Past TEDx event

TEDxSanjivani University

Seeds of Innovation

Took placeDecember 13, 2025
LocationKopargaon, Maharashtra, India
FormatUniversity
Sanjivani is more than an institution; it is a movement. Rooted in the belief that rural economies can be engines of prosperity, it began with the vision of our founding father, Shri Shankarrao Kolhe. In the 1950s, he chose to forgo the comfort of settling in the West, returning instead to a young nation emerging from imperial rule. For him, freedom meant the autonomy to make one’s own choices, and at its heart, economic independence was the key to sustaining that freedom. From pioneering cooperative movements that empowered economic growth to establishing world-class educational systems, his vision was clear: development must be built on self-reliance, shared prosperity, and enduring values. Kopargaon, where this movement began, is steeped in history and mythology. It is the land of Sai Baba, a selfless giver and saint followed by millions, and of Shukracharya, the revered sage who authored the Sanjivani, a treatise on rejuvenating life. From this legacy, we draw our name and inspiration. TEDx Sanjivani University is a platform to celebrate individuals who have started something that outlives them, people whose work leaves a lasting imprint on generations. Their greatness lies not in the pursuit of recognition, but in the humility to pursue a purpose that transcends personal reward. Whether it is an agricultural movement that impacts a thousand farmers for fifty years, a breakthrough that reshapes the course of a nation, or wisdom that guides humanity, these actions express the spirit of our licensed theme, Seeds of Innovation, small actions that grow into big impact. Within Seeds of Innovation, our curatorial lens, Small Actions, Big Impact, guides talk selection toward replicable, evidence-based ideas that inspire action. Through this TEDx, we aim to spotlight ideas and actions that, however modest in scale, create ripples that endure through time, shaping communities, economies, and human progress.

Speakers

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

  • Adya Anand Kale

    Fearless Young Voice Of Imagination

    Ms. Adya Anand Kale is a 13-year-old young author whose journey into writing began with a simple spark – an idea that grew into three published books inspired by everyday moments, personal experiences, and her curiosity about the world. Drawn to creativity, storytelling, and emerging technologies, she explores themes ranging from friendship to environmental awareness to reflections from her own travels. Through her work, she highlights how listening, observing, and nurturing small ideas can lead to meaningful expression, reminding young people that passion and persistence can create opportunities far beyond age or expectation.

  • Akash Khurana

    EVP and Chief Information & Digital Officer Wesco, USA

    Dr. Akash Khurana is a global technology and leadership expert whose career spans digital transformation, AI governance, and cybersecurity across Fortune 200 and private enterprises in more than 100 countries. With a foundation in enterprise strategy and operational excellence, he has guided organizations through complex challenges involving growth, integration, and sustainable value creation. His work blends technology insight with people-centric decisionmaking, shaping responsible innovation and long-term strategic clarity for boards, leaders, and evolving digital ecosystems.

  • Bharat Kelkar

    Orthopaedic Surgeon & Humanitarian Leader

    Dr. Bharat Kelkar is a highly respected orthopaedic surgeon and humanitarian known for his exceptional medical skill, compassion, and courage. A top-ranking doctor from KEM Hospital, Mumbai, he has dedicated his life not only to treating thousands in Nashik but also to serving in global conflict zones through the Doctors Without Borders (MSF), providing critical care to war-affected civilians in places like Yemen and Syria. Humble, disciplined, and deeply committed to his patients, Dr. Kelkar is admired as both a medical expert and a true warrior who heals, saves, and brings hope wherever he goes.

  • Nikhil Malhotra

    Chief Innovation Officer Tech Mahindra, India

    Dr. Nikhil Malhotra is a global innovation leader whose work spans AI, world models, quantum computing, neuroscience-inspired architectures, and responsible technology development. As the founder of Makers Lab, he has led deep-tech research efforts ranging from India’s first Indic LLM, Project Indus, to enterprise agentic systems such as TechM Orion. His contributions include developing multimodal diagnostic AI for healthcare, advancing world-model–based frameworks for autonomous decision-making, exploring synthetic imagination through Dream.AI, and driving quantum readiness and security programs. He has advised global enterprises on AI strategy and governance while collaborating with leading technology partners and academic institutions to build innovation ecosystems that connect scientific exploration with real-world impact.

  • Rajita Singh

    Chief People Officer India & Global Delivery HR Leader, Kyndryl

    Mrs. Rajita Singh, a visionary people leader whose journey embodies the very essence of our theme, Seeds of Innovation. As the Chief People Officer, India, and Global Delivery HR Leader at Kyndryl, Rajita stands at the intersection of philosophy, purpose, and progressive leadership. She is known for transforming workplaces into human-centred ecosystems where culture, capability, and compassion grow together. With over two decades of shaping leadership thinking, she has been recognised among Forbes India’s Top 30 Talent Leaders and Most Influential Women in HR. Rajita’s work proves that innovation doesn’t always begin with grand gestures—it begins with a question, a spark, a small shift in mindset. Her purpose-driven leadership shows how tiny seeds of change, when nurtured with integrity and courage, can evolve into organisations that are future-ready, resilient, and deeply human.

  • Ravi Gulati

    Co-Founder, Manzil

    Mr. Gulati is a renowned social entrepreneur and the co-founder of Manzil, a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering learning, skill development, and empowerment among youth. With decades of experience in community development and educational innovation, he has played an instrumental role in creating opportunities for young individuals to discover their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. His work reflects a deep commitment to experiential learning, inclusive growth, and sustainable social impact. Through his thoughtful leadership and community-centered initiatives, Mr. Gulati has become an influential voice in shaping alternative education models in India.

  • Rushindra Sinha

    Doctor turned Gaming/E-Sports Entreprenuer VCT Franchised Partner Team

    Dr. Rushindra Sinha is a medical doctor turned entrepreneur whose passion for gaming led him to establish Global Esports, one of South Asia’s early leaders in the esports ecosystem. His work focuses on building structured pathways for emerging talent, nurturing professional gaming environments, and expanding opportunities across content, community, and competitive play. Under his leadership, Global Esports has grown from grassroots gaming initiatives to a platform that supports players, creators, and professionals, contributing to the region’s presence in global esports. His journey reflects a commitment to transforming personal passion into a sustainable ecosystem for the next generation of gamers.

  • Saul Sarang Patil

    Young Tech Enthusiast

    Mast. Saul Sarang Patil is a young tech enthusiast who discovered a powerful insight while working on a simple competition project – climate change becomes visible when we look at the data. His exploration of land surface temperature patterns revealed how global warming is shaped not by one big event, but by millions of everyday actions and how small, consistent choices can also drive meaningful change. Through his talk, he reminds us that anyone, at any age, can contribute to a healthier planet by recognizing the impact of the decisions we make daily.

  • Suma Uikey

    Social Impact Entrepreneur

    Mrs. Suma Uikey is a passionate social entrepreneur and community leader known for transforming rural livelihoods. Through her innovative work in mushroom cultivation and rural development, she has empowered families by creating sustainable income opportunities. Deeply committed to inclusive growth, she actively promotes education, skill-building, and access to essential resources for underserved communities. Her efforts continue to drive meaningful progress at the grassroots level.

Organizing team