TEDxDSU

Speakers

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

• Ankita Amar

  Actress

  Ankita Amar, born in Mysuru and raised in Bengaluru, comes from a family of theatre artists. She is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and also learned singing under composer Rajan. She completed her Master’s in Science from JSS Medical College, Mysuru, and was initially inclined toward pursuing a PhD in child psychology before transitioning into acting. She made her television debut with Nammane Yuvarani and gained recognition as the lead in Kulavadhu on Colors Kannada. She later expanded into Telugu television with Srimathi Srinivas. Ankita entered films with Aba Jaba Daba (unreleased) and went on to act in My Hero and Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali (2024). She will next be seen in Sathya – Son of Harishchandra alongside Nirup Bhandari.

• Dr. Christopher Donald Pentz

  Associate Professor in Marketing at Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  Since starting his academic career in 2001, he has built a reputation for insightful research and engaging teaching in Marketing Strategy, Global Marketing, and Retail Management. He earned his PhD in Marketing in 2011, exploring how consumer ethnocentrism shapes attitudes toward local and foreign products in a South African context. His work sits at the intersection of consumer behaviour and market dynamics, with a particular focus on wine marketing, ethnocentrism, and the evolving online purchasing environment. Chris has published widely in South African and international journals and regularly presents at academic conferences around the world. Through his research and teaching, he is passionate about understanding how identity, culture, and context influence the choices consumers make and what that means for businesses navigating an increasingly dynamic global marketplace.

• Dr. Raghu Nagaraj

  Director of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, and Robotic Joint Replacement, Kauvery Hospital

  Dr. Raghu Nagaraj is a leading Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in arthroscopy, sports medicine, and robotic joint replacement, with over two decades of experience. He is widely recognized for treating complex knee and shoulder conditions, helping patients and athletes return to active, pain-free lives. Currently, he serves as Director of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, and Robotic Joint Replacement at Kauvery Hospital and is the Director of Arthomed Clinic, a state-of-the-art orthopaedic center. Having performed over 10,000 surgeries, including advanced arthroscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, he consistently delivers excellent outcomes. Trained internationally across Germany, South Korea, South Africa, and the USA, he brings global expertise to his practice. He is also at the forefront of integrating AI-driven technologies, including the DAVID AI Knee System, enhancing rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance optimization.

• Dr. Udaya Kumar Reddy

  Dean, School of Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University

  Dr. Udaya Kumar Reddy is a distinguished academician and administrator, currently serving as the Dean of the School of Engineering. With extensive experience in engineering education, research, and institutional leadership, he has been instrumental in driving academic excellence and innovation within the university. He holds advanced degrees in engineering and has contributed significantly to teaching, research, and curriculum development over the years. He has guided numerous students and faculty in research and academic pursuits. As Dean, Dr. Reddy focuses on fostering a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and industry collaboration. He is committed to equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Under his leadership, the School of Engineering continues to strengthen its academic programs, research output, and global engagement.

• Jitendra Singh

  Commercial Astronaut Candidate, India, Fmr Scientist DRDO & NAL, Govt of India and a Flight Test Engineer.

  Jitendra Singh is a Commercial Astronaut Candidate from India with a distinguished background in aerospace engineering and flight testing. He has previously served as a Scientist with premier Government of India institutions, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). With hands-on experience as a Flight Test Engineer, he has contributed to the testing, validation, and advancement of complex aerospace systems, demonstrating deep technical expertise and precision. Driven by a passion for space exploration and human spaceflight, Jitendra is now working toward becoming one of the few Indians to venture into commercial space missions. His journey reflects a blend of scientific rigor, operational excellence, and a pioneering mindset aimed at pushing the boundaries of aviation and space technology.

• Owomugisha Mauricious

  Student

  At 26, her life reflects resilience, strength, and hope. Born in Uganda, she was separated from her family at a young age and grew up across three orphanages, often without consistent access to basic needs or emotional support. These experiences shaped her ability to endure hardship and remain hopeful despite uncertainty. A turning point came at Malayaka House, where she found care, belonging, and encouragement. This support helped her believe in a future beyond survival. Education became her path forward, despite financial and emotional challenges. Today, she is pursuing a Master’s in Business Management in India, specializing in Human Resources and Artificial Intelligence. Her journey from Uganda to India represents transformation and growth. Inspired by her experiences, she aims to create inclusive systems that empower people, proving that one’s past does not define their future.

• Suralkar Vikas Kishor, IAS

  Commissioner, Department of School Education, Government of Karnataka

  Suralkar Vikas is a distinguished 2012-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Karnataka cadre. Originally hailing from Maharashtra, he brings a strong technical and analytical foundation to public administration, having graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Government College of Engineering. Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Vikas has demonstrated a deep commitment to grassroots governance and state-level administration. He has held pivotal district leadership roles, serving effectively as the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Commissioner across several key districts, including Yadgir, Bagalkot, Vijaypura, and Koppal. His expertise in administrative operations and institutional management was further established during his notable tenure as the Secretary to the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).

• Utsav Garg

  Associate Director at Zepto

  Utsav Garg is a 2019 postgraduate from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) - Delhi, currently serving as an Associate Director at Zepto. In the dynamic world of quick commerce, he thrives on solving chaotic, real-world business challenges by leveraging deep data analytics and rigorous structured thinking. From successfully scaling high-impact campaigns to diagnosing and fixing broken operational systems, Utsav specializes in turning overwhelming complexity into actionable clarity. He continually bridges the gap between high-level vision and on-ground execution. Ultimately, his professional journey sits perfectly at the intersection of consumer behavior, operations, corporate strategy, and exponential growth, allowing him to consistently drive scalable, long-term business impact. He was previously associated with companies like Swiggy, Mahindra Logistics and Blinkit.