TEDxThe Pupil International School Youth

Speakers

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

• Ashwin Prabhu

  Writer and Independent Educator

  Ashwin Prabhu is an independent educator and author who writes on topics related to education, philosophy, history, and art. His first book, "Classroom With A View - Notes from the Krishnamurti Schools" was published by Tara Books in 2022 and drew a warm response from teachers, heads of schools, policy makers, and educational administrators across the country. His series of books on Indian heritage and art for children is published by Tulika Publishers and includes a book each on the sculptures of Mamallapuram ("Sculpted Stones - Mysteries of Mamallapuram") and the paintings of Ajanta ( “Magnificent Murals - Buddhist Art of Ajanta”). Ashwin's current work centres around engaging with schools, teachers and children (through workshops, lectures and presentations) and attempts to present a view of education which goes beyond literacy and numeracy.

• Avanti Natarajan

  Director - Student Affairs, Paavai Institutions and Co-Founder, Tab Infinity & Lil Trails

  Avanti Natarajan is an architect, design strategist, and edupreneur working across education, spatial design, and enterprise systems. Trained at Anna University and Pratt Institute, New York, she serves as Director of Student Affairs at Paavai Educational Institutions, where she leads experiential and cross-disciplinary learning initiatives. Avanti is the co-founder of strategic design consultancy Tab Infinity and cultural initiative Lil Trails, and serves as Vice Chairperson of the CII Indian Women Network, Tamil Nadu. Her work focuses on dismantling academic silos to help students and organizations connect disparate ideas into holistic solutions.

• Maatram Oru Varam Swaraksharam

  Carnatic Music Ensemble

  Presented by Swaraksharam, "Maatram Oru Varam" is an original Carnatic fusion composition by Aarsha Midhun celebrating the beauty and purpose of change. Blending classical ragas with contemporary musical arrangements, the piece mirrors nature’s evolution from seed to fruit, capturing how growth inherently demands transformation. Swarakshram brings this journey to life, offering a melodic reminder that change is the very blessing (varam) through which we flourish.

• Nethra M

  Life Sciences Enthusiast

  Nethra M is a Grade 11 student with a keen academic interest in the life sciences and the physiological mechanisms connecting genetics and the environment. An analytical thinker and an International Mathematics Olympiad gold medalist, she brings focus and discipline to her intellectual pursuits, drawing from her experience as a former NCC cadet and a zonal-level badminton player. Her scientific curiosity is complemented by a rich creative background as a published artist whose work has been featured in magazines, as well as a guitarist, photographer, and language learner pursuing German. Nethra aims to bridge empirical science with everyday human development, exploring how environment and awareness shape biological potential.

• Rise Up by Limitless

  Pop Ensemble

  Limitless presents ‘Rise Up’, an uplifting anthem that celebrates courage, togetherness, and the power to believe in ourselves. Rise Up is a powerful reminder that we are capable of more than we think, especially when we stand together. With its energetic rhythm, inspiring lyrics, and powerful chorus, the song captures the spirit of perseverance and self-belief. From taking that first step to raising our hands and voices together, every moment encourages us to keep moving forward and never give up.Together, we can find the strength to rise, the courage to dream, and the confidence to become the best versions of ourselves. Rise up. Stand together. There is nothing we can’t do.

• Riya T A

  Climate Action Explorer

  Riya T A is a 13-year-old student and emerging climate advocate interested in ecological innovation and sustainable infrastructure. Driven by a keen curiosity about environmental science, she explores how bio-inspired technologies—such as cellulosic leaves—can be woven into modern urban architecture to actively combat carbon emissions. Known for her articulate stage presence and methodical approach to collaborative problem-solving, Riya balances her scientific inquiries with a passion for singing, dance, and cultural discovery. She aims to inspire fellow young thinkers to reimagine urban spaces through the dual lenses of ecological stewardship and creative engineering.

• Sahana Sivanesan

  Youth Identity Advocate

  Sahana Sivanesan is a Grade 9 student and observant cultural thinker dedicated to deconstructing societal norms, media narratives, and everyday assumptions. Focused on adolescent identity and mental wellness, she examines how conventional beauty standards shape teenage self-perception, advocating for a healthier, more authentic dialogue around self-worth. Sahana channels her reflective approach through creative mediums such as drawing and dance, using artistic expression to communicate nuanced ideas. Passionate about asking the uncomfortable questions that spark necessary conversations, she empowers her peers to look beyond outward expectations and cultivate independent critical thought.

• Sahithi Velagala

  Conscious Living Voice

  Sahithi Velagala is a ninth-grader and environmental advocate dedicated to animal welfare, circular design, and ecological sustainability. Driven by a deep commitment to animal conservation, she explores ethical, viable alternatives to conventional animal leather, investigating how material innovation and cruelty-free alternatives can reshape everyday industries. An avid reader of non-fiction and a passionate singer, Sahithi combines analytical curiosity with empathy-driven activism. Grounded in the conviction that sustainable transformation begins with personal responsibility, she uses her platform to advocate for conscious consumer choices and compassionate environmental solutions.

• Saikrishna Vijay

  Youth Civic Catalyst

  Saikrishna Vijay is a Grade 12 Humanities student and an independent international relations researcher with a focused passion for geopolitics and diplomacy. Having engaged in over 30 Model United Nations conferences, he brings a strong foundation in diplomatic discourse, debate, and international affairs. Beyond his research pursuits, Saikrishna actively works with NGOs to broaden educational access across underserved communities in Tamil Nadu. A multidisciplinary thinker, he is also an artist and graphic designer who brings creative communication to his initiatives, using public speaking, research, and youth leadership to encourage his peers to engage meaningfully with global issues.

• Surya Dinesh

  Enterprise Communicator

  Surya Dinesh is a student speaker and aspiring innovator with a focused interest in strategic communication, enterprise building, and creative storytelling. He investigates how masterful dialogue and persuasive communication can bridge the gap between ideation and execution, enabling young changemakers to turn innovative ideas into scalable, real-world ventures. Beyond academics, Surya is a musician and avid baker who values the patience, creative experimentation, and disciplined practice inherent to both crafts. He aims to equip young leaders with the communication tools and entrepreneurial confidence necessary to articulate bold ideas and drive positive change.

• Vidhya Prabhu

  Associate Director, Kyndryl Solutions

  Vidhya Prabhu is an Associate Director at Kyndryl Solutions, bringing over 24 years of experience in technology transformation, leadership, diversity, and university relations. Known for her impactful talks on authenticity, resilience, and personal success, she was also featured in the Oscar-qualifying short film ICONS on Women in Technology. A recognized mentor and advocate for inclusion, Vidhya addresses tens of thousands of students and women annually through universities, industry forums, and community initiatives. Her accolades include India’s Most Inspiring Women and the Woman Icon in Digital Transformation Innovation award. Passionate about empowering future talent, she serves on academic advisory boards and actively champions AI, digital evolution, and women in technology worldwide.

• Vidiyal - The Dawn by Vaibhava Nritya

  Classical Dance Troupe

  In "Vidiyal – The Dawn", the Vaibhava Nritya team translates the philosophy of impermanence into rich classical choreography. Moving gracefully through the cycles of earth, rain, bloom, and twilight, the dancers portray transformation not as disruption, but as the rhythmic force that restores our world. Grounded in the metaphor of dawn after darkness, the performance is a celebration of resilience, continuity, and the transformative power of new beginnings.

• Vijay Sheshadri

  Chief Transformation Officer, Ideassion Group

  Vijay Sheshadri is the Chief Transformation Officer at Ideassion Group, helping organizations and leaders rethink how they grow, lead, and create impact. With over two decades of leadership experience, he previously served as a Director at Verizon, where he led large-scale transformation initiatives and built high-performing global teams. A seasoned voice across industry forums and leadership platforms, Vijay is also the bestselling author of The Gen Z Disconnect, which explores how leaders can bridge generational divides and build resilient, modern workplace cultures. His work sits at the intersection of leadership, human excellence, and creative transformation. Through powerful storytelling, Vijay challenges conventional thinking to spark fresh perspectives and inspire meaningful action.