Comedy and performance can teach us how to be authentic in a world full of roles and expectations. In this talk, Anto Kriston shares his journey from theatre stages to stand-up comedy, blending humor with cultural insight. He shows how storytelling and performance help people connect with their truest selves. His message inspires audiences to embrace authenticity with humor, humility, and heart. Anto Kriston is a Kannada stand-up comic, micro social media influencer, and research scholar whose journey bridges academia, performance, and storytelling. A native of Mysore with an MA in Mass Communication and Journalism, Anto is currently pursuing a Ph.D. focused on the ethnographic study of Kannada stand-up comedy—an art form he passionately researches and performs. 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

Chinmay Ananda delivered a powerful talk that blended clarity with authenticity. Through engaging storytelling, he explained how focusing on meaningful processes rather than chasing outcomes can lead to sustainable success. His insights connected deeply with youth and professionals alike, inspiring reflection on priorities, behavior, and personal growth. With a practical yet human touch, his message left a lasting impact on the audience, encouraging them to redefine leadership and development from within. Chinmay Ananda is a financial educator, business storyteller, author, and speaker who has empowered over 12,000 business owners and professionals across four countries since 2014. Known for making finance engaging and relatable, Chinmay brings real-world experience shaped by his own entrepreneurial journey, including lessons from six failed ventures. 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 this thought-provoking talk, Gokul Raj explores the age-old question - is success the result of careful planning, or does it depend on luck and timing? Drawing from real-life experiences and practical insights, he dives into whether we can truly “script” our path to success, or if we must learn to adapt and rewrite our story along the way. This talk will leave you reflecting on your own journey and inspire you to take intentional steps toward the life you want to create. From radio waves to Instagram reels, Gokul Raj has mastered the art of storytelling, blending humor, nostalgia, and the essence of Malayali life. Starting as an RJ at Mathrubhumi Club FM and later a VJ on Surya Music (Ishtam Pole Pattu), he seamlessly transitioned into digital content creation. Now the content head at Eat Kochi Eat, Gokul has become a trailblazer in Malayalam digital media, known for his wit and relatable narratives. 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

Can following your passion really lead to a successful career? Sijo Chandran, Young Chef of the Year 2023 and Director of Operations at RCP Group, believes it can, if you’re willing to take risks, experiment, and keep asking “what if?” In this inspiring TEDxMACE talk, Sijo shares his journey from a curious kid in the kitchen to a culinary innovator, showing how passion, persistence, and a little creativity can turn dreams into reality. Some chefs measure ingredients. Chef Sijo Chandran measures possibilities. From his first spark of curiosity in a kitchen to becoming Young Chef of the Year 2023 and Director of Operations at RCP Group, Sijo has never just followed recipes-he's rewritten them, flipped them, and occasionally set them on fire (on purpose, of course). For him, food isn't just about taste-it's about asking what if?, mixing the unexpected, and serving up something unforgettable. At TEDXMACE, he's here to prove that the best flavours-and ideas-come from those bold enough to break the mold. 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 this captivating talk, art director Santhosh Raman delves into the power of stories, illusions, and the lies we choose to believe. Through the lens of art and creativity, he explores how beauty can shape perception, blur the lines between truth and fiction, and even comfort us when reality feels too harsh. This thought-provoking session challenges you to reflect on the narratives you accept and whether questioning them might change your world. Movies are more than just stories-they are experiences, worlds that pull us in and make us believe. And behind those worlds is someone like Santhosh Raman, a master of visual storytelling. An award-winning production designer and art director, Santhosh has worked on over 60 films, each one proving his ability to turn imagination into reality. From transforming a warehouse in Kochi into a war-torn Iraqi hospital for Take Off-a feat that won him the National Film Award for Best Production Design-to crafting the grand, immersive world of Malik, his work is proof that sets are not just backdrops; they are silent storytellers. Every film he touches feels alive because he believes in details-the worn-out pages of a book on a desk, the way sunlight filters through an old window, the chaotic perfection of a busy marketplace are all testament to his vision, proving once again that cinema is not just about what we see but what we feel. 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 this inspiring talk, actor Chinnu Chandni explores the challenges introverts face in a world that often celebrates extroversion. With warmth, honesty, and personal insights, she shares how introverts can embrace their strengths, thrive in social settings, and create space for authentic self-expression. This talk is a powerful reminder that introversion is not a weakness, it’s a different way of engaging with the world, one that holds its own unique brilliance. Chinnu Chandni is an Indian actor and artist & theatre practitioner who primarily works in Malayalam cinema. She started her film journey with 'Anuraga Karikin Vellam' and gained recognition through the critically acclaimed Thamaasha'. With a strong background in the arts, she holds an MPhil in Theater Arts and has undergone training in classical Indian dance and music. In a short span, she has garnered critical praise for her nuanced performances, prompting conversations around representation, body positivity and self-confidence. Furthermore, she has received numerous awards, challenging stereotypes along the way, and has featured in notable films like Bheemante Vazhi, Vishesham, Kaathal: The Core, Jackson Bazaar Youth, and Golam. 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