Theme: From Why to Wow

Welcome to TEDxKIS Pune Youth, where questions become quests and doubts transform into discoveries.

This year, we explore the bold and exciting theme: “From Why to Wow.” In a world overflowing with noise, we often find ourselves stuck in the “why”—Why me? Why now? Why change? But what if the power of a question could be the spark for something extraordinary? What if curiosity wasn’t the end of the road, but the beginning of something transformative?

At TEDxKIS Pune Youth, we believe that every remarkable idea, invention, or personal breakthrough begins with a moment of wonder. “From Why to Wow” captures that magical shift—when a skeptic becomes a seeker, when hesitation turns into action, and when the ordinary becomes awe-inspiring. It's not just about asking better questions—it's about how those questions fuel courage, spark innovation, and ignite purpose.

This year’s event will bring together voices from across disciplines—young change-makers, artists, educators, innovators, and storytellers—each with a unique perspective on what it means to go beyond limitations. Whether it’s turning a childhood challenge into a movement, reinventing traditional systems with fresh thinking, or simply choosing to rise when it was easier to quit, these speakers represent the spirit of “Wow.”

We are proud to host this edition of TEDx at KIS Pune, an institution that encourages fearless thinking and believes in nurturing leaders with heart and vision. Our youth-driven platform is committed to inspiring a new generation—students, creators, and community members alike—to move from asking “Why?” to confidently saying, “Why not me?”

As you take your seat, be prepared for a day that moves you, challenges you, and empowers you. You’ll leave not just with new ideas, but with new perspectives—and maybe even the spark to turn your own “Why” into a “Wow.”

Let’s celebrate curiosity, courage, and creativity—because the future belongs to those who dare to ask better questions and take bolder steps.

Welcome to TEDxKIS Pune Youth 2025. Let’s go from Why to Wow—together.

Kothari International School
Survey No. 54, Fountain Road, Tulaja Bhawani Nagar, Kharadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411014
Pune, Maharashtra, 411014
India

Aayushi Garg

Competitive Exam Strategist

Aayushi Garg is a Competitive Exam Strategist and popular YouTuber who’s transforming the way India prepares for success. As a dedicated study coach and career mentor, she has empowered over 15,000 students with smart strategies, exam hacks, and a winning mindset to tackle even the toughest competitive exams. Her engaging content breaks down complex subjects, eases exam anxiety, and makes learning not just effective—but enjoyable. From time management tips to revision routines, Aayushi helps students shift from stress to strategy. Her mission is clear: to build confident learners who study smarter, not harder, and redefine what it means to succeed in today’s high-pressure academic landscape.

Ila Joshi

Storyteller, Public Speaker

Ila Joshi is a seasoned storyteller, author, and voiceover artist with over two decades of experience across marketing, education, and audio-visual production. As the founder of Once Upon A Time – Storytelling and author of The Incredible Mr. Bigglebottom, she has brought stories to life for audiences of all ages. Ila has voiced lead characters in an Oscar-nominated feature, lent her voice to Netflix dubs, and narrated for Discovery Asia. As a creative and executive producer, her work has shaped top-ranking podcasts and audio shows on platforms like Amazon Audible. With a unique ability to fuse artistic expression with strategic insight, Ila is redefining how stories are told—and heard—in the modern world.

Laxman Savalkar

Agropreneur, Business Leader

Mr. Laxman Savalkar is a seasoned agrotech and sustainable entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in global food systems. As the Founder and Director of Magnus Farm Fresh Limited, he leads efforts to export premium Indian produce to more than 29 countries. With a Master’s degree from the University of Greenwich, his expertise lies in food safety, quality assurance, and ethical sourcing. Laxman is passionate about empowering farmers and driving innovation in sustainable agriculture. Through his work, he’s built traceable, impact-driven food supply chains that connect rural India to international markets—ensuring better livelihoods for farmers and fresher, safer food for the world.

Malati Kalmadi

Educationist

Malati Kalmadi is a veteran educationist with over three decades of dedicated service to the field of learning and inclusive education. Her journey with the Kaveri Group of Institutes—from a substitute teacher in 1981 to a Trustee in 1989—reflects her deep-rooted belief that education is the most powerful tool to shape the future. As a founding director of the Kaveri Gifted Education & Research Centre (KGERC) and a long-time volunteer with the Anjali Morris Foundation, Malati has been a passionate advocate for children with special needs and gifted learners alike. She is also a core member of Initiatives of Change’s Education Today, Society Tomorrow (ETST), working to empower schools across India by encouraging values-based education and sharing best practices. Her unwavering commitment to transforming society through education continues to inspire generations of educators and learners.

Manav Parmar

Podcast Host,Spiritual Storyteller

Manav Parmar is the founder of Cocoon’s Library, a spiritual storytelling platform that brings India’s ancient wisdom to life through soulful narratives and engaging podcasts. As a passionate storyteller and podcast host, he shares the timeless teachings of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and tales of deities like Shiva, Krishna, Hanuman, and Devi in a way that resonates with today’s generation. Manav’s gift lies in simplifying deep spiritual truths into relatable life lessons, inspiring listeners of all ages to embrace values like empathy, courage, and inner peace. His work isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about spiritual reconnection, cultural revival, and healing through heritage.

Monalisa Saxena

CEO,Business Leaded

Monalisa Saxena is the Chief Operating Officer at Merren and CEO at Pixights Consulting, bringing a rare blend of research depth, entrepreneurial drive, and storytelling finesse to the world of consumer insights. A MICA alumnus and passionate semiotician, she combines data with cultural meaning to decode what truly drives people. With years of experience in decoding consumer behavior, Monalisa is a research buff and mindful entrepreneur who believes in leading with empathy and insight. Whether it’s building scalable research tech or crafting brand narratives, her work bridges logic and emotion—making her a compelling voice at the intersection of business, culture, and innovation.

Prerna Tripathi

Social Entrepreneur, Edupreneur, Social Activist

Prerna Tripathi is a purpose-driven social activist and the founder of Inspiration Academic Consultants (IAC)—a platform where education meets empathy. Currently working with Mission Shakti, an initiative by the Government of Uttar Pradesh under the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare, she champions the rights and safety of women and children. Through advocacy, grassroots action, and educational support, Prerna is building stronger, more inclusive systems that empower the most vulnerable. Her work blends compassion with impact, making her a powerful voice for change in today’s evolving social landscape.

Rekha Rao

Marketing Leader

Rekha Rao is the Founder and CEO of OON—the world’s first women’s collective providing integrated marketing communications solutions. With a powerhouse background in brand storytelling, reputation management, crisis response, and strategic content, she has led award-winning campaigns across global, regional, and local markets. Under her leadership, OON has earned 125+ accolades, becoming a force in shaping narratives that matter. Rekha’s mission goes beyond marketing—she’s creating space for women to lead, collaborate, and redefine the communications landscape with creativity, empathy, and impact.

Samir Dhurde

Science and Astronomy Communicator

Sameer Dhurde is an award-winning science and astronomy communicator and the driving force behind SciPOP, the popular outreach program at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune. Trained as a radio astronomer with a Master’s in Physics, Sameer has dedicated his career to making science education engaging and accessible. Over the past decade, he has contributed to several national and international advisory groups including ASI, TMT, LIGO-India, ISRO, and the IAU—designing impactful science outreach programs and educational resources. Recipient of the prestigious Zubin Kembhavi Award by the ASI, Sameer travels across India to ignite curiosity among children, support amateur astronomers, and share the wonders of the cosmos with diverse communities.

Shivathmaj Shenoy

Digital Marketing Expert

Shivathmaj Shenoy is a video editor, marketer, and CEO of Scale Socials, with over a decade of experience and 860+ projects delivered. He specializes in creating high-converting content for brands and creators — from YouTube funnels and SaaS promos to true crime edits and motion graphics. With advanced skills in color grading, sound design, storyboarding, and AI-powered visuals, Shivathmaj crafts videos that don’t just tell stories — they drive results.

Udayan Deshpande

Community builder

Udayan Deshpande is the Co-Founder of Marathi Connect, a “feel-good, do-good” non-profit initiative that’s rapidly becoming the world’s fastest-growing Marathi language community. A passionate community builder, he leads a dedicated team of 100+ volunteers and nurtures a vibrant network of over 10,000 members united by their love for Marathi language and culture. Through storytelling, cultural engagement, and purposeful connection, Udayan fosters a deep sense of belonging and pride among the global Marathi-speaking diaspora—proving that language is not just heritage, but a powerful force for unity and positive impact.