Theme: Embracing the Pandemonium

Launched in 2015, TEDxVITPune is a collaboration between Vishwakarma Institute of Technology’s students and the large Pune community to bring Technology, Entertainment, and Design from various visionaries, intellectuals, and doers, right to our doorstep. Our events feature interdisciplinary presenters, expressing their thoughts, experiences, projects, and visions to promote the ideals of TED. TEDxVITPune was among the first TEDx events in Pune and has grown to be a premier platform for furthering TED's mission of 'Ideas Worth Spreading', within its local community. Over the past eight events, TEDxVITPune has brought together visionaries, thinkers, and doers of different disciplines from around the country to create a one-day event filled with ideas and discussions that contribute to meaningful change. Pondering upon the quote, “We can’t control the waves that come, but we can control how we ride them” in the seventh edition of TEDxVITPune, we would like to imagine this period of transition as a bridge that will lead us from where we are today to greater heights. We all possess the ability to control our thoughts and change the transition's direction, ensuring that we "cross the bridge" to a place of peace and tranquillity inside ourselves. We can make a choice about how we respond to the chaos that surrounds us. After growing, crossing over, connecting the dots, unravelling the parallax and reemerging into a better version of ourselves, we now would like to Embrace the Pandemonium we are in and find peace within ourselves, in the unique insanity, that is “now”!

VIT College
666, Upper Indiranagar
Bibwewadi
Pune, Maharashtra, 411037
India

Abhinav Kafare

Street-Artist | Photographer | Filmmaker

Abhinav Kafare is an artist and a photographer. He seeks newness in the process of creating art and finds life in not knowing how his art will be perceived. The former advertisement designer runs an art collective called Bade Moochwale. He has mastered the parallel forms of art like painting and photography and has several feathers in his cap, when it comes to visual arts. Infallible in leaving his mark every time he traverses cities like Banaras, Orissa, Delhi, Goa and Mumbai, Abhinav uses street art to communicate with common people.

Deepak Krishnan

Energy Researcher | Environmentalist | Visionary

An alumnus of prestigious technical institutes like NIT-Karnataka and IIT-Delhi, Deepak has an extensive experience as an energy consultant with consultancy giants like PwC and Deloitte. Currently, he oversees work on Clean Energy Initiatives (Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency) for various consumer categories, Clean Energy Transitions, and the Water-Energy Nexus as the Associate Director for WRI India's Energy Program. He is also a member of the Sustainable Development Goals committee formed by the Govt. of Karnataka. Deepak loves playing the violin in Carnatic style and is a keen sports enthusiast.

Karan Arjun Singh

Foley Artist | Sound Engineer | Storyteller

Karan Arjun Singh is a renowned Foley Artist and has been working with Bollywood for more than 35 Years, having more than 3000 films to his credit. He owns Just Foley, a Mumbai based sound production studio with a team comprising of the most talented Foley artists, sound engineers, editors and designers who solely believe in adding depth to cinema and immersing audiences into the onscreen world.

Samar Nakhate

Film Academician | Cinematographer | Screenwriter

Samar Nakhate is a filmmaker, media academic and a media consultant. He is a founder member of the theatre group, Theatre Academy, Pune, and is the creative director of Pune International Film Festival and has also directed various one-act and full-length plays. Having made several documentaries for Doordarshan, Mr. Samar works ardently on bringing media to common people. He believes in unveiling the miraculous essence of films, television and theatre to diverse sections of the Indian society. With an astounding teaching experience in domains like modern media, direction, acting, writing and performing arts, he strives to involve young minds who nurture this sphere of art.

Sandeep Godbole

Heritage Researcher | Digital Enthusiast | History Buff

Sandeep Godbole, a cybersecurity expert and the Vice President for Atos Syntel documents old temples for truly understanding the history of Pune, and its people. Sandeep is also an active member of different societies like CSI - Computer Society of India and ISACA - Information Systems Audit and Control Association. Over the last few years, Sandeep has organized numerous Heritage Walks in Pune, in a pursuit to familiarize and enlighten participants of the history and various historical structures in the city.

Sonal Barmecha

Food Connoisseur | Pioneer | Experience Curator

Sonal Barmecha, being the Founder and Managing Director of Santé Spa and Hospitality, La Magia and Yumma Swami, is the embodiment of "A master of all". She has curated an impressive resume ranging from being a licensed Chartered Accountant, an entrepreneur, a founder of a national chain of restaurants and a food connoisseur among a whole plethora of other things. As an avid fitness and health freak, her vision is centered around a holistic and healthy diet, food which not only feeds the stomach but also feeds the soul.

Suchitha Champak

Science Communicator | Entrepreneur | Changemaker

Suchitha Champak, the founder of SciRio, is a strong believer in the fact that consistency and discipline are the only two things you need for your plan to work. On a mission to transform how society perceives science, she explores creative ways to build a community of science communicators. She envisions a future where science and society co-evolve to build an equitable and accessible space for everyone to empower themselves. Her journey as a scientist turned entrepreneur has been featured in digital media outlets like The Assam Tribune and BioPatrika. She has also actively participated in drafting proactive policies for science communication in the latest version of the STI (Science Technology and Innovation) Policy by the Government of India.

Swanandi Tikekar

Versatile Artist | Actress | Singer

Swanandi Tikekar is an eminent actor, artist and singer. From creating magic behind the big screen to charming all and sundry with her euphonious voice- her versatility remains sublime. She debuted in acting with serial Abhalmaya as a child actor and continued to put forth captivating performances for the famous sitcom, Dil Dosti Duniyadari. Well-known for hosting in the popular television show, Indian Idol Marathi, the singer is known to astonish her audience with her soothing voice. Owing to her constant soulful performances, Swanandi has also won the first season of the famous reality show, Singing Star.