P.S. Rudrakumar from GEMS Our Own English High School, Sharjah–Boys takes us on a delightful journey back to childhood, but with a twist. In his TEDx Talk Childlike vs Childish, he explores how society often mistakes joyful curiosity for immaturity. Rudrakumar argues that being ‘childlike’ isn’t something to outgrow, it’s something to protect. Whether through drawing, writing, or play, he shows how wonder and imagination fuel creativity and resilience. With warmth and insight, he encourages teens and adults alike to reclaim their sense of awe. Growing up, he says, doesn’t mean shutting down your inner child, it means growing with it. His talk is a heartfelt reminder that playfulness has power. P.S. Rudrakumar School: GEMS OUR OWN ENGLISH HIGH SCHOOL. SHARJAH BOYS Talk Title: Childlike Vs Childish Rudrakumar is a student with diverse interests and an ever-curious mind. From writing to drawing, badminton to gym workouts, he strives to balance creativity with activity, exploring the world in both quiet and dynamic ways. Though he’s an indoor enthusiast, he firmly believes that life as a teenager is a mix of complexity, weirdness, and wonder. In his Talk Childlike, Not Childish, Rudrakumar unpacks the profound difference between being "childish" and being "childlike". While society often dismisses childlike wonder as immature, he advocates for its value. To be childlike is to remain curious, imaginative, and open-hearted, even as we grow older. In a world too often consumed by seriousness, Rudrakumar calls on his peers to embrace joy, awe, and a sense of play. His talk is a reminder that maturity does not require losing the curiosity and wonder that define childhood. Growing up, he argues, should be about carrying forward the best parts of our youthful spirit, not abandoning it. 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