Reimagining Home: The Innovation Revolution In Housing | Aashka Kancharla | TEDxVandegrift HS
In Aashka’s TED Talk, Reimagining Home: The Innovation in Affordable Housing, she explores how groundbreaking technologies such as 3D-printed houses and tiny homes and redefining the true definition of what it means to have a home in the modern age. Ultimately, through looking at a local Austin lens, she emphasizes upon the idea that the housing crisis is so much more than just building, but rather it’s about constructing communities united by hope. Aashka Kancharla is the Founder and President of Habitat for Humanity at Vandegrift High School, driven by a deep passion for affordable housing and a strong ambition to study architecture—ideally in New York City. Beyond her architectural pursuits, she is an avid reader and writer, eager to explore the literary world. She also has a love for long-distance running, using it as a way to discover new trails, cities, and races. 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
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- 15:56The Science of Burnout — And How Your Brain Rebuilds You! | Agastya Sharma | TEDxYouth@JGISWhat really happens to your brain when you’re burnt out? In this insightful TEDx talk, Agastya Bhuvnesh Sharma dives deep into the neuroscience of burnout — explaining how chronic stress rewires our brain, silences motivation, and weakens emotional control.But there’s hope. Through fascinating research and relatable insights, Agastya reveals how the same brain that breaks down under pressure is also wired to rebuild itself — through rest, reflection, and resilience.From the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex to the dopamine system, this talk explores how understanding our mind’s biology can help us move from breakdown to breakthrough. Agastya Sharma, a 16-year-old IBDP student at JG International School, is passionate about science, education, and social impact. With a strong academic focus on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, he aspires to become a neurosurgeon, inspired by his curiosity about the human brain and its healing potential. Agastya has led community outreach initiatives with organizations such as Hamari Pahchan and India Recycles, championing education and social equity. A seasoned public speaker and MUN awardee, he is fluent in five languages and is currently authoring a research paper on BDNF-mediated neurogenesis. Balancing academics with badminton and guitar, Agastya envisions opening a hospital that provides affordable healthcare for underserved communities. 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
- 15:24Making Happiness a Choice - A Journey from Challenges to Joy | Ms. Shalini Jaiswal | TEDxYouth@JGISWhat if happiness wasn’t something to chase — but something you could choose every day?In this heartfelt TEDx talk, the speaker shares a deeply personal journey of turning life’s challenges into opportunities for joy and strength. Drawing from her experience as a mother of twin sons diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, she reveals how compassion, honesty, gratitude, and mindfulness can transform pain into purpose.This talk reminds us that happiness isn’t about perfect circumstances — it’s about perspective, gratitude, and courage to respond to life with positivity. Shalini Jaiswal is an accomplished education leader with over 10 years of teaching and 19 years in school administration. Currently Principal of Seth M. R. Jaipuria School, Lucknow, she has previously led St. John’s Universal School, Mumbai, to national and international recognition, winning the British Council International School Award and a top Times of India ranking. Recipient of accolades including Progressive Principal of India and the Gloria de Souza Excellence Award, she is also a TEDx community member who has hosted TEDxYouth events. A dynamic leader, she continues to shape institutions that empower students with values, innovation, and global outlook. Her vision is to nurture future-ready learners who combine academic excellence with strong character and creativity. 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
