Theme: Resilience Reignited

TEDxMotiJheel is an independently organized TED event operated under license from TED. At the day long conference we will feature eminent speakers from different walks of life will share unique ideas from Kanpur and all around the India.

We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we’re building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world’s most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other.

AUDI STADIA The Sportz Hub
Palika Stadium, Arya Nagar
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208002
India

Akash Sagar

Entrepreneur | Co-Founder-Samocha & Tea Origin

Akash Sagar is an Entrepreneur, Co-Founder at Samocha: Stories Around Chai, one of the fastest growing Tea Cafe Chain and Tea Origin, a D2C brand serving you the best of teas directly sourced from the renowned tea estates of the country. His love for the Chai and to startup led him to quit his job & everything else behind and become an Entrepreneur, under his supervision the brand has seen comendable year on year growth and has 13+ outlets and 5 more opening next month. Akash is an civil engineer from Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology. Dispite being an introvert he loves to guide young talent to startup and create something out of nothing. He believes that today's startups will become tomorrow's Unicorns and will eventually take India forward.

Alok Sanwal

CEO | Dainik Jagran- inext

Alok Sanwal is a media & marketing professional with over 30 years of work experience in various dimensions across Sales Services, Brand Management, Media services and running a media business. He is a Communication Post-graduate from MICA & an Engineering Graduate from BITS, Pilani. He started his career in 1993 and during the past 30 years, he has worked for 3 years with Thermax Ltd. as Senior Sales Engineer, for 06 years with Jagran Prakashan Ltd. as GM-brand development, for three years with GroupM as head of investments for all group agencies in North & East India. Since September 2006, he is working with Jagran Prakashan Limited and has been instrumental in launching India’s first bilingual daily – inext in 2006. For initial 09 years he led Dainik Jagran Inext as its Editor & COO and currently heading the brand as its CEO. He believes that his understanding of ‘language, culture & society’ and its effect on popular culture and consumer behavior is his forte’.

Bhawna Dehariya

Mount Everester | Guinness World Record Holder | Professional Mountaineer| Sports Consultant

Bhawna Dehariya ,a 30-year old mountaineer from Madhya Pradesh who climbed the world highest mountain peak Mount Everest on May 22, 2019 and became one among the first women of the State to complete the summit, is embarking on her rising mountaineering journey with her strong dedication and determination of living her dreams with open wings. Recently, she made it to the Europe Continent highest peak Mt Elbrus (West and East both in 24 hours record time), on Indian Independence day August 15, 2022 which was also mentioned in our Prime Minister's 'Mann ki Baat'. Bhawna also summit Australia Continent highest peak Mt Kosciuszko, prior to this she unfurled the national tricolor flag on October 27, 2019 on Kilimanjaro, the highest peak of the Africa Continent. She also honoured by Guinness Word Record to promote and popularise Indian Himalaya range on August 15, 2020. Other than this, she has climbed Mount Aconcagua, South America reaching height of 6500 meters in 2019

Dr Sanjivini Sharma

Dentist (Gold medalist), Blogger ,Founder - Kanpur Ploggers

Dr Sanjivini Sharma is founder of Kanpur Ploggers, an NGO that has been raising awareness about plastic pollution and cleaning the ghats of Ganga river in Kanpur , every Sunday for the last one year & prevented more than 10 thousand kilos of plastic and other pollutants from reaching Ganga . The trash is loaded by volunteers on garbage trucks & sent to waste management plant Additionally, they also collect plastic packets from homes of 100 families and send them to a local recycle facility, where they are recycled. They have this recycled more than 30 thousand plastic packets and have designed a novel tree guard using the same recycled plastic which is being used for plantation activity around Ganga river.

Dr. Kishor Navandar

Entrepreneur | Philanthropist | CMD , Blue Billion Group

Dr Kishor Navandar a man of morals , an Entrepreneur ,Philanthropist and CMD of Blue Billion Group ,is among those really few visionaries and philanthropists who still hold on to strong moral characters in their day-to-day practices. Dr Navandar, a resident of the fastest-growing city Pune in Maharashtra He completed his schooling followed by Degree in Business Studies from Symbiosis International University. A textile business, when most students of his age opted for conventional career options. He always wanted to do something unique and could answer his callings in time. Later, he headed to Australia to pursue higher studies and returned to India in the year 2002. Dr. Navandar was recently awarded a Doctorate by Harvard Affiliated institution,His business ranges from Hospitality and Real Estate and extends to Media, Adventure sports, energy, and Soft Drinks. He has been named by Forbes India as one of the top 50 visionaries in India 2021.

Dr. Sandip Patil

Entrepreneur | Innovator | Founder & CEO - E-Spin Nanotech Pvt Ltd

Dr. Sandip Patil is a noteworthy entrepreneur, philanthropist, technologist & motivational speaker. He is a PhD from IIT Kanpur in Chemical Engineering with more than 13 years of research experience. His expertise and passion for nanotechnology motivated him to establish E-Spin Nanotech Pvt. Ltd. in 2010. He has authored an impressive list of scientific publications, some of which have been covered by international CNN U.S. edition, Mint, Wall Street Journal, and prominent Indian newspapers. Dr. Patil is widely recognized as one of the leading entrepreneurs in nanotechnology, and has successfully pioneered the application of nanofiber-based reusable and antibacterial/viral SWASA-N95 facemasks, a most impactful product to cope up with the COVID-19 crisis across India. Dr. Patil also takes keen interest in social activism & is a key part of IIT Kanpur’s Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, an organization promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Dr. Shwetanjali Patel

Dentist | Founder - Dr. Shwetanjali Makeup Studio

Dr. Shwetanjali is a Dentist turned into a Professional Makeup Artist. She was born and brought up in a family full of medical professionals and practitioners. Hence, Dr. Patel was compelled to study dentistry. Still, she completed her studies with flying colors and earmarked her precious four years to help many to have their smile back by performing numerous successful "Smile Makeovers." But in 2018, tables were turned again, and guess what happened!? Across all the odds, she fought all the odd circumstances & stood up to follow her passion for being a "Professional Makeover Artist." Today, she successfully runs seven figures professionally managed makeup studio & unisex salon company with branches in Kanpur and Orai. In the future, her vision is to perform more brand endorsements and be keen to expand the business via the franchise chain in all the metros across India in the near future. Above all, she is a big believer & promoter of woman empowerment.

Dr. Vikas Kumar Singh

Entrepreneur | Author | Vice President IBD - Skinella

Dr. Vikas Kumar Singh is a global marketing strategist and author. He has a doctorate in business administration from Lucknow University and also holds a degree in law from the University of Delhi. Dr. Singh believes in continuous learning and is currently pursuing a course on international business analytics and market intelligence from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi. Vikas has over two decades of experience leading international businesses and has global exposure in the marketing of multiple FMCG products and commodities globally. A few years ago, he left the corporate world, and now he follows his passion to help small exporters and brands go global. He has a keen interest in Greek philosophy and believes that historical lessons can benefit all of humanity. Dr Singh has authored two books: "Return Ticket" and "The Pink Beagle," and is currently working on a new book that will help entrepreneurs transform their businesses through ancient wisdom.

Gokul Garg

Founder - The Central Courtyard| Restaurateur | Social media Marketer

Gokul Garg, a Food blogger, restaurateur, Social media Marketer & restaurant consultant, is mostly acknowledged for his diligent work as kanpurfoodexplorers. He has been working back and forth off the clock for over 5 years now and has achieved a prominent well known and influential face. He is famous amongst the youth of Kanpur for giving genuine reviews and exploring new places for the best food and drinks, receiving all the love kanpurfoodexplorers is a family of 50 thousand. Foodie, aren’t we all? He is too. Therefore, food being his one profound love, he is the proud founder of the first prominent food magazine of Kanpur called NIVAALA. Working ceaselessly to elevate the hospitality industry of Kanpur he is the owner of the trendy restaurant and cafe located in Swaroop Nagar, The Central Courtyard. Gokul with his Knacking spirit is also the backbone of the other rooftop restaurant located in Swaroop Nagar known as Glasshouse.

Gurneet Bhatia Agarwal

MTech (cs) Gold medalist | Founder- Gursh Green Solutions Pvt Ltd. & Gursh Infra Realtors | Marketing Director- Shipra Builders, Kanpur | Real Estate Consultant & Coach

Gurneet Bhatia Agarwal, known to be first female leader in Real Estate business in Kanpur City ,Founder of Gursh Green Solutions Pvt Ltd. , Gursh Infra Realtors , Marketing Director Shipra Builders , Kanpur. Gurneet is a real estate coach , an enterprising hustler , Economic & Business Blogger for Times of India and a strong believer of spreading the message about Financial Independence. She is currently working as a realtor for leading developers from Dubai . She is also a strong believer of Manifestations , You have one life , Live it to the fullest . Hustle hard and bring your manifestations to reality. Because it’s not your aptitude but your attitude that will decide your altitude in life .

Ishita Bhatia

Founder- Be Your Own Boss | Community Builder | Product Developer | Marketing Strategist

Ishita Bhatia is the 21 year old founder of a business platform BYOB Be Your Own Boss. An alumnus of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, she is a Bachelors of Science in Economics with majors in marketing. She is also a certified product developer. An ardent & persistent person she has worked under India’s top FinTech & EdTech startups to build & scale communities . With the notion of working towards a woman driven business society, she came with the concept of hitherto unheard, one that brought all pioneering business women of Kanpur, under one roof -BYOB! She founded BYOB to bring in a fresh wave of marketing & advertisements for a cause, so close to her heart- doing something for her own city Kanpur & giving 100 such inspiring women a reason to believe that the sky is not too far for their grasp. She was nominated by Entrepreneur India as the Young Entrepreneur of the year 2022 & featured by the Daily Hunt app.

Kriti Shroff

Founder - Careerswitkriti | Joint Secretary-FICCI FLO Kanpur

Kriti Shroff is a passionate educationist, consultant and trainer with experience of about 16 years in the field of training & education, career and job assistance. She completed her B.E. from Government College, SGSITS, Indore in 2003 and subsequently completed MBA from IMT, Ghaziabad in 2005. Thereafter she worked leading organizations like Wipro Technologies, Vodafone and ABC Consultants. She is a certified career counselor with Green belt certification in Career Counseling from UCLA, USA. She is proficient in conducting psychometric tests to analyze personality type, career values and interests, skills & abilities and map the same with the family’s requirements to suggest a realistic and achievable educational roadmap. Kriti envisioned and established “Careerswitkriti” in Oct 2015 and since then has been guiding students, parents and professionals towards successful career growth.

Naina More

Mental Health Expert | Lifestyle & Parenting Coach | Writer | Social activist

Naina More ,a Lifestyle and Parenting Coach, psychological Counsellor, Writer ,Social activist and a mental health expert. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Certified trainers in public speaking and life skills and holds a certificate in psychological counselling.“ Mental fitness has been so under rated in our country. People strive to look good from outside but they ignore the importance of feeling good from inside”. She wants to spread awareness about; ‘mental fitness’ and it being as crucial as physical fitness for a healthy and happy life. She has Completed a Successful Season of live show ‘Zindagi Aapki hai’ with Bengal’s leading news channel ‘Taaza Tv’. Recently she has written a Research paper for an Anthology Book named “How to overcome Failure’ which has been much appreciated. She has been on the cover page of the magazine ‘Women Fitness India’ for her extensive contribution to spread mental health awareness and also featured in most Reputed ‘Femina Magazine’.

Pooja Gupta

Entrepreneur | Chairperson-FICCI FLO Kanpur |Founder- Amiraah & I-Design Studios.

Don't let someone else stand in your path or dictate your dreams.” The very personification of resilience in the face of adversity, Pooja Gupta’s diverse resume includes: single motherhood, self-made entrepreneur, an avid preacher & practitioner of women empowerment & economic independence, FICCI FLO Kanpur’s Chairperson 2022-23, founder and owner of first of its kind experiential luxury store in Kanpur – Amiraah, and interiors firm I-Design Studios. A mission driven leader, Pooja Gupta combines her entrepreneurial spirit with her drive to uplift others. Her strong belief in the “Power of the pack”, can be seen in how she manages to drive other women to excel personally and professionally.An interior & restoration designer and experience curator with a practice spanning nearly two decades, she is also the creative energy behind interiors firm I-Design Studios, which conceptualized this eclectic, hybrid space.

RJ Purab

Digital Creator | Radio Jockey - Red FM India

RJ PURAB - Kanpur’s morning Kick Starts with RJ Purab’s Morning No. 1 show where his sense of humour, and witty liners, keeps your ear glued and you just cannot tune out of it. He has a way of his own dealing with current and local trending topics and events. Apart of his on –air presence he has a unique way to make people laugh through his “Car Fooling” car prank videos on YouTube and Instagram. Rj Purab not only brings issues small or large into the knowledge of Authorities but makes sure that people of Kanpur are also aware of their surroundings and latest happenings. In Kanpur or out of Kanpur you can catch the flavour of Kanpur city through his content on –air as well from Digital Platforms.

Shivasharanappa G N ,IAS

Municipal Commissioner | CEO-Kanpur Smart City Ltd

Shivasharanappa G N IAS ,Chief Executive Officer of Kanpur Smart City Limited and Commissioner of Kanpur Municipal Corporation. A 2015 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, Shivasharanappa leads smart city mission initiatives in Kanpur. He has been holding the position since July 25, 2021. Prior to this, he was the Chief Development Officer of Deoria, Joint Magistrate in Ghazipur and Assistant Magistrate/Assistant Collector in Jaunpur. He is a B. Tech. in Electronics & Communications from Mysore.

Shreyansh Kapoor

Gemologist | Entrepreneur | Vice President -Kashi Jewellers

Shreyansh Kapoor, joined the family business after completing his graduation in Business from Kelley School of Business, Indiana University (USA) and is a Certified Gemologist from GIA, (Carlsbad). Shreyansh Kapoor is winner of “Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award - 2014” at JNA (Oscars of Jewellery Industry), at Hong Kong. He has also served two terms 2014-2016 as a Regional Chairman of UP, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Haryana and Board of Director of All India Gem & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF). Alongside, Kashi Jewellers has also exhibited in numerous International Exhibitions, which include Basel World (Switzerland), JCK Las Vegas (USA), JCK Orlando (USA), Vicenza (Italy), IIJS Mumbai and IIJS Signature Goa under the able banner of The Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Under the able leadership of Mr. Shreyansh Kapoor, Kashi Jewellers is the only jeweller in India to have won two (02) prestigious President of India MSME-National Award .

Vandana Srivastava

Happiness & Abundance Coach , Spiritual Buddy, Founder Director | MindMiracle

Ms. Vandana Srivastava is a renowned Hope and Happiness Coach. She is an International Master of Law of Attraction and Abundance, Vibration Therapist and an acclaimed Cosmic Healer. Married to an Air Force Officer, having travelled across India and abroad, she has transformed many lives. Her speciality is Emotional Wellness and removing hurdles in life. She does wonders with Infertility, Anxiety, Terminal diseases, Career and Financial issues. Her expertise as a Relationship Counsellor has saved many marriages and brought behavioural changes in many children.As a renowned Theta Healer, she helps one clear past life curses and Karmic accounts, making the present life joyous and smooth. Vandana works across conscious, sub-conscious and un-conscious levels of individuals to address the root cause of human miseries and address the challenge to overcome it. She say’s ‘Cleansing of Consciousness’ is the first step to re-boot your life.

Vishak G. IAS

District Magistrate, Kanpur Nagar

An alumnus of MG University College of Engineering, Thodupuzha and Said Business School, University of Oxford, he has pursued B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering and MA in Public Policy. Hailing from Idukki, Kerala, Iyer has earlier held post of District Magistrate & Collector of Bhadohi, Hamirpur; Chief Development Officer of Meerut and Varanasi and Joint Magistrate of Ghazipur. Mr. Iyer belongs to 2011 IAS batch of Uttar Pradesh cadre. He had also served as Director of Civil Aviation, UP. Recently, he also has held the position of Special Secretary to Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.