Theme: Embracing Diversity

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).

Kunskapsskolan International School
Gul Farm Complex, adjacent to Sector 70A, Sector 70, Gurugram, Haryana 122004
Gurugram, Haryana, 122004
India

Abhishek Mohanty

HR Professional

An economics and law student and a people leader with over 20 years of experience as a Total Rewards (HR) professional. He has taken two sabbaticals over the years, trying to be a social entrepreneur, and prides himself on having failed both times but learned a lifetime of lessons. He looks forward to his annual solo adventure trips for the opportunity to mingle with people of all segments and takes inspiration from the simple facts of life.

Aryan Nangia

Student

Aryan Nangia is a high school student at Pathways School Gurgaon. Passionate about Economics and curious about AI, he has synthesized insights over months of research at the intersection of these fields. His work has culminated in an award winning essay on the ‘Economic impact of AI’ at the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Essay Competition. Previously, he has conducted research in the field of Behavioral Economics with a working paper on choice architecture, understood through default options and social proof. As the founder of LaunchPad, he is scaling a non-profit learning platform that up-skills teenagers around the world.

Chris Robinson

Music faculty at Kunskapsskolan International School, Gurgaon

Dashmehar Singh

Student

Dashmehar Singh is a student at Kunskapsskolan International. His primary interest and research work lie in international affairs, current affairs, politics, geography, history, and economics. He has written and published a book about the history of India’s ICC Cricket World Cups, which talks extensively about India’s performance in each World Cup. He has participated in many MUNs and has also gone to the Indian parliament to understand the political system of India better.

Geeta Bhukkal

Politician

Geeta Bhukkal is a distinguished leader and passionate advocate for social justice. Representing the Jhajjar Vidhan Sabha constituency, she has held key positions in the Haryana Cabinet, overseeing crucial departments such as Education, Health, Women & Child Development, Social Justice & Empowerment, and more. Throughout her career, Geeta Bhukkal has tirelessly championed the causes of marginalized communities, promoting equitable development and social welfare. Her dedication to improving education and health services and empowering women and children has made a significant impact on her constituency and beyond.

Jyothi Thyagarajan

Educator

An educator for four decades, including 25 years in international education, Jyothi Thyagarajan believes education should go beyond intellectual development. She studied English Literature at Hindu College and Mass Communication with a focus on journalism. Realizing her passion for education, she completed a B.Ed from Delhi University. As a Literature teacher, she connects texts to human nature and global issues. She is a Cambridge accredited IGCSE Examiner and an IB certified teacher. A trained TESMC tutor, she has conducted many teacher workshops. Certified for CIS school inspections, she integrates best global practices into her work. Her professional journey includes attending the Programme for Strategic Leadership at IIM-Ahmedabad and modules from Principal's Training Centre, London. Awarded the Indu Chowfin Award for Excellence in Teaching, she believes educators can shape the world by creating learning opportunities that align with students' interests and passions.

Kanav Suri

Student

Kanav Suri is an 8th-grade student at Kunskapsskolan International (Gurgaon) with a wide range of interests. He is passionate about sports, playing cricket, football, table tennis, and chess. Academically, he has excelled in assessments like the World Scholar’s Cup and the ASSET Exams. Kanav volunteers in school activities and has been part of the Cultural and Editorial committees. He has played the guitar for several years and is a regular in the school band. Despite enjoying screen time like most kids his age, Kanav loves reading, especially fantasy, adventure, and mystery genres. He has also explored creative writing, with his work published in a collection of stories by young authors. During the Covid pandemic, he developed an interest in jigsaw puzzles, which he says has changed his perspective on the world.

Kiran Tandon

HR Leader

Kiran Tandon is a seasoned HR leader and storytelling enthusiast with over 20 years of experience across global industries, including technology, ed-tech, healthcare, e-commerce, and more. She has led transformative HR initiatives as a business partner and brand ambassador. Following the loss of her parents in 2021, Kiran authored the bestseller "The Extraordinary Experiences of an (Extra) Ordinary Girl." The book, inspired by her parents' lives, expanded into an audio version and a Hindi adaptation, “Usha ki Kiran,” launched by Dr. Kiran Bedi in 2023. Her contributions earned her the Women Change Maker of the Year award in 2023. Kiran, a proud mother of two young authors, is supported by her life partner, reinforcing their family's unity and creative spirit. She believes that everyone has a story to share and is the founder of Talent Potential Consulting, an HR as a Service platform, and Insppy, a storytelling platform.

Krisha Bansal

Student

Krisha Bansal, an aspiring senior at Kunskapsskolan International, possesses a keen interest in both environmental science and human geography. She delves into exploring the connection between humans and the environment, recently researching on how climate change exacerbates gender inequality. Additionally, Krisha is the visionary behind Project World, a platform dedicated to advocating for environmental causes and related issues.

Leena Dhankar

Journalist

Leena Dhankhar is the Bureau Chief at Hindustan Times in Gurugram and the author of "Gurugram School Murder," based on a real-life story she reported. With fifteen years at Hindustan Times, she specializes in crime reporting, special investigations, and juvenile justice. Known for her deep knowledge of Gurugram’s crime landscape, Dhankhar has investigated scams, cyber fraud, illegal immigration, and more. Her work covers a range of issues including courts, civic matters, and child rights. Dhankhar’s dedication to uncovering social evils has made her a distinguished journalist, recognized for her powerful investigative stories and her recent book.

Manish Sewaliya

Dance teacher at Kunskapsskolan International School, Gurgaon

Nitika Saxena

Student

Nitika Saxena is a student in Grade 9 at Kunskapsskolan International. Her idea is ‘How social media controls our attention'. She has done extensive research on this idea and has presented her work on various Model United Nations platforms. Also, she has spoken as a social media influencers representative on the pros and cons of social media and how well its contents are moderated. She is a budding artist and a singer, her hobbies include painting, sketching and of course singing.

Shalom -

Music Faculty at Kunskapsskolan International School, Gurgaon

Ujjwal Talluri

Fitness Consultant

Ujjwal is a young Engineer turned Fitness Consultant who co-owns Beyond Fitness. A Reebok Certified Pilates coach, he has always aced the academic path; while a tech undergrad and now as a passionate fitness professional. His work can be encapsulated in the following: Scientific-Specific-Effective. Working with clients from a vast variety of professions, he endeavors to curate the science of human anatomy and biomechanics that best suits the person. Having undergone a powerful transformation himself, pivoting to the direction of Health & Fitness as a career has been a conscious choice; to allow others to experience the potential of living a high quality life by building sustainable lifestyle routines with ‘science based approach’ as the core of it.

Vaani Darbari

Student

Vaani Darbari is a 13-year-old student who has been in Kunskapsskolan for 10 years. She is truly an extraordinary young leader. Her passion for social justice and equality is evident in all that she does, and she has a keen intellect and a heart for change that are truly remarkable. Vaani is not only an academic achiever, but she is also an active participant in extracurricular activities that foster collaboration and innovation. She has participated in numerous public speaking events and is not afraid to voice her opinion.

Vardhan Koshal

Cofounder of Start-up

Vardhan Koshal is the cofounder of Tortoise, a fintech startup in the employee benefits space, with Millions of dollars in funding from top VCs. He started his career with the Citibank data modeling team and founded Ridingo, a "Forbes Hottest Global Startup", which he sold to Carzonrent group in 2015. He later led the Indian arms of global companies like TripAdvisor and Udacity. Vardhan studied Electronics Engineering for his bachelor's from IET and then Economics for his master's from Gokhale Institute.