TEDxSt Agnes College

Speakers

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

• Dr Saji Varghese

  Dr Saji Varghese is Associate Professor, Department of English and Coordinator, Social Entrepreneurship Wing of Christ Incubation Centre at Christ University, Bangalore. He developed 100% biodegradable straws from fallen coconut leaves, an innovation that got the fastest patent granted in India in 2018. His commitment to sustainability combined with his innovative use of materials and processes has not just reduced plastic waste but also empowered urban poor and rural women who are employed at his venture. He is the Founder of Sunbird Straws which he started with two of his students and his start up now employs 118 women in coastal India. Dr. Saji Varghese was invited to be part of the Hon’ble President of India’s Business Delegation to Philippines in October 2019 and has won several national and international accolades such as the Global Honeybee Network Creativity and Inclusivity Innovation Appreciation Award organized through UNDP, the Mass Challenge Switzerland Award. He was Felicitated by United Nations in New Delhi on World Environment Day for his contribution to Social Impact and Sustainability.

• Mr Arun Shenoy

  Mr Arun Shenoy is an environmental educator and conservation activist. He established “Kanthavara”, a forest base camp and training centre and a hub for conservation and education, following his encounter with a tree-poaching incident in the forested area nearby. Here, he conducts forest walk programmes, study tours, sessions on the ‘Broken Forest’ segment, Seed ball making and bamboo in construction and design study. Around fifty such camps have been held in the past two years. Through the activities at Kanthavara, he has effectively demonstrated the impact of unchecked human intervention on forest ecosystems, sensitised the public on the after-effects of forest encroachment, the possible threats to wildlife caused by human activities, and methods to prevent forest fires and protect forest borders.

• Privy D’Souza

  Privy D’Souza is a dynamic and accomplished post graduate student at St. Agnes, having been an Agnesian throughout her academic journey from school to university. She holds the rare distinction of being elected Student President at all three educational levels—school, pre-university, and college—earning the Best Outgoing Student award at both PU and degree levels. A state-level basketball player and champion in debate, declamation, and elocution, Privy also holds the title of Miss Teen India 2021 and won the State-Level District Youth Parliament. Following the loss of her father at 16, she transformed her grief into purpose, becoming a professional emcee. By 19, she had hosted the National-Level Miss India 2024 event and has since hosted numerous weddings, corporate functions, and TV shows for Daijiworld. A video presenter for national brands and a much sought-after resource person, Privy continues to inspire with her leadership, resilience, and voice