What if reaching the top isn’t the same as truly succeeding? In Being Number 1 Doesn’t Mean You’ve Won, Shammas Rahoof unpacks the hidden pressures behind competition, rankings, and the constant chase for external validation. With clarity and conviction, he explores the difference between superficial success and meaningful fulfillment—and why true victory comes from within. Shammas is a passionate communicator with a deep love for public speaking, leadership, and high-performance teamwork. He enjoys leading dynamic student initiatives, he thrives on inspiring others and driving change. As a sports enthusiast, Shammas brings the same energy from the field to the stage — blending discipline, strategy, and heart. Whether it’s delivering a message or motivating a team, he believes in the power of words and action to move people forward. 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 a world that pressures us to have it all figured out, Sriyukta Kamaram offers a refreshing perspective: it’s okay not to. Still Figuring It Out is an honest and heartfelt exploration of uncertainty, growth, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. Through personal reflections, Sriyukta reminds us that life isn’t a race to the finish—it’s a journey of discovery, trial, and becoming. Sriyukta is a remarkably intelligent and dynamic student whose talents span across academics, athletics, and the arts. A gifted public speaker, she is known for her articulate expression, commanding presence, and the ability to engage audiences with clarity and confidence. Her passion for politics, current affairs, and meaningful dialogue makes her a standout voice among her peers. Sriyukta is also a classically trained Kuchipudi dancer, bringing elegance and emotion to every performance. On the field, she is a formidable athlete, excelling in both basketball and handball, often taking on leadership roles in her teams. In addition to her many talents, she is a curious reader, a thoughtful conversationalist, and someone who values empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking. Whether she's on stage, on the court, or in the classroom, Sriyukta leads with purpose, creativity, and an unwavering drive to inspire those around her. 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

Every great journey begins with belief—even before there's proof. In The Power of Believing Before Becoming, Kaziah Liz Mejo shares how self-belief can be the most powerful catalyst for growth, achievement, and transformation. Through personal stories and heartfelt insights, she explores the mindset shift that turns dreams into action and potential into reality. A trained artist with 13 years of experience in five classical dance forms, she brings grace and discipline to everything she does. She's also trained in karate and kalaripayattu and plays both the drums and the violin—a rare blend of strength, rhythm, and elegance. Her screen debut came in the Malayalam film Shylock, and today, she’s pursuing a degree in law, proving that intelligence and ambition are at the heart of her journey. With dreams of becoming a globally known actress and model, she is driven by a deeper mission—to inspire, uplift, and create lasting change. A passionate advocate for education with a full stomach, she believes that no child should ever have to choose between hunger and learning. Through her campaigns promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene, she’s working to break stigmas and champion dignity for all. With every step she takes, she moves closer to a future where beauty meets purpose and where dreams are not just followed—but fulfilled. 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 a world where voices are often filtered through stereotypes and assumptions, Shadia Siddiqui takes the stage to challenge the narrative. What’s Brown Got to Do With It? is a powerful exploration of identity, representation, and the courage it takes to speak up when you're expected to stay quiet. With honesty, humor, and heart, Shadia shares her journey of reclaiming space and amplifying underrepresented voices in global conversations. Shadia Siddiqui is a British female with south asian heritage, a strategist, former diplomat, and cultural advocate is based in Abu Dhabi.With a career spanning public service and higher education, she serves as a dynamic educator, strategist, and advocate for equity and inclusion, driving institutional transformation and community-centered strategy.A passionate storyteller, Shadia is the founder of Resonance, a platform that amplifies South Asian voices in the middle east through cultural programming and creative dialogue. She also hosts the podcast What’s Brown Got to Do With It?, featuring bold conversations with South Asians breaking barriers globally.Shadia brings a unique lens shaped by diplomacy, diaspora identity, and organizational leadership—challenging stereotypes and championing inclusive narratives wherever she goes. 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 a world where academic performance often defines worth, Firdouse Joupa takes a bold stand against the limitations of letter grades. Through Beyond the Report Card, she explores how a single number or percentage can never capture the depth of a person’s potential, creativity, or resilience. Drawing from personal experiences and broader insights, Firdouse makes a powerful case for redefining success in education—and in life. Firdouse is a bright and accomplished 15-year-old high school student with a deep passion for reading, writing, debate, and table tennis. A consistent academic topper, she has also won numerous accolades in elocution, Qirath, presentations, and table tennis competitions. Beyond the classroom, Firdouse is a confident and charismatic speaker who has anchored several school and community programmes with poise and professionalism. In her TEDx talk, “Beyond the Report Card,” Firdouse shares a powerful message from a student’s perspective — questioning how success is measured and advocating for a more holistic view of learning. Through her words, she encourages educators, parents, and peers to look beyond grades and recognize the diverse talents and voices that often go unnoticed. 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

What if failure wasn’t the opposite of success, but the pathway to it? In this insightful and deeply personal talk, Sahana Praveen Bhandari challenges the fear of failure and flips the narrative. Through real-life reflections and raw honesty, she unpacks the idea of “failing ”forward”—learning to embrace setbacks, grow through them, and use them as stepping stones toward something greater. Sahana Praveen Bhandari is a distinguished alumna of Abu Dhabi Indian School, where her tenure as Head Girl and recognition as Student of the Year marked the early emergence of her leadership potential. She went on to earn her engineering degree from the prestigious NITK Surathkal, once again graduating with the Student of the Year honor—a testament to her consistent excellence.Today, she brings that same drive to her role as a Risk Advisor at Deloitte, where she merges sharp analytical acumen with a deep-seated desire to create meaningful impact. A passionate youth advocate, Sahana has raised her voice on global stages—ranking 4th among 500 delegates at the Global Young Leaders Conference in the U.S., and receiving accolades such as the Sheikh Hamdan Excellence Award and ADNOC’s Outstanding Intellectual Award. Most recently, she served as a Youth Parliamentarian at the 2025 Viksit Bharat State-level session at Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha, representing the Dakshina Kannada district. 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