What if your thoughts weren’t just passing feelings, but building blocks — shaping your brain, your identity, and your future? In this deeply moving and insightful talk, 15-year-old aspiring neurologist Varunika V explores the brain’s forgotten superpower: its ability to rewire itself through thought. Sharing a personal story of failure, recovery, and revelation, she reveals how mental loops, emotional spirals, and invisible scripts shape how we see ourselves — and how we can break free. From Mandela’s forgiveness to modern neuroscience, this talk is a call to rethink how we treat our minds — not as machines, but as architecture we build every day, brick by brick, thought by thought. Varunika V is a 14-year-old student with a strong interest in technology, space science, and sustainability. She holds a world record for creating the first micro forest with robots at Anna University and has been recognized at various national-level events, including IIT Madras and IIT Bombay competitions. She is a member of the Inspire Youth Journal, where she serves as an honorary ambassador and writer. Fluent in five languages, she actively takes part in debates, workshops, and public speaking events.Varunika is also part of her school’s Startup Society and received the Bronze Award in The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. She served as the Minister of Opposition in the Young Indians Parliament and continues to take part in initiatives that build leadership and critical thinking. She aims to work on projects that bring positive change through science 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

In this immersive and thought-provoking talk, we explore how technology is no longer just a tool we use—but a system we become. From phantom vibrations and algorithm-shaped emotions to auto-completed instincts and evolving digital languages, our relationship with tech is reshaping the human experience. Drawing on philosophy, neuroscience, AI, and lived experience, this talk examines how emotion is being monetized, instincts outsourced, and language transformed. Are we losing something human—or redefining what it means to be one? This is not just about machines. It’s about us, becoming something more—something beyond the mind we thought we knew. Rafath Fathima works as a Presales Engineer at Zoho, where she helps bridge the gap between technology and people. An engineer by profession and a communicator by passion, she has been active in public speaking from a young age ,earning two state-level awards and recognition across multiple speaking forums. Inquisitive by nature, Rafath finds joy in asking questions, exploring ideas, and learning continuously. She is also a passionate writer who believes in the power of words to reflect, connect, and provoke thought. She finds solace in sketching ,a quiet space where ideas take shape through lines and colors. She values clarity, connection, and lifelong learning and carries those values into every conversation, creation, and challenge she takes on. 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

Anesthesiologists are often called the "silent pilots" of the operating room — guiding patients through their most vulnerable moments. In this eye-opening talk, a critical care doctor shares what it truly means to protect life when it's most fragile. From working in cutting-edge hospitals to resource-limited clinics, he explores how anesthesia is evolving with the rise of AI, genetics, and portable technologies. This talk is a powerful call to rethink how we view anesthesiology — not just as a support specialty, but as a driving force reshaping the future of medicine. Dr. Sumaiya Tahseen is an associate professor of anesthesiology at Panimalar Medical College and Research Institute. With extensive experience in both critical care and anesthesia, she has worked in a wide range of clinical environments—from advanced hospitals to low-resource settings—delivering care in some of the most fragile moments of human life. Her work reflects a deep commitment to patient safety, access to quality care, and the evolving role of anesthesiologists in modern medicine. She is particularly interested in how artificial intelligence, portable medical technologies, and genetics are shaping the future of anesthesia. Through her teaching, clinical practice, and ongoing exploration of innovation in healthcare, Dr. Sumaiya is dedicated to expanding awareness and redefining how critical care and anesthesia are understood and delivered across diverse populations. 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

Discover how agricultural waste can replace wood to create high-performance, eco-friendly building materials. Learn how innovations like Indowud prevent deforestation, reduce air pollution from stubble burning, and support a circular economy—delivering sustainable solutions for people, planet, and profit. Priyanka Kucheria, a qualified Company Secretary and Director at Indowud NFC, is transforming the building materials industry with eco-innovative leadership. Under her guidance, Indowud has pioneered termite-proof, recyclable wood panels made from agricultural waste like rice husk, offering a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to traditional plywood. Headquartered in Chennai, this forward-thinking MSME has gained global recognition, with its products now present across the GCC, USA, UK, and several other countries. Indowud addresses critical challenges like deforestation, air pollution, and carbon emissions, while also creating value for local farmers.With a bold vision for a greener future, Priyanka continues to lead Indowud NFC in redefining industry standards and championing climate-positive construction solutions on a global stage. 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 powerful and deeply personal talk, Dr. Sridevi Arunachalam shares her journey from being an underestimated young woman to building organizations that empower thousands across borders. From facing rejection and silence to founding global institutions that support students, startups, and changemakers, she reveals how setbacks can be turned into stepping stones. This is not just a story of success — it's a call to break barriers, speak up, and use your voice to create space for others to rise. Because sometimes, your silence isn’t weakness — it’s your spark.Dr. Sridevi Arunachalam is an entrepreneur and education professional involved in multiple organizations. She is the Founder and Managing Director of IIEC, offering overseas education and career guidance services. She also serves as Founding Chairman and President of the Indo-UAE Economic Chamber of Commerce and is the Regional Director for the Korean Universities Admission Centre (KUAC) in India. She leads Canwon International, a branding agency for educational institutions, and is a director at Millions More International. She advises startups through Vel Tech TBI and St. Peter’s Incubation Centre. Dr. Sridevi has received awards including the Priyadarshini Award, Asia Book of Records recognition, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Dream Trust. 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

Jubal Raffety's speech Jubal Raffety is a thought leader in organizational learning and development, specializing in experiential knowledge transfer as a catalyst for transformation. As the author of The Disembedding Process and The Conscious Expertise Workbook, he explores how individuals and organizations can uncover, articulate, and transfer deep experiential knowledge in ways that drive results and innovation. Jubal currently lives in South Florida, is married, and is the father of two sons. For fun, he is working on an academic research project on “Evidence-Based Human Resource Development.” He also enjoys traveling and gardening. 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