Theme: "Breaking down the barriers- a journey towards self-growth and fulfilment"

Our event is called TEDx STS DWARKA YOUTH, where x = independently organised TED event. At our TEDx STS DWARKA YOUTH event, TED Talks videos and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organised.

This theme promotes the idea of personal growth, wellbeing and self-approbation. Our pursuit of happiness may be flawed. Our ideas about our capabilities, self-worth, and potential often limit us and hinder our progress and happiness. They may stem from family structures and their dynamics, past experiences, social beliefs and perceptions. We tend to undermine our worth due to preconceived social notions impacting our choices and decisions. The audience will likely appreciate talks that limit these retrogressive social beliefs for a wholesome living and clear thinking without biases or prejudices. Adopting a positive growing mindset is important for any society. When we believe we can’t achieve something, we’re less likely to take the quintessential steps toward our future goals, thus reinforcing the belief in our incapability and defeat. This vicious cycle can trap us in stagnation, preventing personal growth, fulfilment, contentment and happiness. Our community needs to understand that society’s predefined success is veritably making us end up as failures.

ST. THOMAS' SCHOOL, DWARKA
GOYALA VIHAR, NEAR SECTOR 19, DWARKA, NEW DELHI
NEW DELHI, Delhi, 110071
India

ALKA AMIN

Actress

She is an Indian film, theatre, and television actress who graduated from the National School of Drama, a regional acting institute. She is widely known for her performances in films such as Badhaai Ho, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Luka Chuppi, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, Khajoor Pe Atke, and many more.

ANAND ARNOLD

Sportsman

Anand Arnold is a name that has made India proud on more than just one occasion. Known as the ‘Indian Arnold’, he is India’s first and only bodybuilder who uses a wheelchair. He proved to the world that no handicap can keep you away from your dreams. Despite being paralysed from the waist down, he decided to hit the gym and make bodybuilding his profession. He has won over 50 bodybuilding titles, including the ‘Mr World’ title in Lithuania, a Gold Medal and a Bronze medal in ‘Mr Olympia’ 2018 and 2021, and Silver Medal in ‘Toronto Pro Super Show – 2019’. He is the first paid Indian sports model for ‘Muscle Mania’, a brand ambassador for a nutrition supplement company, and a model for a range of popular action toys. Besides this, he has also acted in Telugu films, and a biopic has also been made on him. He has also participated in ‘India’s Got Talent’ and ‘South India Got Talent’. Recently, he was awarded the title of ‘Mr. Olympia, USA’.

ANIMESH KAPOOR

Environmentalist, Trustee of Eco Roots Foundation

He is the Eco Roots Foundation's trustee and chief ‘Think Tank’. His work experience spans sixteen years, from corporate to NGO. He is actively involved in environmental protection and wildlife conservation. He has conducted multiple workshops to promote biodiversity conservation and established medicinal nurseries and gardens focusing on native plants.

AVNI FARTIYAL

STUDENT

Avni is a compassionate and driven individual, proudly serving as the current Head Girl of her esteemed institution. With a passion for effective communication, she actively participates in debates and discussions , consistently emerging victorious. Her interests lie in the field of medicine, driven by a sincere desire to make a profound impact on society and did rive meaningful change. She is deeply committed to harnessing her skills to create a lasting difference in the lives of others.

DEVANG SHARMA

STUDENT

Devang holds the position as the current head boy of the prestigious institution, as he has embraced his leadership role with poise whilst maintaining heartfelt relations with others. Devang is also an accomplished anchor and has spoken at a plethora of events; such as his institution’s Annual Day and exchange programs. He also fosters an ambitious passion towards music, having produced songs and excelling at a variety of instruments such as guitar and piano. Devang’s vivacious dedication towards his peers and other members of his community drives his mindfulness to promote empathy and inclusivity.

GAURI DHIR

STUDENT

Gauri is a multifaceted student with a deep passion for global issues and creative problem-solving. Inspired by the ideals of the United Nations, she dedicates herself to exploring topics like human rights and international diplomacy. Beyond academics, she actively participates in debates, deliberations and dialogues. She is also the environment secretary of our school, she organized the St Thomas School National Youth parliament and she was the Secretary General for St Thomas School MUN. Her journey is one of curiosity, resilience, and a relentless drive to make a difference.

RAMAN KANT

Riverman of India

He is called the ‘Riverman of India’ and is a National Water Awardee. He is the president of Bhartiya Nadi Parishad and the founder of NEER Foundation. He is also a member of the Uttar Pradesh State Ganga Committee. He has been engaged in water conservation, environmental protection and river revitalisation since 2001. Through the NEER Foundation, a complete report, ‘Paani Ghano Anmol,’ has been prepared by calculating the natural water sources. More than 400 ponds have been revived, and more than 250 models of rainwater conservation have been made. He is actively engaged in C 20, an associate group of G20 organised in India for river and water issues. A Bollywood film was made being influenced by his life, ‘Ek Ank’. He has received various international awards too.

RUMIT WALIA

Creative Environmentalist

He is a creative environmentalist and peace builder who embarked on my planet-saving journey at twelve. Growing up with a farming background, he developed a deep connection with nature. With over a decade of experience managing programs and nonprofit organisations, he has moderated numerous national and international conferences, events, panels, and podcasts. He was the youngest participant in the 2024 Environmental Engagement and Economy group for the Indo-Pacific of the State Department's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). He is involved with Russia's World Youth Festival Directorate, advocating for Dialogue, Peace and Culture. He manages Youth Affairs at Earth Day Network and is an Advisor to several Youth Organisations.

SITENDER SEHRAWAT

Social Entrepreneur

He is a former monk, social entrepreneur, and United Nations volunteer and mentor dedicated to reimagining how humanity addresses loneliness and emotional suffering. He is the visionary founder of ‘Antaha LLC’, an organisation on a mission to end loneliness globally by helping individuals connect with their inner selves before seeking connections with the outer world. His work bridges ancient wisdom with modern understanding, offering a groundbreaking approach to belonging; self-awareness as the foundation for a meaningful life.

SUSHMITA MUKHERJEE

Actress & Author

She is an Indian actress and author who graduated from the prestigious National School of Drama. Her book ‘Baanjh: Incomplete Lives of Complete Women’ is an amalgamation of eleven short stories. She has acted in various films; some notable works include Aaja Nachle, King Uncle, Khalnayak, Golmaal, Khoya Khoya Chand, Dostana, and many more. She gained popularity after starring in the TV show ‘Karamchand’, where she played secretary ‘Kitty’.