How do we confront deeply ingrained myths that hold society back? In this powerful talk, Ramon Magsaysay awardee Shantha Sinha draws on three decades of work with the MV Foundation, which has enabled over a million children across India to leave labour and reclaim their right to education. She challenges the belief that poverty alone drives child labour, showing instead how communities can dismantle systemic barriers. Aligned with the theme Fail Forward, her talk highlights how confronting misconceptions—and failing them—opens pathways to equality, justice, and lasting change. Shantha Sinha headed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Govt of India, from 2007-2013. She was the Founder Secretary Trustee of M V Foundation from (1981 to 2007) removed over one million children from work and mainstreamed them into schools. She spearheaded the bridge course program in India for older children. She is the recipient of the Albert Shanker International Educational Award presented by Educational International in 1998, Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1998 Ramon Magsaysay Award, 2003 for community leadership in 2003. She also served as a Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad. 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
- 13:49A Arte de Jogar a Vida | Bruno Seco | TEDxAveiroTreinador, professor e mentor, Bruno Seco acredita que todos temos dentro de nós a capacidade de ativar o nosso melhor jogo. Do desporto ao desenvolvimento pessoal, construiu um percurso que cruza liderança, educação e superação. Com uma energia contagiante e uma mensagem clara sobre autoliderança e mentalidade, Bruno ajuda pessoas a reencontrarem a sua força interior. No TEDxAveiro 2025, desafia-nos a entrar em campo, com coragem e autenticidade, e a jogar a vida com tudo. Bruno Seco é treinador mental, formador e professor, com um percurso que cruza desporto, educação e voluntariado. Licenciado em Educação Física e Desporto, é autor do livro Mentalidade SIIIGAAAA, onde propõe um modelo de autoliderança servidora. Selecionador Nacional de Futebol de Rua desde 2011, levou Portugal à conquista do Europeu em 2016 e do Mundialito em 2022, tendo sido distinguido como o Melhor Treinador do Mundo, em Oslo, em 2017. Cresceu em Aveiro, onde vive até hoje, e acredita que a verdadeira vitória acontece quando alguém volta a acreditar em si. 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
- 9:31Na spalonym oczekiwań społecznych | Amelia Hermańska | TEDxIILOPoznańWhat challenges do women in football face? What stereotypes must they confront, and how do they break through roles once thought unchangeable? Drawing on her personal experience, the speaker reflects on what it means to rewrite the rules—on the pitch and beyond. Na spalonym oczekiwań społecznych 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
