Lahana Tadakamalla

Just a student that loves exploring and being creative. I use photography as my creative outlet. I love to travel and learning about new cultures

I’m passionate about capturing moments through photography, especially when it comes to animals. I love helping animals and learning about them, whether it’s through volunteering, studying their behavior, or simply spending time with them. This makes me passionate about raising awareness for animal welfare and exploring the beauty of the natural world through my lens.

I would like to address the "scrolling slump" a term for the mental and emotional fatigue caused by endless scrolling on social media. Constant exposure to curated content can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and a lack of real-world engagement. To deal with it the main focus should be on recognizing this slump, understanding its impact on mental health, and encouraging healthier habits for digital consumption.

I’ve always believed that the most powerful stories are the ones that challenge us to see the world differently, to reimagine what we think we know. Growing up, I found myself drawn to two seemingly unrelated passions: animals and human psychology. On the one hand, I was fascinated by animals their behavior, communication, and emotional intelligence. On the other, I was deeply intrigued by the human mind and how we think, feel, and react to the world around us. These dual interests shaped my worldview, and over time, I began to see the powerful intersection between understanding others whether animals or humans and the impact of empathy and connection. Photography became my creative outlet, a way to capture these fleeting moments of connection. Through the lens of my camera, I could freeze the silent language shared between animals and humans, or the emotions in people that often go unnoticed. But it wasn’t until I began studying psychology and working on mental health initiatives in college that I fully realized how crucial empathy, communication, and awareness are in creating meaningful change, both for individuals and society at large. My passion for event management led me to bring these ideas to larger platforms, like hosting a TEDx event to spark important conversations within my community. I believe in the power of storytelling to break down barriers and push the boundaries of what we think is possible whether through films that challenge social norms, events that empower young minds, or simply sharing the stories of those who have been silenced. At the core of everything I do is a desire to connect, to help others see the world from a different perspective, and to inspire action. Whether it’s working with animals, playing the violin, or organizing events to foster career aspirations and mental health, my journey is one of continuous learning, empathy, and a deep commitment to creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.

People don’t know that I’m good at playing the violin and have a unique ability to communicate with animals. Playing the violin is something I enjoy as a personal form of expression, and I’ve always had a natural connection with animals, whether it’s understanding their behavior or simply being able to calm them. Both are skills I don’t often share, but they’re a big part of who I am.