Varkha Satwani

Educator/Teacher

I’m an English educator who has spent almost a decade happily surrounded by teenagers, books and the kind of conversations that make teaching feel like a privilege rather than a job. I love creating a classroom where learning feels relaxed, honest and a little bit magical, the sort of place where ideas flow, laughter is welcome and everyone feels comfortable being themselves. Outside school, I’m usually reading something, appreciating art, listening to music or enjoying a quiet moment of spirituality. I find joy in the simplest things such as the sound of rain, a good cup of coffee, shared laughter, children’s giggles and any moment spent with family and real friends. I’m someone who is drawn to ambitious people, deeply respects kind souls and tries to bring a bit of lightness wherever I go. At heart, I’m curious, warm and always ready for a good story or a good laugh.

I’m passionate about building things that last, especially when I get to build them with the people I love. There’s a certain joy in shaping an idea together and watching it turn into something that stays for eternity. Teaching fits into this for me too. Guiding someone, sharing an idea, or making a difference feels like its own simple legacy. My love for quiet moments keeps me centred through it all, giving me the clarity and calm I need to pour myself into whatever I’m creating next.

I’ve realised over the years that giving has its own quiet influence. You don’t do it for a reward, but it still changes the atmosphere in subtle ways. People relax a bit and conversations open up. The day feels less cluttered. There’s nothing dramatic about it, just a steady reminder that what you put out has a way of settling somewhere and making things smoother. That’s really why I keep doing it. It feels real, it feels human and it adds a little balance to a world that’s so often running on an odd sense of emptiness.

Teaching, Writing

My TED story started with simple curiosity, but it has slowly turned into one of the most rewarding parts of my year. I get to work with teenagers who walk in with bold ideas, restless enthusiasm and that unmistakable spark that can brighten an entire room. Being around that energy is infectious. I love the messy notes, the long chats, the sudden breakthroughs, the half-serious debates and the little moments when a student realises, almost in surprise, that they’re capable of far more than they thought. What I enjoy even more is how much they teach me along the way. Every batch of speakers shifts my perspective in some new way. TED has become a space where I grow alongside them, where I’m reminded of what young voices can do when they’re backed, guided and taken seriously. For me, TED isn’t just an event on the calendar. It’s a journey I look forward to, one that brings joy, challenge and a sense of purpose each time we start again.

People are often surprised to learn that I have a real talent for cleaning, organising and beautifying a space. Give me a cluttered room or a chaotic corner and I’m genuinely excited to sort it out. I find it strangely fun and almost therapeutic. I love adding small, thoughtful touches that make a space feel inviting, calm and pleasant to be in. I actually enjoy it far more than anyone expects.