Theme: Retrouvaille

At TEDxMACE 2023, we proudly present our theme for this year: "Retrouvaille." This French word, meaning "reconnec- tion," encapsulates the very essence of our event. "Retrouvaille" signifies the art of rediscovery, rekindling, and revi- talizing the connections that define our lives. Join us on an enriching journey where we honor the profound power of diverse connections, from the intricacies of human relationships to the vibrant threads of cultural ties, and our deep -rooted connection with the environment.

Mar Athanasius College of Engineering
Kothamangalam
Kerala, India
Kochi, Kerala, 686671
India

Anjana Gopakumar

Culinary Connoisseur

Ms. Anjana Gopakumar is a distinguished figure in the culinary world, boasting a multifaceted career as a food blogger, writer, and restaurant consultant with a keen focus on unravelling the rich tapestry of Kerala's food scenes. Notably, she has earned the honor of being selected as one of the representatives for the Kerala region at Culinary Culture Co., an authoritative and independent rating organization that bestows stars upon deserving restaurants. An insightful conversationalist, Ms. Gopakumar shares her profound food philosophy, cherished food memories, and delves into the culinary traditions of Travancore. Her expertise extends to the intricacies of the hotel business in Thiruvananthapuram, offering a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between food and culture. In essence, Ms. Anjana Gopakumar embodies a culinary connoisseur whose passion and knowledge enrich the gastronomic landscape.

Annie Vallikappen

Literary Figure

Annie Vallikappen, a captivating literary figure rooted in Marmala, Kottayam, Kerala, draws inspiration from her cultural heritage. Despite academic pursuits abroad in English literature, communication studies, and media, she remains devoted to her mother tongue, Malayalam, a passion instilled by her grandfather. Her writing blends simplicity and vivid expressions, bridging cultural traditions and contemporary themes, establishing her as a distinctive voice in Malayalam literature. Annie Vallikappen gained recognition for her debut novel, "Kavalkari," which was released in 2011. She continued to make contributions to Malayalam literature with her second novel, "NeerDintrude Pusthakangal" ("The Books of the Day"), published in 2019. Additionally, Annie Vallikappen has been associated with the Malayalam literary magazine "Bhashaposhini." Her writing is known for its ability to capture the intricacies of human emotions, blending cultural traditions with contemporary themes.

Ash Akshay Goel

Chief Growth Officer & Co-Founder of Global Book Publishing

Mr. Ash Akshay Goel, the Chief Growth Officer & Co-Founder of Global Book Publishing, stands as a compelling example of the transformative influence of passion, branding, and resilience. As a strategic and performance-oriented growth multiplier professional, Ash consistently showcases his ability to propel double-digit growth, even in the fiercely competitive markets of the US and Canada. Setting himself apart through a profound passion for embracing challenges and pioneering new avenues in markets, products, and services, Ash abides by the mantra 'Be The Best Or Nothing,' making his journey a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a wealth of experience gained from significant roles in the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and India, Ash brings a truly global perspective to every endeavor. His academic achievements are equally remarkable, boasting an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta and a B. Tech from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur.

Dr. Mathew Kuzhalnadan

Lawyer and Political Activist

Dr. Mathew Kuzhalnadan is a name synonymous with intellectual acumen, political engagement, and a tireless commitment to public service. As a dynamic lawyer, insightful politician, and passionate advocate for Kerala's development, He honed his legal expertise at the Indian Law Institute, Delhi, before embarking on a successful career as an advocate. Driven by a desire to translate legal expertise into tangible change, Dr. Kuzhalnadan entered the political arena. He is a member of the Indian National Congress, and currently represents the Muvattupuzha constituency in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. He serves as an advisor to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, both at the national and state level, lending his expertise to crucial environmental and forest matters. Additionally, he is a prolific writer, contributing thought-provoking articles to leading newspapers, and engaging in national politics through platforms like the All India Professionals' Congress.

Nayan Giri

Student

Nayan Giri, a promising B.Tech student majoring in computer science at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering in Kothamangalam, stands out not only for his academic pursuits but also for his dynamic involvement in extracurricular activities. Hailing from a background of schooling in Navi Mumbai and Kochi, Nayan carries a rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped his multifaceted personality. A true all-rounder, Nayan has left an indelible mark in the realms of sports, music, and co-curricular engagements. From district to state level, he has showcased his prowess in football and athletics, exemplifying his dedication to physical pursuits. Simultaneously, he is an integral part of the volleyball and music clubs on campus, highlighting his commitment to a diverse range of interests. Having earned accolades such as "The Best Outgoing All-Rounder" and "The Best Orator" at Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Nayan Giri is not just an engineer in the making but a speaker with a compelling voice.

RJ Shambu

Radio Jockey

RJ Shambu, the most talented and hippest radio jockey in town, is a true epitome of talent and entertainment. With a spectacular voice that can effortlessly mimic famous stars, ranging from the charismatic Dulquer Salman to the authoritative figures of the Big Boss, RJ Shambu has carved a niche for himself in the world of radio broadcasting. Through his witty banter, engaging conversations, and spot-on celebrity impersonations, RJ Shambu has successfully turned his show into a haven of laughter and joy. Beyond the realm of entertainment, RJ Shambu's passion extends to serving as a guiding light for those embarking on quests to explore profound questions of meaning, interconnectedness, and human relationships. His ability to connect with his audience goes beyond the surface level, touching upon the deeper aspects of the human experience.

Sanju Soman

UN Climate Youth Leader

Mr. Sanju Soman, a distinguished social entrepreneur and development professional. A Tata Institute of Social Sciences graduate with a Postgraduate degree in Climate Change and Sustainability Studies, Mr. Soman has successfully led over 60 impactful projects in education, health, sustainability, and conservation. His expertise spans climate change, water conservation, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. As the Ambassador to the United Nations for training on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the co-founder of two NGOs in Kerala, Mr. Soman exemplifies visionary leadership. Aligning your brand with his initiatives offers a unique chance to contribute to transformative change, elevate your brand's reputation, and demonstrate a commitment to global sustainability.

Tapesh Kumar

Captain

Mr. Tapesh Kumar emerges as a luminary defined by passion, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Breaking records at the age of 25 as the world's youngest airline captain in 2018, Tapesh's journey transcends the cockpit; it is a testament to inspiring others to pursue their dreams and soar to unprecedented heights. His fascination with aviation, cultivated since childhood, propelled him to earn his wings through relentless dedication and hard work. Beyond flying, Tapesh harnessed the power of social media to share his aviation journey, becoming a global inspiration through his YouTube channel. As an instructor at his family's aviation academy, Tapesh mentored aspiring pilots, sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge. Tapesh Kumar is not just the world's youngest airline captain; he is a trailblazer inspiring countless individuals to believe in their potential and embark on their extraordinary journeys.