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

Bhavika Dabur reflects on her journey from India to international stages, including global and international forums, where she represented the nation and championed youth leadership. Emphasizing her core belief that "your network is your net worth," she shares how connections, collaboration, and courage can empower individuals to create change that transcends borders. Her talk inspires young leaders to step onto the global stage with confidence and purpose Bhavika Dabur currently serves as the COO at ECB Sustainable Youth Foundation, based in Delhi, India.What truly sets her apart is her role as the representative of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the nodal agency of Government of India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, where she contributes to shaping policies.She is a dynamic individual whose journey reflects a commitment to excellence and leadership. With a background at HSIIDC, Government of Haryana, where she contributed to business development and strategic planning, she has demonstrated a keen understanding of economic growth and foresight.Her achievements include recognition by Voyage Los Angeles, Times Square, DU Beat as 21U21 and acceptance into prestigious international conferences like UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Unite 2030 in New York and IYC Climate Summit'24 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. 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

Festac Town hosted a global Arts and Cultural Festival in 1977 which brought nations together to celebrate culture and diversity. This talk is a reminder of that history and a clarion call to every one affiliated with Festac Town to remember and celebrate their roots and the rich culture they possess. It is a reminder of Festac 1977 and the impact it had in bringing together different cultures and arts, from across nations, which can be done again, in a bigger and better manner. But firstly, the people have to awaken that fire that was once there in 1977.Intro audio: Chillout by AudioCoffee | https://www.audiocoffee.net/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Benita-Maria Kelechi Opara, also known as Rialena, is a first-class graduate of Architecture and an award-winning spoken word artiste with over nine years of experience in poetry and performance. For her, spoken word transcends art - it is a powerful medium for expressing her faith, challenging perspectives and shaping culture. Rialena has performed across diverse platforms and audiences. Her piece “I Have Decided” won the 2024 Ekpebiwo’m Spoken Word Challenge, earning acclaim for its depth and delivery. Beyond poetry, Rialena is a skilled public speaker who has trained over 100 students in the last two years on effective communication and presentation. She is also an experienced event host, an avid reader and researcher, and a contributing writer with a passion for thought-provoking articles. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Architecture at the prestigious Covenant University. Her growing body of work can be explored at https://linktr.ee/rialenatm. 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