Matas Rimkus talks about the hidden filters that shape the way we see the world, think about problems, and make decisions. He explores how these mental filters determine our actions and, ultimately, who we are. Drawing on his journey and insights from neuroscience, Matas shows how relying on just one filter limits our potential, while learning to switch between multiple filters can unlock creativity, reveal new solutions, and transform the way we live. His talk challenges us to ask: what would change if we chose to see the world differently? Matas Rimkus is dedicated to helping people think clearly, solve problems effectively, and unlock their full potential through the power of mental models. His work sits at the intersection of mindfulness and productivity, blending rigorous research with practical tools to make growth not only attainable but sustainable. With a background in writing and software development, he brings a multifaceted approach to cultivating balance between discipline and joy. Matas believes that by deliberately slowing down in areas like work, art, writing, and creating, we can uncover deeper insights, enhance performance, and truly thrive. 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

Vinay Govind explored the transformative power of cinema and its ability to reshape perspectives. He began by referring to Sthanarthi Sreekutan, highlighting how cinema has always played a role in breaking stereotypes and redefining societal views. For him, being a cinephile means embracing not only mainstream narratives but also the world of experimental cinema. He emphasized that experimental films, like scientific experiments, have no right or wrong—if the audience enjoys them, they succeed.Addressing the complexity of filmmaking, Govind noted that cinema is not the work of one person but rather the outcome of many individuals collaborating around a single, often unconventional idea. Convincing people, navigating the production process, and building a believable world that moves audiences with emotion are all challenges that make cinema unique. Importantly, he stressed that an idea deserves investment—cinema cannot be reduced to a formula that guarantees results.The talk also reflected on milestone films in Mollywood, tracing how they reshaped the industry and inspired new generations of filmmakers. While technology, equipment, and workflow have evolved significantly, Mr. Govind emphasized that the core concepts must remain rooted in storytelling.He touched upon the impact of AI in recent times, acknowledging both its potential and its challenges. Yet, at the heart of his message was a simple truth: among us exist countless untold stories, and each of them carries the potential to be transformed into cinema.Through this talk, Vinay Govind reinforced that cinema is not just entertainment—it is a living, collaborative art form that dares to experiment, inspires change, and connects us through shared emotions. Vinay Govind, born in 1988 in Perinthalmanna, Kerala, is a vibrant voice in contemporary Malayalam cinema. A graduate in Visual Communications from Loyola College, Chennai, he began his creative journey in advertising and soon became an associate director to V.K. Prakash, contributing to acclaimed films like Beautiful, Trivandrum Lodge, and Gulumal. He made his directorial debut with Kili Poyi (2013), one of India’s rare stoner comedies—an instant youth cult classic. His follow-up, Kohinoor (2015), a retro-style heist comedy, delighted audiences with its nostalgic charm and memorable music. His most recent project, Get-Set Baby! (2025), explores modern social themes through heartfelt storytelling. Known for quirky, out-of-the-box narratives and meticulous scripting, Vinay also dabbles in writing lyrics and even lent his voice to a track in Kili Poyi. With a dynamic career spanning ad films and feature storytelling, he continues to push the boundaries of Malayalam cinema. 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

Sija Rose never planned to become an actor. It was her mother’s insistence on classical training—in dance, music, and writing—that gently nudged her toward the arts. Though she entered the film industry at a young age, she often felt adrift. Her career was growing, but she lacked mentorship, clarity, and a true sense of direction. One bold decision, made with hope, turned into a mistake that seemed to eclipse her achievements. She was judged, misunderstood, and came close to giving up. But then came the pause—Ma, the Japanese concept of breathing space—which allowed her to reset. She listened to her intuition, leaned on the unwavering support of family and friends, and chose to stay. No one had prepared her for the realities of this industry, and she had to learn its rhythms the hard way. Today, after 13 years, over 20 films, and fluency in five languages, she stands strong. She has fallen in love with cinema—not just the craft, but the transformation each role brings. Through art, she has found her identity, her confidence, and her purpose. Sijaa Rose is an actor who primarily works in the Malayalam film industry. She made her debut with the film Ustad Hotel, and has since delivered impactful performances in critically acclaimed movies like Annayum Rasoolum, Ennu Ninte Moideen, Roy, and Padakuthira. Her recent release Sumathi Valavu is also gaining attention. Sijaa has also made her mark in Tamil and Telugu cinema. In Tamil, she has starred alongside Vijay Sethupathi in Rekka and shared the screen with Vijay in Bhairava. She also played a powerful role in Udanpirappe, co-starring Jyothika. Her upcoming Tamil film is Singha, which also stars Kayal Chandran. In Telugu cinema, her recent debut film, the biopic Arjun Chakravarthy, is running successfully in theaters. Beyond acting, Sijaa has worked behind the scenes as an assistant director on the Malayalam film Mili and the Hindi film Traffic. She is a passionate classical dancer and performer, and her hobbies include creating coffee art paintings. 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

Saji Babu underscored four vital elements of his art: light, reflected light, shadow, and darkness. He pointed out that light is the sustainer of life, and darkness is the negation of life. He referred to shadows as a natural product of light and an intrinsic element of life, which has formative importance. In addition, he pointed out that reflected light has something to do with the information about the surface it contacts and thus is essential for cinema as well as human knowledge.He likened the camera to the darkroom, calling it a "chamber of darkness" that isolates the image from reflected light. Extrapolating the analogy to self-improvement, he challenged students to learn how to reflect light, for this operation changes one into a source of light oneself.Mr. Babu also enlightened us on the other side of darkness, perceiving it as a growth process. He provided the encouraging example of seed germination where a seed has to be in darkness first before it germinates and grows. This was a reminder that difficulties, isolation, and darkness tend to prepare people for something bigger.Mr. Saji Babu's TEDx speech was philosophical as well as artistic. By associating the technicalities of filmmaking with the path of human life, he motivated students to face challenges, spread optimism, and become a beacon of light for themselves and others. His speech created a deep impression among the audience members, and thus the entire activity became a memorable experience. Saji Babu is an acclaimed cinematographer with over a decade of experience, known for his ability to bring emotions to life through every frame. His notable work includes Joyful Mystery (Santhoshathinte Onnam Rahasyam), Kerala’s first single-take car movie, directed by Don Palathara and starring Rima Kallingal, Jitin Puthanchery, and Neeraja Rajendran. Recognized as a national mentor for Lumix, he combines technical mastery with artistic vision. Beyond filmmaking, Saji Babu is a dedicated academician and course designer in photography, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of visual storytellers. 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

Varun Unni, in his speech, expressed that music has always been a source of peace for him. He stated that listening to the same melody every day brings calmness, focus, and balance to the mind, and when the mind is calm, creativity flows naturally.He emphasized that originality is not something one finds outside, but something one builds within. According to him, it does not emerge instantly but comes from patience, persistence, and consistency. He added that when a person keeps showing up day after day, originality becomes their natural expression.Varun outlined three simple strategies to nurture originality. First, he advised cultivating inner silence, as the world is filled with external noise, but true wisdom comes from listening to the inner voice. Second, he stressed the importance of persistence, since originality is a long-term process that requires time, effort, and belief in oneself. Third, he encouraged facing fears, stating that once a person does the very thing they fear, the fear disappears.He also mentioned that before beginning his work, he spends time in meditation, as only when the mind is centered can creativity flow in its purest form.Reflecting on the present digital world where everything is available at one’s fingertips, Varun advised making AI a friend and not a master. He reminded that while technology can provide support, it should never replace originality, since the world values uniqueness over copy-paste versions.He acknowledged A.R. Rahman as his source of inspiration, noting that Rahman’s journey demonstrates how true originality is born from inner focus, dedication, and humility.Varun concluded his speech with a powerful message: to be oneself, remain original, never give up, and always listen to the inner voice, for it will guide one to where they truly belong. Varun Unni is a music director, singer, and producer with over 15 years in the industry. Known for versatility across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films, his viral hit Pathayorangale Bhoothakaalangale with 10M+ views cemented him as a bold new-generation talent. He debuted with Annum Innum Ennum and recently worked on Azadi in Malayalam, The Door in Tamil, and the Telugu film Kothapallilo, besides composing for Kannada cinema. A trained classical musician, he fuses rock, R&B, pop, jazz, and Indian classical styles. Beyond films, he has scored for brands like Samsung, Ooredoo, and Chemmanur, and won global awards for background score and sound design. In 2020, he launched Eighth Note, a digital channel reviving timeless classics, making him one of South India’s most engaging music voices today. 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 TED Talk by Dr. Swathy Narayanan is about “The Art of Portraying Life” reflected on the timeless essence of art, particularly through the medium of dance. The speaker emphasized that dance is more than choreography or costume; it is a living expression of memories, emotions, and feelings. The dancer’s body becomes an instrument through which art flows, turning the stage into a symphony of movement, sound, and life.A central idea in the talk was the beauty of asymmetry. Movements such as tribhangi in Indian classical dance demonstrate that imperfection and imbalance mirror the reality of human life. Just as life is full of mistakes and unpredictability, choreography too captures this truth, making dance both relatable and profound.The concept of abhinayam (expression) was highlighted as the soul of dance. Emotions exist everywhere, not just in performances, but also in daily gestures and conversations. For example, the simple bond between Krishna and Yashoda becomes extraordinary when conveyed through dance, showing how ordinary emotions can be elevated into artistic experiences.The speaker noted that true art begins after the performance ends. The silence of music, the presence of a character, or the emotions carried by the audience linger far longer than the show itself. Art, therefore, is not confined to the stage but endures as memory, inspiration, and healing.Rooted in classical traditions with instruments like the veena, flute, mridangam, and violin, dance becomes a dialogue between sound and body. Especially in Kuchipudi, where graceful bends and curves embody tribhangi, dance reveals its uniqueness.Ultimately, art is not just performed but remembered—an infinite flow that transcends performance and time. Dr. Swathy Narayanan is a Kuchipudi dancer, educator, and Ayurvedic physician. Trained under Smt. Anupama Mohan and Dr. Chinta Ravi Balakrishna, she holds diplomas from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University and a Master’s in Kuchipudi from Krishna University. Founder of Mudra School of Classical Dance in Thrissur and Ernakulam, she has performed on over a thousand stages across India, including festivals like Yakshagana Mahotsav, Brihan Natyanjali, Chilanka, and Nila Festival, and performed during the 150th anniversary of India’s First War of Independence. An empanelled ICCR and Doordarshan artist and SPIC MACAY performer, she has received awards including the Naveen Kalakaar Award and Natya Jyothi Puraskaram, and has acted in films including Su…Su…Sudhi Vathmeekam. 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