In this heartfelt talk, Dr. Pushpinder Walia, principal, teacher, and academic leader with over two decades of experience, reflects on the missing link between higher education and real-world empathy. Through anecdotes from her work with students, from visiting old-age homes to disaster relief initiatives, she shows why community engagement must be an essential part of education.Drawing from literature, personal experiences, and cultural wisdom, Dr. Walia urges us to rethink the role of colleges and universities—not as degree factories but as places where young people learn gratitude, empathy, and the courage to make a difference. She reminds us that true education is measured not by grades and titles, but by the lives we touch and the compassion we practice. Dr. Pushpinder Walia is the Principal of BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar — consistently ranked among India’s leading women’s colleges by NAAC. She holds a Doctorate in Literature from Guru Nanak Dev University and is a recipient of the Mahatma Hans Raj Award (2024) for her outstanding contributions to education and community development. A scholar of culture, history, and gender studies, Dr. Walia has presented her research at prestigious platforms including Oxford, Cambridge, Germany, Hungary, and Austria. Her leadership combines academic excellence with initiatives that empower women, making her a trailblazer in education and social impact. 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 today’s hyper-connected digital age, every click, scroll, and download leaves behind a trail of data that can be exploited, traded, or even weaponized against us. Through real-life stories of students who fell victim to invisible digital traps, this talk unveils the hidden side of apps, data brokers, and AI-driven profiling that quietly shapes our opportunities, decisions, and even our identities. From hacked accounts and cloned identities to manipulated ads and social media footprints that cost people jobs, the risks are both real and immediate. But this isn’t just a warning—it’s a guide. Packed with practical strategies on safeguarding devices, limiting app permissions, securing digital footprints, and staying ahead of AI-driven risks, this talk empowers you to take control of your digital life. Because in the end, your data is more valuable than diamonds—and protecting it means protecting your future. Driving the future of secure digital transformation, Ms. Preity Gupta serves as an Independent Director, Global Security Board Advisor at EC-Council, Executive Board Member at Bharatiya Vitta Salahkar Samiti and Enterprise AI Security Architect and Advisor at Wipro. With over two decades of expertise in multi-cloud security, AI governance, and risk optimization, she advises global boards and C-suites on cyber security strategy, compliance, and cost efficiency across Azure, AWS, Oracle, and GCP environments. She worked with Accenture, HCL, Wipro and led high-impact security programs. As the founder of Preity Gupta SecureBiz, she pioneers the Secure First Business revolution—empowering organizations to reduce risk while driving operational excellence. Preity is also a bestselling author (Cost Savvy Secure Cloud), Speaker at many Global forums and a 2024 recipient of the International Icon, Powerful Women, and Aspiring CXO Awards. 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

A literatura infantojuvenil costuma ser vista como um refúgio para temas leves e histórias fantásticas. Mas e se ela pudesse ser também um espaço para a realidade, a dor e a ancestralidade? Teresa Cárdenas cresceu em uma Cuba de forte herança africana, mas nunca se viu nos livros que lia: princesas de cabelos loiros e castelos medievais. Esse vazio de representatividade se tornou sua missão como autora. Nesta palestra, ela compartilha como a literatura infantojuvenil pode ser um espelho para crianças e jovens negros, refletindo suas vidas, suas famílias e suas culturas. Abordando temas como racismo e escravidão de forma franca e honesta, Teresa defende que a literatura precisa ser um portal para a realidade, não um refúgio da mesma. Teresa Cárdenas Angulo é narradora, poetisa, atriz, contadora de histórias e assistente social, membro da União de Escritores e Artistas de Cuba. Indicada ao Prêmio Astrid Lindgren Memorial (2023 e 2024) e vencedora do Prêmio Casa de las Américas e do Prêmio da Crítica Literária (duas vezes), é considerada uma das vozes mais relevantes da literatura infantil e juvenil cubana. No Brasil, tem mais de sete livros publicados — alguns selecionados pelo PNLD e pelo programa Minha Biblioteca —, entre eles Cartas a minha mãe, Cachorro Velho, Mãe Sereia, Awon Baba, Memória de Mim e Meu avô Tatanene. Sua obra Cartas ao Céu foi escolhida pelo Ministério da Educação da Suécia como uma das 25 melhores novelas juvenis do ano 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 path to peace doesn’t begin in a war room, but in a forest? In this deeply personal and provocative talk, former intelligence analyst Graseilah Coolidge challenges conventional diplomacy and reveals how nature immersion can dissolve division, heal emotional wounds, and spark a new path toward peace. Through powerful storytelling and her groundbreaking framework—Nature Diplomacy—she offers a bold solution to one of humanity’s oldest struggles: conflict. " Graseilah is a former intelligence analyst turned visionary entrepreneur, dedicated to redefining peacebuilding through the lens of Nature Diplomacy. With a master’s in Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and International Conflict Resolution, her life journey took her to conflict-affected regions around the world. But it was in the stillness of ancient forests that she discovered a deeper path to reconciliation—one that begins within.As the founder of Epic Gatherings, she curates transformative forest immersions and retreats that foster healing, connection, and collaborative leadership. Graseilah believes peace is not only negotiated in political chambers but cultivated through embodied experiences in nature. Her work bridges global policy insight with the wisdom of the land, offering a grounded, human-centered approach to diplomacy and social change. 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

Um bilhão de pessoas no mundo vivem com transtornos mentais, mas apenas uma pequena fração delas busca ajuda. Por quê? Não é apenas por causa do estigma. Nesta palestra, Sofia do Prado discute um fenômeno sutil e perigoso: o mascaramento da saúde mental.  Com base em sua própria experiência e em dados alarmantes, ela explora os motivos por trás desse comportamento e as sérias consequências que ele acarreta, tanto físicas quanto emocionais. Uma conversa franca e direta sobre como a busca por ajuda pode ser um ato de coragem e sobre a importância de entender como reconhecer os sinais, criar um espaço de acolhimento e ajudar aqueles que precisam, mesmo quando não conseguem pedir. Sofia do Prado é estudante da Escola Parque 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 your child’s future was determined not by their brilliance or determination, but by their zip code? In this talk, Jillyan McKinney exposes the hidden barriers that lock millions of students out of opportunity and shares powerful stories of what happens when inclusion and belonging open the door instead. With heartfelt urgency and practical insight, she calls for transformative action, reminding us that when every child is seen, valued, and supported, our entire society benefits Jillyan McKinney is an educational leader with over 20 years of experience advancing equity and inclusion across K-12 public education systems. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Inclusive Practices and Integrated Systems at the Sacramento County Office of Education, where she leads initiatives that foster inclusive learning environments and promote academic and social-emotional success for all students, particularly those with disabilities and students from underserved and under-resourced communities.Whether serving as a Senior Director for the Equity and Wellness Institute, piloting an Ethnic Studies program, or facilitating global education initiatives in Ghana, Jillyan brings a unique blend of visionary leadership and practical expertise to the transformative work of systems change. Her mission is simple but powerful: to build spaces where every story is valued, voice is heard, and equity is standard. 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

Como podemos educar crianças e jovens para um futuro incerto e complexo com um modelo de ensino do século passado? Nesta palestra, a educadora e bióloga Nina Arouca critica a escola tradicional, focada em conhecimentos acadêmicos e desconectada da realidade. Ela propõe um novo caminho: trazer as inteligências ancestrais para o centro do processo de aprendizagem. Explorando a riqueza da biodiversidade brasileira e o saber de povos tradicionais, ela demonstra como a educação pode ir além da sala de aula para criar pontes, promover a conexão com a natureza e formar cidadãos responsáveis capazes de transformar o mundo. Nina Arouca é bióloga é bióloga, permacultora e educadora socioambiental. Há 20 anos trabalha com projetos socioambientais de impacto positivo em ONGs, empresas, escolas, comunidades e aldeias. Há 12 anos atua como coordenadora de sustentabilidade da Escola Parque, no Rio de Janeiro. Atualmente também coordena as ações de reflorestamento com povos indígenas da Aliança Reflorestar da Amazônia e o projeto Plantando Saúde, pela Redes da Maré, além de plantar por onde passa, nas florestas, escolas, favelas e praças. 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. Thimappa Hegde, a senior consultant neurosurgeon, challenges the conventional definition of success and encourages redefining personal goals. With over 42 years of experience in neurosurgery, he emphasizes that health, family, and relationships are often sacrificed in the pursuit of wealth and power. The talk outlines a framework for a fulfilling life, which includes living in the present moment, continuously learning, giving and receiving love, and leaving a legacy of contribution. He shares the wisdom of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who said that a dream is not what you see while sleeping, but what keeps you from sleeping. Lifestyle community Dr. Thimappa Hegde is a distinguished neurosurgeon, and is presently working as the Director of Narayana Institute of Neurosciences, Bangalore. He finished his neurosurgery residency from National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore. He continued as a faculty at Department of Neurosurgery, NIMHANS till 2003, where he was instrumental in starting Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. In 2004 he founded the Narayana Institute of Neurosciences which has now become one of the finest centres for Neurology and Neurosurgery service with an excellent training program. Dr. Thimappa was recognized by the Lions Club, Bengaluru, as an 'Outstanding Citizen' and visited USA & Canada on a special exchange program from the Rotary International. He was invited by the Vatican to speak at an International Meeting at the Vatican City and had a special audience with the POPE His Holiness John Paul II. With his keen interest in spirituality and overall personality development, Dr. Hegde has scaled new heights, despite having a very busy neurosurgical practice. 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 technology gave us everything we wanted—yet left us with nothing to live for? This talk explores the hidden cost of AI-driven automation: the quiet erosion of purpose, meaning, and struggle. Blending science, philosophy, and real-world stories, it reveals why comfort without effort may be humanity’s most dangerous trap. Nik Popgeorgiev is a network engineer, college educator, and writer who explores the quiet tension between technological progress and human meaning. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Folsom, California, he teaches future engineers how to build the systems that shape our world—while quietly asking what kind of world we’re building. His fascination with artificial intelligence runs alongside a deeper question: how do we preserve purpose, creativity, and selfhood in a world increasingly run by machines? With over two decades in the tech industry, Nik brings both technical expertise and reflective insight to his work. In the winter, he works as a ski instructor in the Sierra, where movement, focus, and nature offer a different kind of clarity. He lives with his two children, finding joy in books, sports, long conversations, and the occasional existential crisis. 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

Você já se perguntou o que a arte realmente significa para a juventude de hoje? Criada em uma escola focada em artes e em uma família de artistas, Maria percebeu cedo o privilégio que tinha. Nesta palestra, ela reflete sobre o distanciamento da juventude em relação às manifestações artísticas e defende a urgência de uma reconexão, mostrando como a arte, da periferia aos museus, é fundamental para o pensamento crítico, a imaginação e a esperança de um mundo mais justo. Maria Simões é estudante da Escola Parque e se dedica a explorar diferentes expressões artísticas 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