Berty Ashley, in his unique style, elaborates how humanity’s mastery over fire sparked curiosity and progress. He traces how that inquisitive spark fuels scientific and creative leaps across history, hinting at pivotal moments that reshaped thinking while keeping their full stories for the stage. The talk invites listeners to stay childlike, connect the unconnected, and make room for wonder. Berty Ashley is a molecular geneticist, quizmaster, and science communicator whose life’s work revolves around igniting curiosity. At the Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART), Bangalore, he is part of the pioneering team designing and synthesizing personalized genetic therapies for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Beyond the lab, Berty has a unique ability to blend science with storytelling, turning complex ideas into sparks of wonder. He is the creator of First Principle Labs, an initiative that uses music, movement, books, and games to make young minds fall in love with learning. A passionate musician and quizmaster, he believes knowledge should never feel distant — it should feel like play. Through his journey, Berty shows how a single spark of curiosity can light fires of discovery, empathy, and hope in classrooms, communities, and beyond. 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 talk, sustainability leaders Ida Pernille Hatlebrekke and Brita Staal explore The Paradox of Hope, a deeply personal and thought-provoking reflection on what it means to remain hopeful in the face of climate crisis and uncertainty.Drawing on their experience in climate strategy, leadership, and social innovation, they ask one of today’s most profound questions: Is this still a world we should bring children into? Through science, philosophy, and lived experience, they invite us to rediscover a more grounded, active form of hope - one that inspires responsibility, action, and connection.Watch to explore how hope itself can become a catalyst for change. Ida Pernille Hatlebrekke is a sustainability leader with over a decade of experience in climate strategy, circular economy, and responsible business transformation. As Director of Sustainability at Møller Mobility Group, she integrates environmental and ethical responsibility into core business practices. Ida’s work spans from board positions in green-tech ventures to initiating industry guidelines against greenwashing. She’s passionate about bridging systemic change with human values, advocating for a future where sustainability is both a strategic choice and a moral duty.At TEDxFredrikstad, Ida will join Brita Staal to explore The Paradox of Hope. Asking whether this is still a world we should decisively bring children into, and how hope can be rebuilt through science, philosophy, and honest reflection.Brita Staal is a climate strategist, impact investor, and systems thinker who has shaped sustainability strategies across sectors. She has led climate-risk initiatives, founded Protect Our Winters Europe, and driven innovation through the Exponential Roadmap Initiative. Whether advising EU research programs or local adaptation projects, Brita works at the intersection of mitigation, resilience, and regeneration. She believes in hope as a deliberate act and in the power of science-based collaboration for a livable future.At TEDxFredrikstad, Brita will join Ida Pernille Hatlebrekke in The Paradox of Hope, an exploration of how philosophy, science, and systems thinking can help us choose hope - even in the face of uncertainty. 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

Why do we cry for characters that don’t even exist?From the trembling hand of an animator to the flicker of emotion on a cartoon’s face, this talk reveals the invisible art that makes drawings feel alive.In this emotional and deeply human talk, animator Bintang Rizky Utama takes us behind the scenes of the animated worlds we love from Pixar’s subtle gestures to Studio Ghibli’s quiet magic.Through personal stories, film references, and reflections from his 12 year journey in animation, he explores how empathy and observation bring life to even the simplest drawings. Bintang Rizky Utama, a high school graduate who became a professional 3D character animator in 2014, is known for some of your favorite cartoons like Adit, Sopo & Jarwo, Kiko, Nussa and recently JUMBO (the No. 1 Indonesian animated movie of all time in ASEAN). He is also interested in filmmaking. In 2015, he directed a short film (Indonesia Muda), which was nominated for Best Editing and Best Film at the BCA Short Film Festival. He believes animation helps us become more empathetic by learning how things work physically and psychologically to tell believable stories. When he was four, he enthusiastically asked his dad how cartoons were made. His dad’s response became one of Bintang’s core memories and has impacted his career to this day. Bintang’s TEDx Talk encourages individuals interested in animation not only to move things but also to understand life because EVERY GESTURE MATTERS. 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

Abishek Ravichandran shares how his defensive style of play and consistent effort helped him reach India’s No. 1 ranking in U21 and win bronze in 2010, while also acing one of the toughest competitive exams in the country. Inspired by the theory of marginal gains, the talk proposes that a loftier goal can be achieved by making many small, incremental improvements across different areas, rather than relying on one or two major changes. In this approach, the speaker focuses on constant, small-scale progress that accumulates over time to create a significant overall transformation, leading to substantial success. Abishek Ravichandran is a former Indian Table Tennis player and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist. His defensive style was a rarity among the offensive players of his generation. He quickly became India’s U21 No. 1, consistently ranking in the national top 5. Key milestones include a South Asian Junior Tournament victory, a memorable win over World No. 12 at the World Championships, and playing a pivotal role in India’s bronze medal win at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. In his early 20s, Abishek pivoted from sports to pursue Chartered Accountancy (CA), declining a high-paying PSU job. After completing his CA and a corporate stint, his passion for the game fueled a brief 2015 comeback, which included competing professionally in Sweden. Today, Abishek merges his athletic and financial expertise to focus on financial management for athletes. His journey highlights the balance between a sporting career and practical decisions, shaped by an enduring love for Table Tennis. 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

From poverty to public service, Lesley Meenaghan has lived a life defined not by circumstance but by courage. She invites us to rethink what it means to come from “the wrong side of the tracks” and to celebrate the power of resilience. Lesley Meenaghan shares her journey of growing up in poverty and rejecting the low expectations that came with it. Her talk challenges the stigma and shame often attached to disadvantaged communities and calls for a shift in how society sees children and adults from these backgrounds. Rather than being defined by limitation, they should be recognised for their resilience and strength. This talk invites us to encourage visibility, embrace different paths, and support those who have “turned left” in life.Lesley spent ten years proudly serving her country in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force before returning home to continue her public service as a Hampshire police officer. After 23 years in policing, the last 15 as the Town Sergeant, Lesley retired from uniformed service but not from serving her community. Today, she continues her commitment to public service as a councillor, championing safer, stronger, and more connected communities. 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