Leadership is not reserved for titles it begins with responsibility. In this talk, Mr Sampath highlights how ordinary citizens can step up as civic leaders by addressing community needs, fostering collaboration, and driving social change. With courage, empathy, and vision, everyday people have the power to transform societies, proving that extraordinary leadership often starts with simple acts of civic engagement. Sampath Ramanujam’s journey from the corridors of technology to the heart of local governance is a powerful testament to the impact of civic engagement. A former techie who found his true calling in public service, Sampath’s transformation was sparked by his participation in the B.PAC Civic Leadership Incubator Program (B. CLIP)—a platform that nurtures changemakers committed to solving urban issues from the ground up. Inspired by the power of grassroots leadership, Sampath entered the political arena not as a career politician, but as a citizen determined to bridge the gap between policy and people. 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

Fr. Dr. Thomas M. J. shares powerful insights on why compassion is the foundation of education, leadership, and personal growth. Drawing on decades of academic and pastoral experience, he emphasizes how nurturing both the mind and spirit can transform students, educators, and society at large. His talk explores values-based learning, character building, and inclusive growth, inspiring a more compassionate and conscious world. Rev. Fr. Dr. Thomas M. J is the dynamic and forward-thinking Principal of ST PAULS COLLEGE, known for his transformative leadership in higher education and his unwavering commitment to holistic student development. With a distinguished academic background and decades of experience in education and pastoral care, he has successfully bridged the realms of scholarship, ethics, and innovation. 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 key to saving the planet starts with something as small as a hoodie? Jason Zhang explores how the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) aren’t distant ambitions but practical goals woven into our daily lives. Through his story, we can learn how even the smallest actions can create waves of impact that ripple far beyond what we imagine. Jason Zhang is the president and founder of the Whale Done Initiative SDG Club, where he leads a team of over 20 peers to drive sustainability through action. He has spearheaded six eco-projects, collaborated with local NGOs, delivered more than 10 speeches, and managed a public platform to raise awareness. Committed to inspiring students and communities, Jason emphasizes the power of small individual decisions to create a collective impact for a greener future. 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

Visual storytelling is an ancient art form, our ancestors looked at the stars and saw bears and hunters. That’s what filmmaking is, it’s telling a story in pictures. Last year, 82% of internet traffic was video. Let’s examine why that matters for business, for organizations, for you & me. Eric Hunsaker is a filmmaker specializing in content strategy and audience development. He not only creates compelling projects but also ensures they reach the audiences who will be most impacted. Without formal film school training, Eric built his career by working on sets with top directors, actors, and creative teams. His first job in film involved cleaning the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., for the famous Forrest Gump scene where Tom Hanks meets Jennie. He later transitioned into producing and directing, discovering the emotional power of real people sharing their stories through documentary filmmaking. Today, he leads a production company in Northern Virginia that focuses on short-form, documentary-style films for organizations, associations, and businesses looking to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling. 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 a simple nasal swab could reveal how pollution is impacting my brain in real time? In this talk, I share how I’ve been exploring the use of RNA data to uncover early signs of bodily inflammation caused by immediate environmental exposure. I’ll take you through my journey of building a tool that combines gene expression with real-time air quality data, helping people understand the hidden health costs of pollution. And I’ll explain why I believe the future of public health might begin at the molecular level and what we, as a society, can do to save ourselves and our planet. Saanvi Uppalapati is a rising high school senior from Virginia with a passion for ethical AI, environmental health, and innovation. She has conducted research on sustainable machine learning, presented at national science fairs and energy conferences, and is currently building tools to connect pollution exposure to brain health using RNA data. Outside of school, she loves baking, playing the flute, and photography, as well as volunteering at nonprofit organizations that motivate young girls to pursue computer science. 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

The world is a place of constant change. For me, staying relevant has never been about just keeping up it’s about choosing how I grow. In this talk, I’ll share how cultivating learning as a lifelong habit has helped me navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. It’s created a steady rhythm within the noise of constant motion. A rhythm that grounds me and shapes who I become. Jason Balser is a technology leader who has spent his career helping organizations solve complex problems and orchestrate meaningful change. He believes that asking the right questions is more powerful than having all the answers and that the best solutions are often the simplest ones. 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