What do you do when the truth itself feels dangerous? Aditya Raj Kaul takes us back to his days as a student raising his voice against injustice and shares the journey that led him into fearless reporting. Even in the face of threats, he chose not to stay silent but to go the extra mile in pursuit of truth. In this stirring talk, Aditya challenges us to see crossroads not as dead ends but as opportunities to choose action over complacency. His story is proof that one voice, fueled by courage, can ignite larger change. With over 16 years in journalism, Mr Aditya Raj Kaul currently leads editorial strategy at TV9 Network, focusing on National Security, Strategic Affairs, and Corporate coverage. He has reported from global conflict zones including Iraq, Israel, Siachen, and Kashmir, and is regarded as a leading expert on Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan. Mr Aditya has organized five NEWS9 Global Summits (2022–25), featuring leaders like PM Narendra Modi and former UK PM David Cameron. His career spans Network 18, CBC (as Foreign Correspondent), and 20+ journalism awards, including the 2023 Ram Jethmalani Prize. An ACYPL (US State Dept) and Bucerius Fellow, he has covered major global summits and interviewed key world leaders. 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

Change can feel like quicksand; unsettling, disorienting, even threatening. But as Sangeeta Relan reminds us, shifting sands are not here to bury us but to teach us how to rise. In her talk, she explores how the loss of the familiar can mark not an end, but a powerful beginning. With moving reflections, she shares how resilience is born not in times of comfort, but in moments of uncertainty. Her words carry a timeless reminder: when life asks us to let go, it is also giving us the chance to begin again. Ms Sangeeta Relan is an Associate Professor at Delhi University with over 30 years of experience teaching Finance, Economics, and related fields. She has held leadership roles, contributing to curriculum development, and has guided students in academics and research. Currently pursuing a PhD in Corporate Governance and Gender Diversity at the Delhi School of Economics, she runs AboutHer Women, a platform championing women’s empowerment through an e-magazine and podcast. Recognised for her social impact by the Delhi Management Association, Ms Relan is also a published writer with 65+ short stories and an upcoming book. She moderates literary events, and serves on the editorial board of a digital mental health platform. 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

Explore the untapped potential of women in astronomy and space sciences, particularly from the MENA region. Salam Abu Alhayjaa sheds light on the barriers women face in entering and thriving in these fields, challenging stereotypes, confronting systemic biases, and rewriting what’s possible. Through powerful stories of resilience, community-driven initiatives, and the vital role of volunteering, she illustrates how inclusive participation is not just necessary but transformative. The journey to the stars begins with breaking boundaries starting right here on Earth. Salam is a mechanical engineer and spacesuit designer, overcoming challenges as a Jordanian analog astronaut. She is a pioneer for women in engineering, advancing space science for future space exploration. 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 happens when art moves beyond beauty and becomes a tool for inspiration? Light painting artist Ulrich Tausend shows how light can connect, empower, and transform. Ulrich Tausend likes to inspire and spark people with light painting. He mostly paints people. Sometimes individuals, sometimes thousands, sometimes underwater. 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 obsessed with opinions, how much of ourselves do we sacrifice just to fit in? Aryaman Solanki reflects on his school years, where body-shaming and judgment pushed him to constantly reinvent himself for others’ approval. But when acceptance finally came, he realized it was too late, because the real problem wasn’t him at all. With honesty and courage, Aryaman shares why chasing validation is a battle we can never win. His talk is a call to embrace authenticity, reminding us that true freedom begins when we stop needing permission to be ourselves. Mr. Aryaman Solanki is an aspiring entrepreneur with a strong drive to innovate and create meaningful impact. As part of a generation unafraid to question norms and forge new paths, he brings with him a spirit of exploration and bold curiosity. At TEDxYouth@SVIS, he joins the stage not with certainty, but with the courage to spark conversations; ones that challenge expectations and open space for new ideas. Aryaman reminds us that change isn’t just about creating something new, but about stepping into uncertainty, asking better questions, and daring to dream beyond the obvious. 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

Have you ever faced a moment when life left you asking, “What now?” Pinky Maheshwari opens her talk with this question; one she herself has asked more than once. From leaving her job to finding purpose through her son’s innocent question, she shares the journey that led her to start a biodegradable packaging company and even meet the President of India. Her story is about refusing to be trapped by others’ doubts or her own fears. This talk is a reminder that sometimes the lowest moments hold the seeds of our greatest breakthroughs. Ms. Pinky Maheshwari is the founder of Surprise Someone, a sustainable venture that transforms waste cotton into eco-friendly paper. Her mission to spread smiles sustainably has gained widespread recognition, with a growing community of 15,000+ followers on Instagram. Ms Maheshwari has represented India at the EURASIA International Event in Russia and was invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she met Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu and Ms. Sudha Murthy. A Goldman Sachs scholar at IIM Bangalore, she has mentored over 5,000 young changemakers working toward a greener, more responsible future. 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