Theme: Mélange

This theme encourages us to embrace diversity and bring together a variety of elements to create something unique and beautiful. Melange means to blend, to cherish the palette while respecting every color. We believe that by bringing together a diverse range of speakers, we can foster meaningful thoughts and impactful conversations that inspire growth and progress. Our speakers join us from a variety of backgrounds to share their unique perspectives on a range of topics, through the lens of a mélange.

CV Raman Auditorium
IISER, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Ward No. 8, NCL Colony, Pashan
Pune, Maharashtra, 411008
India

Aman Dhattarwal

Educator, Motivational Speaker

Aman Dhattarwal is a well-respected educator with over six years of experience in the field. He began his career as an introverted college student, but has since transformed into a successful YouTuber, educator, and entrepreneur. He has been invited to speak at numerous reputable colleges in India and has garnered the support of over 8 million students. Aman Bhaiya, as known by many, has been a mentor to the students mainly in classes 10-12 and those who are pursuing a side hustle in their college. He has seven different channels on YouTube each with a different goal focused mostly on students. At such a young age this man has dedicated a lot to the betterment of society and students.

Dushyanth Edadasula

Educator

Mr. Dushyanth Edadasula is a well-known name in the field of education. Being a teacher by profession, he founded a non-profit organization, 'Citizens of Science (CoS)', which aims to guide young budding students by offering well-informed counsel and spreading awareness about career opportunities that many are unaware of. Dushyanth, although having graduated as an engineer, found his love for physics. Due to misguidance and lack of awareness, he found himself studying for the wrong exams. It was after this that he decided to collect information that kept people like him from wasting their valuable time. He started a blog - 'Physics after Engineering' to let others know of ways to switch to physics even after pursuing engineering.

Ganesh Bagler

Scientist, Professor, Pioneer of Computational Gastronomy

As a teenager, Ganesh Bagler aspired to be an astronomer. Trained in physics, computer science, and computational biology, he has had an adventurous journey from astronomy to gastronomy. Prof. Bagler is known for the pioneering research in ‘Computational Gastronomy.’ By building keystone data repositories, algorithms, and applications, he has established the foundations of this emerging data science that blends food with artificial intelligence. Trailblazing research from his lab has significantly contributed to this niche area that deals with food, flavors, nutrition, health, and sustainability. Prof. Bagler has an audacious dream of transforming the global food landscape by making food computable.

Ishwari Katwe

Actor, Model, Entrepreneur

Ishwari Katwe is a talented actor, model, and entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry. As the CEO of The Rajta Studios, a production house, she has been active in acting and modeling for the past six years, appearing in popular Marathi TV serials like Balumamachya navan chang bhala, phulala sughanda maticha & more ,and commercial advertisements for brands such as Kotharis Royal Organic Foods and Milktastic. In addition to her work on screen, she has also made a name for herself in theater, starring in the acclaimed play "Loop Within."

Karuna Datta

Doctor, Researcher

Dr. Karuna Datta is a highly qualified medical doctor and researcher with a focus on sports medicine and sleep disorders. She received her medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in 1994 and after her specialization went on to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in 2016 from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. In addition to her medical education fellowship, she has also completed an advanced program in digital health and imaging and holds a certification as an international sleep specialist. Currently, Dr. Datta serves as the Professor and Head of the Department of Sports Medicine at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India. She has completed a number of research projects in the areas of sleep disorders, yoga Nidra, and its therapeutic role in insomnia among others.

Pali Chandra

Kathak Exponent, Artistic Director, Choreographer, Digital Dance Educator

Dr. Pali Chandra is a renowned kathak dancer, choreographer, and art director with over 30 years of experience in the dance industry. She has directed numerous art festivals around the world and is a senior member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in the UK as well as a graded member of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Dr. Chandra is also a social activist who is dedicated to nature conservation, women's empowerment, and spreading the joy of learning. She is the founder of several kathak training institutes in India, the UK, UAE, and Switzerland, and runs an online learning platform called learnkathakonline. The team at TEDx IISER Pune is honored to welcome Dr. Pali Chandra, a multifaceted individual, to their event.

Parag Gupte

Colonel, Indian Army

Colonel Parag Gupte joined the Indian Military Academy in January 1990 and was commissioned into the 16th Battalion of the Madras Regiment in June 1991. He has served for a total of 30 years in the Indian Army and has gained extensive experience in handling terrorism and insurgency in various parts of the country, including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the North East and South Assam regions. He has received the Army Commanders Commendation Card for his outstanding service. In his later years in the Army, Colonel Gupte had the opportunity to serve as a training officer for NCC battalions, where he trained young cadets in various service subjects. As a result of his efforts, nine of his trainees were selected to participate in the 2022 Republic Day Parade as part of the Maharashtra contingent

Vilas Tawde

Advisor Oil & Gas Professional, Managing Director & CEO Essar Oil & Gas Exploration and Production Ltd, Mumbai

35 years of versatile experience in the oil and gas industry working with leading national, mega multinational and pioneer private Indian E&P companies. Lead the thought leadership on “Unconventional Gas” in India by changing the perception of CBM development, de-risking portfolios, and creating a sustainable model for the long-term monetization of key assets. (This was accomplished with an unnerving focus on sustainable development.) Essar, the pioneer in CBM exploration, attained India's largest Unconventional E&P player status in terms of largest peak production, and highest number of wells drilled. In turn, it also supported the government in its vision of “ India towards Gas based economy " by participating in discussions on various policy initiatives towards it.

Vrinda, Janhavi, and Swarashri -

Anukram

Anukram is a traditional kathak performance that takes the audience on a journey through storytelling. From the team of renowned Kathak exponent Mrs.Pali Chandra, a performance featuring the talents of Vrinda Bhandula, Swarashri Shridhar, and Janhavi Thorat is sure to be a remarkable one. The performance features a dynamic blend of Mughal influences, intricate techniques, and expressive rhythms. Kathak has evolved over time to include elements such as traditional yoga, folk dances, mythology, and poetry, all of which are present in Anukram.