Theme: Jigyaasa: THE POWER OF QUESTIONING

Jigyaasa, a word resonating with the spirit of curiosity, forms the heartbeat of our TEDx event. Curiosity is the spark that ignites the flames of inquiry, pushing us to venture beyond the known and challenge the boundaries of our understanding. In a world brimming with complexity, the power of questioning stands as our most potent tool for discovery and innovation. This event celebrates the relentless pursuit of knowledge, the courage to ask difficult questions and the following transformative journey. Through the lens of Jigyaasa, we will explore how curiosity fuels progress, shapes our perspectives, and drives meaningful change. Join us as we delve into the power of questioning and unlock its limitless possibilities.

SUCHITRA ACADEMY
SUCHITRA JUNCTION
HYDERABAD, TELANGANA, INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, 500067
India

Akash Vukoti

Public Speaker

Jigyasa is the most powerful catalyst for human progress. This trait has enabled us to rise as the most influential species on Earth, from walking on two feet to cutting-edge AI technology. Asking insightful questions has been the reason for all these accomplishments. Yet, most of us don’t tap into this innate curiosity and hesitate to ask questions, which prevents us from unlocking our fullest potential and reaching even greater heights. I integrate these examples with my personal experiences from the Scripps National Spelling Bee and Hollywood to remind the audience of the Power of Questioning – to ignite their curiosity by posing the right questions.

Ananya Kumar

Student

Every challenge I’ve faced has been an opportunity to question—whether it was finding my voice through poetry in Lucknow’s vibrant culture or grappling with the disappointment of missing out on my dream college. These moments drove me to ask profound questions about my worth, my purpose, and the strength I hold within. At 16, I questioned the limits of my potential and published my first book. I’m driven by a passion for business and consulting, working on projects that uplift marginalized communities. It’s through questioning that I’ve embraced vulnerability and curiosity, realizing that this process isn't just about seeking answers—it's a force for transformation and creating lasting impact.

Dr Gopi Chand Mannam

Cardiothoracic & Heart Transplant Surgeon

Curiosity or Inquisitiveness is a personality trait which helps the habit of inquiry or questioning. The ability of questioning leads to better understanding, cultivate deep and critical thinking, challenge assumptions and will lead to developing creative solutions for problems individuals and society faces. Every child is born naturally with this enthusiasm of asking questions but loses the ability as age advances. The reasons for this could be multifactorial but leads to loss of a great opportunity of personal growth and meaningful contribution to the society. By nurturing this quality one can get access to what we are passionate in life and fully realize one’s potential.

Dr. Hari Prasad

Group Chairman of CARE Group of Hospitals

The power of questioning is often understated. Some of the most wonderful things we see, feel and hear around us are an outcome a question or set of questions. Inhibition is the most common antagonist for questioning and creating an environment that makes one feel ‘it is okay to question’ creates the right mindset particularly in youngsters. So shed inhibitions and ask questions, you are always right when you ask a question.

Lavlesh Bhanot

Researcher, Analyst and Synthesist

Answering the Question or Questioning the Answer? Knowing is not just about finding the right answer, and education is not solely about answering questions. A mind that isn't filled with preconceived ideas is capable of learning. A mind that is quiet, open to new experiences becomes curious, seeking to know more. When this curiosity is sparked, we ignite a "love for learning." People learn when they want to learn, and what they choose to learn is what they feel they need to know. The desire to learn stems from a deep-seated quest to understand oneself and the world that one lives in. This leads to Jigyasa—the urge to inquire, to question. So, let’s start questioning our answers.

Mansee Bhargava

Environmentalist

Are we talking enough about water? NO! If we are made up of 70% water and that matters, then ideally, we should spend 70% of our day communicating and caring about water. Is it a coincidence that planet earth is also made up of 70% water? Do we realize that it is all one water in the planet that flows in you and in me besides in the lakes, rivers, and all other beings? Do we relate the rising water crises and the impact we face through water epidemics and anxiety besides, serious biodiversity loss? Let us talk about Water~!

Spoorthi V Vedula

Film Maker

The thirst for inquiry begins early but tends to fade as we age. Drawing from history and philosophy—whether Newton’s discovery, Socrates’ method, or the thought experiment of Schrödinger's Cat— how meaningful progress arises from thoughtful questioning. As a filmmaker, I use film to provoke this very curiosity, inviting viewers to question rather than accept. In a world overwhelmed by information, it is inquiry—not mere answers—that leads to wisdom. I'll explore how self-questioning is key to personal transformation and growth, demonstrating that true change starts with asking the right questions.

Surya Tej Chinni

Co-Founder and CEO at Origins Nutra

By challenging conventional practices and asking the right questions at each step, businesses can create strong foundations that prioritize both people and impact. Questioning norms helps shape a company's values system, guiding it towards long-term success. Questions offer an alternative perspective on business growth—one that emphasizes doing difficult things with intent and integrity while staying aligned with a purpose that goes beyond profit.

Teja Begari

Education Ambassador

"My journey into the cosmos began with a single question sparked by an illustration of the solar system: How does all this work? From that moment on, my curiosity became my guide, leading me to explore the universe’s mysteries. The more I asked, the more I learned, and each answer led to new questions. Today, as a young researcher working alongside professionals in space science, I continue to seek out the unknown. My story, from a third grader full of wonder to a high school senior passionate about discovery, is driven by the belief that asking the right questions can unlock the greatest truths."

Trishita Chatterjee

eDiscovery and Forensic Expert

As an eDiscovery and Digital Forensic professional, my work revolves around asking the right questions to uncover the truth hidden within vast amounts of data. By targeting our inquiries, we support litigation and investigations. But sometimes, the answers lie 'outside the box,' and it’s essential to take a step back, question our assumptions, and view the bigger picture. Keeping curiosity alive is crucial, whether in our professional work or personal lives.

Ved Thoopal

Student

I'm an 11th-grade science student at Suchitra Academy, always driven by my passion for learning and questioning the world around me. From a young age, I've believed that every breakthrough begins with a question: What if? How can we make this better? This mindset has led me to achieve some exciting things in STEM. I’ve always asked myself how technology can push boundaries, and that curiosity earned me a spot as one of just 100 students across India to qualify for the Lodha Genius Programme.

Vibhuti Jain

Founder - Touch a Life Foundation

From a young girl in a small town's Hindi-medium school, struggling with language barriers and societal expectations, to a fierce entrepreneur guiding corporate giants, my journey is fueled by one question that has shaped my destiny: Why not me? When society said she couldn't rise above her circumstances and that she couldn't speak English, I asked, Why not me? When the world doubted her ability to lead in the male-dominated world of real estate, I asked again, "Why not me?" This thought inspired the founding of PrimeDesk, a company revolutionizing workspace.