TEDxABBS

Speakers

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

• A N Yellappa Reddy

  A N Yellappa Reddy is one of India’s most respected environmentalists, a former Indian Forest Service officer & a pioneer in eco-restoration, he transformed the Western Ghats & helped shape landmark laws. He played a pivotal role in strengthening the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976, ensuring greater accountability in urban tree protection. His efforts helped institutionalize tree mapping, community involvement, and ecological restoration across Bengaluru & the Western Ghats.Rooted in both science and ancient wisdom, he revived the practice of Sacred Gardens-blending tribal traditions, Ayurveda, and native biodiversity. Today, he continues to protect our forests, water systems,& endangered species with unwavering dedication. At 89, he continues to live a life of purpose -as an environmentalist, author, mentor, & guardian of nature’s legacy. He inspires generations through his words, his actions, and his unwavering belief that integrity and nature must always walk together.

• Dr. Babu Padmanabhan

  Dr. Babu Padmanabhan is an analytical Kinematician & an inventor of the concept of Fractional Conjugate Geometry, a breakthrough in designing highly efficient mechanical systems. With over 150 patents across 30+ inventions, his journey demonstrates that quantum leaps require a fearless mindset, patience through setbacks, and deep knowledge of natural systems. Driven by his passion for physics and commitment to planetary and human well-being, he has positioned STEER as a global disruptor in advanced manufacturing. Under his leadership, STEER World integrates cutting-edge mechanical design with computing power to deliver transformative solutions across industries like biomaterials, food, & pharmaceuticals. With a presence in India, Japan, the USA, and China, STEER now serves over 2,000 companies worldwide. At a pivotal moment of growth, he is steering towards solving complex global challenges from climate change to sustainable development using deep domain knowledge in material science.

• Dr.Ram Prasath Manohar V IAS

  Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar V, a distinguished civil servant whose journey from a small village near Rajapalayam,Tamil Nadu, to becoming one of Karnataka’s most respected IAS officers is a story of resilience and dedication. He joined the IAS in 2010, having initially been selected for IRS, IFoS & IPS. He championed transformative initiatives such as paperless offices, women empowerment projects, welfare programs for differently-abled persons, spearheaded development of 5 airports in Karnataka to improve regional air connectivity, sustainable mining development and sustainable tourism development, instrumental in launching programs for integrated housing for the urban poor, fostering entrepreneurship among the youth, key leadership role in organising successful G20 events. His visionary approach to urban water managementin Bengaluru, has set a national example for sustainable urban water solutions and also received United Nations Framework for Climate Change convention’s recognition.

• Fehmi Mohammed

  Fehmi Mohammed, Director of Generation Earth Media Pvt. Ltd., is an experienced journalist dedicated to fostering environmental consciousness and youth leadership. With decades in media, he has highlighted critical climate and sustainability issues across India and leads a platform that curates impactful stories tackling urgent challenges with real solutions. He focuses on making climate communication accessible and action-focused for communities and the next generation, working to ensure sustainable solutions are provided while addressing climate concerns under UN SDG 13: Climate Action. Committed to nurturing a generation ready to influence policy and deliver meaningful climate impact, Fehmi continues to inspire practical change through powerful storytelling.

• Mohini Acharya

• Nagaraja Prakasam

  Fondly called as Naga Sir, Prof. Nagaraja Prakasam is an angel investor, mentor, and partner at Acumen, and founding Angel - IAN Impact (Indian Angel Network). He co-founded Nativelead Foundation to support rural entrepreneurs and changemakers. An engineer with an MBA, he worked in the US tech industry for over a decade before returning to India. Passionate about grassroots engagement, he frequently travels across rural India to understand local challenges and drive meaningful innovation. Through his book Back to Bharat, he shares stories of grassroots innovation and sustainable living. He believes rural communities, with their simple, low-carbon lifestyles, deserve fair carbon credits for protecting the environment. His vision shows how valuing rural wisdom can shape a truly sustainable future for India.

• Niranjan Karagi

  Niranjan Karagi, is a passionate young entrepreneur and Founder of NirNal Water Solutions, headquartered in Belgaum, Karnataka. With a strong commitment to solving India’s water crisis, he has developed accessible and affordable water purification technologies aimed at improving public health, especially in rural and underserved communities. His innovations include the NirNal Portable Filter—a pocket-sized, gravity-based purifier—and the Systemic Modelled RO System, which ensures up to 85% water recovery while minimizing waste. He has also introduced Smart Water ATM Units that deliver clean water to communities with integrated payment and tracking systems.

• Shammi Raj Balla

  Shammi Raj Balla is the founder of Sensistan, India’s first immersive Technology & Art Museum in Goa, which integrates art, science, and technology to create sensory experiences. Shammi currently serves as 1/3 CEO of Param Foundation, an organization promoting Science, Open Innovation, Art, History, and Culture through global experience centres, makerspaces, innovation labs, and upskilling programs. Educated at BITS Pilani and New York University, and with two decades of global experience in finance, technology, and culture, he blends innovation, education, and art to build experience centres, music festivals, and museums. His work has been showcased in Europe, Asia, and the United States. He has also served as an Advisor in the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (Museums Department) and as a Visiting Professor at the Royal University in Cambodia.

• Srinivasulu IFS

  Srinivasulu, a senior Indian Forest Service officer from the 1997 batch, currently serves as the Principal Secretary of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Government of Karnataka. He is known for blending grassroots conservation with high-level policy impact. Always excelled in academics, consistently ranking at the top throughout his educational journey. He is a Gold Medalist from the University of Agriculture, holds a postgraduate degree in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology; secured 10th Rank in IFS exams, Top Rank in Ph.D. program, and 2nd Rank in the All-India IAR exam. As Director of Kali Tiger Reserve, he pioneered habitat preservation efforts and produced a documentary on River Kali that was featured at COP-21 in Paris. From wildlife protection in Shivamogga to sustainable development with the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Board to Member Secretary of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, his work embodies ecological leadership rooted in empathy, culture, and science.

• Srishti Kukreja

  Srishti Kukreja is the Co-Founder and Director of Generation Earth, an organization driving climate action through education, storytelling, and community engagement. With decades of experience in journalism, she uses the power of media to make complex environmental issues relatable and urgent. Her work focuses on climate communication and sustainable consumerism, proving that changing the narrative can inspire real action. She believes sustainability must be accessible, and solutions-driven for everyone. By making climate stories solution-focused, she empowers people to act, not just be aware. Srishti’s mission is to nurture a generation ready to tackle the climate crisis with confidence and purpose.

• Sumesh Nayak

  Sumesh Nayak, known as @1500SqFt_Gardener, is an urban gardener and sustainability advocate from Bangalore. He turned 1500 square feet of land into a green haven with over 1500 plants, feeding his family and attracting birds and butterflies. From failures to success, he shares simple ways for city dwellers to reconnect with nature. A corporate professional who is also a passionate eco-champion, he promotes growing fruits, composting, rainwater harvesting, rooftop solar energy, and mindful living even in limited spaces. His garden shows you don’t need acres to grow food—just intention and space. Sumesh’s mission is to make urban gardening practical and inspiring.

• Vaman Acharya