Entrepreneur
Abhijeet Anand, Founder & CEO of AB Coffee, is revolutionizing India's coffee culture by making premium specialty coffee accessible and affordable. With a focus on technology and sustainability, AB Coffee challenges the notion that quality coffee is a luxury. Hailing from a small town in Bihar, Abhijeet's resilience led him to become his family's first engineer.
In 2017, he founded the Sarthak Mentoring Foundation, transforming education for underprivileged youth. The foundation has impacted over 180 students, expanded to five states, and earned international recognition through initiatives like Romania's Digital Classroom.
A passionate mentor, Abhijeet has delivered 20+ career and life-skills talks, inspiring over 5,000 students across India. His academic credentials in Petroleum Engineering, Business Law, and Political Marketing exemplify his drive to innovate and uplift communities, aligning with the TEDx theme Genesis of Giants.
Actress & Author
Introducing Digangana Suryavanshi, an accomplished actress, singer, and author who has charmed audiences with her versatility and creativity. Renowned for her breakthrough role in Ek Veer Ki Ardaas Veera and a celebrated career in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema, Digangana’s talents extend beyond the screen. At just 15, she debuted as an author with her collection of English lyrics, Waves – The Endless Emotions, and later penned her first novel, Nixie the Mermaid and The Power of Love. A true storyteller at heart, she blends artistry and inspiration seamlessly. At TEDxPodarWorldCollege, she will share her remarkable journey and vision under the theme Genesis of Giants.
Internet Personality
Honey Sheth is a powerhouse in the Beauty, Fashion, and Lifestyle space, passionate about creating a no-filter community where everyone can embrace their authentic beauty. With a background in communication strategy at MSL India, Honey’s love for makeup has evolved into a platform that empowers others to feel confident in their own skin.
Having partnered with global brands like Lancome, Maybelline, and Estee Lauder, Honey’s work has reached millions, with branded content garnering over 30 million views. Beyond beauty, she’s also involved in social causes, working with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Green Dot For Progress Initiative.
At TEDxPDARWorld College, Honey Sheth will inspire us to ditch the filters and confidently embrace our unique beauty, proving that empowerment starts from within.
Chef
Chef Koushik Shankar, known as "The Mad Chef," is a visionary in Indian cuisine with over 25 years of culinary expertise. A graduate of IHM, his innovative approach blends traditional flavors with modern creativity, earning him widespread recognition. Koushik founded Eatitude Gourmet Technologists, a consultancy that has supported over 40 brands in Chennai and worked with global clients. His popular ventures, like Maplai, are celebrated for their fusion of South Indian flavors with unique twists.
A mentor to budding food entrepreneurs, Koushik has also made his mark on television and cinema, appearing on shows like MasterChef Tamil and as a judge in films. His commitment to learning and passion for food innovation have shaped India's culinary landscape, making him a driving force in the industry today
Producer & Actress
Niharica Raizada is a versatile actress, model, and healthcare professional known for her work in the Indian film industry. After completing her MRes in Translational Medicine at Imperial College London, she pursued cardiology research at Johns Hopkins University before transitioning to acting.
Niharica made her debut in Bengali cinema later appearing in films like Masaan (2015), Baby (2015), Total Dhamaal (2019), and Sooryavanshi (2021), where she portrayed a significant role as an Inspector. Her performance in IB71 (2023) earned her the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Indian Television Award for Best Actress. Niharica has also showcased her talent in music and modeling, and has been ranked among the Times 50 Most Desirable Women in India.
Apart from acting, she has contributed to the medical field, performing heart surgeries and researching heart diseases. Her remarkable blend of talents and achievements continues to inspire many.
Book Coach & Author
Sweta Samota is an award-winning book coach, bestselling author, and motivational speaker renowned for transforming the publishing journey of aspiring authors. She was honored with the Global Fame Award 2022 as the “Best Book Coach, Author, and Speaker” for her innovative approach to helping writers publish books without financial investment. A former software engineer, she transitioned from a successful 12-year corporate career to pursue her passion for storytelling and mentoring.
Sweta has authored 11 books, including Changemakers, whose foreword was written by Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu and launched by luminaries like Javed Akhtar and Nandita Das. Through her “Most Trusted Author” workshops, Sweta has empowered hundreds of writers to craft and self-publish impactful stories.
A dynamic speaker and entrepreneur, Sweta’s mission is to democratize the publishing process, inspire creativity, and leave a lasting impact on the literary world.