TEDxYouth@LPHS

Speakers

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

• Akshada Anikhindi

  Akshada Anikhindi, widely known as The Candid Therapist, is a Counseling Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Mumbai. Before entering the mental health space, she worked as a Chartered Accountant with global firms including EY, Accenture, and Capgemini — an experience that deeply shaped her understanding of high-pressure environments and the silent emotional toll they can take. Today, she works with individuals, couples, and families navigating transitions, identity dilemmas, anxiety, burnout, and self-worth challenges. Her approach is rooted in compassion, curiosity, trauma-informed care, and narrative practices. Through therapy, retreats, and workshops, she creates spaces where people feel safe enough to ask honest questions about who they are — and what they want their lives to stand for.

• Dr. Coomi Vevaina

  Dr. Coomi S. Vevaina is an internationally acclaimed educator, storyteller, and author with a distinguished career in education. She is a former Head of the Department of English at the University of Mumbai, where she served as Professor and academic leader. Dr. Vevaina holds two Ph.D. degrees — one in Literature and the other in Education — both rooted in psychology, and has authored multiple books and over 50 research papers published in national and international journals. An education futurist and teacher trainer, she has been widely recognised for her work in innovative, learner-centred pedagogy, curriculum redesign, and narrative-based approaches to learning. She is the Founder Director of the Global Tipping Point Summit and the storytelling initiative “Wordfully Yours,” which engages learners of all ages through creative narrative and psycho-, socio-, and eco-literacy methods. Dr. Vevaina’s influential educational books — including Source-full Intelligence and What Children Really Want — have received critical acclaim from educators, psychologists, parents, and global thought leaders alike. In recognition of her transformative contributions, she has received numerous awards and served on advisory boards including the International Journal of Canadian Studies and the Sahitya Akademi English Advisory Board. A passionate speaker and mentor, Dr. Vevaina’s TEDx talks and workshops emphasise human connection, holistic learning, and the power of narrative — inspiring audiences to reimagine education beyond traditional boundaries.

• Dr. Kalpana Kharade

  Dr. Kalpana Kharade is a nationally recognised educator, researcher, and powerful advocate for inclusive education. Despite being 100% visually impaired, she has emerged as an inspiring leader in the field of teacher education and accessibility-driven pedagogy. She currently serves as the Vice Principal of K. J. Somaiya Comprehensive College of Education, Training and Research (KJSCCETR) and is an Adjunct Associate Professor and Ph.D. guide at Somaiya Vidyavihar University. She is also a visiting faculty member at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education. With deep expertise in teacher training, language education, and inclusive pedagogy, Dr. Kharade has designed innovative learning modules for visually challenged students, including science education frameworks. A passionate mentor to marginalized learners, she has led personality development and English language programs for visually impaired girls and vernacular-medium students. Her contributions have been recognised through numerous prestigious honours, including the National Role Model Award (2014) conferred by the President of India, the Hirkani Award, Distinguished Educationist Award, and the Woman Champion for Change Award, among others. Dr. Kharade’s life and work powerfully affirm her belief: “Vision — not sight — makes a good teacher.”

• Dr. Nilam Gada

  Dr. Nilam Gada is a pioneering Cosmetic Dental Surgeon by profession and a Tobacco Deaddiction Specialist by choice. With over 15 years of experience, she has led over 3000 doctors, interns, and students across India, Nepal, Oman & Malaysia through awareness workshops, therapy programs, and motivational talks on addiction prevention. Trained internationally in General Dentistry (UCSF, USA), Tobacco Control (Johns Hopkins University), and Oral Cancer Geneticist, she blends science, sensitivity, and storytelling to connect with her audience. A passionate orator and wellness advocate, has dedicated her life to breaking the chains of addiction before they form. Dental Surgeon. Tobacco Deaddiction Therapist. Orator. Rotarian. On a mission to make Prevention louder than Cure.

• Sankarsh Chanda

  Mr. Sankarsh Chanda is a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and founder of Savart — an AI-powered asset management and investment advisory company headquartered in Hyderabad, India. Savart uses technology and research to make long-term investing and wealth creation accessible to individuals worldwide, helping them make informed financial decisions. Sankarsh started Savart at a young age and has since grown the company into a global tech-driven financial platform. He is also co-founder of Stardour Aerospace, a deep-tech venture focused on developing India’s private orbital transfer capabilities.

• Shantanu Mukherjee

  Shaan (Shantanu Mukherjee) is one of India’s most beloved playback singers and live performers, whose voice has defined multiple generations of Bollywood and independent music listeners. With a career spanning over three decades, he has delivered chart-topping hits across Hindi, Bengali, and several regional languages. Known for songs like “Tanha Dil,” “Chand Sifarish,” and “Jab Se Tere Naina,” Shaan has become synonymous with melody, versatility, and emotional connection. Beyond playback singing, Shaan has been a television host, judge, mentor, and live performer across global stages. His journey reflects consistency, adaptability, and a deep passion for music — making him not just a singer, but a storyteller who has truly soundtracked a generation.