Impermanence of Pain and Suffering | Rajni Basumutary | TEDxIITGuwahati
What happens when your life is defined by a cycle of pain and violence? Growing up in a conflict-ridden Assam, a filmmaker and actor faced a reality where trauma was a daily occurrence and hope felt like a luxury. In this powerful and deeply personal talk, Rajni shares the immense losses her family endured and the wisdom she gained from it. By embracing the idea that even the deepest pain is impermanent, she found a way to navigate her reality. Just as the resilient Emu outlasted a war waged against it, she learned that the key to survival is not to fight the past but to move forward and focus on building a future.
This talk is an inspiring reminder that while we may not be able to control the pain that comes our way, we can choose how we respond to it. It’s an invitation to see beyond the suffering and to find strength in the belief that just like everything else in life, pain is impermanent. Rajni Basumatary is a scriptwriter, director, actor and producer. Hailing from Assam, she strongly believes that culture and creativity can engender social change in communities. She debuted as a director in 2014 with "Raag, the Rhythm of Love", and her 2019 film, “Jwlwi - The Seed” won her several awards such as the Assam State Film Awards for Best Actor (Female), Best Film in Other Language category and Best Film in other than Assamese language from Prag Cine Awards among many others. She has acted in a few highly successful and acclaimed films, including Mary Kom (2014) and the Netflix series "Rana Naidu” (2023). Her third directorial film, "WILD SWANS'' (Gorai Phakhri) had its World Premiere at Vancouver International Film Festival ’23. 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
- 17:23Standout: Beyond the Obvious | Kizito Okpebholo | TEDxUniversityOfBeninIf you have the purpose, passion, and determination, you'll get to where you want to be. Kizito Okpebholo is a seasoned financial services executive with nearly two decades of experience spanning commercial and investment banking, capital markets, and the public sector. His career is distinguished by a proven track record in business development, credit underwriting, loan management, and operational risk—particularly in business continuity and IT disaster recovery. He also possesses deep expertise in Third Party Risk Management (TPRM), as well as project and program management.Kizito has held leadership roles in globally recognized institutions, including Zenith Bank and Morgan Stanley, where he served as Vice President. His public sector experience spans two continents—having worked with the Government of Ontario, Canada—and currently serving as Special Adviser to the Governor of Edo State on Finance, Investments, and Revenue Generation. In addition, he is the State Portfolio Focal Person for World Bank–financed programs in Edo State. 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
- 15:59Redefining Health by Standing Out | Osahon Enabulele | TEDxUniversityOfBeninTo stand out in the health sector is to challenge convention, lead with purpose, and restore humanity to the system from within. Dr. Osahon Enabulele (a.k.a The Lion Killer) is the Director General of the Dr Osahon Enabulele Foundation, a distinguished Chief Hospital Consultant Family Physician, and a former member of the Governing Council and Disciplinary Tribunal of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. He is a strategic thinker, Health Activist, Civil Rights Activist, profound leader, mentor, and researcher, with over three decades of experience in medicine and medical leadership. He holds a Master’s degree in Health Planning and Management and the Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians. He serves as a Postgraduate Examiner with the Faculty of Family Medicine, West African College of Physicians, and has supervised numerous postgraduate dissertations, as well as trained and mentored medical professionals across Nigeria and beyond. 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
- 6:19Student and Athlete: You can be both! | Thanapa (Jayda) Chumpolkoolvong | TEDxSJC School BangkokJayda is a Grade 11 student thinking about her future. She is also a top-class figure skater who represents Thailand at the National Level. Jayda explores why you don't have to choose between being a student and an athlete. Jayda is an 11th-grade SJC student and a talented figure skater representing Thailand.She will speak on the topic of, Student and Athlete: Why You Don’t Have to Choose. 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
- 8:27Why we need neuroscience at school | Roshan Amurthur | TEDxWoodcreek HSWhat if understanding your brain could be a form of mental self-defense?This talk reveals how teaching neuroscience can help students master their emotions, attention, and mental health. From how stress reshapes the prefrontal cortex to how social media exploits dopamine, this talk exposes the hidden neuroscience behind modern life and argues that brain literacy should be as essential as math or reading. Because once you understand your brain, no one can ever take that power away Roshan Amurthur is a neuroscience researcher committed to making brain science accessible to all. His work bridges the latest advances in neuroscience with education. He is particularly interested in the ways that understanding the function of the human nervous system can advance our social progress as a species. 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
- 16:42Building a Truly Healthy Lifestyle | Vijay Sohni | TEDxNMIMSIndoreIn this insightful and practical talk, the speaker explores the “path less travelled” — the journey toward a genuinely healthy lifestyle. Highlighting four key pillars—sleep, diet, exercise, and a stress-free mind—he explains how modern habits often invert our priorities, leading to fatigue, illness, and imbalance. Through relatable examples and scientific insights, he urges the audience to rest well, eat mindfully, move regularly, and live calmly—because true fitness begins with balance, not extremes. Beyond his distinguished career in public service, Mr. Vijay Sohni is an accomplished international marathon runner and a proud Comrades Marathon finisher. He has been instrumental in organizing the Indore Marathon, inspiring thousands to take up fitness. As a coach and mentor, he champions running, cycling, and holistic well-being in the community. Today, he brings with him not just his professional insights, but also the endurance and spirit of a true athlete. 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
- 9:04An Unexpected Journey Tracing Molecular Oxygen | Michael Pacold, MD, PhD | TEDxNYU Langone HealthMichael Pacold describes a fundamental discovery arising from a 300-year-old question that revealed unexpected insights into a rare pediatric neurological disesase. Michael Pacold, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at NYU Langone Health. 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