Theme: Beyond Boundaries: Interdisciplinary Solutions for Global Challenges

TEDxMahindraUniversity proudly unveils its second edition with the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Interdisciplinary Solutions for Global Challenges." This theme reflects our rapidly evolving world, where redefining traditional approaches is not just a necessity but an ongoing reality. It symbolizes a shift from isolated expertise to holistic, integrated problem-solving methods.

Imagine a reality where conventional norms are turned upside down, a space where creativity is limitless. "Beyond Boundaries" is about shattering the usual confines and encouraging a confluence of diverse perspectives. This fusion is key to addressing complex global challenges such as climate change, technological disruptions, socio-economic inequalities, and global health crises. These issues, interwoven and interdependent, require comprehensive, multifaceted responses.

Our theme extends an invitation to thinkers, dreamers, leaders, and innovators from various disciplines. We aim to create a dynamic environment where the synthesis of diverse insights and the synergy of multidisciplinary talents sparks unprecedented innovations. Picture the possibilities when a technologist collaborates with an environmentalist, or a social entrepreneur with a digital artist. These partnerships are the essence of our theme, driving solutions that benefit society at large.

At TEDxMahindraUniversity, we recognize diversity as a core strength. Perspectives from different fields, cultures, and backgrounds offer unique insights and innovative problem-solving approaches. This diversity is not confined to academic disciplines; it embraces a global spectrum of thoughts and experiences. Our platform is a tapestry of these diverse knowledge streams, where ideas are shared and interwoven, creating a rich, comprehensive understanding.

Our goal is to foster a global dialogue that spans the breadth of human knowledge and creativity. We aim to be a nexus where experienced voices and fresh ideas come together, forming a vivid, global narrative. This approach is crucial in today's interconnected world, where actions in one region can have far-reaching impacts.

In embracing "Beyond Boundaries: Interdisciplinary Solutions for Global Challenges," we're setting the stage for exploration and discovery. This theme is an opportunity to challenge conventional limits and seek diverse, dynamic solutions for global issues. As we embark on this theme, we invite the global community to join this exciting journey. Together, let's contribute, collaborate, and craft a future that transcends traditional boundaries and harnesses collective wisdom!

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).

Mahindra University, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium at the École Centrale School of Engineering
Survey No: 62/1A, Near Tech Mahindra, Bahadurpally, Jeedimetla, Hyderabad, Telangana 500043
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, 500043
India

Anita Sharma

DEI Consultant & Founder, Drive On My Own Foundation

Anita Sharma is an entrepreneur, DEI consultant, & podcaster. She is a Ph.D. of IIM Indore and the India Inclusion Foundation. She is popularly known as the 'Girl on Four Wheels' for her passion for car driving. She holds the record of being India’s first woman skydiver with a disability. She quit her IIM professorship job and founded Drive On My Own Foundation. It provides mobility independence through driving for people with locomotive disabilities. It provides end-to-end solutions that help them learn to drive modified cars. Her work in the disability space is featured by Femina, The Business Standard, Outlook, The Tribune, The Better India, Your Story Media, and many TV news channels. She received highly recognized ‘Positive Health Award-2019’ by Dr. Batra’s Foundation. She is one of the 21 most Inspiring Women of Rajasthan 2021 and has been honored with The Iron Lady Award, 2024.

Ankit Dwivedi

Storyteller, Developer of Teacher Telling Tales

Dr. Ankit Dwivedi is a storyteller and researcher based in India. His doctoral work focuses on Storytelling and Teacher Education within the context of Indian schools. Before pursuing his Ph.D., Ankit completed a Masters in Social Work where also engaging in participatory theatre. His professional training includes storytelling at the International School of Storytelling, England, Art Therapy at Bapu Trust, Pune, and Design Thinking and Game Design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States. With over a decade of experience in performing arts and group facilitation, Ankit has worked across geographies, including India, the UK, and the US, collaborating with non-profits, universities, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Through his life and work, he aspires to support thousands of teachers and community storytellers in sharing more stories, more often.

Ashwani K. Prithviwasi

Founder, Principal and Managing Director, Delhi Collage of Art

Ashwani Kumar Prithviwasi, renowned New Delhi artist and Delhi Collage of Art Principal, holds significant credentials with a B.F.A and M.A. in Painting. Known for solo and international exhibitions, his art spans global galleries, earning accolades like the AIFACS Award. Prithviwasi's dedication to art education has impacted over 10,000 students worldwide, showcasing his work in prestigious collections and serving on judging committees across notable institutions. His studio's contributions continue to impact the art community both nationally and internationally.

Avinash Jhangiani

Founder, Play2Transform Group & Curator, India’s Book of Dreams

Dr Avinash Jhangiani is a dreams curator, an author, a leadership development coach, an innovation consultant; above all, he is a facilitator of joy and serious playfulness in the workplace for creativity and well-being. Transitioning through technology, digital marketing, and transformation consulting over 25 years and nine cities globally, he found relevance in nurturing his inner child and embracing self-disruption. He is a global award-winning innovation leader, having held multiple senior leadership roles during his career. As founder of Play2Transform Group, Dr. Jhangiani applies principles of design and ‘serious play’ to help leaders rediscover their inner child and drive human-centric transformation. He also serves as a visiting faculty at top tier management education programs. Through a social initiative, Project ‘Dream On India’, he curated India’s first Book of Dreams, capturing over 10,000 children's visions of India's future, which now resides at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Pulkit Ahuja

Serial Entrepreneur, Author and Inventor

Dr. Pulkit Ahuja is a serial entrepreneur, author, and inventor. Pulkit has founded 3 startups, authored two published books, and invented multiple patented technologies. He is currently building new things at Proxgy as its Founder and CEO. Pulkit is the inventor of over 25 patented/patent pending technologies, processes, and designs including 'Earthquake Protection Bed', 'Smart Safety Helmet', 'Battery Blast Protection System', 'Air Ventilation and Purification Helmet', and many others. Pulkit has been included in the prestigious 'Times 40 under 40' list for 2023. Pulkit was awarded the MSME India 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award in the Security category for 2023. He has also been recognized as one of ‘Economic Times Inspiring Leaders for 2023’ - the recognition has been awarded for 'Excellence in the field of Deep Tech and IoT'. Pulkit has also received an honorary doctorate from Maryland State University for the work done in the field of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Rajesh Dhuddu

Emerging Tech Leader

Rajesh had the good fortune of studying Business Management at Sri Sathya Sai Institute, Columbia Business School, and Harvard Business School. His 25 years of experience has been with Businesses that leveraged Technology to redefine business models and customer experiences in Independent Power Generation, Telecom, Information Technology, and Information Technology Enabled Services sectors. Rajesh has perfected the art of simplifying emerging/new age technologies, making them understandable and relevant for Global Business Executives. This propelled him to be a most sought after Technology & Business speaker both in India & Globally; he has been featured, both Print & Television, by Forbes, Economic Times, Business World, CIO Today, Entrepreneur India, World Economic Forum, CNBC TV18, BBC, NDTV, India Today and others. He debuted as a TEDx speaker in the year 2016. He is an ardent cyclist, winning the title of Randonneur for cycling 208+ kms in under 10 hours.

Richa Singh

CEO & Founder, yourDOST

Richa Singh, Co-founder and CEO at YourDOST, is on a mission to create a happier society. An alumnus of IIT Guwahati with a specialization in User Experience Design, she has worked with D.E. Shaw & Co and o9 Solution in Interaction Designer and Product Management roles. Richa has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Forbes 30 Under 30 India & Asia, Top 15 People of 2015 by Economic Times, Women of Worth by NDTV, Digital Women Award - 2016, BW Wellbeing 40 under 40 Award - 2021, and an INK Fellow. She was honored with the Prestigious Women Transforming India Award organized by Niti Ayog, Govt.of India in 2022. Richa presented policy recommendations on Mental Health to the Hon’ble PM of India in 2022. In 2024, Richa was invited for a meeting with the Honourable President of India. A thinker and story-lover, she enjoys painting, drawing, dancing, and traveling. YourDost Platform since its inception has conducted 25 lakh+ sessions and has helped over 2 million people.

Sruthi Manthena

Full Stack Blockchain Developer & Founder, ForgeWize

Sruthi Manthena, a dynamic Developer Relations Engineer, is pioneering blockchain innovation. Pursuing a degree in Computation and Mathematics, she collaborates with tech giants like Binance and The Graph, focusing on customer success. As Blockchain Club at Mahindra University's founder, she's nurturing a culture of innovation. Through her startup ForgeWize, she's enhancing tech support infrastructure and developer tools, advocating for data ownership, and empowering students in the decentralized space.