"You must be from India, right?" "Actually… I'm South African." "South African? But you look Indian!"It's a question I've been asked so many times I've lost count. At dinner tables, airport gates, classrooms, and crowded city sidewalks, especially while living in China. Each time, it opens the door to a fascinating detour through history, one where I explain that my ancestors were part of a wave of indentured laborers who left India between 1860 and 1911, bound for the sugar cane plantations along South Africa's east coast. They came hoping to return home one day, but most stayed, planting roots that would grow into generations, including mine.There are about 1.7 million people of Indian descent in South Africa, yet this vibrant community remains invisible to much of the world. The threads of British colonialism wove India into a global migration map; South Africa is just one stop among many. As a result, I belong to the largest diaspora on the planet, a living, breathing bridge between continents, languages, and legacies.In this ever-turning kaleidoscope of culture, identity, and memory, I navigate the spaces between "Where are you from?" and "Who are you really?" Each question invites a new reflection, another shard of color in the mosaic that shapes who I am and my place in the culture kaleidoscope. Ms. Pillay has been an English teacher for the past 25 years. She hails from South Africa and has been in China for the past 8 years. She is married with one son. 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

Tony McMurray shows how following a personal purpose can inspire collective action and create real impact for hundreds of children in need. A Brit who has fallen in love with Bulgaria, its people, food, culture, and mountains, Tony is a seasoned fundraiser with a passion for community impact. He is Cluster CFO for several countries at a multinational technological company, and he serves also on the Board of AmCham Bulgaria. As Chair of the Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bulgaria, he champions initiatives that build resilience and adventure in young people. His challenge to climb all 56 Bulgarian peaks above 2,500 m to raise awareness for the “For Our Children Foundation” has recently come to an end. This journey reflects his spirit of pushing limits and connecting with nature. He is ready for the next one. 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

Swaraksharam, a Carnatic fusion ensemble, presents “Flames of Wisdom”—a musical tribute to the power of knowledge, with music and lyrics by Aarsha Midhun. Performed in classical Carnatic style with intricate jathi and swara patterns, enriched with Western rhythmic elements, it creates a unique cross-cultural experience. "Flames of Wisdom” is a musical tribute to the power of knowledge. The song portrays wisdom as a radiant lamp that removes the darkness of ignorance, brings success in life, and fills the world with peace and harmony. Presented in a traditional Carnatic style, it weaves intricate jathi and swara patterns, while seamlessly blending with Western rhythmic elements to create a unique cross-cultural experience. Through its lyrical depth and musical fusion, “Flames of Wisdom” reminds us that true knowledge is the guiding light of life, nurturing growth, progress, and unity across 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

E se a queda for o começo da superação? Lana compartilha como um momento difícil a ensinou a reencontrar a própria força. Sua história é um lembrete de que levantar é um dos gestos mais humanos que existem. Lana Paes Miranda é estudante do Colégio Anchieta e encontrou no vôlei muito mais do que um esporte: um espaço de alegria, identidade e paixão. Uma queda inesperada mudou sua trajetória e trouxe consigo dor, medo e limitações, mas também despertou novas formas de força. No TEDxColégioAnchietaYouth, Lana compartilha como transformou seu pânico em resiliência e mostra que, mesmo diante das adversidades, a coragem é o que nos mantém em pé e fiéis a quem somos. 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

Vivemos para ter ou para ser? André questiona a busca incessante por consumo e reconhecimento, propondo uma pausa para repensarmos o que realmente nos faz felizes. Sua reflexão é um convite à simplicidade e ao equilíbrio interior. André Guimarães Davidovich é estudante do Colégio Anchieta e apaixonado por filosofia. Inspirado por Schopenhauer, ele reflete sobre como o desejo constante e a busca pelo consumo afetam nossa felicidade no mundo atual. Com olhar crítico e linguagem acessível, André questiona as armadilhas das redes sociais, do consumismo e da rotina acelerada. No TEDxColégioAnchietaYouth, ele propõe uma pausa para pensarmos se a vida está em ter cada vez mais ou em aprender a simplesmente ser. 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

Aprender um novo idioma pode mudar muito mais do que a forma de falar. Giovana mostra como estudar línguas é um exercício de vulnerabilidade, coragem e conexão. Sua fala nos inspira a sair da zona de conforto e abrir portas para o mundo. Giovana Condack Mussi Ponciano é estudante do Colégio Anchieta e acredita que aprender novos idiomas é muito mais do que decorar palavras: é um exercício de vulnerabilidade, autoconhecimento e crescimento. Inspirada por sua própria experiência com o inglês, o francês e um intercâmbio transformador, ela defende que a comunicação abre portas para o mundo e para nós mesmos. No TEDxColégioAnchietaYouth, Giovana mostra que sair da zona de conforto é a chave para novas oportunidades. 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