Hridank Garodia talks about uncovering the hidden power of the overlooked, showing how microalgae, bacteria, fungi, and viruses once dismissed as useless can offer solutions to global challenges. Hridank Garodia, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student at DAIS, is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a constant urge to ask “why?” That spirit fuels his passion for scientific research and creative problem-solving. Whether exploring concepts in the lab or chasing golf balls on the fairway, he thrives on discipline, focus, and resilience. Golf has taught him patience and balance, while science has taught him to see connections across disciplines and turn ambitious ideas into practical solutions. Known for blending analytical rigor with imagination, Hridank sees challenges as opportunities to innovate. Beyond academics, he values humor, humility, and the ability to learn from setbacks. As he looks ahead, he hopes to use science and innovation to solve real-world problems that matter, applying knowledge not just for discovery’s sake, but for impact. For Hridank, curiosity is not a destination but a way of life, one that fuels his journey to understand, create, and contribute. 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
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