What if life has no inherent meaning? This talk challenges the comforting narratives of faith, culture, and responsibility, revealing how our sense of purpose is rooted in the brain’s chemistry. From dopamine-driven pursuits to the illusions of love and duty, it argues that meaning is not given by the universe, but created by us. By embracing this perspective, we can shift from passive existence to active choice—turning the inevitability of life into a stage where we define our own purpose and maximize fulfillment, not despite the absurdity of life, but because of it. A high school student and youth speaker, soon to begin his undergraduate studies in law with a developing focus on capital markets and private equity. He has gained early experience through mock trial practice and internships, sparking his interest in how legal systems influence financial structures and business growth. Beyond law, he enjoys observing and recording small details of daily life, believing these moments can reveal broader insights about the world. He aims to bridge the gap between law and finance in a fast-changing global economy, while inspiring his peers to reflect on their own pace and choices. 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

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Minds: Indian Philosophy and how it can Impact Teenage Mental Health. Vaishnavi Reddy explores how ancient Indian philosophical traditions like Buddha’s teachings and the poetry of Sufi saints such as Bulleh Shah can help teenagers navigate mental health struggles today. She highlights how reconnecting with this forgotten wisdom can build resilience, self-compassion, and a deeper understanding of life’s challenges. Vaishnavi Reddy is a dedicated IBDP2 student passionate about medicine, powerlifting, and personal growth. She balances academics with discipline at the gym, blending creativity with resilience. Outside the classroom, her involvement in debate clubs and MUN conferences reflects her drive to use her voice for purpose. She thrives on pushing limits and advocates for mental health and the empowering role ancient Indian spirituality can play in supporting youth. Presenting Vaishnavi, a dedicated IBDP2 student , fueled by a passion for medicine and powerlifting, channels a balance of academics and the gym, merging creativity with discipline. Beyond the classroom and gym , her vibrant presence in debate clubs and MUN conferences showcases her voice is meant for purpose . She thrives on pushing limits and advocates for mental health and the power ancient Indian spirituality holds in empowering and assisting the youth. 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

Choosing “the road less traveled” can be both challenging and rewarding. From creative experiments that began in childhood to ventures that embraced trial and error, this talk explores how innovation thinking helps young entrepreneurs break free from convention, discover new possibilities, and build sustainable growth. The true value of taking an unconventional path, as revealed here, is not about immediate success—it lies in developing the lasting ability to experiment, adapt, and grow. Meinuo is a 19-year-old entrepreneur with a passion for niche markets and differentiated business strategies. Her journey began in primary school with miniature creations, grew through running a family flower shop in high school, and matured into founding the “pinch-pin” online store. Within just two months, the store generated over 20K RMB in net profit and drew more than 200K views on Xiaohongshu for its original “pinch-face” products. A former ISEF finalist and national innovation award winner, Meinuo now explores how young entrepreneurs can transform passion into sustainable ventures. 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 speech addressed the challenges faced by women in gaining a place in politics, a male-dominated profession, the unseen sexism in society, and the obstacles women face in social life. Filiz Ceritoğlu Sengel received her Bachelor of Law degree from Marmara University Faculty of Law in 1999. She then completed her master's degree with thesis in Private Law and specialized in Law of Intellectual and Artistic Works. She successfully passed the Trademark and Patent Attorney exams and became entitled to work as a Trademark and Patent Attorney. Sengel served as a member of the Law Commission, EU Harmonization Commission, Education, Culture and Sports Commission, Board Member and Clerk of the Council between 2009-2014. Sengel, who was a candidate for Selçuk Mayor in the 2019 local elections, became the first female mayor of Selçuk after the elections. Between 2019 and 2023, she received many national and international awards for her local development, women's economic and social empowerment, protection of cultural and natural values, tourism, agricultural development, fair and dignified social assistance projects. 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

True leadership begins within. In this TEDx talk, Geetha Shankar Subramanian explores the art of mastering the “inner establishment”, the mind, emotions, and spirit that shape how we respond to the world. She reflects on how self-awareness, discipline, and inner harmony can empower individuals to lead with clarity, resilience, and authenticity. The message emphasizes that by strengthening our inner foundation, we unlock the capacity to create meaningful change both in our personal lives and in society. Geetha Shankar is a seasoned learning catalyst, life skills coach, and communication expert with over two decades of experience across education, training, counseling, and public relations. As the founder of the Center for Communication Excellence, she is widely respected for her practical and empowering approach to personal and professional development. 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 speech addresses finding our role in life and how we can bring ourselves to the forefront in that role. Even if the opportunities life always offers us don't provide us with enough opportunities to shine, it reminds us to try again and again, without giving up, to take a leading role in that movie of life. Muzaffer Çağlar İşgören was born in İzmir on March 16, 1980. He studied at the Ege University State Turkish Music Conservatory and the Dokuz Eylül University State Conservatory Opera (Voice) Department. He started his professional theater career by appearing on stage in the play Fehmi Paşa Konağı written by Turgut Özakman. While studying accounting at Dokuz Eylül University, he worked as an instructor in various theater clubs and was supported by the master theater actor Haldun Dormen during this process. In 2005, with Dormen’s encouragement, he founded Sahne Tozu Theater. Again with Dormen’s suggestion, Sahne Tozu Cep Theater, İzmir’s first pocket theater, was established within the same organization.Sahne Tozu Theater Awards were given under the leadership of İşgören in order to support theaters in İzmir. The name of these awards was changed to Bedia Muvahhit Theater Awards in 2013. 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