TEDxModern School Noida Youth

Speakers

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

• Abhina Aher

  Transgender Activist

  Abhina Aher is a renowned transgender activist, dancer, and thought leader who has been a trailblazer in advocating for the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community in India. With over two decades of experience in social development, she has worked with leading organizations like The Humsafar Trust, Family Health International, and India HIV/AIDS Alliance, driving impactful initiatives in health, inclusion, and policy advocacy. Founder of the pioneering Dancing Queens troupe, Abhina uses art and performance as powerful tools for social change, breaking stereotypes and fostering acceptance. Her journey of resilience and leadership continues to inspire individuals to embrace diversity, equality, and authenticity.

• Ankita Asthana

  Entrepreneur | Global Top 10 Wedding Photojournalist

  Ankita Asthana is a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed wedding photographer, and the Founder & Director of WeddingNama and WeddingNama School. With a background in architecture and a Master’s in Photography from NID Ahmedabad—supplemented by a semester at the University for the Creative Arts, UK—Ankita blends design expertise with emotional storytelling to create timeless visual narratives. Her work, known for its authenticity and elegance, has taken her across India and to global destinations like France, Kenya, Mexico, and the UK. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World by WPJA (2022–2024), and recipient of multiple international accolades including Fearless, ISPWP, and Junebug awards, Ankita was named ET Panache Woman of the Year and Distinguished Alumni of VNIT Nagpur in 2025. Her artistry has been featured in leading publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times, and Condé Nast Traveller, and exhibited internationally.

• Atul Vyas

  Educationist | Registrar, IIT Delhi

  Mr. Atul Vyas, Registrar at IIT Delhi, brings over 26 years of distinguished experience in the higher education sector, with nearly two decades dedicated to the growth and advancement of IIT Delhi. In his pivotal role, he oversees critical administrative operations, safeguards institutional records and funds, and serves as Secretary to key governance bodies, including the Board of Governors and Finance Committee.Mr. Vyas has actively engaged in international training programs and visited global institutions, fostering valuable knowledge exchange and collaboration. His expertise and leadership have contributed immensely to strengthening technical education in India and enhancing IIT Delhi’s global reputation. In recognition of his exceptional service and impact, he was conferred the ISTE Honorary Fellowship in 2024, a testament to his commitment to advancing technical education in the country.

• Dr. Richa Sood

  Educationist | Athlete | Author

  Dr. Richa Sood is a distinguished Indian athlete in track and field, excelling in discus, shot put, and hammer throw in the Masters division. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is an accomplished educationist, author, and advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the founder and director of the Royal Kids Group of Schools and the former principal of Dehradun Public School, where her leadership earned her the prestigious CBSE National Award for Best Principal in 2011. A prolific writer with over 130 books to her credit, Dr. Sood also serves as the brand ambassador for the Indian Red Cross Society, championing menstrual hygiene awareness for women. Her multifaceted journey reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence, education, and social impact.

• Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra

  Ayurveda Consultant | Researcher | Public Health Advocate

  Dr. Sunit Kumar Mishra is a distinguished Ayurvedic physician and Chief Consultant at King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow. A Gold Medalist in BAMS and a PhD scholar specializing in herbal solutions for drug-resistant infections, he has been a pioneer in integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine.With over two decades of experience, Dr. Mishra has shared his research on prestigious platforms across Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand, fostering a global dialogue that bridges ancient Indian wisdom with modern scientific innovation. He has led over 30 interdisciplinary research projects, published extensively in reputed journals, and is currently spearheading the establishment of a National AYUSH Research Centre at KGMU.Recipient of honors like the Health Icon Award and the Dhanwantari Award, Dr. Mishra continues to redefine the future of integrative medicine in India and beyond.

• Gauri Walecha

  Fractional CMO | Entrepreneur

  Gauri Walecha is a visionary brand consultant, eCommerce specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Unapology Branding Co, with over a decade of experience in building authentic, high-impact brands. Having worked with more than 100 businesses and incubated 20+ startups, Gauri is especially passionate about supporting bootstrapped ventures and first-generation founders. Her approach is rooted in the belief that “brands come from visions, not formulas”—prioritizing deep emotional resonance, strategic storytelling, and brand authenticity over surface-level marketing tactics. Gauri’s work goes beyond creating logos or taglines; she helps founders articulate their purpose, clarify their voice, and build brands that connect deeply with their audience. A storyteller turned strategist, her own journey began with the frustration of feeling unheard—fueling her mission to empower entrepreneurs who feel unseen or overlooked to step into the spotlight.

• Katyayani Kumar

  Film-maker | Writer

  Katyayani is a fearless, boundary-pushing film director and writer working between India and the U.S., known for crafting socially urgent, emotionally resonant films that blur the lines between fiction and journalism. Her debut documentary, Sons of The River, was filmed over three years in Punjab's suicide belt and earned recognition from Film Bazaar’s Co-Production Market, Let’sDoc Fellowship, Interactions Docs Workshop, and the ScreenCraft Film Fund. Her debut feature screenplay, The Day Before Being Sold, won the Raindance Film Festival pitch competition and was a Nicholl Fellowship Quarterfinalist. Katyayani’s short film, Coffined At 15, created with Afghan refugee youth, premiered at the Oscar-qualifying Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles and won a Special Jury Award at the International Film Festival of Shimla.

• Kiran Kurwade

  Author | Fittness Coach

  Kiran Kurwade is a powerhouse of transformation, leadership, and fitness — an accomplished author, dynamic fitness coach, and seasoned corporate leader. With a career that seamlessly blends strategic leadership and personal growth, he has inspired and trained over 5 lakh professionals through his impactful coaching and transformative programs. Currently serving as Director – Office of Strategic Initiatives at Chitkara University, Kiran is known for driving innovation, building leadership pipelines, and creating high-impact initiatives that foster growth and excellence. His journey from boardrooms to barbells reflects his belief in holistic transformation — where discipline, clarity, and resilience fuel both professional and personal success. Whether mentoring leaders, shaping young minds, or empowering individuals through fitness, Kiran continues to champion the idea that true growth comes from balancing strength of mind, body, and vision.

• Kiran Sethi

  Police Officer | Self-Defense Trainer

  Kiran Sethi is a Delhi Police Sub-Inspector known for her pioneering work in women’s empowerment and self-defense training. Since joining the force in 1987, she has specialized in investigating sexual assault and child abuse cases while also leading Prahar, a self-defense initiative that has trained thousands of students across India, including differently-abled children. Her record-breaking self-defense demonstration earned her a place in the Limca Book of Records, and she was honored by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in 2015. A decorated officer and social reformer, Kiran continues to inspire resilience, courage, and self-reliance.

• Manika Goel

  Author | Self-transformation Expert

  Manika Goel is a transformation coach, motivational author, and advocate for personal empowerment, known for her ability to guide individuals toward clarity, confidence, and purpose. An MBA and the author of the insightful self-help book Soul Trek, she offers readers a practical and heartfelt roadmap to self-growth and healing. Currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Psychology, Manika combines academic knowledge with intuitive wisdom to help people shed emotional baggage and move forward with strength. Certified in NLP, chakra healing, and Bach flower therapy, she takes a holistic approach to personal development. Her life mantra—“Breathe, Focus, Believe, Smile”—captures her belief that lasting change begins with small, intentional shifts.

• Pt. Tribhuwan Maharaj

  Dancer | Composer | Choreographer

  Tribhuwan Maharaj, son of Pt. Jai Kishan Maharaj and grandson of the legendary Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, is a distinguished custodian of the Kalka-Bindadin Gharana of Lucknow, representing the ninth generation of this iconic lineage. A gifted performer and passionate teacher, Tribhuwan is dedicated to preserving and propagating the timeless art of Kathak. He travels extensively across India, conducting workshops, performances, and training sessions, inspiring a new generation of dancers to embrace the grace, rhythm, and storytelling essence of this classical tradition.

• Roopa .

  Fashion designer | Social Activist

  Rupa is a courageous woman who transformed adversity into achievement. A valued team member at Sheroes Hangout Café in Agra, she is admired for her warmth, resilience, and leadership. With a passion for fashion, she has established herself as a talented dress designer, using creativity as a means of empowerment and self-expression. Dreaming bigger, Rupa plans to launch her own online design portal and a skill development school for women to foster financial independence and confidence. Her journey from pain to purpose makes her a true role model for anyone seeking strength, self-worth, and success against the odds.