Dr. Kerkar shared his personal journey from being a well-established doctor to an artist. He then explained the true essence of art, emphasizing that we are humans because we make art. He then explained how art proves to be the very foundation of civilization. By comparing art to the Advaita philosophy, he elucidated how both Art and Advaita philosophy hold the power to break down divisions like those caused by caste, gender, or religion. He concludes his talk by saying that AI can never really replace humans in the field of art because it can mimic, not feel. True art is born out of intuition and emotion, a quality unique to humans. He advised the audience to break societal expectations and pursue that which truly makes them happy. Subodh Kerkar is a qualified medical professional who gave up medicine to pursue the arts in 1990. He is the founding director of the Museum of Goa (MOG), which is one of the largest privately owned contemporary art spaces in India. His art practice includes installations, sculptures, multimedia works, performances, paintings, and drawings. His works are heavily washed by the ocean and are commentaries on social, political, and religious issues. 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

Yogesh Shinde, through his talk, explains his journey as the founder of Bamboo India, a Pune-based social enterprise that transforms everyday plastic products into eco-friendly bamboo alternatives. After leaving a successful corporate career in Europe and banking at Barclays, he dedicated himself to empowering rural farmers and artisans while reducing plastic waste. Through Bamboo India, he explained his aim to shift perceptions of bamboo from the “poor man’s timber” to a smart, sustainable material for the future. Through his talk, he illustrated how one simple idea can spark large-scale change, which blends innovation, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility to create a greener planet. Yogesh Shinde, the founder of Bamboo India, has made a significant impact in sustainability and social entrepreneurship. His company has replaced over 16.5 lakh kg of plastic waste with eco-friendly bamboo products. Bamboo India exports to seven countries and offers innovative products like bamboo toothbrushes, earbuds, and combs. He envisions replacing at least one billion plastic products with bamboo alternatives by 2030. 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

True transformation begins when we stop chasing perfection and start living with purpose. Through her journey from medicine to fitness, Dr. Aiesha Asmadi reminds us that thriving means aligning our work, body, and soul — not just surviving in silence. Passion isn’t a detour from success; it’s the direction toward it. Dr Aiesha Asmadi is a Medical Doctor, Fitness Consultant, and world-class physique athlete who blends clinical expertise with performance, aesthetics, holistic health and IMU University Alumni from ME116. Founder of Dr. Aiesha Medical Fitness and The Cancer Thriver Program, she empowers patients, professionals, and high-profile clients to thrive through exercise, nutrition, and recovery strategies. 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

NOTE FROM TED: While some viewers may find this helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk for mental health advice and seek professional help if you are struggling. This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and understanding of parenting and emotional well-being. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn a culture obsessed with metrics and milestones, this TEDxFargo Talk challenges the narrative that achievement equals worth. It examines how our fixation on grades, goals, and gold stars—often imposed by well-meaning parents—contributes to the mental health crisis among youth. This talk calls for a cultural shift: from measuring kids to making sure they feel they matter. It explores how unconditional love, intrinsic value, and emotional safety are the real foundations of resilience and well-being. By highlighting ways to balance healthy ambition with authentic self-worth, it offers a hopeful blueprint for parents, educators, and communities to reimagine our view of mattering—not as something earned, but as something innate. Because when kids know they matter—not for what they do, but for who they are—they thrive. Missy founded BIO Girls in 2013 and has served as CEO since. Before making it her full-time role in 2018, she spent 15 years in the tech industry as a consultant and marketing leader. Under her leadership, BIO Girls has grown from a local program impacting dozens of girls to a regional nonprofit serving thousands annually. She has scaled the organization through controlled growth and innovation while fostering a workplace culture of balance and family-first values. A mom to three daughters and wife to Tom, Missy loves adventure with her family, traveling, mountain biking, running, Ironman triathlons, and hiking. She is also an avid fan of professional track and field, the MN Vikings, her kids’ activity and her cat, Harry. Missy was a four-time All-American in track at UND (’01), earning degrees in Exercise Science and Nutrition. As a recipient of an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, Missy completed an MBA degree from NDSU (’04). 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

NOTE FROM TED: This talk discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. Please do not look to this talk for mental health advice and consult a professional if you or a loved one are struggling. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfSilence. It’s the loudest sound in the aftermath of suicide. In this powerful talk, Will Castle asks questions we must all consider. Why does the very word suicide cause everyone to feel embarrassed? What can be done to reduce the high and growing numbers of people who lose their life this way? Which is the most at-risk group? And what can all of us do to help? Will's talk breaks some of the taboos around suicide and will leave you with a message of hope. In 2010 Will Castle lost his father to suicide and never properly grieved or spoke about what happened. Ten years later, he has come to realise the value of talking, de-stigmatising suicide and has now become become a campaigner and advocate, speaking out about his experience, with the aim of helping others and raising awareness. Will is an acquisitions manager in a property business. 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

NOTE FROM TED: We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn this talk, Strada founder and renowned art gallerist, Paul Hill discusses how he has attacked social and artistic issues through technological innovation. Paul Hill is an entrepreneur and the youngest gallerist in New York City, recognized for his innovative approach to merging art, technology, and culture. As the founder of Strada, Paul is redefining how artists and institutions engage with technological advancements. A self-taught curator and gallerist, Paul has made a significant impact by creating platforms and opportunities for the next generation of the art world.Under his leadership, Strada is creating a new path for artists to navigate and shape their creative futures. Strada is developing Maestro, a workflow management software designed to serve as the foundational infrastructure for all sectors of the fine art world. Maestro streamlines operations, helping organizations save time and reduce costs associated with managing workflows, contacts, and finances. Our mission is to empower museums, galleries, and auction houses with advanced tools that enhance efficiency and elevate audience engagement.Paul has been recognized for his forward-thinking vision, earning accolades such as the Brooklyn Museum’s Design Visionary Grant and being featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 and Apollo 40 Under 40 lists. Known for his collaborative spirit and commitment to innovation, he continues to push boundaries and advocate for new narratives in the creative world.Strada caters to a diverse range of collectors, artists, and galleries, offering everything from high-end artists acquired by institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and featured at Art Basel to more accessible art objects for younger collectors entering the market. 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