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).

International Management Institute
IDCO Plot No 1, Gothapatna, P.S- Chandaka
Bhubaneswar, Orissa, 751003
India

Abinas Nayak

Mr. Abinas Nayak is the MasterChef India Season 6 winner from Berhampur, Odisha who used to work as an Engineer until he decided to finally take his love and passion for cooking a step ahead in life via MasterChef India. From growing up in a tiny village to working for an IT firm to winning the MasterChef India trophy at the age of 27, Abinas Nayak has demonstrated that age, gender, occupation, and so on are just numbers and words and that our ambitions can be realized regardless of any of these!

Anushree Dash

Anushree Dash is a social reformer, educator, human rights activist, writer & entrepreneur based in Odisha. She is widely known as the “Pad Woman” of Odisha for her impeccable work in menstrual health and hygiene for women in Odisha. She founded ADiBha, a social organization working on women empowerment, gender equality, human rights and trafficking, mental and reproductive health and disaster relief of migrant labours and refugees. The mission of the company is to promote the rich textile heritage and craftsmanship of weavers and artisans and to generate livelihood for them. She is currently serving as the State President of the Human Rights Council of Odisha & is an active member of the Women Economic Forum.

Govind Krsna Das

Prabhu Govind Krsna Das is a spiritual influencer and a musical artist who preaches positivity through all forms of art. As a Lord Krishna devotee, Prabhu Govind Krsna Das is an ethereal encourager who attempts to convey compassion and lessons learned from his spiritual path so far. He is the managing director of Hare Krishna Enterprises and an active member of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He tries to educate people that finding serenity is important not only on the outside but also on the inside, and he does so by combining spiritual education with entertainment.

Illeana Citaristi

In this era of globalization, an art form does not take time to break the barriers of caste, creed, culture, and ethnicity. Padma Shri Illeana Citaristi is a perfect blend of ‘East meets West’ who was born and brought up in the world’s Renaissance capital and then moved from Italy to India at a young age to pursue a career in kathakali, a traditional Malayali dance form. She started her journey from the southern Indian state of Kerala and afterward headed to Odisha. In Odisha, Citaristi studied under the guardianship of Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra. She is well known for amalgamating ideas and concepts from different art fields and presenting them through her dance skills. Besides the realm of dance, Citaristi has also worked in movies and written books. Her most notable achievement in the film industry came in the form of the prestigious National Film Award in 1995 for the movie Yugant. She is the first dancer of foreign origin to be awarded the 4th highest civilian award, Padma Shri, and is also a member of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity. Ileana Citaristi calls herself an Italian by birth and an Odia at heart. She is well known for amalgamating ideas and concepts from different art fields and presenting them through her dance skills. Besides the realm of dance, Citaristi has also worked in movies and written books.

Meera Parida

Ms. Meera Parida is an Odisha-based trans social activist, politician, and entrepreneur. Meera has been a formidable figure in Odisha's LGBTQ+ movement. She is a member of the National Transgender Council as well as a political leader in Odisha for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Meera is the current Chairman of All Odisha Third Gender Welfare Trust in Bhubaneswar. She is also the treasurer and co-founder of SAKHA-first, an Odisha-based LGBTQ+ community-based organization. She has won several accolades for her work in protecting the rights of marginalized groups who are vulnerable to HIV and AIDS across the country, including the Best Transgender Leader in India award by UNDP, NACO and HIV Alliance in 2016.

Rupesh Mahore

“Endlessness” characterizes Mr Rupesh Mahore's professional life. Mr. Mahore has made his presence known across every realm of scientific domains. His accomplishments include an internship at the prestigious Harvard University, prior work experience at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), active participation in discussions regarding innovative health solutions and space technology and established publications in some of the most prestigious media sources. Mr Mahore has also worked as an innovator for the IDEA foundation, an organization focused on technology for disability. His brainchild oxyserve, received commendable appreciation during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been a TEDx speaker 3 times in the past, imparting his wisdom to the audience.

Sayan Chakraborty

Mr. Sayan Chakraborty hails to the city of joy, Kolkata, has pursued Entrepreneurship as a subject, and although being one of the newest entrepreneurs, he has been acknowledged by the King of Indian Industries, Mr. Ratan Tata for his impeccable work! Beyond this, he also succeeded to own the honorary title of “THE GRAND BULL”. He has represented himself on The Global Leaders' Union at the United Nations and is also a successful investor who promotes new ventures. Aside from becoming a TEDx speaker, he has also been a Josh Talks speaker, a finalist of MTV Dropout and the youngest Times Icon recipient. His incredible career has lit a spark in the minds of worldwide young leaders, motivating them to continue forward with optimism.

Sruti Mohapatra

Dr. Sruti Mohapatra was awarded Nari Shakti Puraskar for her services as a disability rights activist. Her ambition was to become an IAS officer after passing the UPSC in 1987. But her plans were deterred due to a car accident that resulted in spinal cord injury, and she has since been a wheelchair user campaigning for disability rights throughout the country. She formerly served as head of the Odisha State Commission for Child Rights and is a member of the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Aside from her numerous contributions, one notable one was made in 2009 when she and other activists achieved a victory by successfully making the Jagannath Temple in Puri accessible to people using wheelchairs, for which she received the Real Heroes Award in 2010.