TEDxVETIAS

Speakers

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

• Dr. Jayaprakash Jagadeesan

  Psychiatrist & Founder | Manathin Maiyam | Mental Health & Wellbeing

  Dr. Jayaprakash is a distinguished psychiatrist with extensive experience in mental health care, education, and community service. He graduated from Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Annamalai University, and completed his Diploma in Psychological Medicine (DPM) from Father Muller’s Institute, Mangalore. He also holds a DNB in Psychiatry and has served as a Lecturer at PSG Medical College, Coimbatore. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Jayaprakash is deeply committed to promoting mental health awareness and accessible psychological support. He is the Founder President of the Erode Mental Health Foundation and serves as Chairperson of the Manathin Maiyam Foundation. Through his professional and community initiatives, he continues to contribute significantly to mental well-being and public awareness.

• Dr. Sudhakar Kandaswamy

  Managing Director | Sudha Hospitals | Cardiologist

  Dr. K. Sudhakar is a Cardiologist and Managing Director of Sudha Hospitals, Erode, where he leads the institution with a focus on clinical excellence, compassionate care, innovation and accessibility. Under his leadership, Sudha Hospitals has expanded its presence across multiple cities while strengthening its services in multispeciality care, fertility and women’s health. Beyond healthcare, Dr. Sudhakar is actively involved in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and community development. He has served in leadership roles with CII Erode and is associated with initiatives promoting social welfare, sports and civic engagement. As Founder Chairman of Erodai, he has supported community-focused programmes and environmental initiatives. His journey reflects a commitment to combining healthcare leadership with social responsibility and meaningful community impact.

• Dr. A R Rajah Mohaideen

  Civil Services Achiever | MBBS Doctor | UPSC CSE 2025 – AIR 7

  Dr. A. R. Rajah Mohaideen is a medical graduate and civil services achiever who secured All India Rank 7 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Hailing from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, he completed his schooling at the DAV Group of Schools, Chennai, and earned his MBBS from Government Cuddalore Medical College, Annamalai University. His journey to the civil services reflects remarkable perseverance and resilience. After being unable to clear the preliminary examination in his first two attempts, he returned with renewed focus and succeeded in his third attempt with an outstanding national rank. Raised in a family deeply rooted in education, with both his parents serving as Principals in Government Colleges in Chennai, he developed a strong foundation in discipline, learning, and public service. His journey inspires young aspirants to embrace setbacks as opportunities to grow, adapt, and rise stronger.

• Dr. C. Palanivelu

  Chairman | GEM Hospital | Laparoscopic Surgery & Medical Innovation |

  Dr. C. Palanivelu is Chairman of GEM Hospital and Research Centre, Professor & Director of the Institute of Gastroenterology & Minimal Access Surgery, and Managing Trustee of the GEM Digestive Diseases Foundation. A pioneer of laparoscopic surgery in South India, he played a significant role in advancing minimally invasive surgery across India, including its application in complex cancer procedures. He is a two-time recipient of the Dr. B. C. Roy National Award (2006 and 2015) and was honoured by the House of Commons, UK Parliament, in 2018 for his contributions to laparoscopic surgery. He was also the first Indian to win a Silver Medal at the International Olympic Minimal Access Surgery Competition in the USA. He has innovated over 20 surgical techniques, authored internationally acclaimed books translated into multiple languages, and has operated and taught in several countries worldwide.

• Dr. R. Santhanam

  Senior Scientist “F” | Aerospace Engineering & Research | Directorate of Flight Structures | Ministry of Defence | Government of India

  Dr. R. Santhanam is a Senior Scientist in the Aerospace Structures Division, Directorate of Flight Structures, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Hyderabad. With 24 years of experience, he has contributed to the design, modelling, simulation, development and qualification of aerospace structures for major Indian missile programmes, including Mission Shakti, Ballistic Missile Defence, cruise missiles and hypersonic vehicles. He has contributed end-to-end to 30 missile and related systems. Dr. Santhanam holds a Ph.D. in Shape Memory Alloys from IIT Madras and is also an Adjunct Professor at the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune. He has authored over 190 technical reports, delivered more than 60 invited and keynote talks, guided research scholars and engineering students, and is actively associated with leading professional bodies in aerospace and engineering.

• Mr. Arvinda Bharathi

  Senior Director – Business Development | Everstage | Author

  Arvinda Bharathi is a business leader and author from Erode, currently serving as Senior Director of Business Development at Everstage, a New York-based SaaS company. His professional journey reflects a strong interest in business growth, technology and the evolving dynamics of modern organisations. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed debut novel When the Gates Closed, a work of campus fiction that explores gender, freedom, friendship and love within Indian educational institutions. Drawing from both his corporate experience and literary pursuits, Arvinda’s work is shaped by a deep curiosity about ambition, identity and belonging. His journey brings together the worlds of business and storytelling, offering thoughtful perspectives on growth, relationships and the places that shape who we become.

• Mr. Sai Vignesh

  Playback Singer | Carnatic Vocalist | Musician

  Sai Vignesh is an Indian vocalist, playback singer and musician known for his versatility across Carnatic and contemporary music. Trained extensively in Carnatic music, he is an All India Radio “A” grade artist and an empanelled artist of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). He gained wider recognition through Airtel Super Singer 4 and later established himself as a playback singer in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada cinema. His notable songs include “Kurumugil” from Sita Ramam and the acclaimed “Varaha Roopam” from Kantara, for which he won the Filmfare Award South for Best Playback Singer. He has performed with celebrated musicians including Ilaiyaraaja, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Shankar Mahadevan, and has toured internationally. In 2021, he co-founded GANDIVA, an Indo-Classical contemporary fusion ensemble, reflecting his commitment to blending tradition with innovation in music.

• Ms. Sonu Satheesh Kumar

  Kuchipudi Dancer | TV Artist Kuchipudi Dance | Cultural Heritage

  Sonu Satheesh Kumar is an accomplished actress, classical dancer, television host and choreographer known for her work in Malayalam and Tamil television. Beginning her career as a television host, she gained recognition through popular productions including Sreeguruvayurappan, Sthreedhanam, Anbe Vaa, and Mahalakshmi. Beyond television, she is a trained Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer who has performed at prominent cultural platforms and conducted dance workshops. She holds a Master’s degree in Kuchipudi and a Diploma in Bharatanatyam and has qualified UGC-NET. Blending artistic expression with academic discipline, Sonu has built a multifaceted career across television, classical dance and teaching. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to preserving and promoting Indian classical arts while inspiring audiences through performance, creativity and cultural expression.

• Ms. Sowmya Balasubramaniam

  Founder and Managing Director | Hooga Seed Innovations in Healthcare

  Sowmya Balasubramaniam is a social entrepreneur, sustainable business research consultant, and Founder & Managing Director of HOOGA Seed Keepers Collective. With roots in an agricultural family from Erode, Tamil Nadu, she combines lived farming experience with academic training in Information Technology and a Master’s in Social Work – Livelihoods and Social Entrepreneurship from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Her work focuses on conserving native and heirloom seeds, promoting regenerative farming, strengthening sustainable livelihoods, and supporting small farmers through awareness and education. She has worked with farming communities across India on climate resilience and livelihood development. Through HOOGA, she advocates seed sovereignty, biodiversity conservation, food security, and the global “grow your own food” movement, connecting traditional agricultural knowledge with contemporary sustainability practices.

• Ms. S. Haritha

  Football Coach | National & Inter-University Football Player | AIFF Licensed Coach

  Haritha S. is a passionate football coach and accomplished player whose journey reflects discipline, resilience and commitment to the sport. She has represented teams at the National School Games, South Zone Inter-University Championships and All India Inter-University competitions, gaining valuable competitive experience. Building on her journey as a player, she transitioned into coaching and completed the AIFF D Licence, along with professional training through the NIS programme at SAI Sports Academy, Kolkata. Her coaching approach blends technical and tactical development with teamwork, leadership, discipline and character building. Haritha strongly believes that football shapes not only physical ability but also confidence, mental strength and life skills. Through coaching and mentorship, she continues to inspire young players to grow both on and off the field.

• Shriram Kris Vasudevan

  Senior Manager(Director) | Industrial AI| Accenture Solutions Pvt. Limited| Coimbatore

  Dr. Shriram K. Vasudevan is a distinguished technology leader, educator, AI advisor, and TEDx speaker with over 18 years of experience across industry and academia. He currently serves as Director – Industrial AI, Agentic AI Solutions at Accenture, driving innovation in artificial intelligence, data, and digital transformation. Previously, he held technology leadership roles at Intel Corporation, contributing to AI, Generative AI, Embedded Systems, and developer ecosystems across Asia Pacific and Japan. He holds a Doctorate in Embedded Systems and has authored 54 books, secured 14 granted patents, and published over 150 research papers. A Fellow of IEI and IETE and Senior Member of IEEE, he has received recognitions from Harvard University, Google, and international bodies. He also serves as Adjunct Faculty at Taylor’s University, Malaysia, and Visiting Professor at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, inspiring learners through research, teaching, and thought leadership.

• Thiru. D. Senthil Kumar

  Director| Sakthi Masala

  Mr. D. Senthil Kumar is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader associated with the Sakthi Group, Erode, with extensive experience in the food, agriculture and consumer products sectors. He serves as Managing Director of Qualfis Foodz Pvt. Ltd. and has held key leadership responsibilities within the Sakthi Masala group. His business journey reflects a strong commitment to quality, responsible growth and sustainable enterprise. He has been associated with initiatives that integrate modern food manufacturing with agricultural value creation, fair business practices, renewable energy and social responsibility. He has also contributed to industry and youth leadership platforms, including the Confederation of Indian Industry – Young Indians, Erode. Through his entrepreneurial leadership, he continues to advocate business practices that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, community development and long-term social impact.

• Thiru. S. Kandasamy

  District Collector| Erode District| Government of Tamil Nadu

  Thiru S. Kandasamy, I.A.S. is an Indian Administrative Service officer currently serving as the District Collector of Erode District, Tamil Nadu. With an academic background in Computer Science and Public Administration, he brings experience spanning urban governance and district administration. Prior to his appointment as District Collector of Erode in June 2025, he served as Commissioner of Avadi City Municipal Corporation. His administrative career reflects a focus on public service delivery, effective governance and citizen-centric administration.