TEDxIIMSambalpur

Speakers

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

• Advocate Padma Laxmi

  Advocate Padma Laxmi is a dedicated and accomplished advocate with four years of experience in the legal field. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills, she specializes in criminal law, civil cases, constitutional law, and family court matters.

• Anjana Tudu

  Ms. AnjanaTudu, Additional Superintendent of Police (OPS-I) at the Crime Branch, Odisha, delivered a powerful talk on how law enforcement must evolve in the digital age. Drawing from her vast experience in tackling cybercrimes—from fraud call centers to digital arrests—she emphasized that traditional policing is no longer enough. The rise in cyber threats demands smarter, tech-enabled responses. She spoke about the importance of digital forensics and proactive investigation in protecting the public, especially vulnerable groups. Highlighting her leadership in solving high-profile cases and her work with Team HER for women’s safety, she showcased the role of efficient, empathetic policing. A strong advocate for prevention, Ms. Tudu shared insights from her Cyber Awareness Campaign, which reached over 20,000 people. Her message was clear: as criminals get smarter, so must we. Building cyber resilience is a shared responsibility—and awareness is our first line of defense.

• Captain Dharamveer Singh

  Captain Dharamveer Singh is an accomplished Indian Army personnel. Beyond his military career, he is a certified mountaineer, marathon runner, and national-level cricket player. He gained widespread fame as a finalist in popular reality shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi and Zor Ka Jhatka. An inspiring figure, Capt. Dharamveer is a sought-after motivational speaker, having delivered numerous TEDx talks. He is also a Fit India Ambassador and a recipient of the Youth Icon Award, actively promoting fitness and resilience.

• Dr. Itisha Nagar

  Dr. Itisha Nagar, a feminist educator and psychologist, captivated the audience with a deeply personal and powerful narrative on identity, difference, and collective healing. Reflecting on her own journey as a female child growing up in a society structured by patriarchal norms and expectations, she revealed how differences in society is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Through examples ranging from isolated tribes to the queer community, she challenged the very idea of "abnormality," framing it not as truth but as a construct of power. Her talk encouraged introspection—urging her listeners to embrace their own pain with honesty. She shared a moving classroom assignment to drive home the point that while everyone carries unique burdens, what unites us is the uncertainty of life. Dr. Nagar envisioned a world where we stop projecting our pain onto others and instead to accept the darkness within. Her message was not just enlightening—it was a heartfelt appeal to build a more compassionate and inclusive society.

• Ella D. Verma

  Ella D Verma, is a trailblazing trans model and digital content creator with 350k followers on Instagram. Ella has become a powerful voice in the fashion industry and a beacon of hope for many. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and breaking down barriers in a world that often lacks understanding and representation.

• Litisha Mangat Panda

  Litisha is a seasoned media and entertainment professional, driving market expansion, strategic growth, and digital transformation. With expertise in organizational development, technological innovation, digital business development, research, and operations, she plays a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future. She pioneered India’s first meta-human AI anchor, launched Odisha’s largest OTT platform—Tarang Plus, and led media’s digital evolution. As a Senior Business Associate at Tarang, she executes high-impact projects, modernizing media while advocating for women in tech.

• Maharaj Kunwarani Sahiba Nivritti Kumari Mewar Mewar

  Maharaj Kunwarani Sahiba Nivritti Kumari Mewar, a member of the royal families of Mewar, Rajasthan, is known for her contributions to heritage preservation and social initiatives. She is the daughter of Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, a seasoned politician and the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, and Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, a four-time Member of Parliament. Married to Prince Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, she actively supports initiatives focused on cultural conservation, sustainable tourism, and community welfare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led a mask-making initiative, crafting and distributing handmade masks to frontline workers in Udaipur. Passionate about heritage and philanthropy, she continues to contribute towards women’s empowerment and public welfare programs.

• Mohini Sharma

  Mohini Sharma empowers women to redefine their aspirations She is an Indian educationist and entrepreneur, best known for her significant contributions to the pageantry industry. She was crowned Mrs. India World in 2016 and subsequently represented India at the Mrs. World 2016 pageant. Following her participation, she acquired the Mrs. India Inc platform, aiming to provide married women with opportunities to showcase their beauty, intelligence, and talent. In addition to her role in pageantry, Mohini Sharma is the founder of Indian Femme and serves as a trustee for the Udaan Trust. She is active on social media, sharing insights into her work and initiatives. Her journey from winning Mrs. India World to founding Mrs. India Inc has been influential, inspiring many women to pursue their aspirations beyond traditional roles.

• Rohit Srivastava

  Rohit Srivastav, a visionary entrepreneur, storyteller, and food inspired traveller-content creator who seamlessly blends his love for food, travel, and digital media. An engineer and an MBA by education, Rohit loves his road trips and explores cities through the foods that the locals eat. He documents his journey and stories on his social media channels. He is the founder of FoodFindo, Odisha’s first and one of the largest food review and recommendation platforms, curating unique culinary experiences for food lovers and highlighting hidden gastronomic gems.