Failure is a friend to upskilling | Siddhant Salvan | TEDxSNS YOUTH
"I do stuff that I think is cool", says youth speaker Siddhant, as he shares a series of experiments with skills he has acquired over the years. His main philosophy - don't let failure stop you. Siddhant, a 16-year-old student of pure sciences and mathematics, is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a mild resistance to conventional reality. He views science and philosophy as his best tools to explore how the world works. As the author of a book on philosophy, he thinks in questions and believes in establishing structure with chaos. For him, learning is brought about by reflecting on failure, which is more about evolution and continuous upskilling rather than a pursuit of fixed outcomes. Whether through theory or thought, Siddhant isn’t here to fit in. He builds his own frameworks, then launches them into the sky. 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
More from TED
- 19:19Entrepreneurship Simplified | Mr. Amol Nitave | TEDxVIITThis talk explores entrepreneurship as a journey full of real challenges and rewarding relationships. It highlights how entrepreneurship is like a healthy marriage, based on strong partnerships, mutual understanding with customers, and a team spirit. The talk breaks down key lessons such as embracing disruption, planning well, and staying persistent through tough times. It emphasizes practical steps like empathizing with problems, creating solutions, and testing ideas before launching.The speaker shares inspiring stories about emotional intelligence, common sense, and the importance of hope when facing difficult moments—reminding listeners that things often get worse before they get better. The presentation also features motivational messages about growth, resilience, and the value of support from mentors and leaders, underlining that entrepreneurship is as much about mindset as it is about business.Overall, the talk encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to stay hungry, stay curious, and keep moving forward with passion and dedication, offering simple but powerful advice to help turn ideas into successful ventures. Mr. Amol Nitave is a social entrepreneur, innovation enthusiast, and founder of EvolvingX, dedicated to empowering millions of youth through employability, entrepreneurship, and life-skills training. A software engineer turned social catalyst, he has led large-scale CSR and skilling initiatives with organizations like RPG Foundation, Zensar Technologies, and Amdocs, impacting thousands across India.A TEDx speaker, startup mentor, and emerging author, Amol has delivered keynotes on entrepreneurship, innovation, design thinking, and youth empowerment at leading institutions. His work has earned multiple recognitions for innovation and social impact, including empowering over 10,000 youth with life-skills training in a single month during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a vision to build a generation of skilled, empathetic, and socially responsible leaders, he continues to inspire change through education, technology, and community action. 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
- 19:04Setback to Spotlight | Hruitvik Ambekar | TEDxVIITHruitvik Ambekar is an accomplished international badminton player who has reached a career-high global ranking of 140. His journey has been marked by relentless commitment and resilience, overcoming tough competition and setbacks to reach new heights, including playing in prestigious tournaments in Germany. Hruitvik embodies a goal-oriented mindset, strong teamwork spirit, and excellence under pressure, qualities that have helped him grow both as an athlete and a leader.Beyond sports, Hruitvik believes the sportsman spirit—the leader, fighter, and changemaker—never retires but reinvents itself. Inspired by leaders across industries, he emphasizes persistence, growth, and the importance of giving back to society. As he continues to train and compete internationally, Hruitvik also aspires to contribute to the future of badminton in India by supporting para athletes and developing training academies focused on doubles. His vision is bright and focused on elevating Indian badminton to new global heights.Hruitvik Ambekar is an Indian international badminton player and TEDx speaker. He has represented India in various Super Series tournaments and achieved a career-high world ranking of 264. He is also a founding ambassador for ACT (a non-profit organization) and a private wealth associate at AllianceBernstein. Additionally, he is a three-time TEDx speaker. He's also the founder of The Tug of Words & Tribus Organisation. He has achieved a world ranking of #140 in badminton and has been recognized as one of "20 Brilliant Indians in their 20s". 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
- 20:27From Spark to Flame | Sheikh Zakir Hussain | TEDxVedic International School Raigarh YouthSheikh Zakir Hussain shared his inspiring life journey in the talk ‘From Spark to Flame – How Ideas Change the World’, highlighting how powerful ideas can ignite transformation. Sheikh Zakir Hussain, a multi-qualified professional with expertise in Mining, Mechanical, Law, Management, Commerce, Human Rights, and Environmental Engineering, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Management. With 25+ years of experience as a National Trainer and Prime International Graduate of JCI, he has led 850+ programs for corporates, banks, NGOs, and institutions. A recipient of awards like Ravi Puraskar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Award, he is also a national award-winning speaker, debater, sportsperson, motivational speaker, and actor who has inspired countless lives. 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
- 17:18Wealth Creation with The Power of Compounding | Dr. Farzan Ghadially | TEDxVIITDr. Farzan Ghadially explains how anyone can grow wealth through compounding, where money earns interest on itself over time. He uses simple examples and highlights Warren Buffett’s success, emphasizing starting early and staying patient.Addressing stock market risk, he shows that long-term investing pays off despite short-term drops like the 2008 crisis or COVID-19. He shares India’s economic growth stories to highlight investment potential.His “10 Commandments to Become a Billionaire” include saving consistently, investing before spending, avoiding panic selling, and building an emergency fund. He advises trusting India’s growth, avoiding penny stocks, focusing on winners, using debt wisely, and choosing good advisors.Dr. Ghadially’s final message: start investing early, let your money work for you around the clock, and give back to society because true wealth is what you share, not just what you accumulate.Dr. Farzan Ghadially is the Founder & CEO of VER Multi-Family Office (Vighanharta Eternal Resources), a pioneering boutique financial advisory firm serving ultra-high-net-worth families across India and overseas. He also serves as Senator – India at the World Business Angel Forum (WBAF), fostering global opportunities for startups and SMEs, and is a Professional Faculty member at SPJIMR.With a career spanning wealth management, investment banking, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Ghadially is committed to building trust, creating value, and promoting sustainable growth. His work bridges the worlds of finance, innovation, and education — inspiring transformative ideas and action. 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
- 15:11Becoming Light, Not Just Bright | Nguyễn Hấu | TEDxPNT“If the fire isn’t from within, it doesn’t sustain you - it consumes you” | Who among us doesn’t dream of shining? Out there, there are countless ways to excel, yet no one can say for sure which path is the right one for them. We seldom ask ourselves: What kind of success do I truly want? In that relentless pursuit, we sometimes lose ourselves, forgetting who we are or why we even seek the light. Hấu Nguyễn has also experienced this while striving to become a "shining star”. She ran tirelessly after others’ brilliance, drained and disoriented, unsure of her destination. Then, when everything seemed to reach its limit - when the external flame was about to consume that little star - she realized she could no longer keep borrowing someone else’s light. Through raw self-honesty and the courage to release what wasn’t hers, speaker Hấu Nguyễn found her way back. Like a star among millions in the galaxy, she now warms herself with an inner flame - the flame of constant self-awareness and faith in her chosen path. She often reminds herself of her favorite motto: "Just being bright inside means that we can warm others!" ? NGUYỄN THỊ BÍCH HẬU, also known widely on TikTok as “Hấu Học Y,” is a young talent who has made a strong impact on social media. She shares helpful content to help young people get closer to medical knowledge, especially in Dentistry. By telling stories and sharing her valuable experiences from her time studying medicine, she has inspired many students in the health field. ?⚕️ On her journey of learning and career development, she has collected many impressive achievements: ✨ Full scholarship for 4 semesters in Dentistry – Hanoi Medical University. ✨ Health content creator – TikTok channel “Hấu Học Y” with 102k followers. ✨ Health Students Network Ambassador – NOHS under IFMSA Vietnam. ✨ Received an Unconditional Offer for Master of Health program at the University of Sydney (#18 Worldwide) – Sydney International Student Award. ✨ Media Coordinator – Health Equity Promotion Organisation (HADEUS Vietnam). ✨ Runner-up – Student of the Year Contest, Hanoi Medical University 2023. ✨ Champion of Northern Region and 2nd Place Nationwide – English Olympiad E4US 2019, SDGs topic. ✨ Principal’s Certificate of Merit for four consecutive years (2018–2021). ✨ Published in the Vietnamese Medical Journal (Vol. 526/5/1B/2023): “Clinical Features of Gingivitis in Patients with Braces at Hanoi Medical University Hospital in 2022.” ✨ Most Favourite Speaker – 5th China-ASEAN Excellent Young Dental Student Forum. ✨ Top 30 artwork featured in the Art for Impact: Beijing+30 exhibition, sia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review, Bangkok 2024 ? With this amazing list of achievements, her stories will surely not only touch your heart but also ignite your passion for the medical field. After over 6 years of learning and practising in Dentistry - from research skills to real clinical experience - she will bring a full set of tips and lessons that are essential for anyone dreaming of becoming a skilled and experienced doctor. 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
- 14:43Insight to Impact | Dr. Prashant Khankhoje | TEDxVIITIn his talk, Dr. Prashant Khankhoje makes big ideas easy to understand by showing how everything—our energy, our feelings, and the world we live in—is connected. He uses stories from Indian mythology, like the different avatars of Lord Vishnu and the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, to explain how old lessons can help us handle modern problems. He talks about innovative ideas, such as turning plastic waste into roads, and encourages us to solve problems by thinking differently—just like the creative thinkers from ancient stories. The main message is that qualities like clear thinking, strong leadership, and understanding our own emotions are more important than ever today. Dr. Khankhoje invites everyone to learn from mentors, believe in themselves, and take positive steps forward, so they can find clarity and make a real difference in their own lives and for others. Dr. Prashant Khankhoje is the Managing Director of A2Z Energies, with over 38 years of leadership in conventional and renewable energy. An ambassador for smart and efficient energy, he has spearheaded wind and solar projects across India and advises on ESG, sustainability, and climate change.A PCC–ICF certified Life & Business Transformation Coach, motivational speaker, and corporate trainer, Dr. Khankhoje empowers people and organizations to achieve lasting growth using globally proven coaching techniques. Recipient of numerous honors including Lifetime Achievement in Renewable Energy and Top 10 Promising Business Coaches 2023, he continues to inspire through his mission of harnessing energy, emotion, and ESG for a better future. 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