Aarthi explores how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the future of work while reminding us that purpose remains a uniquely human strength. She highlights that true progress comes from motivation, creativity, and innovation driven by meaning. Aarthi urges young people to harness “The Power of Now” by creating purposeful opportunities and shaping their own futures. Aarthi Candadai is a passionate youth advocate, changemaker, and storyteller dedicated to creating spaces where young people can lead, be heard, and drive meaningful change.As the 2024 Lead Organiser of TEDxYouth@Paparangi, she led a team of young people to platform diverse voices and spark conversations that matter. She currently serves as Head Student at Newlands College, Youth MP for Ōhāriu, Podcast Host at Voice of Aroha, and a Wellington City Youth Councillor, working to bring youth perspectives into decision-making spaces. Aarthi is the Founder of Youth 4 Climate Action NZ and Community and Events Manager for Gen Z Aotearoa, supporting rangatahi-led initiatives across Aotearoa. Her work spans youth advocacy, climate action, and intergenerational collaboration, grounded in the belief that young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow, they’re the leaders of today. In her TEDx talk 'The Burnout Pandemic', Aarthi explores how young people are increasingly defining their worth by how much they do, rather than who they are. She challenges the pressure to constantly achieve and opens up a conversation about what it means to thrive in a culture that glorifies burnout." 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
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- 9:16From Fast to Functional Fashion | Tarini Ramchandani | TEDxUniversity High School YouthWhat if the t-shirt you’re wearing right now came with a hidden cost of 715 gallons of water and years of toxic waste? Fast fashion is draining our planet’s resources, polluting water, and filling landfills at record speed. In my talk, I’ll share how recycling textiles, and rethinking our habits can turn students like us into leaders of real change. Tarini is a waste warrior, gender advocate, painter, published author and a TEDx speaker. She is a 2023 Diana Award Winner for her work in creating awareness about the need for proper sanitary waste disposal practices and according dignity to waste pickers in India. She distributed more than 1.5 million red dot stickers due to the support extended by her municipal corporator (https://projectashtami.com/). The red dot stickers are used to identify hazardous sanitary waste. She monitizes her art and uses the proceeds to fund groceries for aged waste pickers and fund scholarships for youth in rural Maharashtra, India. When she is not studying, she volunteers in the school library. She is co-secretary to the Peer Tutoring Club and the Treasurer of the Girls Who Code Club in University High School. 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
