In this deeply personal and inspiring TEDx talk, Manav Parmar—spiritual storyteller and founder of Cocoon’s Library—takes us on a transformative journey from self-doubt to soulful purpose. Growing up introverted and unsure of himself, Manav didn’t follow a set path or five-year plan. Instead, his life was shaped by a series of uncertain steps, unanswered questions, and an inner curiosity that refused to die.Through the lens of vulnerability, Manav shares how asking “Who am I?” became the spark that led him to abandon societal expectations and discover his true voice. What began as a random act of curiosity—clicking photographs at a wedding—slowly turned into a path of spiritual storytelling, where he now retells India’s ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata in a way that resonates with today’s youth. His story is not about a perfect life—it’s about embracing the imperfect unknown. Manav reminds us that not having it all figured out is not a weakness, but an invitation to grow, connect, and create. This talk is a call to everyone who has ever felt lost or unheard: your path begins where the world’s script ends. Manav Parmar is the founder of Cocoon’s Library, a spiritual storytelling platform that brings India’s ancient wisdom to life through soulful narratives and engaging podcasts. As a passionate storyteller and podcast host, he shares the timeless teachings of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and tales of deities like Shiva, Krishna, Hanuman, and Devi in a way that resonates with today’s generation. Manav’s gift lies in simplifying deep spiritual truths into relatable life lessons, inspiring listeners of all ages to embrace values like empathy, courage, and inner peace. His work isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about spiritual reconnection, cultural revival, and healing through heritage. 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 heartfelt TEDx talk, Udayan Deshpande, co-founder of Marathi Connect, shares his powerful journey of transforming personal loneliness into a global movement of connection and community. When Udayan moved away from his home in Maharashtra to the bustling city of Bengaluru, he felt the deep ache of cultural disconnection—missing familiar foods, festivals, and, most of all, the Marathi language.What started as a simple chat between strangers speaking Marathi at a shopping mall blossomed into Marathi Connect, one of the fastest-growing global language communities today. With over 100 volunteers and 50,000+ members, Udayan’s initiative fosters a strong sense of belonging for Marathi speakers across cities and continents—especially those far from home.Through emotional stories, including how his community stood by him during a personal tragedy in the pandemic, Udayan illustrates how language is not just a means of communication—but a thread that ties hearts, builds purpose, and creates family beyond borders. This talk is a moving reminder of the power of community, culture, and compassion in an increasingly disconnected world. Udayan Deshpande is the Co-Founder of Marathi Connect, a “feel-good, do-good” non-profit initiative that’s rapidly becoming the world’s fastest-growing Marathi language community. A passionate community builder, he leads a dedicated team of 100+ volunteers and nurtures a vibrant network of over 10,000 members united by their love for Marathi language and culture. Through storytelling, cultural engagement, and purposeful connection, Udayan fosters a deep sense of belonging and pride among the global Marathi-speaking diaspora—proving that language is not just heritage, but a powerful force for unity and positive impact. 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