Will Dakin, frontman of The Not Quite Big Band, took a 17-piece Rat Pack ensemble and broke every rule in the book. In this electrifying talk, he reveals how letting go of rigid tradition unlocked a new, high-energy sound that truly connected with modern audiences.His journey is more than a musical story; it's a powerful lesson in creative courage. Dakin makes a compelling case that true innovation doesn't mean destroying the past, but having the confidence to build upon it. For anyone feeling trapped by "the way things have always been done," his talk is a rallying cry to follow your instincts and discover what uniquely belongs to you. The director of the Not Quite Big Band (NQBB), a professional jazz ensemble based in Manchester. He is the driving force behind the band, which has seen significant success since its inception.The Not Quite Big Band is a professional jazz ensemble that started as a university band and has grown into a successful act, performing sold-out shows. 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 times of uncertainty, when faced with a questionable situation, it is essential to remember the importance of understanding and asserting our rights. Priyankha sheds light on the significance of knowing our rights and how they empower us to navigate difficult circumstances with confidence. It is not just about courage but also about being informed and standing up for oneself. Priyankha Prasanna, a Grade 8 student, brings a global perspective shaped by her upbringing in the UAE and a lifelong education in the Cambridge curriculum. This international background has fueled a powerful personal mission: to share the empowerment that comes from knowing one's rights. She believes that awareness is the first step toward justice and is passionate about creating a global conversation that emphasizes the importance and usage of fundamental rights across all communities. For Priyankha, education is not just academic; it is a tool for universal empowerment, and she is determined to use her voice to help others find theirs. 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

Anik Jain’s talk challenges the growing obsession with overly complex and fancy designs in today’s world. He believes that true design excellence lies in simplicity, clarity, and purpose. As the world keeps evolving rapidly, we often end up adding more than what is needed — making designs heavier, distracting, and less effective. Anik emphasizes the power of minimalism, where every element has a reason to exist. He also highlights the importance of strong typography, stating that design should not just look good today, but stay timeless for decades to come. His message is clear: great design is classic, useful, and passes the ultimate test — the test of time. Anik Jain is the founder and creative director of DZ!NR, a design studio specializing in branding, visual storytelling, and innovative graphic solutions. With a philosophy that design is both art and communication, Anik crafts projects that resonate with audiences and convey meaningful narratives. His work spans logos, brand identities, social campaigns, and creative collaborations, reflecting originality, modern aesthetics, and cultural relevance. Beyond his client work, Anik mentors young designers, sharing insights on design thinking, portfolio building, and the power of visual storytelling. Through DZ!NR, he continues to redefine how contemporary Indian design is perceived, inspiring a generation of creative thinkers. 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

Manavi Rai’s talk is an inspiring journey of choosing purpose over glamour. She stepped away from the shine of the material world to become the voice of the voiceless — dedicating her life to India’s indie and street dogs who often suffer unseen. Her mission fearlessly addresses neglected issues like animal abuse and animal rape, urging society and the government to acknowledge that animals deserve dignity, protection, and a respectful life parallel to ours. This talk also carries a strong message for families. Manavi shares how her family’s unwavering support, especially her brother’s belief in her, helped her overcome every challenge. She proves that when your family stands with you, no battle is impossible to win. Manavi Rai is a Delhi-based animal activist who transformed her career abroad to dedicate herself to rescuing and protecting Animals in India. Motivated by the suffering of stray dogs during the 2020 pandemic, she founded Dog Langar and the Udgam Haveli Shelter, providing food, medical care, and rehabilitation for injured and abandoned animals. Her work also includes awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and community outreach programs aimed at promoting compassion and responsible care for animals. Recognized in Femina & Mamaearth Beautiful Indians 2024, Manavi’s long-term vision is to establish a 24-hour animal hospital and sanctuary, creating a lasting impact on animal welfare and inspiring communities to take action for voiceless beings. 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

Kalyan S. Rathore’s talk reveals the powerful connection between art, science, and mathematics. As a sculptor, he uses geometry, physics, and design principles to create artworks that are not only visually striking but also purposeful and meaningful. He believes that inspiration comes from the cosmos, nature, and everyday life, where patterns and forms constantly speak to us. Through his journey, Kalyan highlights how creativity expands when disciplines blend, proving that science and art are never far apart. While technology evolves, he reminds us that the human touch in creation will always hold a special, irreplaceable value. Kalyan S Rathore is not your regular sculptor. He bridges the worlds of art, science, and geometry to create sculptures that resonate with human emotion. Trained in industrial design, Kalyan brings mathematical patterns and scientific principles into his creative process, transforming abstract ideas into tangible forms. His journey into the art world began with a deep fascination for physics and geometry, leading to a Guinness World Record for an installation made entirely of photographs.He believes every object has a geometric predisposition, an inherent pattern shaped by evolution, whether it’s a leaf, a fruit, or an animal. This idea has evolved into what he calls 'Form Philosophy', a way of understanding the world through the universal language of geometry. Kalyan’s work also extends to education, inspiring students to see math, science, and art as interconnected. His large public sculptures, often placed in airports and open spaces, act as metaphors that speak to everyone. 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

Ever argued with yourself and lost? Akshitha takes us on a witty yet profound journey inside the human mind, where our loudest critic often lives rent-free. Through humor, science, and personal stories, she explores the power of self-talk and how transforming our inner voice from a bully to a cheerleader can reshape confidence, courage, and life itself. Akshitha Balakrishnan, a 10th-grade student at The Indian Public School in Trichy, is known among her friends as the one who over-thinks every detail—from math problems to the perfect emoji. This very tendency inspired her talk. Like many teens, she has often found her inner voice sounding more like a critic than a cheerleader. However, learning to transform that mental noise into something kinder and braver fundamentally changed how she faces exams, challenges, and even the stage today. Her talk is a reflection of that personal journey—a mix of humour, honesty, and heart, mirroring the person she is. 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