What truly defines an artist—and what does the world owe them? In this thought-provoking talk, Dr. Sanjay Tandon, singer and pioneer in music rights advocacy, takes us on a powerful journey into the emotional and professional life of artists. With poetic insight and real-world wisdom, he outlines the five stages of an artist's life—from inborn talent to the pursuit of guidance, struggle for recognition, and the challenge of survival in a commercial world. Drawing from his own musical journey and leadership in transforming India’s copyright ecosystem, he highlights the need for not just admiration but real, actionable respect for artists through support, rights, and policy reform. This talk is a moving call to value the creators who bring meaning, melody, and magic into our lives—not just in spirit, but in law and livelihood. Dr. Sanjay Tandon is a celebrated singer and a pioneering force in India’s music copyright movement. As Founder and Managing Director of ISAMRA (Indian Singers’ and Musicians’ Rights Association), he has championed performers’ rights, equitable royalty systems, and transparent governance. A leading voice in global IP advocacy, he has represented India at WIPO and CISAC platforms and is driving the One-Window Music Licensing Regime under the guidance of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Cultural Preservation and Music Rights, Dr. Tandon continues to blend his passion for music—performing in the voice of Mukesh—with his mission to protect and empower artists. 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 if clothing could speak the language of the soul? In this inspiring and deeply personal talk, Ranna Gill—renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur—invites us into a world where design becomes a medium of storytelling, identity, and spiritual inquiry. Reflecting on her nomadic childhood shaped by her father’s army postings, classical dance training, and global education, Ranna explores how constant change taught her resilience, adaptability, and creativity. She weaves her life story with ancestral wisdom and modern reflections, asking us to look beyond transformation and toward transcendence. Drawing parallels between the boundless ocean and the vastness of human potential, she reveals how fashion, language, and culture can help us rediscover meaning in a world that often feels lost in the noise. This talk is an ode to beauty, purpose, and the timeless quest to design a life that matters. Ranna Gill is a leading fashion designer and CEO of her eponymous global label. Known for blending Indian artistry with contemporary silhouettes, her designs celebrate vibrant prints, timeless elegance, and international appeal — redefining how Indian fashion is worn around the world. 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

Chhavi Verg speaks on the ways that challenge and failure can craft a stronger person. By relating her own experiences and struggles, she bridges the gap between progress and perseverance. Chhavi Verg (yes, 2 H’s) is a New-York based model, actress, content creator, speaker, trained Bharatanatyam dancer, and former Miss NJ USA who became 1st-runner-up at Miss USA.Following her graduation from Rutgers University, from where she has a degree in marketing, Chhavi decided to pursue her creative passions. She began her content creation journey and has a following of up to 500,000 across all channels.Chhavi is currently signed to Wilhelmina Models in NYC and been featured in music videos, magazines, as well as countless commercials and campaigns for esteemed companies like Emirates Airlines, Adidas, Athleta, Daniel Wellington, L'Oréal, and Macy's.Chhavi is also a TEDx speaker and regularly travels across the nation as a keynote speaker to speak on topics like mental health, self-empowerment, and women’s 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 driven by metrics like valuation, funding, and virality, Amith S Kumar brings attention back to what truly matters—the first step. With compelling anecdotes and insights from his entrepreneurial journey, he explores how founders should focus not on flashy launches, but on genuine value creation, authentic conversations, and real human connection. From asking for feedback to earning endorsements and amplifying stories through PR and personal branding, Amith emphasizes why the heart of growth lies in intent, not algorithms. Whether you're building your first product or scaling your startup, this talk challenges you to stand up, speak out, and take that first step with conviction. Amith S Kumar is a growth-focused marketing leader with global experience across sales and the full marketing spectrum. With a strong background in both startups and large enterprises, Amith is known for building high-performing teams and delivering impactful brand experiences that fuel market expansion and customer loyalty. He also contributes to shaping future business leaders as a Board of Studies Member at the International School of Management Excellence. 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

NOTE FROM TED: While some viewers may find this helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk as a substitute for medical advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of diet, lifestyle, and health. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn this powerful talk, the speaker uses a relatable metaphor to explore our relationship with our physical bodies. Just as we can detect a loved one's emotional state from a simple "hello," we should learn to recognize and respond to our own body's signals. Feelings, sensations, and symptoms are the body's way of calling us, but many people treat those calls like spam, ignoring them until it's too late.The speaker shares a personal story of how ignoring these internal signals led to deteriorating health and physical discomfort. Healing began when she finally "picked up the phone," listened without judgment, and made changes in her habits, especially around food and movement.She emphasizes the connection between the body and quality of life, pointing out that digestion is connected to all health issues, and that movement doesn’t have to mean the gym; it can be dancing, walking, yoga, or anything that fits your body’s needs.Her core message: When we slow down, listen to what our bodies are asking for, and respond with intention, we can dramatically improve the quality of our lives. She urges everyone to tune in, experiment with food and movement, and give their bodies the same love and attention they give to their closest relationships. Maya Carl is a certified Holistic Health Coach and has maintained a private practice, Earth Body Coaching, for 8 years. Maya is also a certified Pilates Instructor and Yoga Teacher. She has a passion for empowering people and supporting them in living their healthiest, most aligned lives. She focuses on helping people change their approach to food, their bodies, movement, stress and daily habits. By supporting and potentiating these changes, she creates safe space, accountability and support so that her clients can access, manifest and maintain their ultimate health and wellness goals. After helping hundreds of people through her workshops, one on one sessions, and group & corporate coaching, she is eager to share her message with the world. Maya feels that her true purpose is to help people reconnect with their bodies through conscious dietary, movement and lifestyle practices so that they can then help to heal themselves, each other, and the planet. 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

As AI continues to evolve rapidly, it’s natural for fear and uncertainty to creep in. In this talk, Yousif explores why fear of AI, specifically models like ChatGPT, is deeply ingrained in human nature, and how we can shift our perspective to embrace the possibilities ahead. He explores the very reasons why AI models exist, their potential benefits, and how we can approach mastering these tools in a structured and mindful way, ensuring it serves humanity’s best interests. At just 19, Yousif ranked first in Iraq's International Baccalaureate in 2023. A self-taught iOS developer, he has built over 20 apps, from budgeting tools to entertainment platforms, mastering Swift and exploring AI and machine learning. His vision? to create tech that drives change for the masses. 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