Picture an ancient wall, whispering stories of a thousand years, standing firm amidst the rush of modern life. Is this merely a relic, or is it a vital piece of our collective identity?Join Gurmeet Sangha Rai, as she invites you on a journey where heritage isn't just preserved—it's reanimated. From uncovering exquisite, hidden wall paintings in rural temples to transforming the Red Fort in Delhi into a vibrant socio-cultural space, she reveals how a constant dialogue between the past and present is the key to creating a sustainable, inclusive future. Discover the powerful realization that "to conserve is to heal" and witness, through her UNESCO Award-winning project in Amritsar, the true validation of conservation. Gurmeet Rai is a distinguished Conservation Architect, heritage management specialist, Perma culturist, and educationist, serving as the director of CRCI India Pvt Ltd, a leader in heritage conservation and management since 1996. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked with organizations like UNESCO, ADB, and the World Bank, along with various government bodies, on cultural and natural heritage projects.Notable projects include heritage management plans for historic cities like Amritsar, Puri, and Sigiriya, as well as world heritage sites such as the Red Fort and the Golden Temple. Her work highlights the interconnectedness of heritage conservation, climate action, and sustainable development. 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

Imagine a world where healthcare is not just one-size-fits-all but tailored specifically to you. That’s the hope of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, where this tool can be used to propel us towards personalized care. Neuroscientist MacKenzie Bolen will discuss the use of AI at the frontier of biomedical research and how AI can improve patient outcomes. She will also address the healthy skepticism surrounding AI in medicine, helping us understand the potential and the concerns of the use of AI in medicine and how the future of healthcare is being reshaped before our eyes! Mack began pursuing her curiosity in research related to the brain as an undergraduate at Austin College. She conducted work in Dr. Renee Countryman’s lab, which evolved into an honors thesis and culminated in her 2020 TEDx talk on sports-related brain injuries. Mack then pursued a Ph.D. in neuroscience at the University of Florida (UF), where she defended her dissertation on biomarkers that exist outside of the brain as a consequence of neurodegenerative disease. In addition to her scholarly work, Mack regularly volunteered at the UF Neuromedicine Intensive Care Unit and served on the Intensive Critical Care Medical Artificial Intelligence board. After completing her Ph.D. training in May 2025, she was accepted as a Postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences at Stanford University. Now at Stanford, Mack is working on biomarkers that indicate neurodegenerative risk early in life, via the gut-brain axis. 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 this inspiring talk, Suriya Banu shares her decade-long journey of self-expression through the world of cosplay. From watching anime during a time when it was still niche in India to transforming that fascination into a vibrant form of art, Suriya explores how cosplay became more than just dressing up and how it became a way to understand herself, build confidence, and connect with a community that celebrates creativity and individuality. Her story reveals how embodying fictional characters can empower real people to embrace who they truly are and express themselves without fear. Suriya highlights the transformative power of creative expression and how art, in any form, can lead to self-discovery. Suriya Banu is an avid gamer, cosplayer and anime nerd from chennai. She has been cosplaying over 10 years and has been an active member in the chennai anime community. Apart from being a cosplayer she has been engaged in the esports industry as a part of Skyesports, India. Her love for video games influences her cosplays heavily. She has won Pheonix Gaming Xpo 2018, been a cosplay judge for Gamer Connect Chennai 2019 and Pop-culture Hiroshima Qualifiers 2020. She has also worked along side brands as a cosplay representative including Pheonix Gaming and Anime Xpo 2019, Redbull Campus clutch 2022 and spear-headed the Artist walk, Chennai 2022. 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 this talk, Dirish Mohan explores the science behind the psychology of public speaking. He breaks down the psychology of stage fear, imposter syndrome, and the need for authentic human expression. Along with Maslow’s theory, real stories, and practical insights, he reveals how courage, self-awareness, and repetition can silence fear and restore confidence. This talk reminds us that while machines may process words, only humans can connect through emotion and story. Dirish Mohan is recognized as one of India’s leading Public Speaking Coaches, helping CEOs, CFOs, VPs, and Startup Founders “Own The Stage” through his flagship course of the same name. With 19 years in public speaking and 18 years in the corporate sector, he currently serves as Senior Vice President, Land & Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield, with prior roles at ICICI Bank and JLL.A professional speaker, coach, and storyteller, Dirish was part of LinkedIn’s inaugural Creator Accelerator Program (2022), selected for his expertise in public speaking and storytelling. He is also a writer, business development expert in structuring joint ventures, and co-founder of Banjara Toastmasters, established in 2009 to mentor aspiring speakers. 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 the myths we grew up hearing were not just stories, but timeless lessons on how to live, lead, and understand change? In this enriching talk, Tarun Bhargava invites the audience to explore the intersection of history and mythology that defines the Indian way of seeing the past. Drawing from the Mangal Kavyas of Bengal, Mughal chronicles, and enduring folk traditions, he shows how ideas born centuries ago still hold wisdom for the present day. Tarun connects age-old narratives with modern life, offering a perspective that blends curiosity, intellect, and reflection. His talk reminds us that the past is not a closed chapter but a living source of advice, meaning, and identity. Tarun Bhargava is the Creator, Researcher, and Writer behind Dastaan by Tarun (YouTube: Dastaan History) and Soch Vichaar on Substack, where he brings history to life through engaging storytelling. Before turning to content creation, he spent over eight years in the tech industry, serving as Tech Lead at JioHotstar and Software Development Engineer III at Meesho, where he was the first developer hired to build their iOS app and team. He began his career at JioSaavn and now combines his technical expertise with a passion for storytelling to make history insightful and accessible. 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

An ocean of opportunities stay hidden in creases of paper. Join Origami artist Himanshu Agarwal as he breathes life into stillness, with nothing but his hands and his heart. Taking us through his life's path, he reveals the soul of origami: an art form not of perfection, but of patience and transformation. Each precise fold is a choice, each crease a memory, creating a story of resilience and beauty, with works ranging from mere inches to massive meters. Witness a quiet miracle and truly feel the potential focus and intention holds, as the most extraordinary possibilities can emerge from the simplest of beginnings. Himanshu Agrawal has been a dedicated Origami practitioner since 1989. He is renowned for his mastery of both intricate pieces and monumental installations, having set five records for large-scale Origami, including a 105 ft dinosaur. His bespoke paper sculptures and art installations have been featured globally at prestigious venues like the Sharjah Art Museum and the National Art Gallery Singapore. He also utilizes paper art for brand storytelling, partnering with major clients like Google, Hermes, and Lexus. Based in Mumbai, he is passionate about teaching and sharing the art of paper folding with enthusiasts worldwide. 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