Past TEDx event

TEDxAkshara Intl School Pune Youth

THE SPARK WITHIN

Took placeJanuary 10, 20269:00 AM - 3:00 PM (GMT+5:30)
LocationPune, Maharashtra, India
FormatYouth
The Spark Within is the quiet force that begins every transformation. It is the moment curiosity overcomes fear, when a question dares to challenge comfort, and when belief takes its first breath. This spark doesn’t shout—it glows steadily, waiting to be noticed, nurtured, and ignited. When honored, it turns ordinary lives into extraordinary journeys. t is the courage to think differently, the curiosity to ask “why,” and the confidence to trust one’s own voice. In a world full of noise, this spark reminds us that true change begins from within—and the youth carry it brightest.Every breakthrough begins long before applause or recognition.This theme honors those invisible beginnings that shape leaders, creators, and changemakers.

Speakers

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

  • Aayush Kak

    Student

    An avid student speaker from Akshara International School who enjoys playing the guitar and other musical instruments, having won a national-level band competition. Keeping my fitness in check, I hold a black belt in karate and play various sports from time to time. Public speaking has always been a forte of mine, and I thoroughly relish it. With that and an ever-learning nature, I’ve undertaken several leadership positions since middle school. My dreams are great, and my will is stronger.

  • Ameera Patankar

    Kathak Performer,Choreographer,Educator

    Ameera Patankar is a dynamic Kathak dancer, choreographer, and educator trained under Guru Smt. Shama Bhate at Nadroop, Pune. She holds an M.A. in Kathak from Savitribai Phule Pune University, where she ranked first, and is a recipient of the National Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. A Rangasetu Fellow (2022) , Ameera has performed widely across India and internationally. Her work blends classical Kathak with contemporary themes, storytelling, and interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting her belief in dance as a powerful tool for cultural dialogue and personal transformation.

  • Anand Mali

    Mountaineer, National Player for Sports Climbing

    Anand Mali is a passionate Mountaineer and a national Level sports climbing athelete who thrives on turning grit into altitude. Recepient of the Best Mountaineer of the Year Award. In September 2021, Anand Mali served as the expedition leader for the Giripremi team that achieved the first successful Indian ascent of Mt. Manda-1 (6,510 m) via the challenging North Ridge route — the only successful climb of this peak since a Japanese team in 1984.

  • Anand Munshi

    Mechanical Engineer , Executive Coach , Motivational Speaker and a recipient of multiple national and international awards.

    Mr. Anand Munshi is a globally experienced motivational speaker, author, and executive coach with nearly 25 years of work across five continents, eight sectors, and over 250 national and international clients. A mechanical engineer with an MBA in Computer Systems and a Master’s in Information Technology from Melbourne, he has worked with leading organizations such as Accenture, Vodafone, and National Australia Bank, and has coached leaders from companies including Google, Microsoft, the World Bank, Disney, and TATA.

  • Chhavi Agrawal

    Design Thinker, AI Educator, Building Digital Education and Social Change

    Chhavi’s journey blends technology, creativity, and purpose. With an engineering degree from DTU, dual MBAs from MDI Gurgaon and ESCP Paris, and experience at Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, and the World Bank, she followed the classic path of success—until life intervened.

  • Gurbani Saroa

    College Sophomore

    Gurbani Sabbajot Saroa is a PPE sophomore at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, a youth leader, and a published columnist. As a Millennium Fellow (2024), she researched the ecological footprint patterns across urban and rural India, with a focus on the interdependence of institutions, politics, and technology. An accomplished concert pianist who has performed across Maharashtra and Delhi, she is also among the most decorated debaters on the Pune and Bengaluru circuits. Her work in political philosophy, rooted in liberal egalitarianism, explores systemic enhancement of human capabilities and sustained creativity.

  • Jahnavi Deep

    Student

    A student, speaker, and published poet who lives in questions, words, and ideas. She reads obsessively, writes honestly, and debates fiercely. Through her writing, she challenges traditional norms and believes in ideas that are meant to be felt, questioned, and remembered.

  • Madhuja Bapat

    Student

    I love to share my ideas and express myself,through art or through speaking. I'm an amateur Kickboxer who's always eager to try new things, and I love reading books as well. Ever since I was a kid, I've participated in public speaking activities as they are my adventures in true sense.

  • Namit Kaleli

    Student

    A student speaker who enjoys watching films, reading, and debating ideas that get him thinking. When he’s not doing that, he’s usually playing badminton or at the piano. His interests reflect a curiosity that goes beyond textbooks and a genuine love for learning and expression.

  • Shreyas Bansal

    Aspiring C.A

    An aspiring Chartered Accountant with an entrepreneurial mindset, strong cognitive skills, and sharp logical reasoning. He is pursuing B.Com (Hons.) from Atma Ram Sanatan Dharam College, University of Delhi, and has successfully cleared Group 1 of CA Intermediate (ICAI) in September 2025. A Pranic Psychotherapy Graduate and Crystal Healer, Shreyas has trained at the Centre for Pranic Healing, Pune, affiliated with the World Pranic Healing Foundation, Philippines. He actively teaches Mathematics and Economics to Classes 10 and 12, mentors students for top undergraduate universities, and is the creator of “Ram Baan”, a focused Maths booklet for Class 10 students.

Organizing team