In a rapidly changing world where straight paths are rare, this talk explores how to thrive amid twists and turns. Using the jungle gym as a metaphor for modern careers and industries, the speaker highlights the shift from linear progress to nonlinear journeys shaped by risk-taking, technology, and the fast-shrinking half-life of skills.Through stories and insights, the talk introduces the CORE framework — Curiosity, Openness, Resilience, and Experimentation — as a compass to stay grounded and adaptable in an unpredictable world. Devashish Belsare is the Associate Director at India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC), where he contributes to shaping innovative financial solutions. An MBA from Symbiosis, he has extensive experience in risk management, financial strategy, and data-driven decision-making. His professional journey reflects a strong balance of analytical expertise and forward-thinking innovation within the financial services sector. Known for his ability to bridge strategy with practical execution, Devashish has established himself as a dynamic leader in the evolving mortgage and risk management landscape. His career highlights the importance of vision, adaptability, and a commitment to creating value in India’s financial ecosystem. 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

Paula Herlo is the voice of courage for an entire nation. For over 25 years, she’s brought Romania’s toughest stories to light through “România, Te Iubesc!” - giving a voice to those unheard and offering hope where it seemed impossible. Her dedication to truth and impact has inspired millions every Sunday - and even earned Romania its first Emmy Award for News in 2008 with the powerful campaign “Do You Know What Your Child Is Doing Now?” But Paula’s courage doesn’t stop at storytelling.Through campaigns like “There’s Life in Our Blood” and “I Want Parents Too”, she helped change lives — from creating the National Registry of Unrelated Donors to reforming the Adoption Law.Her mission continues: exposing the struggles of a broken healthcare system in “Stay Healthy, Romania!” and giving a voice to lonely elderly people in “Do You Know What Your Parents Are Doing Now?” Paula Herlo isn’t just reporting stories, she’s changing them. 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 Rooted in Tomorrow, Sumanth D. S. takes us on a journey where the plough meets the pixel — where age-old farming wisdom embraces the precision of modern technology.He begins with a verse from the Atharvaveda: “The Earth is my mother, and I am her son.” With this timeless reminder, he reflects on the growing vulnerabilities of agriculture — the unpredictable rains, the shrinking resources, the tired soil, and the resilient pests that threaten our future.Yet amid this uncertainty, Sumanth finds hope — not just in machines and data, but in the union of insight and innovation.He shows how technology is stepping into the farmer’s hands as a shield of resilience.The talk celebrates a powerful idea — that the future of farming lies not in choosing between the old and the new, but in weaving them together. As an ancient Sanskrit verse reminds us, “When ancient wisdom unites with the new, it sparks a flame of thought for the welfare of the world.”This is not just a story of agriculture — it is a story of revival, balance, and belief. A story of how India’s roots are reaching forward, nurturing tomorrow. Dhandu Surya Sumanth, with 21 years of multi-industry experience, leads the ₹700+ crore Government Business Unit at Kshema General Insurance. A founding member and board director in fintech and insurance firms, including OMDC, he has driven innovation and disruption in India’s largest insurance scheme, setting industry benchmarks and overseeing 600+ professionals nationwide. 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

Mrs. Guru Kanaka Sudhakar, a revered classical dancer and educator, explores how traditional Indian dance can become a pathway to emotional healing and self-awareness. Drawing from her decades of experience in Bharatanatyam and her research in dance therapy, she demonstrates how rhythm, posture, and expression transcend performance to touch the human psyche. In this talk, she shares how movement, mindfulness, and ancient wisdom combine to restore balance, empower individuals, and reconnect body, mind, and spirit, transforming dance into a form of holistic therapy accessible to all. Dr. Guru Smt. Kanaka Sudhakar is a senior Bharatanatyam artiste and director of Nrityabharati. She has developed around 155 semi-classical pieces. A dedicated researcher, Dr. Kanaka Sudhakar has explored the therapeutic values of Indian classical dance on the mind and body. She has received the national Guru Dronacharya award from the Government of India. 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

Dr. Kerkar shared his personal journey from being a well-established doctor to an artist. He then explained the true essence of art, emphasizing that we are humans because we make art. He then explained how art proves to be the very foundation of civilization. By comparing art to the Advaita philosophy, he elucidated how both Art and Advaita philosophy hold the power to break down divisions like those caused by caste, gender, or religion. He concludes his talk by saying that AI can never really replace humans in the field of art because it can mimic, not feel. True art is born out of intuition and emotion, a quality unique to humans. He advised the audience to break societal expectations and pursue that which truly makes them happy. Subodh Kerkar is a qualified medical professional who gave up medicine to pursue the arts in 1990. He is the founding director of the Museum of Goa (MOG), which is one of the largest privately owned contemporary art spaces in India. His art practice includes installations, sculptures, multimedia works, performances, paintings, and drawings. His works are heavily washed by the ocean and are commentaries on social, political, and religious issues. 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

Yogesh Shinde, through his talk, explains his journey as the founder of Bamboo India, a Pune-based social enterprise that transforms everyday plastic products into eco-friendly bamboo alternatives. After leaving a successful corporate career in Europe and banking at Barclays, he dedicated himself to empowering rural farmers and artisans while reducing plastic waste. Through Bamboo India, he explained his aim to shift perceptions of bamboo from the “poor man’s timber” to a smart, sustainable material for the future. Through his talk, he illustrated how one simple idea can spark large-scale change, which blends innovation, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility to create a greener planet. Yogesh Shinde, the founder of Bamboo India, has made a significant impact in sustainability and social entrepreneurship. His company has replaced over 16.5 lakh kg of plastic waste with eco-friendly bamboo products. Bamboo India exports to seven countries and offers innovative products like bamboo toothbrushes, earbuds, and combs. He envisions replacing at least one billion plastic products with bamboo alternatives by 2030. 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