour, deeply researched and thought provoking questions.

George Mathen

Graphic Novelist

From Westeros to Oz, from Asgard to Pandora, we've all been fascinated and at times addicted to mythical, fictional worlds and have always wondered how they were created. The sheer perfection with which they have been portrayed never cease to amaze us. The world of Halahala, is one among a million such worlds, yet it is one in a million. It speaks of different ideas, but the creator, George Mathen a.k.a 'Appupen' , says he consciously leaves out text. His book, 'Moonward' became a huge hit and his other books, 'Legends of Halahala' and 'Aspyrus' followed suit. "Just like being smart at writing, you can be smart in pictures. You know at the back of your mind what it could or could not be and if you trust your reading of the book, the ideas in the back of your mind take shape and come across.”- he says.There is no limit to George Mathen's artistic horizons, both in terms of style, and canvas.

Kochouseph Chittilappilly

Business Magnate, Philanthropist, Writer

How many people would have the courage and determination to donate their organs when doctors have suggested not to do so and family members have cited their disapproval? At the age of 61, Kochouseph Chittilappilly donated one of his kidneys to a truck driver in need. Born and bred in the cultural capital of Kerala , Mr Chitttilappilly is the founding Chairman and C.E.O of V - Guard Industries Ltd & Wonderla - the largest amusement park chain in India. The K. Chittilappilly Foundation currently runs 2 institutions - an old age home and a destitute home for children. His company HQ has been recognized for its revolutionary green practices. Mr. Chittilappilly is also at the forefront of the decision making process regarding the stray dog crisis in the State.

Meghnad S

Columnist, Political Analyst

The creator of the weekly dose of hilarious educative videos on newslaundary that goes by the name 'Consti-tuition', Meghnad S is known for his witty and bold commentary. His take on many political issues are entertaining to say the least. A former LAMP fellow, a fellowship run by PRS Legislative Research , he has been working with multiple MPs across party lines for the past six years. He also has a history with freelance journalism, feature writing and chartered accountancy. He writes enriching columns about the Parliament, policy and current affairs on Portfolio. His smart and funny side is on plain display on Twitter where he simplifies legislation in the most entertaining way possible.

Muneer M

CEO and MP CustomerLabs

The maestro of innovative management & consultancy , Dr M Muneer is a profilic figure in the management diaspora. He heads CustomerLab Solutions. Dr. Muneer is also a well acclaimed columnist with over 600 publications in renowned papers like Economic Times, Times of India, Business World to name a few. He oversees the National Games & Institute for Competitiveness as the Director of the board. He has had his foot in the start-up space with strategic partneship with Mach49 : a Silicon Valley company. Cited as a manager with innovation and creativity, he runs Medici, a non - profit firm to harness human potential for social well being. For his successful stint in the management industry and social commitments, he has won several accolades including the World HR Congress Staretegic Leadership Award.

Prakash Bare

Actor

A motley mix of theater and tech, Prakash Bare is a class of his own. An engineer by education, an entrepreneur at soul, an actor by profession, he exhibits a spark of brilliance wherever he goes. Masters from IIT Kanpur and co - founder of GDA Technologies, a company listed on the Inc Magazine as the fastest growing privately held companies, is the least of his abilities. Involved in multiple startups following a stint of 15 years in the Silicon Valley, he is also a critically acclaimed artist with notable performances in Ivan Megharoopan, Sufi Paranja Kadha, Shutter, Oru Indian Pranayakatha. Known for his ability to mould wonders, his films have delivered unconventional technological trends in the movie domain. The producer of a multitude of award winning movies, all under the banner of Silicon Media, they’ve gone on to be showcased at prestigious international film festivals.

Rejoy Jesudas

Musician

We all love the soothing sounds of modern percussion and acoustic instruments. Be it the guitar, flute or a drum set.But like they say, heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard, are sweeter. Rejoy Jesudas is a man who lives by this. He plays tribal and the less-familiar instruments like Hang, Moorsing (Jew's Harp) and Didgeridoo. One can hence say that he is a man who takes the road less traveled. He is an interior designer by profession, but music was always his passion and soul. His collab with Munna - Hang Essence (Butterfly) is a very soulful rendition. Their band, Shanka Tribe has been giving out several live shows and private performances.Rejoy is currently researching on various tribal instruments.

Shreya Krishnan

Model, VP Marketing and Communications

Breaking stereotypes in the beauty page domain, Shreya Krishnan, a mother, aged 32, bagged the Mrs. India Universe 2017 title and is primed to go global. A marketing & communication personnel by profession, she is a digital marketing guru in the Indian industry with a strong personality. The vice president of the marketing and communication division at the Anviti Insurance Brokers, she leads a busy schedule, which doesn’t dampen her charismatic personality any. Meanwhile, she is also a script writer, content writer and a choreographer, some of her notable works being with the Hindu. A vivid speaker, marketing wizard, activist, beauty pageant and writer. And above all a bel-esprit; Mrs Krishnan has it all to capture the attention of the crowd.

Tony Joseph

Architect

Tony Joseph is the architect behind South India’s tallest apartment tower, the forty-storey Choice Paradise. He is an elite level architect who has been at the helm of many other renowned projects such as the Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kottayam, the Capternay Resort in Seychelles and the Madhuban Resort in Gujarat. It was in the '80s that he first decided to pursue architecture as his career, finding in it a unique confluence of science and art. He worked in America for a few more years, gaining valuable experience. He returned in 1989 to establish his own architectural firm in India, called STAPATI in Calicut. The firm went on to revolutionise the architectural landscape in the country, introducing designs that merged seamlessly with its natural surroundings. This stems from Tony’s own philosophy, wherein he believes that humans cannot hope to surpass nature’s pristine beauty, but simply improvise upon it. All his designs have a strong traditional base, but with a modern twist.