Theme: Synapse: Where Though Meets Action

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).

FLAME University
1270, Lavale, Off. Pune Bengaluru Highway
Pune, Maharashtra, 412115
India

Abhilasha Gaur

Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, with 22 years of experience in business development, government projects, and skill development, is the new CEO of IT-ITeS Sector Skills Council. Formerly with Electronics SSC, she has worked with MSDE, NSDC, and MeitY. Her leadership and Lean Six Sigma expertise will further position IT-ITeS SSC to drive India’s skill charter.

Ali Khwaja

Dr. Ali Khwaja is a distinguished educator, counsellor, and the founder of Banjara Academy, a prominent institution specializing in personal development, career counselling, and life skills training. With over 40 years of experience, he has made a significant impact in the fields of career guidance, behavioural counselling, and leadership development. He has helped thousands of individuals navigate their career choices, overcome personal challenges, and enhance their interpersonal skills through Banjara Academy's specialized programs. He is also a well-respected speaker and trainer, known for his engaging workshops and motivational talks. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including career counselling, psychological counselling, relationship management, stress management, and personality development. He is also spreading awareness about mental health and is committed to reducing the stigma around seeking counselling services. Through his work at Banjara Academy, he has empowered thousands to improve their lives, build fulfilling careers, and foster emotional well-being. His contributions to personal development continue to inspire individuals across India and beyond.

Amita Deshpande

Designation: Founder, reCharkha - The EcoSocial Tribe and My EcoSocial Planet; Project Designer and Lead of Project - Zero Waste Tadoba, Know How Foundation About: A social entrepreneur, Ms. Deshpande leads efforts in sustainability by creating eco-friendly products from recycled plastic, turning waste into beautiful, handcrafted lifestyle items. Amita's initiative has helped upcycle over 10,000 kilograms of plastic waste, creating a positive environmental impact while providing livelihoods to marginalized communities.

Ganesh Natarajan

Dr. Ganesh Natarajan is Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of 5F World, GTT Data Solutions Ltd. and Lighthouse Communities Foundation. He is also Chairman of Honeywell Automation India and an independent Board member of the SBI Group and Hinduja Global Solutions. Dr. Natarajan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from BIT Mesra, Ranchi, a Masters’ in Industrial Engineering from IIM Mumbai, PhD from IIT Bombay and Advanced Management from Harvard Business School. He has received the Distinguished Alumnus Award of BIT Mesra, IIT Bombay and IIM Mumbai and has been recognized by EY and the Asia Pacific HR Forum for excellence in technology entrepreneurship and people-centric leadership. He has completed two successful CEO tenures over twenty-five years at APTECH and Zensar Technologies. Harvard Business School has written and teaches two case studies on Dr. Ganesh Natarajan and his success through Vision Communities and Innovation. Dr. Ganesh Natarajan has been Chairman of Industry association NASSCOM and NASSCOM Foundation and various National Committees of the Confederation of Indian Industry and the All India Management Association. He has also been President of the HBS Club of India and a Charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) and a Co-Chair for the Sustainability & Social Special Interest Group of The IndUS Entrepreneurs Global. Ganesh is the author of fourteen books and a regular writer and speaker at national and international forums. Ganesh’s primary interests are in Digital Success, Dual Intelligence and Leadership in the corporate and social sector.

Radhakrishnan Pillai

Author

Samir Parikh

Chairperson, Fortis National Mental Health Program, Fortis Healthcare Dr. Samir Parikh is an eminent psychiatrist, currently regarded as one of the nation's foremost experts on mental health issues. He completed his MBBS from B. J. M. C. Ahmedabad and his DPM and MD in Psychiatry from Civil Hospital, B. J. M. C. Ahmedabad, having topped the university. Under his leadership, the Fortis National Mental Health Program offers comprehensive care through a multi-disciplinary team and launched Adayu Mindfulness, a Fortis Group Company, integrating innovation and digitalization with clinical excellence in new dedicated in-patient facilities. Dr. Parikh furthers clinical excellence by overseeing the Clinical Governance of Pacific International Hospital in Papua New Guinea (in 2019), Alpha Healing Centre in Vadodara, and United We Care's AI-enabled solutions while also advising Antara Senior Care in Gurugram. He has shaped important programs including the Fortis School Mental Health Program, the Fortis Workplace Mental Health Program, and Sport Psychology, having also been appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as the Chief Mental Health Expert for the Paris Olympic Games 2024. The 24x7 National Stress Helpline and the Specialized Cancer Helpline offer multilingual support by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and psycho-oncologists, respectively. Over the past decade, his department has been committed to furthering professional and academic development by providing various internship programs, training, and opportunities for continued education in psychology. Dr. Parikh is also an established author, with several publications including "Laugh & Learn" a mental health comic on study and exam skills, and books titled "Raising Confident Children"; "Alone in the Crowd: Overcoming Loneliness in Urban Living", "Don’t Worry! Here’s How You Can Keep Your Mind Fit During a Pandemic", and “Talking about Mental Health in the Classroom”, a Mental Health Curriculum for Teachers.

Sandeep Rai

Sandeep Rai started his career as a Teach For America corps member, teaching seventh and eighth grade science in Washington, D.C. In addition to championing multiple school-wide reforms, he led his students to dramatic gains across literacy, mathematics, and science. That experience, in a low-income government school in the inner city, cemented his resolve to eliminate educational inequity. In 2008, Sandeep moved across the world to help launch Teach For India, a nationwide movement that spans operations across eight regions. The organisation houses 1000 Fellows who impact 32,000 children; over the years, it has graduated more than 5000 Alumni who are now reaching 33 million children across India. Sandeep played numerous leadership roles at Teach For India, including serving as the Chief Program Officer and the Chief of City Operations. In 2022, Sandeep founded The Circle, an organisation reinventing a network of schools, after-school programs, and teachers working to improve the lives of students from low-income communities. The organisation has launched 18 programs serving 5000 students and worked with 8500 educators across India. Since his time in India, he has published multiple articles and works, including Grey Sunshine, a recently released book on the truth and hope of India’s educational system. Sandeep sits on the advisory boards of Saturday Art Class and Teach For India; he’s also on the governing board of iTeach, a school chain located in Pune.