Theme: Weaving Harmonic Narratives

TEDxEdappally is a local event, bringing the spirit of TED Talks to our community. We're on a mission to ignite conversation and spark change by showcasing innovative ideas from Edappally and beyond.

Inspired by TED's slogan "Ideas Change Everything," TEDxEdappally provides a platform for local thinkers, doers, and dreamers to share their passions, experiences, and ideas in a powerful and engaging format.

IMA House
IMA House, Stadium Link Road
3rd Floor
Kochi, Kerala, 682025
India

Anish P Rajan

Physical Disability T20 World Cup Winner

Anish is an International cricketer who played and won for India in the first ever Differently Abled Cricket World Cup and got selected as the best bowler in the tournament. He was also selected as Manorama Sports Star 2019. Anish is the current Captain of the Kerala Differently Abled Cricket team. He works at Ernst and Young, Kochi as a software engineer.

Balagopal Chandrasekhar Ex - IAS

Trustee of Anaha Trust & Former Chairman of the Board, The Federal Bank Ltd

Balagopal Chandrasekhar graduated in economics from Loyola College, Madras University, and joined the IAS in 1977. He served in Manipur and Kerala before resigning in 1983 to establish a venture producing hi-tech biomedical devices. This venture became one of the world’s largest makers of blood bag systems, exporting to over 50 countries. In 2012, he sold the company to a leading Japanese medical firm and transitioned to investing in startups, mentoring entrepreneurs, writing, and travel. Balagopal served as Chairman of Federal Bank Ltd. and holds positions on various Boards. With his wife, Vinita, he established the ANAHA Trust, funding projects in primary health, education, and rural livelihoods in Kerala and Manipur. He authored four books: 'On a Clear Day You Can See India', 'The View from Kollam', 'Maveli & Markets: How SUPPLYCO held the Price Line', and 'Below the Radar'. He is active on LinkedIn and Facebook where he is followed for his insights on contemporary affairs.

Bhanav N S

Student, Lesson Lens Global School, IESO 2022 Gold Medalist

Bhanav N S, a 15-year-old science communicator from Kerala, India, has produced over 150 science-related videos on YouTube and delivered more than 50 public science talks. He was also an invited speaker at the Indian Parliament. Bhanav led Team India to victory at the International Earth Science Olympiad 2022, winning four medals—one gold, two silver, and one bronze. His gold-winning entry focused on carbon sequestration as a strategy to combat global warming. Additionally, he authored *A Brain's Tale*, a book that takes readers on a fascinating journey through the sulci and gyri of the brain. Bhanav is also active on Wikipedia, using the platform to share scientific ideas, and he holds the Asia Book of Records title for the most Wikipedia edits by a teenager in 30 minutes. He has received the prestigious Ujwalabalyam Award and Global Kids Achievement Award for science and was the top performer in the Indian National Young Physicist Tournament.

Cuckoo Parameswaran

Actor, Director, Textile Designer, Entrepreneuer

Cuckoo Parameswaran is a theatre graduate who is trained in traditional performing arts of Kerala. She has worked in Royal National Theatre and Tara Arts group, London. She is currently the Artistic Director of Trivandrum Centre for Performing Arts.

Dr Justice Jayasankaran Nambiar A K

Judge, High Court of Kerala

An alumnus of Oxford University, and an ardent animal lover, Dr. Justice Jayasankaran Nambiar deals with myriad instances of Human Animal conflict. His academic inclination and critical approach to law enforcement are both discernible from his numerous judgments as well as his continual academic pursuits that recently saw him obtain a doctoral degree in law while discharging his onerous duties as a Judge of the High Court of Kerala. Having spent more than three decades working the law, first as a lawyer and then as a judge, he cherishes his many interactions with younger members of the legal fraternity, including law students, for he feels that they bring to the fore novel ideas and innovative interpretations of the law that are more suited to a society in which change is the only constant.

Dr Shiv K Nair

HoD & Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Rajagiri Hospital

Dr (Prof). Shiv K Nair is a distinguished Cardiac Surgeon with more than three decades of experience in the field. Former President of the Indian Association of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons, his broad experience has provided him with deep insights into the complexities of medical decision-making and patient autonomy. Dr. Nair has witnessed first-hand the emotional and psychological impacts of medical choices, shaping his perspectives on Informed consent and patient empowerment.

Dr Sreevalsan J Menon

Professor KAU, Carnatic Vocalist, Music Composer

Dr Sreevalsan J Menon is a TOP grade Carnatic vocalist on All India Radio. He has performed worldwide and won awards like the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi and Kerala Kalamandalam awards. Menon has composed music for over 20 Malayalam films and two English films. His songs and score for "Saint Dracula" qualified for the 85th Academy Awards. The background score for "Ottaal," which won the Crystal Bear at the Berlin Festival 2016, was praised. He has also played the lead role in the film "Gramavrikshathile Kuyil." Sreevalsan is a professor at Kerala Agricultural University. He has a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension. He specializes in studying rituals, folklore, folk art, and cultural ethos related to Kerala's agricultural history under the project "Cult, Culture, and Agriculture."

Elizabeth Jean Thomas

Founder @ Phonologix, Cofounder @ Wings Rehabilitation Center

Elizabeth is an accomplished Speech-Language Pathologist, social entrepreneur, and champion of accessible early intervention for children with communication disorders or delays. With a master's degree in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology from Mumbai University and over 23 years of experience, she is specialized in communication problems in the pediatric population. She is a strong proponent of neurodiversity-affirming practices and family-led intervention and is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. She completed entrepreneurship programs from both IIM Bangalore and Stanford University and founded Phonologix, an award-winning assistive technology startup making speech therapy accessible using an innovative e-learning platform, Speech Ally. She is also the cofounder of Wings Centre for Autism and Child Development in UAE. and won several accolades, like the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award and NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Award for Accessibility.

Jeemol Koruth Varghese

Founder - Eva's Healthy Bakes & Director, BODYRHYME Apparels

Jeemol's journey began as a home baker, creating nutritious food for her children. In 2016, she launched Eva's Healthy Bakes under her company, KK FOODS. Now a prominent voice in the wholesome food world, she introduced whole grains into baking and has empowered over 4,000 women through culinary training. A sought-after speaker, Jeemol visits schools across Kerala to educate children on healthy eating habits, collaborates with schools, colleges, NGOs, and clubs to raise awareness about healthy eating, which she considers her life mission. A trained fashion designer and entrepreneur, she also owns the emerging lingerie brand BodyRhyme. With a social media following of 1.5 lakh, she leverages her influence to further her mission of promoting good food and clean eating.

Maria Kuriakose

Chief Executive Officer - Thenga Coco

Maria is the Founder of Thenga Coco, a startup that re-uses discarded coconut shells to create home and kitchen products. She completed her graduation from St Xavier's Mumbai and MBA from ICADE Spain. Her startup Thenga Coco, has been incubated in IIM Bangalore and she has also won the Jwala Best women entrepreneur award from Kairali TV. Thenga Coco has currently exported to over 30 countries and is continuing to expand its reach globally.

Sebastian Zacharias

@runningmallu

Sebastian Zacharias is the Managing Director of the Cinzac Group of Companies, with a strong background in Mechanical Engineering from PSG College of Engineering and an MSc in Water and Wastewater from Cranfield University, UK. He began his career with Thermax Ltd. before transitioning into entrepreneurship. Beyond his professional endeavors, Sebastian is deeply involved in social organizations like Greater Cochin Round Table, Yi Kerala, Rotary Club of Cochin, and EO Kerala. A passionate runner, he embarked on his fitness journey at the age of 30, completing over a hundred half marathons and several full marathons. His experiences in both business and running have shaped his belief in the power of accountability to achieve ambitious goals.

Visalakshy Parvathy K G

Founder @ Thapass the School of Dance, Bharatanatyam Artiste & Teacher

Visalakshy Parvathy K G is a renowned Bharatanatyam artiste, choreographer, and teacher. She has mastered the art form with precision and grace, performing globally at esteemed festivals. With a strong musical foundation, she composes music for her productions, leading her dance troupe Shivoham. Through Thapass School of Dance, she inspires students worldwide, solidifying her position as a respected practitioner.