Cinema has the power to do more than entertain—it heals, inspires, and transforms. Stories on screen can shine a light on the darkest corners of our lives and society, reminding us that even in moments of pain or uncertainty, there is hope, connection, and courage waiting to be found. This talk explores how the lens of cinema can help us understand ourselves and others, start meaningful conversations, and imagine new possibilities. Through powerful examples and personal reflections, it reveals how films can become more than stories—they can be lifelines, guiding us toward healing, empathy, and change. Katyayani is a fearless, boundary-pushing film director and writer working between India and the U.S., known for crafting socially urgent, emotionally resonant films that blur the lines between fiction and journalism. Her debut documentary, Sons of The River, was filmed over three years in Punjab's suicide belt and earned recognition from Film Bazaar’s Co-Production Market, Let’sDoc Fellowship, Interactions Docs Workshop, and the ScreenCraft Film Fund. Her debut feature screenplay, The Day Before Being Sold, won the Raindance Film Festival pitch competition and was a Nicholl Fellowship Quarterfinalist. Katyayani’s short film, Coffined At 15, created with Afghan refugee youth, premiered at the Oscar-qualifying Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles and won a Special Jury Award at the International Film Festival of Shimla. 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

From a shy young girl who once froze on stage to one of the world’s top wedding photographers, Ankita Asthana has found her voice through the lens. In this moving talk, she shares how photography became her language—a way to express emotions she once couldn’t put into words. Over 15 years, Ankita has witnessed love in its truest forms—quiet moments, loud celebrations, and everything in between—across cultures and continents. She reveals how a single photograph can do more than capture a moment; it can preserve legacies, heal relationships, and remind us why love and connection matter. Her journey is one of courage, creativity, and stepping from silence into the spotlight—proving that sometimes the quietest passions can lead to the loudest impact. Ankita Asthana is a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed wedding photographer, and the Founder & Director of WeddingNama and WeddingNama School. With a background in architecture and a Master’s in Photography from NID Ahmedabad—supplemented by a semester at the University for the Creative Arts, UK—Ankita blends design expertise with emotional storytelling to create timeless visual narratives. Her work, known for its authenticity and elegance, has taken her across India and to global destinations like France, Kenya, Mexico, and the UK. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World by WPJA (2022–2024), and recipient of multiple international accolades including Fearless, ISPWP, and Junebug awards, Ankita was named ET Panache Woman of the Year and Distinguished Alumni of VNIT Nagpur in 2025. Her artistry has been featured in leading publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times, and Condé Nast Traveller, and exhibited internationally. 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

Life doesn’t wait for you to be ready — and neither does transformation. In July 2021, Kiran Kurwade, a fitness enthusiast and corporate leader, faced the unimaginable: a massive heart attack that stopped his natural heartbeat and led to open-heart surgery. What could have been the end became a bold new beginning. In this deeply inspiring talk, Kiran shares how he turned his scars into stars — rebuilding not just his body but his purpose. Blending science, spirituality, and hard-earned wisdom, he decodes what he calls “The Human Code,” the untapped inner energy that powers resilience, courage, and true transformation. With humor, emotion, and raw honesty, Kiran challenges you to break free from self-doubt, embrace your inner voice, and rewrite your story — no matter how tough life gets. Because if life is short, you owe it to yourself to give it your best shot. Kiran Kurwade is a powerhouse of transformation, leadership, and fitness — an accomplished author, dynamic fitness coach, and seasoned corporate leader. With a career that seamlessly blends strategic leadership and personal growth, he has inspired and trained over 5 lakh professionals through his impactful coaching and transformative programs.Currently serving as Director – Office of Strategic Initiatives at Chitkara University, Kiran is known for driving innovation, building leadership pipelines, and creating high-impact initiatives that foster growth and excellence.His journey from boardrooms to barbells reflects his belief in holistic transformation — where discipline, clarity, and resilience fuel both professional and personal success. Whether mentoring leaders, shaping young minds, or empowering individuals through fitness, Kiran continues to champion the idea that true growth comes from balancing strength of mind, body, and vision. 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

For years, Manika Goel found herself apologizing — for small mistakes, for others’ moods, and, without realizing it, even for her own existence. It wasn’t until a powerful shift in her late thirties that she discovered the strength of unapologetically owning her life. In this heartfelt and practical talk, Manika takes you through her journey of self-discovery — from self-doubt and people-pleasing to confidence, clarity, and purpose. She introduces her simple yet powerful mantra: “Breathe, Focus, Believe, Smile” — a tool she has used to overcome challenges and now teaches to people around the world. Through personal stories, humor, and actionable insights, Manika shows you how to let go of unnecessary guilt, prioritize your own well-being, and create a life driven by self-love and empowerment. This is your invitation to stop apologizing for who you are — and start celebrating it. Manika Goel is a transformation coach, motivational author, and advocate for personal empowerment, known for her ability to guide individuals toward clarity, confidence, and purpose. An MBA and the author of the insightful self-help book Soul Trek, she offers readers a practical and heartfelt roadmap to self-growth and healing. Currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Psychology, Manika combines academic knowledge with intuitive wisdom to help people shed emotional baggage and move forward with strength. Certified in NLP, chakra healing, and Bach flower therapy, she takes a holistic approach to personal development. Her life mantra—“Breathe, Focus, Believe, Smile”—captures her belief that lasting change begins with small, intentional shifts. 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

Una, Nessuna, Centomila Cattedre è un viaggio nell’instabilità dell’insegnamento precario, tra scuole, voci e identità che cambiano ogni anno. Un talk che alterna ironia e dolore per raccontare cosa significa insegnare senza certezze, essere “una” e al tempo stesso “centomila”. Senza retorica, pone una domanda urgente: si può ancora insegnare in Italia senza perdersi? Un invito a guardare alla scuola con più verità e cura. Maria Cristina Caruso è docente con un dottorato in Letteratura ispano-americana, specializzata nello studio dell’immaginario del futuro e delle narrazioni culturali del Caribe Hispano. Insegna lingua inglese nella scuola secondaria di secondo grado e ha maturato esperienze anche in contesti educativi complessi, come gli istituti penitenziari. Si occupa di pratiche educative inclusive e dialogiche, con particolare attenzione ai temi della lingua, della marginalità e della formazione culturale. Il suo lavoro si muove tra ricerca, insegnamento e riflessione critica sul ruolo sociale della scuola. 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

El poder de las palabras para contruir o destruir. 9th Grade Student 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