TEDxYouth@DPSBN

Speakers

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

• Alayna Aisha

  Psychologist | School Counsellor | Life Skills Trainer

  Ms. Alayna Aisha is a Psychologist, School Counsellor, and Life Skills Trainer based in Bangalore. Fun-loving and adventurous, she brings energy and empathy to her work with children and adolescents, supporting their academic, emotional, and personal growth. As a student counsellor, she also conducts life skills sessions to enhance emotional intelligence and interpersonal development. She regularly leads teacher workshops on mental health, well-being, inclusion, and the evolving role of school counsellors. A person with low vision, Ms. Alayna proudly embraces this part of her identity, drawing strength and resilience from her journey. It has deepened her empathy, sharpened her perspective, and fuels her passion to advocate for inclusion, challenge stereotypes, and promote ability over disability. Rooted in purpose, her journey in mental health and education aims to create safe, empowering spaces for all.

• Izzat Yaganagi

  Director, InSoul | Counsellor | Mediator | Trainer | Avid Trekker

  Ms. Izzat Yaganagi, Director of InSoul—Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning, is a trained psychological counsellor, mediator, facilitator, trainer, and avid trekker. With a Master’s in Education and a background in mental health, she has worked extensively with families, couples and children through workshops and counselling. Her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors were ignited on her first Himalayan trek, inspiring her to use nature as a space for self-discovery and resilience-building in children. She was instrumental in introducing the concept of Family Treks at Indiahikes to strengthen family bonds and connect children with nature. She also pioneered Adventure Therapy treks for those seeking change and healing. She co-developed the Collaborative Leadership Program, now a credit course in several B-schools. At InSoul, she leads efforts to help children grow through outdoor experiences, fostering cooperation, resilience, and self-awareness—skills essential in today’s world.

• Manju Balasubramanyam

  Principal, DPSBN | Passionate Educator | Life-Long Learner | Champion of Inclusive, Future-Focussed Learning

  Ms. Manju Balasubramanyam is an award-winning educator, passionate teacher, and lifelong learner with a deep commitment to inclusive, future-ready education. A technology enthusiast, avid reader, and storyteller, she embraces innovative teaching methods enriched by global experiences. Deeply committed to fostering ethical, empathetic, and socially responsible students, she skillfully balances scientific progress with core values to prepare learners for the Fourth Industrial Age. Her optimism fuels her conviction that—with love, trust, and compassion—educators can nurture a generation that is empathetic, socially aware, and dedicated to building a more just and peaceful world. Recognized with prestigious honours such as the National Award for Teachers and the Fulbright Distinguished Award, she has spoken at international forums including the UNESCO-APID Conference and the 1M1B Summit at the United Nations. Her contributions were also featured in UNESCO’s 2024 State of Education Report.

• Sarbani Mallick

  Founder & Director, Bubbles Centre for Autism | Disability Inclusion Advocate

  Ms. Sarbani Mallick has over 27 years of experience in Special Education, supporting individuals with disabilities. She founded Bubbles Centre for Autism, a program that promotes inclusive education in collaboration with mainstream schools. She also established Pragati Towards Livelihood, a vocational center that empowers neurodiverse young adults. Her rural initiative, Ek Prayas, strengthens primary education across six NGOs in Karnataka and West Bengal. Sarbani holds an RCI-certified Diploma in Special Education (Autism) and certifications in Structured Teaching, PECS, PEERS (UCLA), RDI, and Social Role Valorization. Her work has earned national recognition, including the Dr. Amarnath Award for Inclusion and the Unsung Hero Award from Rotary. Under her leadership, Biswa Gouri Charitable Trust was honored as the "Most Trusted NGO to Work With" at the National Economic Growth Summit. She also serves on key advisory boards, including those at St. John’s Hospital and SCTIMST, Trivandrum

• Snehalatha Rajan

  Retired Professional Banker | Devoted Mother | First Teacher

  Ms. Snehalatha Rajan is a graduate of Mount Carmel College and a certified Music Therapist from the Chennai School of Music Therapy. A former officer at Canara Bank, she took voluntary retirement to devote herself to raising her two specially-abled, musically gifted sons. Her elder son, Roshan, who was visually challenged, earned an MA in English and served in the Military Engineering Services. Her younger son, Ritvik, who is visually and cognitively impaired, is a music prodigy who began singing at the age of two and later taught at DPS Bangalore North. Under her guidance, he completed his education through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and earned a Visharad in Hindustani Music, along with distinguished music grades from Trinity College London. Honoured by Asianet, Manipal Hospitals, and the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Ms. Snehalatha’s journey reflects resilience, love, and the transformative power of music and motherhood.