Lakshmi R. Iyer was doing everything “right”, a chartered accountancy track and a life that looked perfect on paper. But beneath the surface was a woman silenced by expectation, performing a version of herself that the world applauded while her own voice went unheard. In this stirring talk, Lakshmi shares the moment she stopped living the life handed to her and started creating her own. Now a filmmaker, actor, and storyteller, she reveals the pain, courage, and clarity it took to walk away from what was safe and step into who she truly is. Her journey is a reminder that choosing yourself is not selfish, it’s survival. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is rewrite the script you were told to follow. Lakshmi R Iyer is the Director & Creative Head at Elios Films Pvt. Ltd., known for her exceptional storytelling and creative vision. She has helmed acclaimed projects like First Second Chance, Seasoned with Love, and Aloo Bhujia (premiered at MAMI 2024), along with her upcoming films The Game, What’s Up Buddy, and 2050. With over a decade in the film industry, she has consistently pushed creative boundaries, earning recognition for her impactful narratives. As the Founder and CEO of Streetsmart Productions, she has cultivated a reputation for innovative independent filmmaking. Her journey from an Assistant Director and Production Assistant to a celebrated director showcases her passion, perseverance, and unmatched storytelling ability. Her work not only entertains but also deeply connects with audiences, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in modern cinema.Lakshmi R Iyer is the Director & Creative Head at Elios Films Pvt. Ltd., known for her exceptional storytelling and creative vision. She has helmed acclaimed projects like First Second Chance, Seasoned with Love, and Aloo Bhujia (premiered at MAMI 2024), along with her upcoming films The Game, What’s Up Buddy, and 2050. With over a decade in the film industry, she has consistently pushed creative boundaries, earning recognition for her impactful narratives. As the Founder and CEO of Streetsmart Productions, she has cultivated a reputation for innovative independent filmmaking. Her journey from an Assistant Director and Production Assistant to a celebrated director showcases her passion, perseverance, and unmatched storytelling ability. Her work not only entertains but also deeply connects with audiences, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in modern cinema. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Un talk che esplora il tema delle maschere psicologiche attraverso i concetti di narcisismo overt e covert, analizzando come queste dinamiche possano celare forme di controllo, manipolazione e violenza. A partire da due casi di cronaca, si riflette sul volto oscuro del narcisismo e sulle sue conseguenze più estreme, mettendo in luce l’urgenza di riconoscerne i segnali prima che diventino irreversibili. La Dott.ssa Anna Vagli è esperta in linguaggio del corpo, neuroscienze cognitive applicate e tecniche di smascheramento della menzogna. Consulente tecnico in casi di omicidio, direttore scientifico di Master in Criminologia e ospite nei principali programmi di cronaca nera di Rai e Mediaset. Collabora con Quotidiano Nazionale, dove cura la rubrica Scene: Anatomia di un Crimine, ogni venerdì in edicola e sui social. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Un talk che indaga il significato delle maschere sociali e il modo in cui influenzano la percezione di sé e degli altri. Attraverso uno sguardo ironico e critico, si riflette su come i ruoli che ci vengono attribuiti – o che ci costruiamo – possano allontanarci dalla nostra identità più autentica. Un invito a mettere in discussione le aspettative esterne e a riscoprire, con onestà, chi siamo davvero. Niccolò Califano è un grande appassionato di cucina, noto per la sua partecipazione alla tredicesima edizione di MasterChef Italia. Nato in Germania, si trasferisce in Emilia Romagna a cinque anni. Laureato in Medicina, unisce razionalità e creatività trovando nella cucina la sua espressione artistica. La sua cucina è legata alla tradizione, ma ama sperimentare e mettersi alla prova. A MasterChef si distingue per talento e determinazione, chiudendo al quinto posto con diverse vittorie di provaNiccolò Califano è un grande appassionato di cucina, noto per la sua partecipazione alla tredicesima edizione di MasterChef Italia. Nato in Germania, si trasferisce in Emilia Romagna a cinque anni. Laureato in Medicina, unisce razionalità e creatività trovando nella cucina la sua espressione artistica. La sua cucina è legata alla tradizione, ma ama sperimentare e mettersi alla prova. A MasterChef si distingue per talento e determinazione, chiudendo al quinto posto con diverse vittorie di prova This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this powerful TEDx talk, Umesh Rathod challenges us to rethink the role of education in building Viksit Bharat. A developed India shaped by innovation, entrepreneurship, and bold ideas. He takes us on a journey through the missed opportunities of post-independence India and asks: what if our academic system had been designed to cultivate creators instead of clerks? Drawing from current challenges, including limited industry-academia connectivity and outdated learning models, Umesh sir introduces a new vision, where colleges become startup launchpads, faculty evolve into mentors and market enablers, and students are empowered to solve real-world problems. With a focus on student archetypes, the NEP 2020 framework, and a transformative “5C” model, he lays out a clear path to unlock the true potential of academia. This is more than a call for reform it’s a blueprint to redesign education as the foundation of a thriving, innovative, and inclusive India. Mr. Umesh Rathod. He is an educator, mentor, author, researcher, and policy advocate, consultant deeply committed to shaping the future of India through education and entrepreneurship. As a teacher and mentor, he supports young minds with empathy and strength, teaching strategy, marketing, and entrepreneurship with real-world wisdom. As an author, he’s made his mark with bestselling titles like The fun of being in a startup, Startup Chanakya & Startup, Theories Examples & Activities. His work in promoting inclusive education, STEM initiatives, and a strong startup ecosystem is both commendable and impactful. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this energetic and data-rich TEDx talk, Chintan Oza explores why now is the perfect moment to launch a startup in Bharat. With India becoming the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, home to over 1.65 lakh startups, 118 unicorns, and 870+ incubators. Chintan sir outlines the unique convergence of generational diversity, technological advancement, and grassroots innovation that makes this decade a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for entrepreneurs. From the rise of Tier 2 and 3 city startups to government-backed funding and digital infrastructure like UPI and DigiLocker, he highlights the massive support system emerging across the nation. With a youthful, English-speaking, tech-savvy population and soaring domestic demand, Bharat is primed for an entrepreneurial revolution. Chintan’s message is clear: embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, find your passion, build your team, and start now because the future of Bharat will be built by those who dare to create it. Founder and Managing Partner at Anantam Ecosystems, an emerging early-stage consulting firm in pre-seed, seed and pre series A startups.He has helped build startups from scratch to IPO or acquisitions, and He is here to help you do the same.He can help you with:* Startups: Strategy, execution, fundraising, hiring, finding product-market fit, and more.* Venture Capital: Raising a venture capital fund, building a venture capital firm, and breaking into VC.He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed, and he is known for my direct, no-nonsense approach. If you're serious about building a successful startup, let’s connect and collaborate. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this inspiring TEDx talk, Shubham Dumbre, a Doctoral Researcher, explores how Artificial Intelligence can become the ultimate learning partner in a rapidly evolving world. As emerging technologies disrupt traditional education, Shubham presents AI not as a threat, but as a tool to democratize skill development making learning accessible, personalized, and engaging for everyone. From visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners to students in remote villages, AI offers a new path to education tailored to individual needs. Drawing on real-life examples like Duolingo, open-source AI, and his own use of tools like Perplexity and Google AI Studio, Shubham shows how AI can amplify not replace human potential. He advocates for a “Human + AI = HumAI” approach, where responsible AI use enhances creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. In the age of chaos, the most powerful skill is the ability to keep learning and AI can help us do just that. Doctoral Researcher Mr. Shubham Dumbre, the visionary Founder of Delta The Innovators. He’s an author and podcaster, of “Innovate with Responsible Artificial Intelligence”, “Decoding Zindagi” and “Let’s Make IT Simple” books that are available on major platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Spotify, and Apple. He had successfully managed three Solar Guinness World Records in collaboration with IIT Bombay, and has worked extensively in Content and Learning Strategy. With a proven track record in the IT, education, and marketing sectors, Mr. Shubham has led cross-functional teams across time zones and has delivered measurable results consistently. With 11 scholarships, 8 honors, and even recognition as a Times Fresh Face finalist, he’s someone who inspires through action. Let’s welcome Shubham Dumbre Sir to the spotlight. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this TEDx talk, Sidhant explores a powerful idea: the fastest way to become rich is to stop working for money. He breaks down the common “money mindset” that keeps people stuck in a cycle of fear, scarcity, and burnout , living paycheck to paycheck and equating time directly with money. Instead, he introduces the “abundance mindset,” where money becomes a tool, not the goal. Drawing from real-world examples and his own journey from trading to training, Sidhant shows how true wealth begins when we stop chasing money and start focusing on mastery, contribution, and service. This talk invites us to shift from control and hoarding to trust and generosity and to build a life that’s driven by value, not just income. Sidhant is the founder of Trading With Sidhant (TWS), a platform that has empowered thousands of aspiring traders and investors to take control of their financial future. Through simplified yet powerful strategies, Sidhant has helped people from all walks of life—students, professionals, and entrepreneurs—understand the world of trading with clarity and confidence. His mentorship focuses on practical learning, strong trading psychology, and disciplined execution, which has led to consistent results for his community. What makes Sidhant stand out is his ability to break down complex concepts into actionable insights that anyone can follow. At TWS, he has built a community-driven ecosystem that thrives on support, education, and growth. Sidhant’s mission is to make financial freedom achievable for anyone willing to commit just 30 minutes a day. At TEDx, he brings his passion for financial literacy and real-world success stories to inspire the next generation of smart This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this mesmerizing poetry performance, North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green honors the hands of grandmothers — hands forever creating, sustaining, and enduring. Her evocative imagery weaves together generations of strength, tenderness, and the unseen labor that shapes our world. Jaki Shelton Green, ninth Poet Laureate of North Carolina appointed in 2018, is the first African American and third woman to be appointed as the North Carolina Poet Laureate and reappointed in 2021 for a second term by Governor Roy Cooper. 2019 Jaki Shelton Green received the North Carolina Humanities Council Caldwell Award and was recognized as a 2019 Academy of American Poet Laureate Fellow. In 2014 she was inducted into the NC Literary Hall of Fame Inductee, 2009 NC Piedmont Laureate appointment, 2003 recipient of the North Carolina Award for Literature.Jaki Shelton Green recently retired from teaching Documentary Poetry at Duke University Center for Documentary Studies and the 2021 Frank B. Hanes Writer in Residence at UNC Chapel Hill. Additionally, she received the George School Outstanding Alumni Award in 2021. Her publications include: Dead on Arrival, Masks, Dead on Arrival and New Poems, Conjure Blues, singing a tree into dance, breath of the song, published by Blair Publishers. Feeding the Light, i want to undie you, The Communion of White Dresses published by Jacar Press, i want to undie you English /Italian bilingual edition published by Lebeg Publishers. Juneteenth 2020, she released her first LP, poetry album, The River Speaks of Thirst, produced by Soul City Sounds and Clearly Records and released a CD, i want to undie you in 2021. Jaki Shelton Green is the owner of SistaWRITE providing writing retreats for women writers in Sedona Arizona, Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts, Ocracoke North Carolina, Northern Morocco, The Loire Valley France, and Ireland. In 2021, The Arts Club of Chicago premiered a commissioned body of work in collaboration with Flutronix for the Black Is Series and was performed in April 2022 by Flutronix and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. She serves as the poetry editor for WALTER Magazine and an appointment as the Poet Laureate in Residence at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Additionally, she has been recognized on the Forbes Magazine 50 Over 50 Lifestyle List for 2022. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The only constant thing in life is change. However, change is difficult. It's hard to find yourself again when your whole world is flipped. What's important to realize is that change is not as hard when the mindset behind it is shifted. Diana Ramlawi will discuss what that means in this talk. Blooming Through Change This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

It's very likely you begun today with a cup of coffee. That simple beverage can be more than what it is perceived to be. For most, caffeine is the need to always be "on", to never fully, truly rest. Laila will share about the hidden addiction in your everyday, morning mug. The Hidden Addiction in Your Morning Cup This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx