In psychology, fear is seen as a big, dramatic force that causes us to act. Although quick action can save lives, fear is also used authoritatively to control populations, or by businesses to persuade customers. But is fear an effective emotion? This talk highlights research on the emotions that grab our attention and remain in our memories long term. Akshada Subramaniyan is a freshman at UNC Chapel Hill with a passion for neuroscience, medicine, and sustainability. She has explored neural networks, brain stimulation, and climate solutions — focusing on how these fields can address real-world challenges. Her focus on studying how emotions drive decision-making and helping novel brain stimulation research at UNC is driven by a commitment to broaden the impact of scientific research, making it accessible and relevant to diverse communities. Beyond academics, Akshada is a passionate dancer who has traveled internationally to perform at various stages. She sees dance as more than just an art form — it is a powerful tool for advocacy and storytelling. Whether she’s analyzing data, choreographing, or reading, she’s always seeking ways to connect her passions and create meaningful 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

Joseph Overton said, "Ideas become policy only after moving from unthinkable notions to becoming popular ideas." In this talk, Casey Buisson discusses their work in psychology where shifting perspectives shape change and create new possibilities. Casey Buisson is an MSW student at UNC-Chapel Hill on the Community, Management, and Policy Practice track. They are in the one-year advanced standing program, moving to Chapel Hill just two weeks after graduating from the University of Alabama with a BSW. Grad school keeps Casey busy as an ambassador for the UNC School of Social Work, research assistant with the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force, and intern at the LGBTQ Center of Durham. After graduation, Casey hopes to use this MSW education to promote LGBTQ+ rights in the Deep South through the intersection of policy and community organizing. 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

The speaker discussed how sculpture, often seen as a static and tangible art form, can instead become a medium for the unseen. Their work translates sound, memory, and human interaction into material form, using elements like stone and glass to capture the ephemeral. By allowing participants to feel sound rather than simply hear it, the talk emphasized how art can merge sensory experience, ecological awareness, and human connection. Through this approach, sculpture moves beyond the boundaries of materiality, inviting audiences to reconsider how the tangible and intangible intertwine. Harsha Durugadda is an Indian sculptor who received The Arts Family Emerging Artist Award in 2023 for South Asia and won the Rio Tinto Sculpture Award 2017 at Sculpture by the Sea, Australia. In 2021 he was part of a Sotheby’s New York contemporary auction in partnership with Burning Man. In 2014, the Courtauld Institute of Art invited him to present on Ancient Buddhist Sculpture at the British Museum, London. He received the Andrew Stretton Memorial invitation in 2016 Sydney. His sculptures have been exhibited internationally at Nord Art in Germany, Emergent Art Space in the United States, London, and Sculpture by the Sea in Australia. Durugadda’s artworks are part of major public and private collections including Busselton Jetty (Australia), Bangalore Airport and RMZ Foundation. 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

The speaker shared how small acts of compassion can create extraordinary change. Growing up in a family of seven children, financial struggles meant difficult choices, including sisters being married off at a young age. Yet, through the generosity of others who offered free education, accommodation, and support, opportunities opened that once seemed impossible. These seemingly ordinary acts became life-changing, shaping the speaker’s journey toward becoming a Human Resources leader. The talk reflects on how compassion built their future, and why they now dedicate their life to building futures for others through career counseling, employment opportunities, and financial guidance. Emmanuel Gosula is a Senior Manager, People Partner at EPAM Systems, based in Hyderabad. With nearly 20 years of experience across HR business partnering, talent development, L&D, coaching, and HR analytics, he is known for his emotionally intelligent leadership . An XLRI alumnus, Emmanuel has shaped programs like EPAM’s Campus Education Programs for Students and Teaching Professors, and scholarship programs for underrepresented women & children in tech. He was a board member of professional bodies like NHRDN & ISTD, and core HR committee member of CII, Hysea and ISF in the past. He frequently speaks at forums like HR Shappers, SymbiTalks and ISTD, sharing insights on adversity, AI-driven preparedness, and leadership. Passionate about nurturing talent, he transforms his own journey of support into a mission to empower others. 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

Padma Raj Keshri chose to step off the treadmill of mainstream fashion to carve out a niche in sustainable design. While peers sought fast fashion glamour, he focused on eco-friendly textiles and upcycling. His career path was far from easy—sustainability often means extra effort, fewer resources, and more criticism. But he turned that challenge into opportunity, redefining what it means to be a designer. His collections have blended creativity with conscience, proving that unconventional paths can lead to both artistry and impact. He highlighted how innovation in design can also solve global challenges. His talk encouraged aspiring professionals to align career with values. His story is about courage, vision, and persistence. He continues to inspire by showing that style and sustainability can coexist. Mr Padma Raj Keshri, an innovative and resourceful sustainability professional with an exceptional portfolio of achievements in the area of sustainability, Traceability & Transparency with Sustainable attributes product development skillset comes with 10+ years of working experience in the Fashion & Textile industry. He is an alumnus of Esteemed Institutes of India an EMBA from IIM Indore, Digital Transformation, NID Ahmedabad 2017 (Masters in Design Textiles) NIFT Bengaluru 2013 (Bachelor of Design, Knitwear), He has been to STC, Swiss Textile College, Zurich (2011) for his exchange program. He is an active participant and won many awards participating in National & International competitions, such as the Gen Next at Lakme Fashion Week 2018, Wills Lifestyle Debut 2013, Blender’s Pride Fashion Tour 2019, The Wool Runway by The Woolmark Company Australia, Park Elle Decor Award for the most innovative Textile Design, etc. 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

Pratham Golcha rejected conventional career security to dedicate himself to climate advocacy and diplomacy. His unconventional choice was to devote his career to issues many overlook: climate change, youth leadership, and sustainability. He showed that even without a corporate badge or traditional profession, one can make a global impact. His work has given him a voice in international policy debates. His message to young people: if you care about an issue, make it your profession. His journey also proved that conviction creates credibility. His career is not “less” secure; it is more meaningful. Pratham Golcha's journey began in the culturally rich city of Nagpur, India—grounded in poetry, public speaking, and a passion for storytelling. What started as a child’s curiosity for language and debate soon turned into a life shaped by global conversations, pressing issues, and the relentless belief that words can shift the world. Today, he wears many hats—climate advocate, youth diplomat, researcher, trainer, writer, volunteer, podcaster—but each of these is bound by a single thread: to create impact through communication.He has had the privilege of working across five different United Nations commissions, engaging in critical conversations on sustainability, climate change, biodiversity, and mental health.At the same time, he works as a communications trainer, sustainability ambassador, and a writer for international climate platforms, constantly bridging the gap between policy and people. 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