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).

Campus 6 Auditorium Hall
KIIT University
Patia
Bhubaneswr, Orissa, 751024
India

Aparna Kumar

Aparna Kumar is the first Indian IPS and ITBP officer to complete the "7 Summits" challenge (Seven Summits are the highest mountain peaks of each of the seven traditional continents in the world) and has also successfully conquered the South Pole. She joined civil services in 2002. Her interest in mountaineering led her to enroll in a month-long mountaineering course in 2013 and then an advanced course in 2014. She first scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in August 2014 which is the highest peak in Africa. In November, she climbed the Carstensz Pyramid peak in the west Papuan province of Indonesia, the highest peak in Australia and Oceania region. She conquered Mount Elbrus and Mount Aconcagua in Argentina in 2015. Then, in 2016, she ascended Mount Vinson Massif, Antarctica's highest peak, as well as Mount Everest in the same year. Finally, she conquered Mount Denali in Alaska in 2019, which completed her 7 Summits Challenge.

Cmde Vijaypal Singh Rawat

Military

A Vishisht Seva Medal awardee who has served in the highly specialised commando force, the MARCOS of the Indian Navy, he is known for immense gallantry and valour. Having received top-class training with the renowned US Navy SEALs, this Indian Navy veteran has played a key role in the Mission Rakshak in Kashmir in the 1990s and provided deep insights into the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, making him the pride of the nation and one of the most decorated, cherished, and celebrated service members.

Dr. Ravindra Kumar Sinha

A Padma Shri awardee and the current Vice-Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Ravindra Kumar Sinha, popularly known as "the Dolphin Man of India," is a renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist who has dedicated his life to research and protecting the Gangetic dolphins and their habitat in India. With over three decades of experience in the field and numerous research papers and reports, he has emerged as a leading expert on freshwater dolphin conservation in the country. His tireless endeavors to raise awareness about this critical issue have been instrumental in furthering the cause in a bid to protect wildlife and marine life.

Lipsa Hembram

Lipsa Hembram with her inspiring words and anecdotes, she shows the path to success for aspiring designers in the country thus preserving the heritage of their culture. She belongs to the Santhal Community - India’s most prominent tribal community from the northern region of Odisha. Being an alumnus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad started her journey to work on the Santal Saree also known as Jhal-ah, the female clothing of the tribe. Her remarkable design work has promoted the rich heritage of Odisha tribal communities and initiated significant socio-economic changes. She is a celebrated fashion designer having received international acclaim, featured in a documentary on Doordarshan, and showcased at the prestigious LAKME fashion show. She talks about how her mother challenged her to design sarees for her, hence making a showstopping collection of Santal Sarees and presenting it to the world.

Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh

In this profoundly moving TED talk, we have the privilege of hearing the remarkable story of Shams Alam, a person who has faced life-altering challenges with unwavering resilience, courage, and a determination to redefine what it truly means to be strong. Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh is an Indian para swimmer from the state of Bihar. In this talk, Shams' remarkable ability to find purpose and meaning in the face of adversity will leave a lasting impact. He has spoken passionately about the importance of cultivating a resilient mindset, embracing change, and finding beauty in the unexpected. His story transcends the realm of personal experience, resonating with anyone who has faced setbacks, demonstrating that our response to life's challenges is where true strength resides. He is a world record holder for the longest open-sea swim by a person with paraplegia. He made his mark in the swimming world with multiple medals at National and International para swimming championships, including the World Para Swimming Championship. Shams Alam's story is a testament to the human spirit's boundless capacity to rise, adapt, and find purpose, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Sangeeta Kapoor

Sangeeta Kapoor in a mesmerising TEDx talk as she takes you through her transformative journey from being a child magician to a multifaceted performer. She holds the baton of enchantment as a second-generation magician, with her name marked in the Guinness Book of World Records and twice in the Indian Book of World Records. Her craftsmanship was awarded the 'India's Top Most Girl Magician Award' and 'Global Magical Entertainer and Trainer of Magic Art and Illusion'. With over 1000 successful shows nationwide and many more to come, her moxie has reached various national and international prime-time shows like the CNN-IBN Independence Day Special.

Srikanth Mannepuri

A renowned wildlife conservationist, photographer, and filmmaker, Mr Srikanth Mannepuri utilises his photography skills to tell enthralling stories earning him the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award 2022. He is currently working with Fishing Cat Conservancy as a lead field conservationist in coastal Andhra Pradesh for the conservation of mangroves and marine species. With works featured in prominent publications such as Nat Geo, BBC, and Forbes, his unwavering dedication to conservation and storytelling has emerged as a powerful driving force, inspiring not only himself but also the youth across the globe.

Venugopal Yadav

Sand Artist

Venugopal emphasises the significance of unwavering commitment, setting audacious goals, and embracing setbacks as catalysts for growth. His journey stands as the epitome of anthesis — the flourishing that emerges from the very challenges that once seemed insurmountable.

Vishal Prasad Gupta

Vishal Prasad Gupta, the brilliant engineer revolutionising the energy landscape! Vishal's groundbreaking work includes developing a biofuel from indigenous algae, setting up a biofuel pump in Ranchi serving netizens, and running a plant with a daily production capacity of 70,000 kiloliters. Since December 2020, his team of 35 dedicated employees has been making a significant impact. Vishal's innovation garnered approval from the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2020, allowing him to establish 'More Mileage,' his own eco-friendly petrol pump in Ranchi, Jharkhand. His algae-based biofuel not only promotes a greener environment but also offers a more economical fuel choice.