What if chasing the skies meant starting from the ground, with nothing but your will? Sirisha Raju dreamed of flying long before she could even afford a window seat. Born to humble beginnings and drawn to the science of flight, she was fascinated by physics and the idea of becoming a pilot. But without the financial means, the dream had to wait.Unlike most pilots who take off in their early 20s, Sirisha earned her wings nearly a decade later — after years of working and saving every rupee to fund her training.In this deeply moving talk, Sirisha shares how persistence, patience, and purpose can sometimes take longer to take off, but when they do, they soar.Her story is a reminder of how far courage can take you — the kind that stays steady through silence, sacrifice, and self-belief. And when matched with the right financial support, dreams like hers find the wings they need to rise. Sirisha Raju is a trailblazing pilot whose journey from a small village in Odisha to the cockpit is a powerful story of courage, grit, and determination. Raised in a modest household with limited resources, Sirisha defied societal norms and expectations to pursue her childhood dream of flying. With no direct access to aviation, she studied aeronautical engineering, worked odd jobs, and battled financial hardships and social barriers. Beginning her flying career at 27—ten years later than most—she overcame immense obstacles, including the setbacks of the pandemic, to become a certified pilot. Supported by the unwavering belief of her parents, Sirisha has now flown over 50 aircraft and stands as a symbol of resilience and inspiration. Her story resonates far beyond aviation, encouraging anyone who faces fear, limitation, or doubt to keep striving. Today, Sirisha is not just a pilot—she is a beacon for every dreamer daring to rise above the odds. 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 take to walk away from everything society calls “secure” and build a life that’s truly your own?Supriya Donthi grew up rooted in a middle-class upbringing, excelling at school, chasing a job she was deeply passionate about. But, one defining incident and a leap of faith led her to a discovery, preserved botanical jewellery, a niche concept thriving in the West but unheard of in India. And so, in May 2016, Leafy Affair was born.From selling at flea markets to opening a flagship store, from being a solo hustler to leading a team that shares her dream, Supriya’s story is one of grit, growth, and grace. This is a talk for every dreamer stuck at the crossroads, reminding you that when you choose yourself, the world eventually follows.Her story is a powerful reminder that courage doesn’t always begin with a plan — sometimes, it begins with a pause, a pivot, and the courage to start over. And with the right financial backing, her dream has taken root — growing into a brand that now inspires others to believe in their own." Turning Nature into Wearable Art with Leafy Affair Supriya Donthi’s journey with Leafy Affair—India’s first botanical lifestyle brand—is a powerful story of courage, clarity, and creativity. A biotech graduate with no background in jewelry design, Supriya dared to chase an unconventional dream: to bring nature closer to people by turning real flowers, seeds, and natural elements into wearable art. Born into a middle-class family and often told that her place was in the kitchen, Supriya chose not to conform. Inspired by Einstein’s words—“Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better”—she believed in her vision and backed it with resilience. When she discovered terrarium jewelry in 2016, a concept unheard of in India at the time, she instantly knew this was her calling. 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