Dr. Yeravdekar shared how her father’s welcoming spirit inspired the foundation of Symbiosis, an institution aimed at supporting foreign students who once faced discrimination. She also highlighted Symbiosis’ ongoing commitment to social responsibility through scholarships, freeships, and initiatives promoting girls’ education. Dr. Vidya holds a Post Graduate Degree in Medicine, a Degree in Law and Ph.D. in 'Internationalisation of Higher Education in India’. Having presented papers at various National & International Conferences, she has numerous research publications to her credit and has also authored several books. Ranked No.14 amongst India’s top 25 Powerful Women, Dr. Vidya has been instrumental in bringing in innovative approaches to promote internationalisation of higher education in India. 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

Singer Nikita Gandhi reflects on her unexpected journey from dentistry to music, showing how every ending sparks reinvention. She reveals why nurturing the child within—curious, playful, unafraid of mistakes—is the key to embracing change, staying creative, and continuously evolving through life’s shifting plans. Nikhita Gandhi is a versatile singer and performer, known for her soulful voice and impactful presence across genres, from Bollywood hits to independent music, captivating audiences with every note. She has given a number of super-hit tracks like Qaafirana and Raabta. 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 South Asian culture, people are constantly worried about their public perception and acceptance into society. Anaya Sheikh discusses her experience growing up in a family with two members who have Tourette syndrome. She addresses the societal stigma and her work to educate others. This talk is the story of acceptance and resilience. Anaya Sheikh is a senior pursuing majors in Psychology and Global Studies. She plans to attend a Master's in Public Health program starting in the fall to continue her passion for service and advocacy to dismantle health inequities. 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

AI isn’t here to replace us - it’s here to elevate us. But in this moment of digital transformation, we face a choice: do we want to survive, or do we want to thrive? In this TEDx talk, we explore how technology, especially artificial intelligence, can be a force for opportunity, not just efficiency. From expanding access to wealth to creating new pathways for success regardless of where you're born, this is a call to shape the future before it shapes us.Intro audio: Chillout by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Chinyere Inya is an Afrofuturist and innovation strategist passionate about bridging Africa with its global diaspora. She is a Partner at Future Africa, a venture capital firm funding early-stage African founders solving the continent’s biggest challenges. As COO, she leads Accelerate Africa, the firm’s flagship 10-week accelerator program. With a strong background in tech delivery and product management, she has worked at top firms like IBM (Bluewolf), Ernst & Young, and JP Morgan Chase, driving global impact through technology transformation. Chinyere leverages this expertise to advise and invest in promising African startups. She also shares insights on her blog and YouTube channel, Living in the Gray, which explores identity, innovation, and the future of work. She holds a Bachelor's in Business Management with a minor in Psychology from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master’s in Finance from Georgetown University. 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 psychology, fear is seen as a big, dramatic force that causes us to act. Although quick action can save lives, fear is also used authoritatively to control populations, or by businesses to persuade customers. But is fear an effective emotion? This talk highlights research on the emotions that grab our attention and remain in our memories long term. Akshada Subramaniyan is a freshman at UNC Chapel Hill with a passion for neuroscience, medicine, and sustainability. She has explored neural networks, brain stimulation, and climate solutions — focusing on how these fields can address real-world challenges. Her focus on studying how emotions drive decision-making and helping novel brain stimulation research at UNC is driven by a commitment to broaden the impact of scientific research, making it accessible and relevant to diverse communities. Beyond academics, Akshada is a passionate dancer who has traveled internationally to perform at various stages. She sees dance as more than just an art form — it is a powerful tool for advocacy and storytelling. Whether she’s analyzing data, choreographing, or reading, she’s always seeking ways to connect her passions and create meaningful 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

Joseph Overton said, "Ideas become policy only after moving from unthinkable notions to becoming popular ideas." In this talk, Casey Buisson discusses their work in psychology where shifting perspectives shape change and create new possibilities. Casey Buisson is an MSW student at UNC-Chapel Hill on the Community, Management, and Policy Practice track. They are in the one-year advanced standing program, moving to Chapel Hill just two weeks after graduating from the University of Alabama with a BSW. Grad school keeps Casey busy as an ambassador for the UNC School of Social Work, research assistant with the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force, and intern at the LGBTQ Center of Durham. After graduation, Casey hopes to use this MSW education to promote LGBTQ+ rights in the Deep South through the intersection of policy and community organizing. 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