TEDxBasant Nagar

Speakers

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

• Advit Sethi

  Student, Economist & Entrepreneur

  Advit Sethi, an A Levels student and Student Body President at Invictus International School, stands out for his academic excellence and vision of leadership rooted in service and heritage. Growing up in Amritsar, he embraced the principle of seva—that fulfillment comes from serving others—which guides his work in heritage preservation. Collaborating with Thathera artisans, he has curated brand identities and designed modern utensils to keep this centuries-old craft alive, blending tradition with contemporary design. His passion also extends to food, especially Amritsar’s flavors, which he sees as cultural bridges across generations. Beyond culture, Advit is deeply interested in economics and finance, exploring how markets, policy, and innovation create opportunities and sustainable futures. Grounded in tradition and driven by ideas, he represents Amritsar’s next generation, reminding us that reimagining the future begins with honoring our roots.

• Ayaan Tuli

  Student & Social Activist

  Ayaan Tuli, a Grade 9 student at Spring Dale Senior School, is a bright achiever excelling in academics, arts, sports, and leadership. Consistently an A1 scorer with distinctions in Cambridge Young Learners, he pairs scholastic excellence with creativity. A multi-instrumentalist skilled in drums, djembe, keyboard, tabla, and guitar, he has won top positions in competitions by One Bros and NS Productions, alongside accolades in Spring Talent Festivals. An accomplished speaker and debater, he has earned awards in declamation and creative speaking. In sports, Ayaan represents his school in basketball, securing wins at district and CBSE cluster levels, and in swimming, where he has achieved podium finishes. As Secretary of the Youth for Change Club and student council member, he leads with empathy and initiative. With interests in game development and UI/UX design, Ayaan exemplifies a versatile young leader whose talent, discipline, and enthusiasm inspire his peers.

• Chirag Aggarwal

  Dance Director, Pianist, World Record Holder

  Chirag Aggarwal is a global artist, wellness advocate, and community leader whose journey blends dance, music, fitness, and spirituality. An ASIA Book of Records holder for his “Dance for Health” initiative, he has staged over 930 solo shows and more than 1,200 performances worldwide with his company DWC, spanning musicals, fashion shows, movie promotions, and tribute concerts to legends like MJ, Elton John, Whitney Houston, and Elvis Presley. A pianist, composer for theatre groups in Washington DC and Tokyo, and a Spotify Verified Artist, he continues to innovate across platforms. As a certified Mental Health Coach with the Art of Living Foundation, Chirag has touched over 650,000 lives across Asia through Aqua Zumba, Dance for Fitness workshops, and audience engagement programs. A disciple of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji since age 12, he integrates spirituality into his performances and wellness sessions, while also leading Artist Socials to unite dancers, musicians, and creators.

• Dominic Tomalin

  Founding Headmaster, Shrewsbury International, India

  Dominic Tomalin’s journey spans the army, business, and education — proving leadership has no single path. A former Captain in the British Army’s Corps of Royal Engineers, he went on to lead multinational projects before finding his true calling in education. Starting as a teacher of economics, business, mathematics, and physics, he rose to leadership as Vice Principal and later Principal at CATS Cambridge, UK. Today, he is the Founding Headmaster of Shrewsbury International School India in Bhopal, a pioneering 150-acre institution inspired by the holistic British model. Guided by his philosophy, Floreat, Dominic champions whole-person development through critical thinking, creativity, sportsmanship, and empathy. At Shrewsbury, he blends global standards with India’s cultural richness to nurture future-ready students. With his family as part of the school community, Dominic’s journey reflects that education is not just about careers, but about shaping lives and futures with purpose.

• Dr Jasmeet Nayyar

  Literatteur & Artist

  Dr. Jasmeet Nayyar is a biologist, geneticist, and educator whose journey spans continents and disciplines. Serving with the Government of India, she worked in Iran and Nigeria before returning to Punjab as Principal of SR Government College for Women and later as Director Public Instructions (Colleges & Universities), where she opened 13 new colleges in rural Punjab. As a NAAC assessor, she has guided institutions toward higher quality standards. Beyond policy, she supports over 100 rural government schools through Sanjhi Sikhya and co-founded Majha House, Amritsar’s vibrant literary and cultural hub. A true polymath, she is also an artist, actor, singer, writer, and national-level swimmer, embodying creativity and courage in every role. Dr. Nayyar exemplifies how education, art, and community can come together to reimagine the future with vision and impact.

• Dr Pushpinder Walia

  Principal, BBK DAV College, Amritsar

  Dr. Pushpinder Walia is the Principal of BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar — consistently ranked among India’s leading women’s colleges by NAAC. She holds a Doctorate in Literature from Guru Nanak Dev University and is a recipient of the Mahatma Hans Raj Award (2024) for her outstanding contributions to education and community development. A scholar of culture, history, and gender studies, Dr. Walia has presented her research at prestigious platforms including Oxford, Cambridge, Germany, Hungary, and Austria. Her leadership combines academic excellence with initiatives that empower women, making her a trailblazer in education and social impact.

• Dr Rishab & Dr Samiksha Arora

  Doctors

  Today, we are honored to introduce Dr. Rishab Arora and Dr. Samiksha Arora, visionary leaders reimagining healthcare in Amritsar with innovation, empathy, and excellence. Dr. Rishab, a first-generation doctor with an MBBS from MM Medical College and FCCS certification from the USA, combines clinical expertise with compassionate leadership. Under his guidance, EMC Group of Hospitals has expanded access to world-class, patient-focused care. Dr. Samiksha, a dynamic young director, has contributed to India’s national AI initiatives and now drives EMC’s technological transformation, ensuring care that is precise, personalized, and deeply human. Together, they have built more than hospitals—they have created systems that heal with trust, respect, and integrity. Their vision bridges advanced medical science with heartfelt service, reminding us that true healthcare innovation is about people, not just machines. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Rishab and Dr. Samiksha Arora.

• Drishti Khurana

  Heirloom Jewellery Visionary

  Born and raised in Amritsar, Drishti Khurana is a modern millennial rooted in tradition, blending heritage with contemporary luxury. With a B.Sc in Economics and a GIA diamond grading certification, she has transformed Khurana Jewellery House into a one-stop celebratory destination for jewellery, pret, and couture, while taking the brand to international markets across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. A strong advocate of Punjab’s heritage, she has collaborated with the Amritsar District Administration and Rural Development Ministry to promote traditional jewels and culture, while partnering with leading designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Amit Aggarwal, and Dolly J. Recognized as Women Entrepreneur of the Year and recipient of Best Luxury Retail Store 2023-24, she has hosted over 60 luxury pop-ups, mentored students in retail management, and championed climate awareness and women-led initiatives. Drishti’s journey is one of innovation, elegance, and purpose.

• Gunisha Khurana

  Nutritionist

  Ms. Gunisha Khurana is a certified Nutritionist and Holistic Health Coach, practicing in Amritsar since 2005. She has completed advanced programs in Nutrition and Dietetics, Integrative Lifestyle and Nutrition, and Health Education, and is the first nutritionist in Punjab to train under Luke Coutinho. Recognized as Nutritionist of the Year 2024 by Hindustan Times and Most Admired Nutritionist of the Year 2024 by She Society Punjab, her expertise spans weight management and gut-healing programs. She is the founder of Eat Well Nutrition Clinic and Eat Well Online, serving clients in 15+ countries, and recently launched Be Well – Wellness Journey, a unique space integrating yoga, Ayurveda, Pilates, and physiotherapy. At TEDx, she shares how holistic nutrition can empower us to live healthier, vibrant lives.

• Mrs V. Puri

  Educationist

  A lifelong educator, mentor, and leader, Mrs. V Puri has dedicated decades to reimagining education for students and teachers alike. An alumna of Sacred Heart, Dalhousie, with an M.A. from Baring Christian College and an M.Phil from GNDU, she began teaching English at HMV Jalandhar and BBK Amritsar before becoming the Founder Principal of DAV Public School, Amritsar, leading it for 25 years. Even after retirement, she helped establish Drishti School in Ludhiana and later volunteered at a government school in Mohali, reflecting her belief in education as service. She has actively participated in global and national conferences, encouraging colleagues to grow and lead, and has been recognized with many awards, including the prestigious National Teachers Award from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Passionate about reading, music, theatre, and the arts, Mrs. Puri embodies education as a force of empowerment and transformation.

• Porshea Tuli

  Student & Animal Activist

  Porshea Tuli, a bright 7-year-old, has shown remarkable achievements across academics, arts, and sports. An avid reader and bibliophile, she demonstrates strong intellectual curiosity and has excelled in school competitions, earning titles such as Champion Athlete, Creative Runner, and Achievement Awards. On stage, she shines as a confident performer, securing top positions in plays, cultural activities, and speech contests, where her public speaking talent stands out. Beyond school, Porshea engages in summer camps, team sports, and extracurricular pursuits, building teamwork, discipline, and creativity. She enjoys classics like The Velveteen Rabbit, Frog and Toad, and Henry and Ribsy, nurturing her imagination and empathy. A multi-talented achiever with a love for learning, Porshea embodies curiosity, balance, and perseverance, promising an inspiring journey ahead.

• Prisha Goel

  Youth Social Entrepreneur

  Prisha Goel, born on 1st September 2008, is a top achiever known for her academic excellence, leadership, and creativity. A Class 10 high scorer, she was a finalist in the John Locke Essay Competition 2025, showcasing her analytical and writing skills. Her leadership spans five years in the School Council, where she now serves as a School Mentor, inspiring peers with empathy and vision. At 16, she authored Elpis’ Ecstasy: Hope – A Home, a poetry collection on resilience, and was featured on the TED-Ed Student Talks YouTube Channel for “The Art of Overthinking.” A talented actor, she has performed in productions like Dhuan and Kachiyan Kandhan at Punjab Naatshala to support community causes. Active in debates, competitions, athletics, and sports, Prisha balances discipline with creativity. Recipient of the FICCI FLO Torchbearer Award 2025 and the Sahodaya Gem Student Award, she embodies determination, compassion, and vision.

• Sakshi Sawhney

  DC, Amritsar

  IAS Sakshi Sawhney, a 2014 Punjab cadre officer, has created history as the first woman Deputy Commissioner of Patiala, Ludhiana, and now Amritsar. A NALSAR University topper with eight gold medals, her real test came with the UPSC Civil Services Exam. She secured an outstanding All India Rank 6 in her second, choosing the IAS to serve people directly at the grassroots. Her career reflects that choice — marked by leadership rooted in empathy. From steering Punjab’s key districts to personally reaching out during devastating floods, she has combined efficiency with compassion, ensuring help reaches those who need it most. Her journey is a reminder that true leadership lies not in titles or power, but in presence, courage, and the ability to stand with people in their most difficult moments.

• Sangeet Sharma

  Architect

  Sangeet Sharma is an architect, author, artist, musician, and educator — a modern Renaissance personality whose work spans disciplines with creativity and vision. Based in Chandigarh, he is a partner at SD Sharma & Associates, known for its distinctive “cubist modernism” and sustainable design. Honored with an honorary doctorate from Berkeley University, he has received multiple national and international awards, including the GRIHA Exemplary Performance Award. A prolific author, he has written five acclaimed books on architecture, such as Castles in the Air and Corb’s Capitol, and is also a published poet with The Touch of Moon. An engaging speaker, he has delivered over 150 talks worldwide, including TEDx, and runs the workshop series IDSS – In Depth with Sangeet Sharma. A trained singer, guitarist, award-winning artist, and founder of the A3 Foundation, he continues to inspire by blending art, architecture, and aesthetics into a holistic vision of life.

• Shikha Sareen

  Hospitality Entrepreneur

  Shikha Sareen, a homegrown artist-turned-entrepreneur, perfectly embodies Amritsar Reimagined. As Managing Director of Moments by Kamal and Co-Founder of the Festyn Group of Resorts — including Festyn Era, Festyn Royale, and Festyn Palais — she has redefined how the city celebrates life, culture, and elegance. With roots in the arts, Shikha blends metropolitan design sensibilities with local traditions, setting new benchmarks in hospitality. Even during the pandemic, she transformed Festyn Palais into a symbol of grace, resilience, and innovation. Her leadership has earned her accolades such as the HZ WomenPreneur Hospitality Award 2025 and recognition by ET Young Industry Leaders. More than a businesswoman, Shikha inspires women and young entrepreneurs to chase their passions, while shaping Amritsar’s cultural and hospitality landscape. Her vision is not just about business, but about community, experiences, and celebrating life with elegance and purpose.

• Zayna Nischal

  Zayna Nischal is a young achiever excelling in academics, arts, and sports. She has consistently secured top grades and holds the International Rank 1 in IEO, earning recognition as a Promising Achiever of the Year. A gifted keyboard player and singer, Zayna has won multiple awards, including 1st position in Talent Hunt and Distinction in Trinity College of London exams. She also ranks highly in international inter-school festivals and critical thinking competitions. Beyond academics, Zayna is a dedicated tennis player and actively participates in school cultural events. Known for her creativity, discipline, and determination, she inspires peers and teachers alike.

• Zoravar Tuli

  Student & Social Impact Artist

  Zoravar Tuli, a bright 10-year-old, has distinguished himself across academics, arts, music, sports, and leadership. A gifted drummer, he has won accolades in school talent shows for his rhythmic performances and has showcased creativity in visual arts through exhibitions and workshops. His expressive talent shines in Speech & Drama, debates, and writing, earning titles such as Confident & Heart-Winning Performer and the Invictus Young Writer Award. Academically disciplined, he excels in reading, writing, and critical thinking, exploring classics like Percy Jackson, The Secret Garden, and Bronze and Sunflower. An active athlete, Zoravar has succeeded in skating, track events, and team sports, reflecting determination and teamwork. He also contributes to organizing workshops and cultural events, showing leadership and initiative. Known for his cheerful spirit and perseverance, Zoravar exemplifies a well-rounded young achiever with passion, creativity, and curiosity.