Is failure about falling short—or about never trying at all? In this candid and insightful talk, Sai Akhilesh Palakodeti shares how living with an extra thumb once made him painfully self-conscious, holding him back from opportunities and experiences. Over time, he discovered that our real stories live in an “invisible résumé” shaped not just by successes but by the courage to face what makes us different. His journey is a testament to how we can Fail Forward by redefining failure as inaction, not imperfection. Akhilesh Palakodeti is a Year 2 IBDP student at CHIREC International School where he studies Math, Physics, and Economics. He is deeply passionate about history, politics and sociology. When he’s not losing brain cells from studying chemistry, you can find him reading the Economist magazine, refreshing the CNN website page, or rewatching Modern Family. He is an avid reader, who enjoys high-tension discussions and varying perspectives. Akhilesh represented India as a member of the Indian Debate Squad in 2023 and is the winner and best novice speaker of the International Competition for Young Debaters hosted by the Cambridge Union. He thrives on critical questions, late-night discussions, and mildly alarming amounts of coffee. 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

Il cibo non è solo nutrimento, ma linguaggio e connessione, attraverso i sensi riscopriamo emozioni, ricordi e relazioni autentiche. Dove per ritrovare valore, basta rallentare: scegliere, cucinare e condividere. Anna Maria Pellegrino è una gastrònoma, gustoso vocabolo del secolo scorso, e declina passione e professione come food writer, docente di Gastrosofia e di cucina, fotografa. Segue inoltre la realizzazione di serate enogastronomiche, o cene narrate, in quanto è convinta che “il cibo è sempre un atto culturale” E’ Accademica della Cucina Italiana (Delegazione Rovigo-Adria-Chioggia), Presidente fondatrice di AIFB, Associazione Italiana Food Blogger e Consigliere Direttivo in APCI, Associazione Professionale Cuochi Italiani. E’ presente nel direttivo di due associazioni gastronomiche, dove cura l’aspetto della ricerca storica e gastronomica: Dogale Confraternita del Baccalà Mantecato e Associazione del Tiramisù 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

Failure is often seen as the end of the road—but what if it’s the beginning of something greater? In this thought-provoking talk, Thrinay Reddy Sirapu reframes failure as a teacher rather than a setback. Drawing on personal experiences, including his journey with language learning, he reveals how moments of struggle can spark growth, resilience, and unexpected discovery. With honesty and insight, Thrinay challenges us to embrace failure as a catalyst for transformation, reminding us that our response, not the fall itself, defines who we become. Thrinay is a driven and dynamic student passionate about creating meaningful impact. As the former president of his previous school and the founder of CAS Connect an, innovative platform connecting Hyderabad’s youth and tech organizations with NGOs,he has continuously sought to merge leadership with social good. His hands-on work with several NGOs ,organizations and victories at various business summits reflect his strong commitment to creative communication and civic engagement. When he’s not developing tech-driven solutions or preparing for business summits, Thrinay is deeply immersed in the world of economics, having topped the ICSE Board in it. He’s also a devoted follower of Formula One, an avid listener, and a fast learner who believes that every conversation is an opportunity to grow. 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

Can silence reveal what words often cannot? In this moving talk, Manya Agarwal reflects on how failure—both personal and societal—can become a powerful teacher when met with empathy. She shares her journey of discovering Indian Sign Language, sparked by a moment of social failure that opened her eyes to the importance of connection and accessibility. With grace and honesty, Manya shows how listening deeply can transform silence into understanding, reminding us that to Fail Forward is to grow through compassion and human connection. Manya is a Grade 12 IBDP student at CHIREC, where she studies Psychology, Math, and Economics at the higher level. She’s the kind of person who’s always exploring — whether it’s a new idea, a social issue, or a language she doesn’t fully speak yet. She started Project SignVerse to spread awareness about Indian Sign Language, creating interactive sessions that gently challenge how we think about communication and accessibility. As part of ISB’s I-Venture program, she pitched the idea for AccessAbility — an AI-based concept designed to make sign language communication more inclusive in everyday spaces.Outside all this, Manya is usually painting, journaling, reading psych papers, or trying to make sense of Chinese characters — just a little hobby of hers while learning Korean and Mandarin (with more languages definitely on the way). 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 does it mean to turn limits into possibilities? In this inspiring and often humorous talk, Sai Prasad Viswanathan reflects on growing up with a 60% physical disability while refusing to let it define his journey. From excelling in education to skydiving at 14,000 feet, trekking the Andes, and traveling to Antarctica, his story is one of resilience and audacity. Along the way, he challenges misconceptions about disability, showing how setbacks can fuel strength—and how to Fail Forward is to transform conflict into courage. Sai is the first Asian with a disability to set foot on Antarctica. Featured on Satyamev Jayate, he spotlighted India’s infrastructural challenges. Born with over 60% physical disability, he was denied school admissions but persevered. A gold medalist from CBIT, he earned an MS in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from ISB, where he received the Torch Bearer Leadership Award (2011). He also won the Helen Keller Role Model Award (2010). Now a management consultant at Deloitte, Sai is an adventurer—skydiving from 14,000 ft (Limca Book of Records, 2008), exploring the Grand Canyon (2012), and diving at the Pacific-Atlantic intersection en route to Antarctica (2013). He co-founded Sahasra, impacting 15,000+ students, and consulted for Wadhwani Foundation & Home Ministry to promote employment for the disabled. His goal: to experience all five elements—earth, water, fire, sky, and air. 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

How do we confront deeply ingrained myths that hold society back? In this powerful talk, Ramon Magsaysay awardee Shantha Sinha draws on three decades of work with the MV Foundation, which has enabled over a million children across India to leave labour and reclaim their right to education. She challenges the belief that poverty alone drives child labour, showing instead how communities can dismantle systemic barriers. Aligned with the theme Fail Forward, her talk highlights how confronting misconceptions—and failing them—opens pathways to equality, justice, and lasting change. Shantha Sinha headed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Govt of India, from 2007-2013. She was the Founder Secretary Trustee of M V Foundation from (1981 to 2007) removed over one million children from work and mainstreamed them into schools. She spearheaded the bridge course program in India for older children. She is the recipient of the Albert Shanker International Educational Award presented by Educational International in 1998, Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1998 Ramon Magsaysay Award, 2003 for community leadership in 2003. She also served as a Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad. 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