Is Humor the Antidote to Hate? | Falah Faisal | TEDxBangalore
What happens when you create India's first Muslim superhero whose catchphrase is "Jai Shree Allah"?In this experimental conversation format moderated by Sahana Srikanth, Falah Faisal, creator of the comic series Musalman, reveals how humor can be more powerful than hatred in healing a polarized society, while seamlessly switching between his role as comic creator and embodying Musalman the superhero, who also joined the stage.Growing up in an India where neighbors shared biryani on Eid and burst crackers together on Diwali, Falah witnessed the slow disappearance of the multicultural fabric that once defined the country. Through his irreverent comics, he fights back, not with violence, but with wit, creating a superhero who is "equally offensive to everybody" while challenging every stereotype about faith, identity, and belonging.Discover how this unconventional creator uses "gonzo journalism" through comics to capture the essence of modern India and why he believes fiction can show us the way forward.This isn't just a story about comics, it's a masterclass in using creativity as activism and laughter as resistance. Falah Faisal is an Indian writer, comedian, and filmmaker known for creating Musalman, India's first Muslim superhero, and Falahdeen, a modern twist on the Aladdin story . His work blends satire, cultural commentary, and personal storytelling to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. 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
- 9:06The Taboo of Loss: Having Conversations About Grief | Rishi Kolluri | TEDxEmerald Campus YouthIn his TEDx talk, “The Taboo of Loss: Having Conversations About Grief,” Rishi sheds light on why grief remains such a complex topic to discuss and explores how we can turn uncomfortable conversations into moments for connection. Through powerful personal stories of loss, he illustrates how silence can deepen pain and how simple acts of presence, listening, and empathy can transform the way we support one another through grief. Rishi is in the class of 2026 at Dublin Jerome High School. He is passionate about entrepreneurship, technology, and creating meaningful community impact through service and leadership. As the president of his school’s entrepreneurship club and a student leader for a nonprofit, he blends creativity with action, contributing to initiatives that inspire others to lead and serve. With a strong interest in business and technology, Rishi is driven by a vision to launch innovative solutions that address real-world problems. He hopes to spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and lead with purpose in everything he does. 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
- 14:05Conquer Fear, Take Control:Dr. Tanu Jain on Breaking Mental Barriers | DR. Tanu Jain | TEDxAKGECDr. Tanu Jain is a multifaceted personality: the Founder of Tathastu ICS, an Ex-Bureaucrat, Author, and a captivating speaker. Initially a dentist, she transitioned to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), securing an All India Rank of 648 in 2014. After serving for over seven years, driven by her passion for teaching, she resigned to dedicate herself to guiding UPSC aspirants. Dr. Jain established Tathastu ICS, a coaching institute, where she mentors and supports students, drawing from her own experiences and insights. She is also a motivational speaker, known for her engaging and practical advice, and has authored books related to UPSC preparation and other topics. Her journey from medicine to civil service and education showcases her resilience, dedication, and commitment to empowering others.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 Dr. Tanu Jain is a dentist-turned-civil servant who cleared the Civil Services Examination in 2014 and served 7.5 years in the Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQ) as an Assistant Director at DRDO. With expertise in Philosophy and Ethics, she is the Founder & Director of Tathastu Institute of Civil Services (TathastuICS), where she mentors UPSC aspirants and offers academic programs like BA, MA, and MBA. Known for her mock interview sessions and motivational talks, she has also authored two books for Civil Services preparation. Passionate about social advancement, she strives to shape individuals of strong character, dedicated to their families, society, and the nation. 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
- 9:44Dismantling polarization with one radical leadership practice | James Trapp | TEDxCherryCreekHSHow do we lead when every room is divided? In this compelling talk, former attorney and spiritual CEO James Trapp shares a radical leadership practice that can dissolve polarization and unlock breakthrough solutions - without changing anyone’s mind. Drawing from personal trials, scientific research, and timeless wisdom, Trapp reveals how one shift in how we listen can transform conflict into creativity. From Princeton to the courtroom to the pulpit, James Trapp has bridged divides across law, leadership, and spirituality. A former attorney and global spiritual CEO, he now helps people connect across difference through one powerful tool: the practice of deep, open-hearted dialogue. 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
- 7:29The small habit that transforms school safety | Beth Sanborn | TEDxCherryCreekHSWhen Beth Sanborn became a School Resource Officer, she thought her years of policing and protecting would speak for themselves. But on her first day in the high school hallway, two students holding Starbucks cups raised their hands and said, “Hands up, don’t shoot!”, a moment that shook her to her core. In that instant, Beth realized the badge on her chest didn’t automatically mean trust. It meant she had work to do. In this talk, Beth shares how one School Resource Officer’s interaction with two teenage girls transformed the way she approached policing in schools. Through storytelling and research-backed strategies, she reveals how small, intentional actions—like learning students’ names, engaging them in real conversations, and showing up as a human first—can dismantle barriers and build powerful, lasting relationships. Beth challenges educators, police, and anyone working with youth to rethink how they connect with students. Her call to action is simple yet profound: learn three students’ names tomorrow. Because when kids feel seen, heard, and valued, schools become safer, more connected communities. This is a talk about School Resource Officers build trust, show humanity, and how policing, done with passion, can change lives. Dr. Beth J. Sanborn, retired School Resource Officer & Juvenile Detective, is the Montgomery County (PA) School Safety Coordinator. She oversees 400+ schools, serves on PASRO’s board, teaches for NASRO, authors books on school safety, and speaks nationwide on youth trends. 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
- 7:56How can AI Reorchestrate DevOps? | Avinash Kumar | TEDxHimalayan International School YouthIn this inspiring TEDx talk, discover how AI is transforming the chaotic world of DevOps into a symphony of innovation. Through a personal story of late-night server crashes, learn how AI-powered chatbots streamline workflows, reduce errors, and empower teams to focus on creativity over firefighting. Explore the power of ChatOps, the human impact of simplified technology, and a practical roadmap to start small with AI in any field. Join us to see how AI can turn complexity into clarity and inspire a smarter future! Avinash Kumar is an alumnus of BITS Pilani, IIT, IIM, and IIIT-Delhi, a TEDx speaker, and a prominent voice in AI, DevOps, Cloud Computing, and Emerging Technologies. He currently serves as Vice President at MSCI, Mumbai, and has delivered talks at several global conferences, inspiring aspiring professionals across the IT industry. A dedicated mentor, he has guided many freshers in launching successful software engineering careers. Avinash is pursuing a PhD in Agentic AI from IIT Patna, where his research focuses on developing an operating system powered by Agentic AI. He is highly skilled in Java, Python, AI, Machine Learning, and software system design. 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
- 19:54From Followers to Leaders | Madhavan Gunalan | TEDxHimalayan International School YouthIn this inspiring TEDx talk, Madhavan Gunalan—Leadership Coach, Author, and Automotive Industry Leader—shares a powerful perspective that challenges everything we’ve been taught about leadership.Leadership is not about titles, positions, or the number of followers you command. True leadership is about how many leaders you create. Through personal stories, real-world examples, and timeless lessons from history, Madhavan shows how shifting from authority to empowerment transforms teams, organizations, and society at large. Madhavan Gunalan is a senior leader in the global automotive industry with over 23 years of experience specializing in infotainment systems, vehicle connectivity, and semiconductor product development. He has led high-impact programs across geographies, working with global OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to drive innovation and digital transformation in future mobility.Renowned for his strategic thinking and cross-functional leadership, Madhavan has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of in-vehicle technology—from embedded platforms to connected ecosystems. His deep industry expertise spans the entire product lifecycle, from concept to launch, delivering solutions that define next-generation automotive experiences.In addition to his corporate journey, Madhavan is the author of the book “Financial Freedom”, where he shares practical frameworks to help individuals take control of their finances. 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