TEDxNITSrinagar

Speakers

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

• Dr. Sumithra Prasad

  KVM. Dr. Sumithra Prasad is the Founder and General Secretary of the DORAI Foundation (Development, Opportunities, Resources, Access and Insight) — a registered non-profit organization established in 2005 and headquartered in Mumbai. Under her leadership, DORAI Foundation has been actively working to empower marginalized communities through inclusive education, skill development, and disability rights advocacy. A recipient of the Karmaveer Jyoti award, Dr. Prasad has dedicated her life to fostering compassion, accessibility, and social responsibility. Her organization holds CSR registration number CSR00053051 and offers 50% tax exemption for donations under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Guided by the mission “Enliven the Spirit of Humanity,” Dr. Prasad continues to inspire collective action toward building a more inclusive and empathetic society.

• Jagdeep Singh

  Jagdeep Singh, a civil servant and changemaker, challenges one of the most deeply held assumptions of modern democracy—that governance is the sole responsibility of institutions. Drawing from real-life experiences within public administration, Jagdeep Singh reframes governance as a shared civic responsibility, where citizens are not passive observers but active participants. His talk invites the audience to rethink power, accountability, and democracy—revealing how meaningful change emerges when governance moves beyond offices and into everyday citizen action. With clarity and conviction, he illustrates how small, collective actions can s

• Khalid Wani

  Shri Khalid Wani is a visionary entrepreneur, business leader, and TEDx speaker known for his impactful work in innovation, leadership, and sustainable development. With over two decades of global experience, he has earned recognition for driving growth through creative strategy, technology integration, and people-centric leadership. As the Founder and Director of KWCG, he has championed ventures that blend business excellence with social impact, empowering startups and young professionals. A Harvard University graduate, Shri Wani continues to inspire future leaders through his mentorship and advocacy for ethical, innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

• Licypriya kangujam Kangujam

  Licypriya Kangujam is a globally recognized Indian climate activist and one of the world’s youngest environmental leaders. Born in Manipur and raised in Bhubaneswar, she began her activism at just six, founding “The Child Movement” to advocate for stronger environmental laws and climate education in schools. She has addressed global platforms like the UN Climate Conference (COP25) and received honors including the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Children’s Award and the World Children’s Peace Prize. Her fearless activism continues to inspire millions toward a cleaner, greener, and sustainable future.

• Mehmeet Syeed

  MEHMEET SYED Professional Singer | Performer | Recording Artist IMDb-Verified Artist Accomplished and award-winning Kashmiri singer with a lifelong dedication to music and a professional career spanning major international performances, collaborations with acclaimed artists, and recognition from prestigious cultural institutions. Known for a powerful voice, emotional depth, and a pioneering presence in Kashmiri music. Celebrated for inspiring younger generations and representing Kashmir on global stages. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Breakthrough with debut music video album “Cholhama Roshe Roshe,” becoming an overnight sensation in Kashmir. Recognized and featured by Radio Kashmir, Doordarshan, Cultural Academy, and the Songs & Drama Division. Performed internationally across USA (Washington, Virginia, Buffalo, New York, Dallas, Los Angeles), Australia (Sydney, Melbourne), New Zealand, UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), UK (London), Malaysia, and more. Sang a duet with Filmfare Award Winner Amit Mishra for the Bollywood film "Sargoshiyan." Featured singer in the 2022 Election Anthem directed by Subhash Ghai, alongside legendary artists such as Ustad Rashid Khan, Kavitha Krishnamurthy, Sonu Nigam, Javed Ali, Sukhwinder Singh, Chitra Singh, Mika Singh, and others—representing Kashmir in the national project. Speaker at TEDx, sharing personal journey and artistic evolution. IMDb-verified artist. AWARDS & HONORS State Award Honors awarded by: President of India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad ji Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji Padma Shri Nominee Recognition from cultural and governmental institutions for contributions to Kashmiri music. EDUCATION Master’s in Journalism & Mass Communication Master’s in Public Administration Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Professional Singer & Performer Self-Employed | National & International Highlights: Over two decades of professional singing experience. Specialist in Kashmiri music with wide versatility across genres. Extensive stage performances in major global cities and cultural events. Contributor to Bollywood and national cultural projects. Strong media presence and recognition in print, radio, and television. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Became a renowned artist despite taking a five-year break to care for her ailing mother, showcasing resilience and determination. Made a widely celebrated comeback with international tours and new musical releases. Serves as an inspiration to young girls in Kashmir and beyond, often cited as a role model. SKILLS Vocal Performance (Classical, Contemporary, Kashmiri Folk) Stage Performance & Live Concerts Recording & Studio Work Music Video Production Public Speaking (TEDx & Public Events) Media Engagement & Interviews Cultural Representation PERSONAL STATEMENT A passionate artist who turned a childhood love for singing into a global career. Dedicated to representing Kashmir through music, inspiring young artists, and continuing to evolve creatively. “I dreamt, worked hard on my passion, and now I live my dream.”

• Mir Sarwar

  Mir Sarwar is a distinguished Kashmiri Indian actor, director, and producer, widely recognized for his powerful screen presence and nuanced portrayals in Hindi cinema. Known for bringing authenticity to Kashmiri characters, he has made a lasting impact through notable films such as Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Kesari, and Laxmii, while consistently championing cinema rooted in his homeland of Srinagar. Born and raised in Pandrethan, Srinagar, Mir Sarwar began his artistic journey in theatre and modeling before honing his craft through workshops at the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi. His breakthrough came with Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), where his portrayal of the Pakistani girl’s father earned widespread acclaim and established him as a compelling supporting actor in Bollywood. His diverse filmography includes Phantom, Dishoom, Kedarnath, Jolly LLB 2, Kesari, Hamid, Laxmii, Am I Next, and Ravrambha, reflecting his versatility across genres and roles. Beyond acting, he is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker, having directed acclaimed projects such as Bed No. 17. He is also trained in martial arts, including Kickboxing and Wushu, adding physical depth to his performances. Deeply committed to the growth of cinema in Jammu & Kashmir, Mir Sarwar actively works to attract film productions to the region, creating opportunities for local talent and contributing to the cultural and economic development of the Valley. Under his production banner Safdar Arts, named in memory of his late father Mohammad Safdar Mir, he continues to support meaningful storytelling and independent filmmaking. Further extending his contribution to Indian cinema, he has served on the preview committee of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), an experience he regards as both enriching and educational. In essence, Mir Sarwar is a multifaceted artist firmly rooted in Kashmiri culture—celebrated not only for his impactful performances, but also for his unwavering efforts to uplift and represent the cinematic voice of his home valley.

• Muhammad Ali

  Muhammad Ali is a young innovator, technology enthusiast, and public speaker from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, currently studying in Class 9 at Green Valley Educational Institute. Known as one of the youngest TEDx speakers from Kashmir, he delivered a talk titled “Collisions That Create Change” at TEDx NIT Srinagar, where he spoke about curiosity, mentorship, and gratitude in shaping a learner’s journey. With a strong interest in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, IoT, healthcare technology, and agritech, he has filed a provisional patent for a compact AI-based hemodialysis machine aimed at personalized patient care. A KEI Scholar, Muhammad actively engages in innovation challenges, research-driven projects, and youth-focused speaking engagements, inspiring peers through his ability to blend technology with social purpose. Driven by compassion and creativity, he aspires to become a changemaker and youth mentor from Kashmir, using innovation and communication to solve real-world problems and empower the next generation.

• Mushtaque Ali Khan

  Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan is a highly acclaimed actor, theatre practitioner, broadcaster, television producer, and filmmaker with over four decades of distinguished contribution to the cultural and creative landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. A State Award winner (2025) and recipient of more than 25 prestigious national and regional honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, he has played a pivotal role in shaping theatre, radio, television, and independent cinema in the region. He is the Chairman and Creative Director of ACT – For A Better Tomorrow, one of Kashmir’s oldest cultural organizations, and the Founder–Director of the Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF), successfully leading multiple editions since 2017. With an extensive body of work that includes acting in over 60 stage plays, directing 35+ productions, producing hundreds of television episodes and telefilms for Doordarshan, directing documentaries for government departments, and contributing to radio through 100+ programs, his influence spans performance, education, and cultural policy. A respected academic voice, he has presented research papers nationally and internationally on theatre, filmmaking, and Kashmir’s cultural heritage, served on expert and jury panels of leading cultural institutions, and continues to mentor generations of artists through workshops, festivals, and capacity-building programs.

• Owais Yaqoob

  Owais Yaqoob is a Kashmiri Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter known for his discipline, resilience, and dedication to combat sports. Emerging from Jammu & Kashmir, he has built a reputation through rigorous training, competitive performances, and a strong commitment to promoting MMA among youth in the region. Widely regarded as a symbol of determination, he continues to inspire aspiring fighters by proving that talent from Kashmir can compete on national and international platforms.

• Sonali Gupta

  conservation activist

  Dr. Sonali Gupta, LL.B., Ph.D. (UCLA) is an anthropological archaeologist, India’s first Egyptologist, legal scholar, and nonprofit leader dedicated to Himalayan heritage and environmental conservation. She is the Founder & Director of the Himalayan Institute of Cultural & Heritage Studies (HICHS), India, and President & Co-Founder of the Himalayan Conservation & Preservation Society (HCPS), USA. With over two decades of international academic and field experience, she integrates archaeology, law, community engagement, and sustainability to protect both tangible and intangible heritage in the Western Himalayas. A former Director of Public Programs at UCLA’s Costen Institute of Archaeology, TEDx speaker, award-winning columnist, and cancer survivor, Dr. Gupta is widely recognized for bridging grassroots Himalayan communities with global scholarship and policy initiatives.