In his talk, Shreyas Santhosh opens up about the quiet ways we lose pieces of ourselves just to blend in. Through a deeply personal story, he explores how small choices, such as not wearing something we love, can reflect larger struggles with identity and self-worth. But this isn’t a fashion talk. It’s about the power of noticing when we shrink and slowly reclaiming who we are, one choice at a time. Shreyas invites us to trust ourselves again, not with grand gestures, but through the everyday act of showing up as our full, unedited selves. Shreyas aspires to launch a diverse, culture-inspired clothing brand in NYC alongside his life partner. A passionate BMX rider and street style enthusiast, he runs an online thrift store. As a BMX tutor, local skater designer, and budding electronics hobbyist, Shreyas thrives on creativity and community. His TEDx talk explores self-discovery through reflection and the courage to reject imposed ideas. 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 his talk, Mano Darsh challenges one of our deepest assumptions: that true selflessness exists. In this provocative talk, he argues that behind every act of kindness, sacrifice, or love lies a form of self-interest. Whether it’s validation, pride, or inner peace, we’re all driven by something personal. But instead of judging that, Mano invites us to embrace it. He shows how recognizing our selfish motives doesn’t make us worse; it makes us real. And if we’re honest about it, we can use self-interest as fuel for change, innovation, and authentic connection. Mano Darsh Manoj, a 12th-grade bio-psychology student, is a writer, storyteller, and aspiring clinical psychologist. From leading as last year’s scriptwriter to mentoring voices as Team Director of his school’s radio club, his creativity and commitment have consistently stood out. A winner of story-writing contests and a multilingual blogger of poems and reflections, Mano explores the depths of the human mind. In his upcoming TEDx talk, he reimagines selfishness, not as a flaw but as a quiet force driving empathy, creativity and progress. 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 her talk, Trisha Sayani reflects on how mirrors and self-image distort our sense of beauty and worth. Through a personal story filled with humor and honesty, she explores how growing up changes how we see ourselves, from carefree confidence to self-doubt shaped by reflection and comparison. She challenges the idea of beauty as something fixed, showing that true beauty lives in how we feel, not what we see. It’s a call to stop letting mirrors define us and start seeing ourselves with kinder eyes. Trisha is a passionate public speaker who found her home on stage early in life. A Toastmasters graduate and MUN veteran with 20+ conferences, she blends eloquence with purpose. Beyond speaking, she’s an environmentalist, innovator, and school chess player. In her TEDx talk, she reimagines Snow White to explore how mirrors shape our self-image and invites us to see beauty as a liberating, unbound force beyond perception. 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

Christiana shares how individualized learning can unlock a student’s true potential by honoring their unique pace, strengths, and passions, showing that when education adapts to the learner, every child can thrive freely and confidently. Christiana is a 17-year-old rising senior whose journey has been shaped by perseverance and purpose. Diagnosed with learning differences starting at age three, Christiana has been homeschooled since kindergarten. Her unique educational path sparked a deep passion for advocating for students with learning differences, leading her to speak at special needs teacher conferences. You can usually find Christiana stepping into the role of an attorney in mock trials or sharing her love for martial arts by teaching karate to kids. Her motto is “¡Sí se puede!” (“Yes, you can!”), And she lives it daily, believing in the power of perseverance and positivity. 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

"Open Up Your Mind" by Elena Edgar is an uplifting electronic track that invites listeners into a space of emotional introspection and sonic expansion. With dreamy synth layers and rhythmic beats, the song encourages openness—challenging to let go of limiting beliefs, embrace new perspectives, and spark personal transformation through a musical journey. Elena is a composer, performer, and music educator born in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. After 16 years of formal music study in piano and voice, she now leads the band Spirit Duo, composing and performing original songs as the lead vocalist. She also founded EDEL Musical School, where she teaches piano at all levels and provides vocal coaching to students of all ages. Guided by her belief that "music will save our world," Elena is dedicated to using music as a force for expression, healing, and connection. 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

From military service to civic storytelling, Del H Khan’s journey reflects a rare blend of discipline, empathy, and transformative leadership. With years of experience in strategic operations, communication, and public service, he now uses fables and reflections to connect across generations.At TEDxComillaUniversity, he delivered a series of sharp, modern-day parables that redefine what leadership looks like in a changing world calm, clear, and rooted in character. One story about a turkey climbing a manure pile with help from a bull only to be shot down for crowing too loud left the audience both amused and reflective. It served as a powerful reminder: shortcuts may get you there, but only merit and humility help you stay. ??? ? ???? — award-winning author, seasoned leader, and catalyst for change to this year’s speaker lineup.For over two decades, Del H Khan has shown what true leadership looks like across the frontlines of military service, humanitarian work, community building, and civic life. From championing youth empowerment to challenging corruption and advocating for marginalized voices, his journey proves that real influence breaks barriers and bridges divides.Through every role - strategist, mentor, spokesperson , he reminds us that impact is not about titles, but about the courage to stand up for others and turn bold ideas into tangible action.Del H Khan’s story embodies the very essence of “The Next Wave” redefining leadership as a force for connection, accountability, and hope. He reminds us that one voice, when guided by purpose and integrity, can spark movements that uplift entire 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