We optimize everything—phones, workflows, even algorithms. But what about ourselves? In this compelling and deeply resonant talk, Dr. Soha Chahine reveals the invisible emotional codes that silently shape our lives: the need to perform, the pressure to disconnect, and the loss of authentic choice. Drawing on human behavior and leadership insights, she offers a powerful alternative to living on autopilot. A bold invitation to replace emotional automation with presence, connection, and human intelligence—before we forget what it means to truly feel. We optimize everything—phones, workflows, even algorithms. But what about ourselves? In this compelling and deeply resonant talk, Dr. Soha Chahine reveals the invisible emotional codes that silently shape our lives: the need to perform, the pressure to disconnect, and the loss of authentic choice. Drawing on human behavior and leadership insights, she offers a powerful alternative to living on autopilot. A bold invitation to replace emotional automation with presence, connection, and human intelligence—before we forget what it means to truly feel. 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

"Phoenix in Drag" is a raw, evocative performance that tells the story of a transgender acid attack survivor who reclaims her identity through the disruptive and expressive art of tranimal drag. Rising from pain and rejection like a phoenix from the ashes, she transforms scars into symbols, and monstrosity into majesty. Through music and visual storytelling in English, the piece challenges conventional beauty, celebrates resilience, and shows how drag can be both a wound and a weapon—an act of becoming, against all odds. Patruni Chidananda Sastry is an Expressionist dancer, performance artist, and Tranimal drag performer. Starting dance at age 7, Patruni developed a unique "Expressionism" style to raise social awareness. Their work blends dance, drag, and interdisciplinary promoting avant-garde, anti-beauty, art, and postmodern aesthetics. Patruni has performed in 1000+ shows, led 50+ workshops, delivered 5 TEDx talks, and participated in fashion walks and digital performances globally. 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

Vishnupriya Pillai, a 14-year-old student at OOD, Dubai, is a dynamic force with a passion for public speaking, debating, and creative expression. A published author of four books, she believes that everyone has untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. For her, growth lies beyond the comfort zone in embracing challenges, flaws, and the unexpected. In her Talk Glitching on Purpose, Vishnupriya explores the concept of embracing imperfections rather than striving for flawless presentation. What began as a nickname in a school competition has now evolved into a powerful mindset that celebrates chaos, flaws, and everything in between. Her talk is an invitation to stop editing ourselves and instead embrace our glitches to show up authentically and be unforgettable. By challenging the constant pressure for perfection, she encourages us to find strength in our imperfections and use them as a platform for growth and self-expression. Vishnupriya Pillai, a 14-year-old student at OOD, Dubai, is a dynamic force with a passion for public speaking, debating, and creative expression. A published author of four books, she believes that everyone has untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. For her, growth lies beyond the comfort zone in embracing challenges, flaws, and the unexpected. In her Talk Glitching on Purpose, Vishnupriya explores the concept of embracing imperfections rather than striving for flawless presentation. What began as a nickname in a school competition has now evolved into a powerful mindset that celebrates chaos, flaws, and everything in between. Her talk is an invitation to stop editing ourselves and instead embrace our glitches to show up authentically and be unforgettable. By challenging the constant pressure for perfection, she encourages us to find strength in our imperfections and use them as a platform for growth and self-expression. 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

Is life beyond Earth just science fiction- or a reality waiting to be discovered? In this thrilling TEDxPatras 2025 talk, Dr. Anezina Solomonidou, planetologist, takes us on a journey from Galileo’s telescope to NASA’s Cassini-Huygens mission to Titan, and beyond. She explores how bold imagination, scientific courage, and space missions like JUICE, Europa Clipper, and Dragonfly are reshaping what we know and what we dare to dream about life in the universe. Dr. Anezina Solomonidou is a planetary scientist specializing in planetary geology and investigating the potentially habitable worlds of our solar system. She is the Scientific Officer of the Greek Space Agency for Space Sciences and Exploration.She obtained her doctoral title in astronomy and astrophysics from the Paris Observatory in France. She has worked for many years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Caltech in Los Angeles, California, on the Cassini-Huygens and the Europa Clipper missions, as well as the European Space Agency (ESA) in Madrid for the preparation of ESA’s new space mission, JUICE.She has authored a plethora of articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and chapters in books. Dr. Solomonidou has proposed a series of planetary experiments and has contributed to the design of future missions. She is the President of the Division for Planetary Sciences (PS) for the European Geosciences Union (EGU) and serves as a review panelist for international boards and NASA panels, where she evaluates scientific proposals for planetary research. 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

We live in an age of endless communication yet we still feel unheard and misunderstood. Why? This talk challenges the illusion that we truly understand what it means to communicate. From animals and ecosystems to the cells within us, we’ll discover powerful ways life communicates without words. Through this lens, we begin to see that human connection goes far beyond language. What if the key lies in rediscovering what we’ve forgotten? Junie George Varghese is the Co-Founder & CEO of The 5th Mantra and a Communication & EQ Coach with 20+ years of experience.An IIFT Delhi alumna, she has mentored professionals across industries.Certified by ICF, Extended DISC, and NLP Society, she also mentors at IIT Chennai's NPTEL & BS-Data Science programs.Named among Yahoo Finance's Top 10 Communication Coaches (2021), she has trained 1000+ students and coached industry leaders. 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

What if second place wasn’t a loss—but a lesson? In this witty and vulnerable talk, the speaker shares a personal story of losing a student election and unpacks society’s obsession with being “the best.” From Buzz Aldrin to buldak ramen, she explores why true success isn’t about beating others but about growing through setbacks. This talk is a powerful reminder that being second doesn’t mean you’re done—it means you’re still in the race. What if second place wasn’t a loss—but a lesson? In this witty and vulnerable talk, the speaker shares a personal story of losing a student election and unpacks society’s obsession with being “the best.” From Buzz Aldrin to buldak ramen, she explores why true success isn’t about beating others but about growing through setbacks. This talk is a powerful reminder that being second doesn’t mean you’re done—it means you’re still in the race. 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