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).

Punjab kala bhavan
Punjab kala bhavan, sector 16
Chandigarh, Chandigarh, 160015
India

Baby Halder

Domestic Worker & Author

Domestic Worker & Author Baby Halder is an Indian author. Her best known work is her autobiography Aalo Aandhari which describes her harsh life growing up as a domestic worker, Aalo Aandhari hit the shelves in 2002 and sold out from day one. From sweepers, domestic helpers to the retired headmistress who lived next door, Baby Halder’s story resonated with everyone. The English translation by feminist Urvashi Butalia, published in 2006, became a bestseller. The New York Times harked it India’s Angela’s Ashes. Today, the book has been translated in 21 local and 13 foreign languages, including French, Japanese, Korean and German

Divya Arya

Journalist and Author

Divya Arya has been telling people’s stories for two decades now. Navigating video, audio and text mediums across English and Hindi languages, she explores human rights and social justice issues with a gender lens. Divya’s first book, Postbox Kashmir: Two lives in letters, traces the political history of Kashmir and rest of India through conversations between two young girls. An award-winning journalist with the BBC she has also presented the global news programme OS on BBC World Service Radio from its London newsroom and the chat show WorklifeIndia on BBC World News TV from Delhi. Divya is the first journalist from India to be Knight Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan. Her research was published in the book of essays, Breaching the Citadel.

Divyanshu Poddar

CEO Rocketeers Space Technology Entrepreneur

Mr. Divyanshu Poddar, the founder of Rocketeers, India's first solid fuel-powered model rocketry company. His impact in education is immense, with over 150,000 rockets flown and products reaching 3,000 institutes nationwide. Mr Divyanshu Poddar's relentless commitment to making rocketry safe, reliable, and affordable has significantly reduced costs, and revolutionized the accessibility of model rocketry in India. He personally taught and inspired 250,000+ students across 300 institutions, leading Rocketeers to be recognized among India's top 80 startups at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 and the runner-up in "Lufthansa Runway to Success Season 5." His remarkable contributions extend beyond India, earning him a place among four Indians honored as pioneers in the Global Karman Space Fellowship for his exceptional impact on the space industry.

Idant Dikshit

High School Student President HOPE Club, Dikshant International School

Idant is currently a high school senior at Dikshant International School who is a high achieving and compassionate student dedicated to imrpoving accessibility for individuals with disabilities in the community. As a president, HOPE club, he embodes the qualities of leadership, empathy and resilience, making him a driving force for positive change. Recently, he raised funds through his photography exhibition, 'Lessons from a Passport', and, donated wheel chairs for the public places at Chandigarh. He has designed a self sustainable App, 'Mobility Matters', where high school students can volunteer to help the disable. In summer 2023, he attended the Pre-College Program in entrepreneurship at the Columbia University.

Karhun Nanda

Heart Transplant Golfer

Karhun Nanda is a passionate golfer , known for his exceptional athletic talents and recent success in the World Transplant Games where he earned two silver medals in golf. His sports journey began in School, excelling in various sports and even captaining the school football team. Despite facing health challenges, including a heart transplant in 2016 after multiple heart attacks, he rose above, leading Team India in the World Transplant Olympic Games and winning two silver medals in golf. Karhun's skills include remarkable golfing expertise, resilience, sportsmanship, and leadership. He remains dedicated to golf and advocates for organ transplantation awareness and the significance of organ donation, serving as an inspiring figure in overcoming life-altering hurdles.

Mandeep Punia

Journalist

Mandeep Punia, born into a farming family in Khudan, Haryana, is a journalist and editor. He holds a B.A from Punjab University and studied journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi. He has worked as a freelance journalist for publications such as 'Janpath,' 'The Caravan,' 'Outlook,' 'The Wire,' 'Newslaundry,' 'Media Vigil,' 'Down to Earth,' 'Lallantap,' among others. Currently, Mandeep Punia is the editor of 'Gaon Savera,' focusing on rural issues. He authored 'Kisan Andolan: Ground Zero,' published by Rajkamal Prakashan, shedding light on the grassroots level of the farmers' protest movement in India. His work highlights rural concerns and social justice issues, making him a prominent figure in Indian journalism.

Rajeev Kumar

Philanthropist and Global Corporate Leader, Founder Trustee – Snehalaya

Mr Rajeev Kumar, a philanthropist and global corporate leader. He is the trustee of Snehalaya, an organization dedicated to supporting children born in brothels. Since 1991, Snehalaya has grown substantially, boasting 24 diverse projects, including India’s largest adoption center and international expansion in the USA and the UK. Apart from his work at Snehalaya, he also serves on the board of the Myna Mahila Foundation, which uplifts underprivileged communities in Mumbai's slums. He is also a key figure in the Open Links Foundation, empowering government school teachers in Maharashtra through the Vinoba app. In his corporate career, Mr. Rajiv Kumar has achieved remarkable milestones, including being the Global Campus Hiring Head at Wipro, and serving as the Chief Customer Officer of Appirio, a Wipro Company in Washington DC.

Somveer Singh Anand

CEO and MD The Innovation Mission Punjab

A Punjab Government supported startup Accelerator, Pollinator and Venture Investment Fund, who’s aiming to rejuvenate entrepreneurships in the state with a special focus on scaling companies that are committed to solve Punjab’s local and rural problems. Prior to this, from 2016-2020 Somveer spent 4 years building Pindfresh, an Agri-tech company that is building sustainable, easy to use and easy to assemble Indoor Hydroponics machines. Before his entrepreneurial venture, Somveer’s work experience included stints at Citibank and Maruti Udyog. His last engagement before his move back to India was with Avendus Capital in the US - managing investment portfolios for Indo-US families. He was based out of New York, New Delhi, Bombay, and Cochin before moving back to Chandigarh. Somveer is an 2007 MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB) and studied Mechanical Engineering at the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (2003)

Syed Mohd Irfan

Founder Producer Guftagoo

Mr. Syed Mohammad Irfan, a media industry veteran with over three decades of diverse experience in print, radio, television, and digital media. Known for his knowledge, precision, and compassion, he has redefined the art of interviewing in long-format exploratory shows. His weekly celebrity talk show, "Guftagoo," is now in its impressive 12th year, featuring around 500 renowned personalities. His passions include Cinema, Theatre, and Music. In his previous role as Editor in charge of the Art and Culture Desk at Rajya Sabha TV, he showcased India's rich tradition commendably. His podcast Channel ‘Listen with Irfan’ is a wonderful place where you can experience a vast repository of his personal archive apart from his latest podcasts.