Nishanth, Naveen, Likith, and Madhavan are a collaborative ensemble dedicated to preserving the ancient martial heritage of Manipur. Their performance seamlessly blends Thang-Ta (The Art of the Sword and Spear) with the rhythmic precision of the Manipuri Stick Dance. Moving as a single unit, the four artists explore "The Art of Balance" demonstrating how physical agility, split-second trust, and mental stillness intersect. By transforming warrior disciplines into a "moving meditation," they showcase a powerful metaphor for equilibrium: the ability to remain centered amidst high speed chaos. Through the clashing of sticks and the grace of disciplined motion, they bring the spirit of the Meitei tradition to the global stage. Nishanth is a passionate artist whose work is defined by a deep commitment to the traditional performance arts of Manipur. Specializing in the rigorous discipline of Thang-Ta, he brings an intense focus and creative energy to the stage. His artistry centers on the "Art of Balance," where he bridges the explosive power of martial combat with the fluid grace of rhythmic movement. Driven by a desire to preserve and innovate within folk traditions, Nishanth views every performance as a journey of discipline, dedication, and cultural storytelling. 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

Hear the story of Mrs. Willie Lee Gay, the 95-year-old historian and teacher. Her journey encompasses over six decades of archiving and teaching Texas history. The state of Texas maintains the Willie Lee Gay Collection, which contains the professional and personal papers of teacher and historian Mrs. Willie Lee Gay. This collection, which dates from 1897 to 2012, includes newsclippings, publications, photos, research materials, programs, assorted photocopied images, and organizations that highlight her work as a historian in documenting and preserving the history of African American communities in Houston. Mrs. Willie Lee Gay served as a dedicated history teacher at the K-12 and college level for over six decades. She taught and lived the very history she shared with her students. Mrs. Gay devoted her life to documenting, preserving, and promoting the historical accomplishments of Texans from the 1800s through the 21st century. She championed the inclusion of African American history in classrooms and communities. The Willie Lee Gay Collection is housed in the Houston Public Library and Texas Archives. The collection documents her participation from 1972 in historic preservation and historical organizations in Texas and Houston. As a community influencer Mrs. Gay’s work with the Covington House is an example of how her efforts bridged the gap between academic research and public awareness. She ensured that overlooked voices found their rightful place in the historical record. A lasting tribute to her legacy is Willie Lee Gay Hall at the South Campus of Houston City College.Glenita Shelvin Lampkin is an interior designer and Mary Kay beauty consultant with a passion for transformation - whether it's refreshing a space or elevating personal style. As the owner of Sugar and Soul Sweets her home- base baking business she delights customers with treats that are gaining new fans with every bite. Glenita holds a B.A. in interior design and an Associates Degree from the Art Institute of Houston, she brings creativity, warmth and a personal touch everything she does. 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 today’s VUCA world, “hang in there” has become more than casual advice—it’s a survival strategy. But true resilience isn’t about enduring blindly or pushing harder. It’s about building a strong core that helps us stay steady under pressure. Drawing on the metaphor of physical core strength, this talk explores resilience across four dimensions—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Through practical insights, the speaker shows how strengthening this inner core allows us to navigate uncertainty with clarity, regain emotional balance, and ultimately reclaim a sense of mastery over our own lives. Yvonne Sun is a registered psychological counselor and career development coach, as well as a senior consultant, trainer, and facilitator in leadership development and team building, with 18 years of management experience in large enterprises.She is the co-developer and lead instructor of the AQ® Resilience Quotient Chinese program, the reviewer and translator of the best-selling book Adversity Quotient 1, and the developer of the AQ® Parent-Child Resilience Series and the GRIT® Perseverance Chinese program.Over the years, she has focused on providing organizational development and leadership training for enterprises. 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

Shaurya Singh takes us on a charming and inspiring journey through the eyes of a curious child, showing how wonder shapes the way we see the world. From searching for gods in the clouds to turning injury into creativity, he shares how asking questions and embracing curiosity can transform challenges into discovery. With humour, insight, and a boundless imagination, Shaurya reminds us that every great idea, invention, and adventure begins with wonder—and that our minds are wired to explore, question, and dream. Shaurya Singh is a curious young learner from Pune whose love for questioning the “why” and “how” has shaped his journey. Passionate about acting, football, and drawing, he finds his greatest joy in exploring ideas deeply. Nurtured by The Knowledge Habitat Pune, he continues to seek knowledge beyond the ordinary — driven to explore, create, and inspire. 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

Architect Suhani Lal Sangra takes us on a journey of curiosity, creativity, and resilience. From turning ordinary objects into imaginative creations as a child to overcoming professional struggles and building a successful architectural practice, she shows how wonder can be a lifelong superpower. Through discipline, gratitude, and a relentless spirit of curiosity, Suhani illustrates how challenges become opportunities and how small steps, guided by wonder, can lead to extraordinary achievements. A story that inspires us to stay curious, show up every day, and let wonder shape the future. Suhani is the Principal Architect and Founder of Sparc Design, an award-winning studio known for refined, functional spaces in homes, hospitality, and commercial design. With 20+ years of experience, she continues to shape contemporary Indian design with elegance, innovation, and purpose. 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