From Silence to Strength: Healing, Design, and Inner Power | Shweta Deshmukh | TEDxKharadi Salon
"Shweta Deshmukh is an award-winning architect, entrepreneur, and spiritual seeker who turned life’s deepest struggles into powerful stepping stones. Raised in Nagpur under modest means, Shweta faced extreme financial challenges and was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 12—a condition wrapped in stigma, silence, and emotional isolation. Despite the odds, she channeled her pain into purpose, pursuing her dream of becoming an architect.Her transformation began with a simple 21-day meditation practice that sparked self-acceptance and healing. Through spirituality, she reclaimed her identity, health, and inner strength. Today, she is the co-founder of Dezinebox, a sustainable design-tech startup delivering VR-enabled interior services across the globe. She’s worked on everything from temples to tech hubs, and her work integrates circular economy principles and emotional connection.In this TEDx talk, Shweta shares three key life lessons: accept your problems, embrace a spiritual practice, and, especially for women—stop trying to be Superwoman. Just be a woman. Authentic, intuitive, strong, and enough.Her story isn’t just about success—it’s about surrender, courage, and rising from within." Ar. Shweta Deshmukh, Principal Architect at SDA and Founder of Dezinebox, is a visionary leader with 20+ years of experience in architecture and design. SDA has delivered landmark residential and commercial projects across India. Through her tech-driven startup Dezinebox—part of CII’s Affiliation Program—she is democratizing design with online services, virtual visualization, and a strong partner ecosystem. An alumna of IIM Ahmedabad and incubatee of IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL, she was featured in CII’s prestigious ‘Leading the Change – 50 Inspirational Women in Innovation’ Compendium. Recognized globally, Shweta has received honors like ‘Exceptional Woman of Excellence’ and ‘Woman Entrepreneur of the Year’ and featured in publications like Forbes India, Fortune India, India Today, Economic Times of India and many more. Her work blends creativity, sustainability, and digital innovation to shape the future of architecture. Times of India and many more. 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
- 11:35Breaking the Silence on Misogynistic Terrorism | Sasha Wertime | TEDxHaverford CollegeIn this TEDx talk, Sasha Wertime examines the rise of misogynistic extremism, arguing it ought to be labeled and treated as terrorism. Drawing on comparative case studies in the United States, India, and South Korea, she elucidates how online subcultures and offline ideologies converge to fuel gender-based hate. By understanding the reach of this threat, we can begin to create targeted and informed responses to the global war on women.Sasha is a recent graduate of Haverford College, where she majored in Political Science and minored in English. She will move to England this fall to begin her Master’s in Social Policy at the London School of Economics. Originally from Thailand, Sasha is an international person who cares deeply about the ubiquitous horrors of misogynistic terrorism. Sasha is a recent graduate of Haverford College, where she majored in Political Science and minored in English. 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
- 7:40Jean-Baptiste Morin and the Importance of Process | Ian McKnight | TEDxHaverford CollegeIn this TEDx talk, Ian McKnight discusses the seventeenth-century French astrologer Jean-Baptiste Morin. Besides his astrology, Morin was a respected intellectual, engaged in many contemporary debates on medicine, physics, and philosophy. Through an examination of Morin's life and intellectual endeavours, Ian demonstrates the importance of scientific, intellectual, and personal processes.Ian McKnight is a recent graduate of Haverford College, class of 2025. He graduated with a double major in Religion and History, focusing on early modern Europe, Counter-Reformation Catholicism, and the Scientific Revolution. Ian McKnight is a recent graduate of Haverford College, class of 2025. He graduated with a double major in Religion and History, 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
- 13:19From Student to Teacher: The Cycle That Keeps Playing | Edgar Leon | TEDxHaverford CollegeIn this TEDx talk, Edgar Leon shares a deeply personal journey from struggling freshman percussionist to mentor and music educator, illustrating how a single moment of encouragement can transform a student’s life. Drawing on his experiences teaching at Waltrip High School in Houston, he demonstrates how music education nurtures resilience, confidence, and community in underfunded schools. Through the story of a frustrated student named Mike, he reveals how music became a lifeline, empowering both teacher and pupil to find their voice. Edgar Leon is a graduating senior at Haverford College, earning a double major in Music and Computer Science. A passionate educator and composer, he has taught percussion and bass guitar in underserved Houston schools, written original music for ensembles, and mentored students through musical and personal challenges. Accepted into Temple University’s Master of Music Composition program for Fall 2025, Edgar hopes to continue advocating for equitable access to music education nationwide. 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
- 17:50Emblematic of the Cause of Freedom | Dave Harrower | TEDxHaverford CollegeA local historian tells how David Bustill Bowser, a civil war era artist, activist, and free person of color in Philadelphia, prompts us to reflect on this nation's founding principles, and invites us to consider what each of us want for this nation today. He offers an unfamiliar perspective on the Emancipation Proclamation, which led to the raising of United States Colored Troops at Camp William Penn in Philadelphia. He also speaks about the celebrations held in Philadelphia to commemorate Emancipation in Maryland. Dave Harrower is the Assistant Director of Facilities Management - Planning & Design, at Haverford College, and works on project planning, coordination and implementation, especially for capital projects and accessibility upgrades. He has a BA in History from Hobart College, and a Master of Architecture and a Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Registered Architect, with experience in Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse projects. Outside of architecture, Dave has served on the Cheltenham Township Historical Commission, volunteers at the Camp William Penn Museum in La Mott, PA, and has co-authored a book, "A Spectacle for Men and Angels: a Documentary Narrative of Camp William Penn and the Recruiting of Colored Regiments in Pennsylvania." 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
- 9:01Why Should We Care About Chinese Propaganda? | Zhao Gu Gammage | TEDxHaverford CollegeWhat is Chinese propaganda and why should we care? Often disregarded as fake news not worth our time, Chinese propaganda takes on a new understanding in this TEDx talk. Zhao Gu Gammage uses Chinese Cold War propaganda posters to explain Chinese foreign policy towards Africa and the Middle East, a hot topic in today's geopolitics. Zhao Gu Gammage will spend the next year at Tsinghua University in Beijing, studying Mandarin at the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Study. She graduated from Haverford College in 2025 with a major in East Asian Languages and Cultures and minors in Chinese language, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, and International Studies. She is the 2025 recipient of the Hu Shih Prize, given for dedication to the study of Chinese, and her thesis "Constructing China-MENA Relations in Chinese Cold War Propaganda Posters" was awarded "Outstanding Speaker" at the Greater Philadelphia Asian Studies Conference. 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
- 8:35Combating Mental Burden of Living Indoors Through Design | Ariana Solecki | TEDxHaverford CollegeIn this TEDx talk, Ariana Solecki explores how interior design can significantly influence mental well-being, using personal experiences and interviews to illustrate the emotional impact of space. By examining factors of design like lighting, color, and room accessories, Ariana highlights the importance of designing environments that nurture healing, calmness, and connection. Her talk ultimately draws on the biophilia hypothesis to argue that reconnecting with nature—even indoors—can help combat the psychological toll of modern, enclosed living.Ariana Solecki is a senior Psychology major and captain of the varsity squash team at Haverford College. She also has a strong passion for interior design. After graduation, Ariana will be volunteering at an equine therapy center before beginning her Master’s in Social Work at New York University this fall. 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
