In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

College of Engineering, Trivandrum
CETAA Hall, College of Engineering, Engg. College P.O, Mechanical Ln, Ambady Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695016
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695016
India

Manju Sara Rajan

Architect+Journalist

A journalist, an editor and a CEO, Manju Sara Rajan has taken on numerous personas in her life that most would find overwhelming. Having practiced journalism for 15 years, as a reporter for the Time magazine in Hong Kong, a correspondent for the Delhi bureau of International News magazine, founding editor of the Architectural Digest, India and serving as an editor for various journals and magazines, she has made a name for herself in both national and international media. In 2016 she took over as the first female CEO of the Kochin Muziris Biennale and pulled off one of the world’s largest exhibitions of contemporary art that showcased 98 artists across 12 venues. From her varied experience, she is of the opinion that it is not necessary to understand art but accepting that expression can take so many different forms is vital.

Nikhiya Shamsher

Educational Entrepreneur

An inventor, an innovator, a social worker, a budding entrepreneur and a national archer, our first speaker Nikhiya Shamsher has impressed the world with her resourcefulness. What makes this more Intriguing is the fact that she's just 16 years old. With a keen eye for helping people,coupled with a brilliant mind Nikhiya stands as a proof to the quote ‘Age is an issue of mind over matter’. Having found the charitable organization ‘Bags books and blessings’ at age 14, she has funded around 4200 students all over India with supplies including books, bags, uniform and shoes. Her ‘Yearn to learn’ project has helped setup laboratories in schools where it was needed. She has already bagged various awards such as the Diana award, The National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement 2017 and is on the run for getting the Global Science scholarship for her project about 4-Dimensional Space Time and Gravity.

Radhakrishnan P

Space Scientist

P Radhakrishnan, fondly called "Space Radhakrishnan" is a veteran space scientist, author and speaker. He was involved in the development of India's early satellites like Aryabhata, Rohini, APPLE, and later the Insat satellites and was one of the two Indian scientists trained by NASA to be an astronaut in the STS-61-I Challenger mission which was cancelled after the Challenger disaster of 1986. He retired from ISRO as the Deputy Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre and has co-authored the book 'A History of Rocketry in ISRO’. Being a crucial element within ISRO since its inception and throughout the past semi-centennial during which it has attained unparalleled heights, P Radhakrishnan has many singular experiences to share on the Indian space saga.

Sreejesh Nair

Sound Mixer+Sound Engineer

Sreejesh Nair, an acclaimed sound artist and technology evangelist, boasts a filmography with over 200 movies, that have garnered a global audience. A national award winner, he has delivered exceptional content for some of the biggest international production houses that include Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, Disney and Paramount. Experimenting with dynamic new techniques that seamlessly blend aural and visual content, Sreejesh has managed to craft designs that are rich in a spectrum of sentiments. Nicknamed ‘Flying fingers’, his swift, yet efficient work ethic has helped him raise his game over the years and inspire those around him.

Sumesh Mangalasseri

Sustainable Tourism Activist

Sumesh Mangalasseri, founder of Kabani tours, is a forerunner of sustainable tourism; an alternative outlook at the traditional and commercial income-generator. It was during his monotonous days in the corporate sphere, that he decided to change the irresponsible manner in which the sector was handled. Having been raised in a background that embraced nature, he felt the crux of his venture should be no different. Developing an ingenious framework that ensures socio-economic development of local communities, Sumesh has managed to enhance tourist experience by letting them enjoy life in all its beauty, just the way it is lived around there.

Val Makry

Social Media Influencer

In this digital age where remaining anonymous is close to being impossible, is this adventurer. Touring the lands on his motorcycle, 'Valmakry' is how the virtual world knows him. A social media influencer and blogger on Instagram, he has managed to keep his identity under wraps spectacularly. Travelling the dusty roads, Valmakry provides his followers with insightful outlooks - on both the journey and life in general.