TEDxYouth@CHIREC

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Manya Agarwal

  Grade 12 Student

  Manya is a Grade 12 IBDP student at CHIREC, where she studies Psychology, Math, and Economics at the higher level. She’s the kind of person who’s always exploring — whether it’s a new idea, a social issue, or a language she doesn’t fully speak yet. She started Project SignVerse to spread awareness about Indian Sign Language, creating interactive sessions that gently challenge how we think about communication and accessibility. As part of ISB’s I-Venture program, she pitched the idea for AccessAbility — an AI-based concept designed to make sign language communication more inclusive in everyday spaces. Outside all this, Manya is usually painting, journaling, reading psych papers, or trying to make sense of Chinese characters — just a little hobby of hers while learning Korean and Mandarin (with more languages definitely on the way).

• Rikith Jamalpuri

  Grade 12 Student

  Rikith is a 12th-grade CBSE student hoping to pursue economics and finance. When he’s not at an MUN strengthening his articulation skills and love for policy, you’ll probably find him appealing to the umpire for an LBW that’s clearly not out! He’s always talking about something, whether it be the new season of Squid Game or his never-ending stories. His friends call him an enthusiastic yapper someone who can go on and on about absolutely nothing. He’s an avid listener, too- the person you go to when you need someone to talk to. He promises he won’t interrupt. As someone with a deep-rooted passion for giving back and a heartfelt love for baking, don’t be surprised to see him near the slums of Madhapur police station distributing his brownies to all the kids he can see. A smile on their face makes his day

• Sai Akhilesh Palakodeti

  Grade 12 Student

  Akhilesh Palakodeti is a Year 2 IBDP student at CHIREC International School where he studies Math, Physics, and Economics. He is deeply passionate about history, politics and sociology. When he’s not losing brain cells from studying chemistry, you can find him reading the Economist magazine, refreshing the CNN website page, or rewatching Modern Family. He is an avid reader, who enjoys high-tension discussions and varying perspectives. Akhilesh represented India as a member of the Indian Debate Squad in 2023 and is the winner and best novice speaker of the International Competition for Young Debaters hosted by the Cambridge Union. He thrives on critical questions, late-night discussions, and mildly alarming amounts of coffee.

• Sai Prasad Vishwanathan

  Risk Consultant and Adventure Enthusiast

  Sai is the first Asian with a disability to set foot on Antarctica. Featured on Satyamev Jayate, he spotlighted India’s infrastructural challenges. Born with over 60% physical disability, he was denied school admissions but persevered. A gold medalist from CBIT, he earned an MS in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from ISB, where he received the Torch Bearer Leadership Award (2011). He also won the Helen Keller Role Model Award (2010). Now a management consultant at Deloitte, Sai is an adventurer—skydiving from 14,000 ft (Limca Book of Records, 2008), exploring the Grand Canyon (2012), and diving at the Pacific-Atlantic intersection en route to Antarctica (2013). He co-founded Sahasra, impacting 15,000+ students, and consulted for Wadhwani Foundation & Home Ministry to promote employment for the disabled. His goal: to experience all five elements—earth, water, fire, sky, and air.

• Shantha Sinha

  Child Protection Activist

  Shantha Sinha headed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Govt of India, from 2007-2013. She was the Founder Secretary Trustee of M V Foundation from (1981 to 2007) removed over one million children from work and mainstreamed them into schools. She spearheaded the bridge course program in India for older children. She is the recipient of the Albert Shanker International Educational Award presented by Educational International in 1998, Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1998 Ramon Magsaysay Award, 2003 for community leadership in 2003. She also served as a Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad.

• Thrinay Reddy Sirapu

  Grade 12 Student

  Thrinay is a driven and dynamic student passionate about creating meaningful impact. As the former president of his previous school and the founder of CAS Connect an, innovative platform connecting Hyderabad’s youth and tech organizations with NGOs,he has continuously sought to merge leadership with social good. His hands-on work with several NGOs ,organizations and victories at various business summits reflect his strong commitment to creative communication and civic engagement. When he’s not developing tech-driven solutions or preparing for business summits, Thrinay is deeply immersed in the world of economics, having topped the ICSE Board in it. He’s also a devoted follower of Formula One, an avid listener, and a fast learner who believes that every conversation is an opportunity to grow.