TEDxInspiria Knowledge Campus

Speakers

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

• Alkesh Agarwal

  CoFounder & CEO

  Alkesh Agarwal is an entrepreneur and author, known for building and scaling businesses across multiple industries in India. His entrepreneurial journey began early when he started selling denim while still in school, sparking a path shaped by curiosity, risk, and self-belief. He went on to found Re-feel, one of India’s largest printer cartridge refilling networks, and currently leads a national awards and trophy manufacturing business serving brands and institutions across the country. Alongside this, Alkesh is an active angel investor and is closely associated with India’s startup ecosystem. Across two decades of entrepreneurship, he has experienced the realities of building from scratch, navigating failure, pivoting under pressure, and rebuilding with conviction. He is the author of Live Evil, a book that reflects his belief that meaningful growth is shaped not by comfort, but by the challenges one chooses to face.

• Atul Sharma

  Founder CEO BrandOne & Robilo, &, Certificated NLP practitioner & Design Thinking Coach

  Atul Sharma is the concept creator of TKACA, a framework that helps individuals build clear action plans to achieve their goals and dreams. With over a decade of experience working with schools, colleges, social organizations, and communities, he has been instrumental in shaping positive mindsets and giving back to society. A certified NLP practitioner, Design Thinking expert, and mindful coach, Atul brings over 20 years of experience in consumer behaviour analysis and business strategy, mentoring young entrepreneurs and start-ups in effective product and service design. He is currently pursuing advanced qualifications in Mental Health & Wellness and Life Coaching. An avid reader with a collection of over 200 books, Atul has a deep interest in the Vedas, Manusmriti, and the Bhagavad Gita. He also manages his family business and has established the FMCG brand BrandOne and retail brand Robilo, balancing entrepreneurship with purpose-driven learning.

• Jaspal Bindra

  Foodpreneur

  Jaspal is a disciplined entrepreneur and a creative force behind some of the famous brands of North Bengal like Punjabi Kadhai , Cafe Kurseong Diaries , Baking Diaries and Karmaa Diaries - The first mindful cafe of the country . All of the restaurants lead by Jaspal are purpose driven instead of profit driven . He blends hospitality with story telling in a way that resonates with today’s audience . His journey shows resilience , compassionate leadership and a burning desire to create restaurant spaces as he strongly believes that restaurants are made to bond people , create community and not just serve food and beverage .

• Kamal Agarwala

  Founder & CEO, La Exactlly Software Pvt Ltd.

  Kamal Agarwala is the Founder & CEO of Exactlly Software, building enterprise ERP, HRMS, and CRM products since 1997. A committed ecosystem enabler, he has spent over two decades mentoring founders and strengthening India’s startup ecosystem through leadership roles with NASSCOM and TiE, and currently serves on the TiE Global Board of Trustees.

• Lokesh Nathany

  | Sales Mastery Trainer & Coach | Motivational Speaker | Founder - My Innings

  Lokesh Nathany is a Sales Trainer, Coach, Motivational Speaker, and TEDx Speaker who blends 25 years of corporate leadership with the art of storytelling. Having led sales and business development across India and the Middle East for brands like HDFC, Franklin Templeton, ICICI, and Motilal Oswal, he is known for driving growth while building deep trust with teams and clients. Recognized among the 100 Most Impactful L&D Minds and 50 Most Innovative Storytellers by the World HRD Congress, Lokesh has conducted 500+ sessions, inspiring thousands toward sales excellence and personal transformation. One of his curated talk shows has crossed 4.5 million views. He was recently felicitated by the Honourable President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu for his work in storytelling and mentoring. A people person who enjoys black coffee, his mantra is simple: If you can tell a story, you can influence; if you can influence, you can change lives.

• Lt Col Ankita Srivastava

  Ex Army officer, Beauty Queen, Author, North India head security SBI and an Uplifter

  Lt Col Ankita Srivastava is a veteran Indian Army officer, author, and impact creator known for breaking barriers. The first woman from Allahabad to join the Army in 1993, she went on to serve in counter-insurgency areas and during the Kargil War, becoming the first woman officer to visit technical support echelons along the Indo-China borders. After 14 years of service, she made history again by winning the Tanishq Beauty Pageant (2008) and the Most Vivacious Woman title at Gladrags Mrs India (2009). She later joined a nationalised PSU bank and in 2023 became the first veteran woman security officer promoted to Assistant General Manager (Pan-India). A bestselling author of Olive Green to Beauty Queen and No Woman’s Land, Ankita has co-authored 25 anthologies and continues to inspire globally as a storyteller and Impact Creator Coach—leaving powerful footprints with meaningful footnotes.

• Sasha Sharma

  Founder- Hoture, Media Entrepreneur, Wellness Advocate and Storyteller

  Sasha Sharma is a media entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and storyteller redefining how India experiences lifestyle and culture. She is the Founder of Hoture, a digital media platform that produces premium original series across fashion, wellness, and modern living — including Get Candid, Style Files, and Vibe Makers, which together have reached over 7 million views and a fast-growing community of over 40K+ engaged subscribers across YouTube and over 13K followers on Instagram. Sasha is also the Co-Founder of The Riverview Project, a boutique hospitality and wellness restaurant chain based in Siliguri. Through its signature event series — “Rejuvenate Sundays” — the project brings together movement, mindfulness, and meaningful community experiences that blend nature, nourishment, and mental reset.

• Shivani Agarwalla

  Chartered Accountant | GST Expert | 6-Time World Champion (Kettlebell Sports) |

  Shivani Shah is a Chartered Accountant with over two decades of expertise in indirect taxation. Known for her mastery in GST compliance, litigation support, and strategic planning, she serves as a National Faculty for ICAI and has trained CBEC officials through NACEN. She is the Vice President of the Association of Corporate Advisers and Executives and holds key positions across Chambers of Commerce, professional Associations, and Study Circles nationwide. Recognised among ICAI’s Top 40 Finfluencers, she also chairs the Women’s Committee of EIRC ICAI. Shivani stands out for her extraordinary achievements beyond finance—she is the only Chartered Accountant in India who is also a World Champion athlete, having won six World Championship titles in kettlebell sport. A TEDx speaker, award-winning athlete, and respected GST expert, she embodies discipline, excellence, and consistency, inspiring audiences across industries with her blend of professional authority and sporting excellence.

• Utsow Pradhan

  Founding Gardener, TIEEDI.

  Utsow Pradhan grew up in the lush hills of Kurseong, where his childhood was shaped by rivers, forests, and deep immersion in nature. After spending two decades studying and working across India—including serving as National Product Head at Next Education—his love for the mountains led him back to the Himalayas. A backpacking journey introduced him to Permaculture, helping him connect regenerative living, climate action, community development, and harmony with nature. He completed his Permaculture Design Certification under Rico Zook and founded TIEEDI in 2016. Today, TIEEDI leads climate action in Darjeeling through zero-waste initiatives, responsible tourism, and environmental education. Utsow has been recognised as a Local Environment Champion and Green Entrepreneur, while TIEEDI has earned awards from Outlook, SABERA, CNBC, National Geographic, and international Responsible Tourism platforms.

• Vikram Rai

  Assistant Professor of Mass Communication & Journalism | Founder, VikRun Foundation | Marathoner, Sustainability Advocate & Community Leader

  Vikram Rai is an Assistant Professor of Mass Communication & Journalism and the first PhD scholar in Mass Communication from North Bengal University. His doctoral research on Bollywood, sports biopics, and indigenous exclusion critically examines cultural narratives, national identity, and representation. His academic interests span media studies, identity politics, digital activism, and the sociology of sports. Vikram has curated film festivals, mentored emerging filmmakers, and strengthened platforms that amplify the voices, stories, and heritage of the Eastern Himalayas. Through the VikRun Foundation, he played a crucial role during COVID-19 by leading oxygen support, ambulance services, ration drives, and mental-health outreach. A committed marathoner, he continues to advance fitness, sustainability, plogging, and youth leadership—promoting pride, empowerment, and civic responsibility across the region.