In this insightful TEDx talk at NITKSurathkal, IAS Officer Tirumani Sri Pooja, a distinguished alumna of our institution, takes us on a powerful journey through her life. She reflects on her highs and lows, right turns and missteps, victories and setbacks, revealing how luck is not some mere chance but the reward of perseverance.She pushes back against the idea that luck is some magical gift. Instead, she shows how what looks like luck is really just hard work paying off. Sharing stories from her own life, she proves that every 'lucky break' actually comes from staying persistent, being prepared, and putting in the work when no one's watching.A memorable moment in her talk is the wave analogy a striking metaphor for life’s ups and downs. She explains that during the crest (good fortune), one must harness its momentum with humility, while in the trough (adversity), it is not despair but strategy, patience, and lessons from elders that pave the way forward. She also speaks of her father’s inspiring journey being the first in his village to graduate and pursue post-graduation which became the foundation of her own drive and ambition. In conclusion, her message is clear and empowering: “Luck always favors those who work hard, stay prepared, and don’t give up even when the tide is low.”An NITK Surathkal alumna and a 2021 UPSC Civil Services Examination topper with an incredible AIR 62, Sri Pooja chose Anthropology as her optional subject. Her journey from the halls of NITK to cracking one of the toughest exams in the country is a story of determination, resilience, and passion for public service. As she returns to her alma mater, join us to hear her inspiring tale of how her time at NITK shaped her path to becoming a civil servant. 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 TEDx talk, Reem Eshaal shares a deeply personal journey of transformation — from being a talkative, expressive child often told to “stay quiet,” to becoming a confident young speaker who proudly owns her voice. With honesty, emotion, and humor, she reflects on how society’s labels made her feel “too much,” and how that led her to shrink herself and avoid the very platforms she once loved.But through the encouragement of a teacher and her own determination, Reem found the courage to reclaim her space, face her fears, and rediscover the power of her voice. Her story isn’t just about public speaking — it’s about self-worth, identity, and the courage to rise above criticism.Reem invites her audience to look within and ask: Have you ever been made to feel small for being yourself? Her message is a powerful reminder that no one needs permission to be heard — and that the very thing people once criticized you for might just become your greatest strength. Through her words, Reem hopes to ignite confidence in every listener who’s ever been told they were “too much.” A driven 9th-grade student and President of the Peace Gavel Club, Reem Eshaal is a public speaking champion and tech talk winner. Her journey from nervous beginnings to global stages includes being a Semifinalist in the ORMA Speech Contest 2024, Contest Master of the Kerala Championship of Public Speaking, and Semifinalist at Kerala and National levels. She earned 1st Runner-Up in the International Speech Contest (CYGC) and excelled in tech forums as a two-time Tech Talk Champion at the Global Indian Digital Fest, 1st Runner-Up at the International Digital Fest, and 3rd Prize winner at the World Digital Fest Summit. Reem's mission is to empower others to find and use their voice boldly. 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 personal talk, filmmaker Iman Zawahry explores how distorted portrayals of Muslims—especially Muslim women—have shaped public perception and identity, drawing from her own experiences growing up in the Deep South with little to no authentic media representation. She unpacks the legacy of Orientalism in film and media, and how it has fueled stereotypes that persist today, while highlighting the importance of empowering Muslim storytellers to reclaim their narratives. Through humor, heart, and her groundbreaking film Americanish, Zawahry shows that authentic, joyful, and diverse stories can challenge systemic misrepresentation and inspire real change. Iman Zawahry is one of the first hijabi American-Muslim filmmakers in the nation. She has worked on numerous films that have played at over 150 venues worldwide. She’s an Emmy award winner, Princess Grace Award recipient, a Lincoln Center Artist Academy Fellow, Sundance Momentum Fellow, Sundance Universal Fellow and was a part of the Warner Brothers Directing Program. She is also the co-creator of the first American Muslim film grant with Islamic Scholarship Fund where she currently serves as Director of Film Programs. Her debut film, Americanish, has won twenty six awards, including best director and best film and has been distributed worldwide by Sony International Pictures. Iman is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Florida, where she was honored with the Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2024 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

Esta charla celebra la autenticidad y la profundidad que habita en los gestos más simples de la vida diaria. A través de una mirada sensible, nos invita a valorar lo cotidiano como un espacio de encuentro, humanidad y belleza. Compartir lo que somos —sin adornos, sin filtros— puede ser un acto transformador, capaz de tejer vínculos genuinos en un mundo que a menudo pasa por alto lo esencial. Contador Público y comunicador 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

No one has to be lonely... Antariksh Gupta has a deep fascination with the cosmos and a lifelong curiosity about how our universe came to be. He’s especially drawn to new theories about the formation of the stars and space. When he’s not exploring the mysteries of the universe, Antariksh enjoys listening to Coldplay, honing his flying skills on a simulator, and playing both the bass clarinet and double bass. 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

How to overcome the 'bandwagon effect'... Reagan is a dedicated athlete and student who strives to balance academic growth with personal development. He actively participates in school events, including inter-school swimming and mathematics competitions. Since March 2025, Reagan has also taken part in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Challenge, reflecting his passion for making a positive impact. Committed to uplifting others and leading by example, Reagan aims to inspire those around him. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports with friends and exploring his creative side through music and drawing. 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