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).

TEDxPDPU
PDPU Road
Ahmdeabad, Gujarat, 380021
India

Amit Garg

Prof. Amit Garg is a well known expert in the fields of climate change mitigation, adaptation and sustainable energy. Prof. Garg has been a professor at IIM-A since a little more than a decade. He has been advising the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change at the Central level as well for various state governments. He has been involved in numerous research activities for international organisations such as IPCC, IEA, UNEP, WB and UNDP. He has been felicitated by the then Prime Minister in 2007 for his groundbreaking research work on climate change, he is also the member of the coveted IPCC which won the 'Nobel Peace Prize' in 2007, and has been awarded the best researcher award at IIM-A in 2010 and 2016. He is an august person who has fervently tried to tackle the global issues that plagues us all, through his passionate endeavours.

Bhairavi Joshi

Dr. Bhairavi Joshi is a dentist by profession but is a cycling enthusiast by the way of her disposition. She is currently the 'Bicycle Mayor' of Valsad- The fourth one in India and the Eleventh in the world. BYCS an Amsterdam based Social enterprise, propounded and then promoted the concept of 'Bicycle Mayor'. Dr. Bhairavi Joshi has showed an immense amount of support to the cause, by organising the 'Cyclofemme Mothers Day' which is a worldwide celebration of Women and cycling. Through her 'Bicycle Mayor Programme' she intends to bring about a paradigm shift in the mentality of people with regards to the benefits of cycling.

C K Koshy

C.K. Koshy a career bureaucrat retired from the IAS in 2005 in the rank of Additional Chief Secretary after serving thirty-seven years in the higher echelons of the Govt of Gujarat and the Govt. of India. He is a gold medalist in MA in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Kerala. He was the founder Managing Director of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, and the Secretary of departments such as Revenue, Industries and Finance as well the Managing Director of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam. Post-retirement, Mr. Koshy is deeply involved in higher education. He was an advisor to the World Bank funded project to prepare a report on managing urban heritage in three major cities of India.

Iqra Khilji

Iqra Khilji is a Law student and a poet, armed with her words she aims to bring about a sense of balance to the skewed scales of justice with regards to gender. Her poetic flair was set in motion by overhearing a misogynistic comment, she then channelised her angst into poetry which intends to dismantle the patriarchal structure which is deeply ingrained in our society. She has recited her poem 'Khabees' in chaste Urdu at The Habitat Studios, Mumbai and has been featured in an interview by BBC Urdu.

Narendra Nayak

In a country afflicted with deep-rooted beliefs in superstitions perpetuated by Godmen and the blind adherence to them, Narendra Nayak is a breath of fresh air and the individual responsible for eradicating such beliefs by his rationale and skepticism. He has vociferously debunked the myths perpetuated by the "Godmen". Along with being a professor of biochemistry and running an NGO- 'Aid without religion' he has also starred in the National Geographic television show 'Is it real?', he has held more than 2000 demonstrations advocating scientific temperament in various countries.

Neha Krishana Kumar

Neha Krishna Kumar is an eclectic personality who is an architect by training but is inclined towards disseminating knowledge and wherewithal necessary about poetry and prose. She runs a venture called 'Pratyancha'; which through its unconventional pedagogy furthers the understanding of poetry and philosophy. The courses broaden the horizon by defining poetic crux and by unearthing the worldliness within by the way of philosophical perception. She is also a guest lecturer at the School of Architecture, CEPT, retracing her steps back to the institute.

Nehal Chudasama

It is rightly quoted that “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” Ms. Nehal Chudasama’s pageant journey has been an inspiration for all the women who dare to dream, suffer hardships and yet emerge victorious. Born in a Gujarati family and raised in Mumbai, Nehal Chudasama is a model, fitness consultant and was crowned Miss Diva (Miss Universe India 2018). She also represented India at the 67th Miss Universe 2018 pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand. Apart from this, Ms. Nehal volunteers for an NGO, an organization that helps children with cancer and conducts workshops for cancer in early childhood.

Rakesh Udiyar

Rakesh had humble beginnings, he worked in construction, which made him realize the significance of fitness. This ensured a good physique. He did odd jobs until a friend urged him to join a gym as a menial worker. He found a zeal to do more and decided to enroll for an online certification course in Mumbai since he was from a non-professional background. Becoming a certified fitness trainer helped him venture overseas, where he gained some qualitative experience. On his return to India, one of his friends, from The Gold's Gym, recommended him to train a high profile client, who turned out to Arbaaz Khan. This was the beginning of Rakesh's foray into Bollywood as a trainer and his meteoric rise.

Seema Khanwalkar

Seema Khanwalkar is a foremost authority on the subject of linguistics and semiotics and how they can be used for strategic communication and branding, with an infusion of creativity. She believes that such an approach would alter the course of branding and invoke a sense of profundity in it, through the study of culture. She did her M.Phil and Ph.D. in linguistics from JNU, New Delhi and is currently an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Design, CEPT University and a visiting professor at IIM-A and NID, Ahmedabad.

Sonal Giani

Known for her pioneering work on the issues faced by lesbian and bisexual women as well as LGBTQ youth work, Sonal Giani is one of the most prominent icons of LGBT rights movements in India. She is the co-founder of one of India’s largest LGBTQ youth initiatives “Yaariyan” and “Umang”. Ms. Sonal has worked closely with the members of the LGBTQ community and has conducted various sessions for spreading awareness and sensitizing people about the community and the hardships that they face. She has had many appearances on television including ‘Zindagi Live’, ‘Satyamev Jayate’, and a prime time TV show called ‘Connected Hum Tum’. Apart from this she was awarded the Diversity Leadership Award by the World HRD Congress and has also been featured in ‘India’s 8 LGBT role models under 30’ by Gaysi.

Viraj Shukla

Viraj Shukla, an entrepreneur, management graduate, and a full-time learner, is the force behind a successful line of diversified businesses under the banner of Parth Industries, Alps Pharmaceuticals, and Free Spirit Online Services. Viraj, 23, has been a football enthusiast and has gained an immaculate amount of experience through his tryst with International Internships. He has opened every door that opportunity has knocked on, and looks forward to ruffling up the haystack to make his way up to the top of the shark tank.