At TEDxBasant Nagar, in the spirit of Amritsar Reimagined, Advit Sethi brings a fresh perspective to the Punjabi ethos of Chardī Kalā— not just as relentless optimism, but as a transformative journey rooted in resilience, reflection, and growth.Through powerful stories—from the trauma of Partition to the floods, from communal strife to personal losses—he paints how Punjabis have persevered, but also how they have paused, learned, and rebuilt. Drawing from his own heritage in the Nirankari community, he shows how unwavering faith can face death threats and injustice, yet still find hope and action.Advit argues that true transformation comes when we pause instead of simply continuing, when we reflect on our mistakes instead of burying them, and when we commit to rebuilding ourselves better than we were yesterday. He envisions an Amritsar where dignity replaces desperation, where travel is not a trial, where people stand strong—not broken—by the values of compassion, courage, and renewal.Join Advit for a talk on how Chardī Kalā can evolve from survival to dignity, from reaction to intentional progress—and how each of us can be architects of a reimagined future. Advit Sethi, an A Levels student and Student Body President at Invictus International School, stands out for his academic excellence and vision of leadership rooted in service and heritage. Growing up in Amritsar, he embraced the principle of seva—that fulfillment comes from serving others—which guides his work in heritage preservation. Collaborating with Thathera artisans, he has curated brand identities and designed modern utensils to keep this centuries-old craft alive, blending tradition with contemporary design. His passion also extends to food, especially Amritsar’s flavors, which he sees as cultural bridges across generations. Beyond culture, Advit is deeply interested in economics and finance, exploring how markets, policy, and innovation create opportunities and sustainable futures. Grounded in tradition and driven by ideas, he represents Amritsar’s next generation, reminding us that reimagining the future begins with honoring our roots. 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