Resilience and Growth in Life’s Journey | Ruhaanika Dhawan | TEDxATLAS University
This talk traces the inspiring journey of a child actress who began her career at age three with advertisements and TV shows like Ye Hai Mohabbatein, eventually working alongside stars like Amitabh Bachchan and gaining global recognition. She shares lessons from facing rejections and nepotism, emphasizing resilience, learning from failures, and staying motivated by the hunger to grow. Crediting her supportive family, she encourages acting on ideas no matter how small, showing how they can lead to unexpected success. The session concludes with the insight that life’s story thrives on overcoming hardships and turning challenges into opportunities. Ruhaanika Dhawan is an Indian television actress best known for her role as Ruhi Bhalla in the popular TV serial “Yeh Hai Mohabbatein” on Star Plus. Born on 25 September 2007 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, she began her acting career at a very young age and quickly became a household name with her charming screen presence and natural acting skills.
She has also appeared in Bollywood films, including “Jai Ho” (2014) alongside Salman Khan and “Ghayal Once Again” (2016) opposite Sunny Deol, showcasing her versatility as a child actor.
Over the years, Ruhaanika has earned widespread recognition, including the Indian Telly Award for Most Popular Child Actress. Apart from acting, she is passionate about studies, dance, and enjoys an active social media presence, where she shares glimpses of her personal and professional life.
Ruhaanika continues to balance her education with her acting career and is admired for her talent, humility, and dedication at such a young age. 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
More from TED
- 12:12Rage-bait: More Heat, Less Light | Arfeen Mulla | TEDxKodaikanal International School YouthEver clicked on a post just because it made you angry? That wasn’t a mistake, that was rage-bait, a weapon to profit off our distraction, and define our future, without us even noticing. Arfeen Mulla is a 16-year-old junior student at Kodaikanal International School. A jack of all trades, she especially enjoys debating on a wide range of topics. She is an avid writer for Youth Ki Awaaz and a passionate filmmaker, serving as the President of the Kodi Film Club, where she explores storytelling through short films in her free time. 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
- 8:28How Our Homeland Shapes Our Dreams | Yahya Al Batta | TEDxKodaikanal International School YouthGaza, my homeland, has defined who I am, my dreams for myself, and my dream for the world. Gaza is the unconquerable soul of the Palestinian identity. Gaza has taught me the value and meaning of life. Gaza has made me resilient. My journey from evacuation to Kodaikanal made me grow up in ways I couldn’t imagine, and also exposed me to the world beyond Gaza for the very first time in my life. Yahya AlBatta is a 17-year-old Palestinian student from Gaza. After evacuating from Gaza to Egypt due to the ongoing terrible genocide in his country, he received a scholarship to continue his education at Kodaikanal International School in India a year later. He is now studying the IB Diploma Program. He is passionate about medicine and dream of becoming a doctor, so that he can one day serve his people and help rebuild Gaza. 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
- 17:06The Problem with Indian Indentity | Bisalila Lydia Seren | TEDxKodaikanal International School YouthMy talk explores how the idea of a singular Indian identity often overlooks the country’s vast diversity, leaving communities like the Nagas feeling alienated within their own nation. By examining this tension, I highlight how forcing sameness harms both the marginalized and the mainstream, and why embracing multiple, coexisting identities is key to a more inclusive India. Bisalila Lydia Seren is a 17-year-old student and senior at Kodaikanal International School. She serves as the Secretary of the KIS Student Council, is a Co-Founder of the Debate Club, and a member of the National Honor Society (NHS). Alongside her leadership roles, she enjoys writing and painting, which reflect her creativity and passion for self-expression. 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
- 8:47Why EQ matters more than IQ | Ivanka Shira | TEDxKodaikanal International School Youth"Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions—both our own and other's. Unlike IQ, which measures knowledge and logic, EQ shapes empathy, kindness, and relationships, making it important for success, resilience, and human connection in today’s world. " Ivanka Dalbot Shira is an 18-year-old senior student at Kodaikanal International School. She serves as the Vice President of the KIS Student Council and is the Captain of the Volleyball Team, reflecting her leadership both on and off the court. 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
- 14:21Why I want to be an NPC | Hasini Koduri | TEDxKodaikanal International School Youth"It’s the idea that being an **NPC (non-playable character)** can feel more freeing than being the main character—less pressure, fewer expectations, and the comfort of simplicity. Instead of chasing constant spotlight and plot twists, an NPC embraces stability, routine, and the quiet joy of supporting roles in life. " Hasini Koduri is a 17-year-old senior at Kodaikanal International School. She is the Co-Founder of the Debate Club at KIS and has written two research papers on environmental law, showcasing her passion for critical thinking and advocacy. In her free time, Hasini enjoys journaling and reading, which inspire her curiosity and love for learning. 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
- 23:39The Algorithm Never Sleeps, Neither Do I | Andreas Prasetya Putra | TEDxTSMThis talk gives a real and honest look at what it’s like to be a content creator trying to keep up with an algorithm that never sleeps. It talks about the pressure to stay relevant, the burnout from constantly chasing likes and views, and the struggle between being true to yourself and giving the audience what they want. Through personal stories, the speaker shows how being a creator today means being both the product and the performer, and how that can really mess with your sense of self, happiness, and purpose. Andreas Prasetya Putra is a Law graduate and the CEO of XD Collective, where he focuses on building Indonesia’s creative ecosystem. As an Executive Producer and the driving force behind multiple content brands, he combines his legal background with creativity to open opportunities for young people to pursue careers through passion and digital innovation. Andreas believes that creative education and media literacy are just as vital as formal education, and he actively champions collaboration between the creative industry, law, and community empowerment. 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
