The Secret Ingredient to Life | Dhanya Papanasa | TEDxFolsom High School Youth
How many licks do you think it takes to get to the middle of a tootsie pop roll? In this talk speaker Dhanya Papanasa reminds us that not knowing things in life isn’t a weakness but rather allows us to explore our mistakes, uncertainty and the unknown. She shares how embracing the phrase “I don’t know,” can lead to a simple and joyful life. Dhanya was a freshman when she delivered this speech, she hopes this speech inspires many others to lead their lives in a similar and simple manner. She can often be found dancing, at speech and debate competitions or shopping. Yet you can still find her trying to uncover the mystery of how many licks it actually takes to get to the middle of a tootsie pop roll. Dhanya is a current freshman attending Folsom High school. She is extremely interested in working in the medicine industry. She can be found competing at Speech & Debate competitions. Dhanya also happens to be an extremely passionate dancer. Her weekend's are filled with volunteering at her language school, hanging out with family and friends, shopping and not to mention procrastinating over her homework. 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
More from TED
- 11:01Roots to Remedies: My Path in Ayurveda | Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra | TEDxModern School Noida YouthFrom a small village in Sitapur to the global stage, Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra’s journey is a testament to perseverance, curiosity, and vision. In this talk, he shares how Ayurveda—often overlooked in modern medicine—can transform healthcare when approached with scientific rigor and innovation. Drawing from his two decades of research and global collaborations, Dr. Mishra explores how integrative medicine can tackle pressing health challenges, including drug-resistant infections, and create a sustainable, patient-centric future for healthcare. His story is not just about medicine—it’s about breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and embracing the power of combining tradition with technology. Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra is a distinguished Ayurvedic physician and Chief Consultant at King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow. A Gold Medalist in BAMS and a PhD scholar specializing in herbal solutions for drug-resistant infections, he has been a pioneer in integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine.With over two decades of experience, Dr. Mishra has shared his research on prestigious platforms across Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand, fostering a global dialogue that bridges ancient Indian wisdom with modern scientific innovation. He has led over 30 interdisciplinary research projects, published extensively in reputed journals, and is currently spearheading the establishment of a National AYUSH Research Centre at KGMU.Recipient of honors like the Health Icon Award and the Dhanwantari Award, Dr. Mishra continues to redefine the future of integrative medicine in India and beyond. 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
- 12:28Winning Beyond Age: Lessons From Field to Life | Dr. Richa Sood | TEDxModern School Noida YouthDr. Richa Sood’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, humility, and human values. From excelling as an athlete to becoming a respected educationist and author, her path has been defined by perseverance and purpose. In this inspiring talk, she shares how resilience in the face of challenges not only shaped her success but also ignited her drive to empower others. Through real-life experiences and lessons learned, Dr. Sood emphasizes the importance of staying grounded while striving for growth, proving that true leadership is built on values and service. Her story is a call to action for everyone to embrace grit, lead with empathy, and create meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Dr. Richa Sood is a distinguished Indian athlete in track and field, excelling in discus, shot put, and hammer throw in the Masters division. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is an accomplished educationist, author, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the founder and director of the Royal Kids Group of Schools and the former principal of Dehradun Public School, where her leadership earned her the prestigious CBSE National Award for Best Principal in 2011. A prolific writer with over 130 books to her credit, Dr. Sood also serves as the brand ambassador for the Indian Red Cross Society, championing menstrual hygiene awareness for women. Her multifaceted journey reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence, education, and social impact. 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