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).

Pradhan Conventions
Nehru Outer Ring Rd, Financial District, Exit 1, Hyderabad, Nanakaramguda, Telangana 500075
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, 500075
India

Aishwarya Pillai

Rehabilitation Counsellor, 3D blind artist, and visually challenged filmmaker

Aishwarya Pillai's journey has been defined by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering spirit that has transformed adversity into triumph. As a Rehabilitation Counsellor, 3D blind artist, and visually challenged filmmaker, Aishwarya defies the limitations set by society. Overcoming personal tragedies, discovering her passion for video production and finding solace in healing others, her unique artistic style and innovative approach have redefined the boundaries of the visual arts, making them accessible to the visually impaired.

Anshu Gupta

Clothing Mananshu

Anshu Gupta, recipient of the prestigious 2015 Ramon Magsaysay Award is widely recognized as the "Clothing Man” because he addressed clothing as a crucial development concern. Over the course of 24 years, Anshu Gupta has transformed India's philanthropic landscape by redefining how unused clothing and materials can drive rural development. Under his visionary leadership, his organisation Goonj has leveraged urban surplus to empower marginalized communities, pioneering a novel trash-based barter economy. His innovative approach has earned global acclaim, and Goonj has become a trailblazer in disaster response and rural development across 27 states in India.

B P Acharya

Retired Civil Servant/Cartoonist

In his long and illustrious career in bureaucracy, B P Acharya, IAS (Retd) has held the reputation of conceiving and launching innovative initiatives. He was instrumental in developing the Genome Valley and Biotech Sector in undivided Andhra Pradesh, along with facilitating over 20 world class infrastructure clusters, such as Financial District, Mindspace, Pharma City etc., thereby generating employment to lakhs of people directly or indirectly. After superannuation in October 2020 as Special Chief Secretary to Government of Telangana & Director General, Dr. Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute of Telangana., he is advising ICMR and Industrial cluster development in Punjab, along with working on Civil Services reforms by Government of India under Mission Karmayogi. His multifaceted journey reflects unwavering dedication to ignite positive change, with a dash of humour.

Babar Ali

Headmaster, TED Fellow

Babar Ali is an extraordinary social entrepreneur and educator, distinguished by the BBC as the 'Youngest Headmaster in the World'. Establishing Ananda Siksha Niketan at just nine, he ignited education in impoverished West Bengal. With a profound impact on over 7,000 students, he's a TED Fellow and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree, dedicated to advancing 'Education for All'. His story has traversed borders, finding a place in curricula worldwide, and garnering recognition, even from leaders like Shri Ramnath Kovind, the President of India

Brig P Ganesham

Grassroots Innovation Enabler

With over 35 years of exemplary military service, Brigadier Ganesham's commitment to our nation is unparalleled. His involvement in Project Gulmohar, as well as his role in developing the pioneering multi-role weapon platform "Windy" have earned him accolades and the first-ever patent for the Indian Army. Brig Ganesham's passion for promoting knowledge-based activities led him to establish the voluntary group "Palle Srujana" Through this platform, he has played a pivotal role in identifying and documenting over 500 innovators and more than 2,000 traditional knowledge practices. Many of these grassroots innovators have received recognition from national and international governments and organizations. A recipient of the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his distinguished services, Brigadier Ganesham's mission is to highlight the significance of grassroots creativity for the equitable growth of our nation.

Kalpana Ramesh

Conservation Acitvist/Water Woman

Kalpana Ramesh personifies enthusiasm and lives the adage "Where there is a will, there is a way" every day! She has taken the world of water conservation and lake and stepwell revival by storm, always believing in sustainability. Her persistent crusade has resulted in the restoration of 13 historic stepwells in Telangana, saving of thousands of borewells through rainwater harvesting and the planting of 600+ trees around bodies of water. Kalpana was picked as one of seven women achievers to take over PM Modi's social media accounts on Women's Day in March 2020 for her incredible dedication and efforts to water conservation and sustainability. Bansilalpet Stepwell was referenced in the Prime Minister's Mann ki Baat speech, and it now represents a vital component of Telangana culture. This restored structure is now a part of Telangana’s Tourism! Despite her hectic professional schedule and dedication to the cause, Kalpana finds time to be an urban farmer!

Kamal Shah

Entrepreneur

Kamal Shah has been on dialysis for the last 26 years following kidney failure, but that does not prevent him from leading a normal life – he swims, works full time and travel regularly. He co-founded NephroPlus, India's largest dialysis centre network, with an aim to help every individual realise the endless potential and scope even after such a diagnosis. Kamal has made it his goal to ensure that every individual visiting NephroPlus leaves the dialysis centre with a smile and full of hope and positivity about being able to thrive and excel in whatever they choose to do. In his spare time, Kamal bakes sourdough bread, writes and meditates.

Kat Alano

GBV Activist/Advocate

A Filipino British artist, former show-business personality and MTV VJ turned advocate, Kat Alano has taken the issue of rape culture in the industry and Philippines head on. A survivor of sexual assault, she uses her voice to create a safer World for victims by changing cultural dogmas and opening people’s eyes to the truth about rape. She has been a key speaker at events in partnership with institutions such as the Swedish and UK embassies, The Philippine Senate, The Office of the Vice President and UN Women. Kat extends her advocacy through her creativity in filmmaking, where she tackles cultural issues. She writes, produces and will soon be directing her first pilot.

Malavath Poorna

Mountaineer

Poorna Malavath is the youngest Indian female to conquer Mount Everest at the age of 13 years and 11 months in 2014. Hailing from a humble background in the village of Pakala, Telangana, she shattered barriers and went on to achieve remarkable feats. After conquering the world's highest peak, she fearlessly climbed the Seven Summits, including Mount Kilimanjaro, leaving an indelible mark on the mountaineering world. Recognized for her remarkable achievements, Poorna received numerous awards, including the Amazing Indians Awards from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Beyond awards, she promotes girl-child education and inspires a shift away from child marriages in rural and tribal communities.

Pawan Kumar

Rocket Scientist

Pawan is the Co-Founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, India's top National Award winning space-technology company, known for its proficiency in developing and building space launch vehicles. An IIT-Khargpur alumnus, Pawan was named one of India Today's next 100 young achievers and included in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia. Pawan is not just a successful entrepreneur, but also a writer for prestigious international journals. Pawan and his partner Bharath Daka led Skyroot to a momentous achievement in November 2022, when they became the first commercial enterprise in India and South Asia to have successfully launched a privately made rocket into space. Under their leadership, Skyroot seeks to provide affordable, dependable, and regular spaceflights, motivated by the vision of making space accessible to everybody.

Sreemoyee Kundu

Best Selling Author

Sreemoyee Piu Kundu is a bestselling author of six books, including India's first feminist erotica, Sita's Curse. She is a leading columnist on gender and sexuality and Community Founder, Status Single, India's first and only community for urban single women. Started as a Facebook community group, Status Single is now an offline women's collective spanning seven Indian cities and encompassing 6000+ women. Sreemoyee is a leading DEI consultant, a prolific speaker and the face of primetime debates on women and gender. Sreemoyee's work with single women has been widely covered in BBC, Vice, LA Times and Guardian, amongst others.

Surabhi Yadav

Feminist Advocate

Surabhi Yadav is a powerhouse of ideas and new feminist thinking focused on gender and rural development. Surabhi's goal is to shift the narrative about rural women from their pain and problems to their potential and the possibilities. Her groundbreaking initiatives have garnered global acclaim, revolutionizing conversations of leisure in academic, leadership and general settings. She is the creator of Project Basanti: Women at Leisure, an unique initiative that transforms the way we think about leisure and its role in the empowerment of women. She is also the founder and CEO of Sajhe Sapne, a nonprofit that empowers women from low-income communities to become coders, project associates, and math teachers.

Thomson Andrews

Musician/Artist

Thomson Andrews' journey as an artistic genius is an inspiring tale of determination, passion, and innovation. From captivating audiences with his mesmerizing singing and voice-over performances to pushing the boundaries of creativity through his entrepreneurship, he seamlessly navigates diverse mediums, collaborates with global giants, and uplifts aspiring artists.