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).

Kharadi
Kharadi
Pune, Maharashtra, 411014
India

Elizabeth Jeans Thomas

CEO & Founder

Elizabeth Jeans Thomas is a passionate Speech-Language Pathologist, social entrepreneur, and founder of Phonologix, one of India’s leading tech-enabled speech therapy platforms. With 20+ years of experience, she specializes in pediatric communication disorders, especially autism. A strong advocate of early intervention and neurodiversity-affirming care, she empowers families through her innovative platform, Speech Ally. Incubated at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore, and backed by programs like Goldman Sachs 10K Women and Stanford Seed Spark, her work has reached children across 10+ countries. She has conducted 36,000+ teletherapy sessions in multiple Indian languages. Elizabeth has received several awards, including the NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Award, She Loves Tech India 2023, and the Womenpreneur Award 2023. Her mission is to democratize access to quality speech therapy, bridging the gap through empathy, technology, and inclusive care.

Reema Kothari

Director

Reema Kothari Jogani is the Director at Reema Transport Pvt. Ltd. (RTPL), a second-generation entrepreneur shaping the future of cold chain and ambient transportation across Western, Southern, and Central India. With a PGDBA in Marketing and corporate experience at KPMG, E&Y, and Bloomberg UTV, Reema transitioned into the family business founded by her father, Mr. Ashok Kothari. Over 13 years, she has led RTPL’s growth into a fleet of 100+ trucks. Actively involved in business development and operations, Reema is known for her client-centric approach, leadership in gender diversity, and commitment to industry advancement. An alumna of IIM Ahmedabad’s MPOWER program, she frequently speaks at logistics forums and has received several awards, including “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.”She is passionate about empowering women in logistics and believes in learning, resilience, and driving value-based partnerships.

Rohit Chandra

CEO & Co-founder

Rohit Chandra is a purpose-driven leader, entrepreneur, and impact strategist, currently the CEO and co-founder of OMC Power. With a track record of building billion-dollar ventures in telecom and energy, he is known for turning bold visions into scalable, socially inclusive enterprises. At OMC, he champions clean energy solutions that empower underserved communities and accelerate India’s grassroots energy transition. Rohit blends sharp businesssacumen with deep empathy, fostering ecosystems that align profit with purpose. A passionate mentor, global thinker, and lifelong learner, he is deeply invested in nurturing future leaders and driving sustainable change. At TEDx, he’ll reflect on the hidden toll of society’s obsession with extraordinariness and share how authenticity, consistency, and grounded action can unlock deeper impact in life and leadership.

Shweta Deshmukh

Founder

Ar. Shweta Deshmukh, Principal Architect at SDA and Founder of Dezinebox, is a visionary leader with 20+ years of experience in architecture and design. SDA has delivered landmark residential and commercial projects across India. Through her tech-driven startup Dezinebox—part of CII’s Affiliation Program—she is democratizing design with online services, virtual visualization, and a strong partner ecosystem. An alumna of IIM Ahmedabad and incubatee of IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL, she was featured in CII’s prestigious ‘Leading the Change – 50 Inspirational Women in Innovation’ Compendium. Recognized globally, Shweta has received honors like ‘Exceptional Woman of Excellence’ and ‘Woman Entrepreneur of the Year’ and featured in publications like Forbes India, Fortune India, India Today, Economic Times of India and many more. Her work blends creativity, sustainability, and digital innovation to shape the future of architecture. Times of India and many more.

Sirisha Raju

Private Pilot & Aeronautical Engineer

Sirisha Raju is a trailblazing pilot whose journey from a small village in Odisha to the cockpit is a powerful story of courage, grit, and determination. Raised in a modest household with limited resources, Sirisha defied societal norms and expectations to pursue her childhood dream of flying. With no direct access to aviation, she studied aeronautical engineering, worked odd jobs, and battled financial hardships and social barriers. Beginning her flying career at 27—ten years later than most—she overcame immense obstacles, including the setbacks of the pandemic, to become a certified pilot. Supported by the unwavering belief of her parents, Sirisha has now flown over 50 aircraft and stands as a symbol of resilience and inspiration. Her story resonates far beyond aviation, encouraging anyone who faces fear, limitation, or doubt to keep striving. Today, Sirisha is not just a pilot—she is a beacon for every dreamer daring to rise above the odds.

Supriya Donthi

Founder

Turning Nature into Wearable Art with Leafy Affair Supriya Donthi’s journey with Leafy Affair—India’s first botanical lifestyle brand—is a powerful story of courage, clarity, and creativity. A biotech graduate with no background in jewelry design, Supriya dared to chase an unconventional dream: to bring nature closer to people by turning real flowers, seeds, and natural elements into wearable art. Born into a middle-class family and often told that her place was in the kitchen, Supriya chose not to conform. Inspired by Einstein’s words—“Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better”—she believed in her vision and backed it with resilience. When she discovered terrarium jewelry in 2016, a concept unheard of in India at the time, she instantly knew this was her calling.

Swati Bedkar

Founder

Swati Bedekar is a social innovator and menstrual hygiene crusader based in Vadodara. Originally a Science Educator, she uncovered the deep-rooted menstrual health crisis while working in rural Gujarat. Shocked by the unhygienic practices and social stigma surrounding menstruation, she launched the Sakhi Project under the Vatsalya Foundation—setting up 160+ low-cost sanitary pad manufacturing units across India and beyond, including in Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Bhutan, and Jordan. Her team also developed an eco-friendly terracotta incinerator, Ashudhhinashak, to tackle safe disposal of pads, now used in 5000+ schools and 100 villages. Through her “Hygiene Bucket Challenge” and 5000+ awareness workshops, she has empowered over 5 lakh women and girls. Recognized by BBC in their 2017 list of “50 Women Who Made Things Happen,” Swati Bedekar continues to transform menstrual health management through innovation, education, and grassroots action.

Vivek Nirmal

Founder

For over 25 years, Vivek Nirmal has dedicated his life to one mission: rebuilding India’s agricultural future by restoring soil health, empowering farmers, and delivering safer, more nutritious food to millions of consumers. Born and raised in Srirampur, near Shirdi, Vivek grew up in a farming family, where he witnessed both the potential and the vulnerability of India’s smallholder farmers. Vivek sheds light on the critical ‘soil crisis’ impacting farmers and the health of our food systems. He discusses the alarming effects of soil obesity caused by the overuse of chemical fertilizers, resulting in degraded land, reduced nutritional value, and a growing health crisis. Vivek introduces the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture, showcasing local success stories and how KisanKonnect empowers over 6,000 farmers through sustainable practices.