TEDxNath Valley School Youth

Speakers

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

• Arnav Maharshi

  Founder & Director, Diatim Tech

  Arnav Maharshi is a student innovator and recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 in Science & Technology, India’s highest civilian honor for citizens under 18, conferred by the President of India. He has also won the IIT Bombay Techfest Innovation Challenge and the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Team Challenge. Following a near-fatal accident that caused severe paralysis, he turned his recovery journey into a path of innovation. He developed two assistive technologies for paralysis and cerebral palsy rehabilitation: the ActiveHand WristBand, a patented wearable that encourages use of affected limbs while maintaining social ease, and FAIR Chance, an AI-powered app for real-time fine motor assessment. He later founded Diatim Tech, now incubated at IIT Madras, to make these solutions accessible to patients in need.

• Pramod Chandrashekhar

  CLO, People Pilot

  Pramod Chandrasekhar is a seasoned thought leader in Learning, Leadership Development, and Human Capital Strategy, with over 35 years of global experience across India, the UK, the US, and South-East Asia. He has built and led learning ecosystems at leading organizations, shaping thousands of careers worldwide. A pioneer in cross-border learning, he established the first dedicated learning center of an Indian technology company in North America, setting a global benchmark. His work is driven by the belief that continuous learning fuels career agility and leadership excellence. Currently, as Head of Learning Solutions at PeoplePilot, he designs AI-augmented leadership programs and executive coaching engagements. Having held leadership roles at HSBC, Wells Fargo, TCS, Thales, and Brane Enterprises, he brings deep expertise in organizational transformation and talent development.

• Ranjit Dass

  Director, Nath Valley School

  Ranjit Dass holds his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and an M.Sc. in Educational Studies (Governance of Education) from Oxford University. He served at Woodstock School (1980–1992) as a teacher, HOD, and High School Coordinator, and later contributed as Chairman of the Education Committee and a Board Member. He is the Founder Principal of Nath Valley School and currently serves as its Director, while also leading Aurangabad Police Public School as Director. Over the years, he has played a key role in establishing schools internationally in Shenzhen (China) and Anagni (Italy). His educational philosophy centers on delivering high-quality, technology-driven education in a low-stress, joyful environment. He has spoken at forums like the Delhi University Literature Festival 2024 and the DSE Policy Conclave. He was honored with the National Award for Teachers in 2014 by the President of India.

• Rishi Darda

  Editorial Director, Lokmat Media

  Rishi Darda is the Editorial and Joint Managing Director of Lokmat Media Group. A storyteller at heart and a strategist by trade, he has built several influential platforms such as Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year, Lokmat Most Stylish, Lokmat Sarpanch, and Lokmat Campus Club. Over the years, he has engaged in insightful conversations with some of the most powerful leaders and personalities of our time. His interviews include Prime Minister Narendra Modi (twice), former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah. He has also conducted impactful business and cultural interviews with leaders like Kumaramangalam Birla, N. Chandrasekaran, Sanjeev Bajaj, Aamir Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor, known for their depth and substance.

• Urja Jain

  Deputy Commissioner, CGST Noida Commissionerate

  Urja Vikas Jain is a Deputy Commissioner in CGST, currently posted at Noida Commissionerate, with prior experience in Meerut Zone. She began her career with hands-on training in data mining and anti-evasion, contributing to high-impact investigations. In her independent roles across divisions, she has led key functions including post-audit, systems, and enforcement. For FY 2024–25, she contributed to revenue collection of ₹4948 crore and led cess recovery of ₹20 crore from pan masala and tobacco units. She has passed 200+ adjudication orders and uncovered major tax evasion cases, recovering over ₹50 crore within four months. A proactive leader, she has managed zonal events like GST Day and served as Master of Ceremony for high-profile government events. An alum of Nath Valley School and Sophia College, with advanced training from NLSIU and NACIN, she combines strong domain expertise with integrity, teamwork, and a strong commitment to continuous learning.