From feeling unseen to helping hundreds find their voice, Gauri Walecha knows what it takes to turn silence into impact. In this inspiring talk, the brand strategist and founder of Unapology Branding Co. shares her journey from a teenager battling self-doubt and painful setbacks to becoming the trusted partner of over 100 businesses and incubator of 20+ startups. Gauri reveals how vulnerability, storytelling, and authenticity can become powerful tools for transformation—not just in business, but in life. Her story is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan or a loud voice to make a difference; you just need the courage to show up and share your truth. Gauri Walecha is a visionary brand consultant, eCommerce specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Unapology Branding Co, with over a decade of experience in building authentic, high-impact brands. Having worked with more than 100 businesses and incubated 20+ startups, Gauri is especially passionate about supporting bootstrapped ventures and first-generation founders. Her approach is rooted in the belief that “brands come from visions, not formulas”—prioritizing deep emotional resonance, strategic storytelling, and brand authenticity over surface-level marketing tactics. Gauri’s work goes beyond creating logos or taglines; she helps founders articulate their purpose, clarify their voice, and build brands that connect deeply with their audience. A storyteller turned strategist, her own journey began with the frustration of feeling unheard—fueling her mission to empower entrepreneurs who feel unseen or overlooked to step into the spotlight. 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

Comedy and performance can teach us how to be authentic in a world full of roles and expectations. In this talk, Anto Kriston shares his journey from theatre stages to stand-up comedy, blending humor with cultural insight. He shows how storytelling and performance help people connect with their truest selves. His message inspires audiences to embrace authenticity with humor, humility, and heart. Anto Kriston is a Kannada stand-up comic, micro social media influencer, and research scholar whose journey bridges academia, performance, and storytelling. A native of Mysore with an MA in Mass Communication and Journalism, Anto is currently pursuing a Ph.D. focused on the ethnographic study of Kannada stand-up comedy—an art form he passionately researches and performs. 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

Real change begins when ordinary citizens step up to lead with courage and responsibility. In this talk, Sampath Ramanujam shares his journey from technology professional to elected civic leader, proving that governance is not just for politicians. He highlights how grassroots leadership, community engagement, and transparency can solve everyday challenges. His story inspires individuals to turn frustration into action and lead the change they wish to see. Sampath Ramanujam’s journey from the corridors of technology to the heart of local governance is a powerful testament to the impact of civic engagement. A former techie who found his true calling in public service, Sampath’s transformation was sparked by his participation in the B.PAC Civic Leadership Incubator Program (B. CLIP)—a platform that nurtures changemakers committed to solving urban issues from the ground up. Inspired by the power of grassroots leadership, Sampath entered the political arena not as a career politician, but as a citizen determined to bridge the gap between policy and people. 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

Education goes beyond textbooks when art becomes the catalyst for learning. In this talk, Saranya Francis shares how storytelling, theatre, poetry, and visual expression can transform classrooms into spaces of creativity and inclusion. She highlights how art fosters empathy, imagination, and joy in education. Her message redefines learning as co-creation, where the heart and mind unite to inspire transformation. Saranya Francis is an educator, poet, and passionate advocate for art-integrated learning, currently serving as Assistant Professor of English at St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru. With over 15 years of experience in academia and life skills training, she has championed the transformative power of art as a catalyst for deep, inclusive, and empathetic education. 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 a world that often undervalues being a “jack of all trades,” Avinash Bharadwaj proves that versatility is a strength. With decades of experience as an RJ, TV host, actor, and media professional, he has mastered the art of adaptability. In this talk, he shares how embracing multiple talents and shifting mindsets can create powerful opportunities. His journey inspires a new-age mantra: in today’s world, being multi-talented is not just acceptable—it’s essential. Avinash Bharadwaj is a celebrated RJ, charismatic TV host, versatile actor, and an electrifying emcee with over two decades of experience in the Indian media and entertainment industry. From Radio Mirchi studios to the sets of Zee, Colors, and Udaya TV, and from corporate stages to movie screens, Avinash has seamlessly juggled multiple roles with energy, adaptability, and joy. 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 success often comes after facing great loss. In this talk, Dr. Akkshye Tulsyan shares how setbacks shaped his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an industrialist, philanthropist, and diplomat. He reveals lessons on resilience, purpose, and quiet leadership that transcend business and personal life. His story inspires audiences to embrace challenges as opportunities to build dignity, impact, and meaningful change. Dr. Akkshye Tulsyan is an industrialist, philanthropist, and Honorary Consul of Namibia whose journey is rooted in legacy and lifted by purpose. From humble beginnings in Calcutta to leading a steel conglomerate, he has built not only businesses but communities—creating power plants, supporting rural healthcare, planting fruit trees, and welcoming Olympic athletes to India. 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