TEDxThe Pupil International School Youth

Speakers

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

• Dr. Mythili Bhaskaran

  Educationist and Medical Professional

  Dr. Mythili Bhaskaran is an esteemed educationist, philosopher, and medical professional specializing in Obstetrics and Physiology. With over 40 years of teaching experience, she has played a pivotal role in shaping medical education in India. She served as Director of the Institute of Physiology & Experimental Medicine at Madras Medical College, training faculty across Tamil Nadu in modern pedagogical methodologies. As part of a Government of India delegation, she evaluated a neighboring country's educational curriculum. Her distinguished career includes serving as Controller of Examinations at Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Dean of Stanley Medical College, and Vice Chancellor of Saveetha University. Currently, Dr. Mythili Bhaskaran trains college students in English and teaches Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages. Her passion for the intricate relationship between philosophy and science continues through lectures and interviews in the regional language.

• Dr. Subramani Ramakrishnan

  Country Head, UPS India Technology Centre

  Dr. Subramani Ramakrishnan (Subbu) is Country Manager of the UPS India Technology Centre, where he builds a world-class GCC delivering technology solutions for UPS (United Parcel Service), a Fortune 40 logistics leader. A former IBM executive with 25 years of top-quartile performance, he led enterprise CMMI Level 5 assessments, scaled delivery organizations, and won the Brandon Hall Silver Award for an enterprise learning program rolled out to 70,000+ employees. Subbu has rapidly scaled UPS’s Chennai centre to 1,600+ IT professionals, earning Young Achiever, Top GCC of 2025, and Excellence in Talent Development awards, alongside back-to-back Great Place to Work certifications. He holds an MBA from IIM Bangalore with Gold Medal, a PhD in Management, an MA in Psychology, and industry credentials including PMP. A sought-after speaker and author of the bestseller SHAPE IT, he champions inclusive skilling, academia partnerships, and purpose-led technology that compounds customer value.

• Flames of Wisdom by Swaraksharam

  Carnatic Music Ensemble

  "Flames of Wisdom” is a musical tribute to the power of knowledge. The song portrays wisdom as a radiant lamp that removes the darkness of ignorance, brings success in life, and fills the world with peace and harmony. Presented in a traditional Carnatic style, it weaves intricate jathi and swara patterns, while seamlessly blending with Western rhythmic elements to create a unique cross-cultural experience. Through its lyrical depth and musical fusion, “Flames of Wisdom” reminds us that true knowledge is the guiding light of life, nurturing growth, progress, and unity across the world.

• Ignite the Fire Within by Planet Waves

  Western Music Ensemble

  "Ignite the Fire Within" is an inspiring, introspective piece with lyrics by Ananthasowmya and music by A.S. Vijay. Set against the stillness of a lonely night, the song offers a guiding light to those seeking peace, purpose, and self-realization. Exploring themes of inner spark, love, and wisdom, it encourages listeners to reconnect with their true selves, overcome fear, and embrace their inner power. Blending poetic imagery with emotional depth, the song is both a call to courage and a source of strength. Its repeated line, “Spark your soul with a fire,” inspires listeners to awaken dormant energy, embrace transformation, and move forward with clarity and joy.

• Master Mithiran S

  Resilient Thinker

  Mithiran is a reflective eleventh grader whose ideas reflect his intellectual creativity, thinking and resilience. This creativity is most evident in his passion for writing. He spends most of his time crafting stories, using the medium to express his inner emotions and thoughts. This dedication has already led to success: his debut story, ‘The Magical Book Catastrophes,’ has been published. Looking to the future, Mithiran channels his analytical mind into a unique aspiration: he ardently hopes to become a forensic accountant.

• Master Yeatin Richard

  Sustainability Explorer

  Yeatin Richard, an inquirer by nature, is a ninth grader with a passion for biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and singing. His fascination with technology, first sparked around the 6th grade, has since matured into a focused ambition to become a data scientist and research development engineer. He channels this goal into a larger aspiration: to devise innovative solutions for a sustainable and thriving world. Beyond his academic goals, Yeatin’s adventurous spirit is reflected in his love for travel, especially to the landscapes of the peninsular plateau. He draws constant motivation and inspiration from a supportive and ambitious circle of friends.

• Miss Dhiya R

  Thoughtful Communicator

  Dhiya, a spirited seventh grader, is a girl of dreams and determination. She loves to express her thoughts through debate, paint delicate mandalas with patience, and explore new places with curiosity. Her world is filled with colours, questions, and stories waiting to be told. Inspired by Sudha Murthy’s wisdom — “Life is an exam where the syllabus is unknown and question papers are not set”, she faces every challenge with courage and faith, turning each experience into a stepping stone for growth. She strongly believes that education is the most powerful gift, and that true learning must be shared with others. Dhiya chooses to heal and connect with others. With her voice, creativity, and compassion, she aspires to become a future leader whom others can look up to — a young change-maker whose words and actions can brighten the lives of many.

• Miss Kreshetha Y

  Global Issues Advocate

  Kreshetha is an enthusiastic 8th grader with a passion for creativity, innovation, and expression. She is keenly interested in debate and Model United Nations, and has earned recognition in the World Scholar’s Cup by serving on its debate judging panel. Technologically inclined, Kreshetha and her team were selected to participate in a junior make-a-thon at IIT Madras. Beyond academics, she is also an accomplished artist, having graduated from a structured programme. She is also a dedicated Silambam practitioner and holds a brown belt in the martial art.

• Miss Rakshitha S

  Aspiring Changemaker

  Rakshitha S is an eleventh grader, with a keen eye for the minuscule details interlaced and concealed within the passing events of life. Curious, with an unfettered spirit of inquiry, her passion spans the dynamic realms of science and technology, alike. She has an immense love for music and visual arts. She is also a nascent debater, compere, who ceaselessly hones her oratory and authorial skills. She constantly strives to learn from the smallest moments in life through quiet observation, as she believes: ‘In quiet observation, the world speaks loudest.’ Having just understood that small changes around us can solve many great problems, she is eager to remind the society of the same.

• Mr. Abishek Ravichandran

  Chartered Accountant and Former International Table Tennis Player

  Abishek Ravichandran is a former Indian Table Tennis player and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist. His defensive style was a rarity among the offensive players of his generation. He quickly became India’s U21 No. 1, consistently ranking in the national top 5. Key milestones include a South Asian Junior Tournament victory, a memorable win over World No. 12 at the World Championships, and playing a pivotal role in India’s bronze medal win at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. In his early 20s, Abishek pivoted from sports to pursue Chartered Accountancy (CA), declining a high-paying PSU job. After completing his CA and a corporate stint, his passion for the game fueled a brief 2015 comeback, which included competing professionally in Sweden. Today, Abishek merges his athletic and financial expertise to focus on financial management for athletes. His journey highlights the balance between a sporting career and practical decisions, shaped by an enduring love for Table Tennis.

• Mr. Berty Ashley

  Senior Scientist and Science Communicator: Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust / First Principle Labs

  Berty Ashley is a molecular geneticist, quizmaster, and science communicator whose life’s work revolves around igniting curiosity. At the Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART), Bangalore, he is part of the pioneering team designing and synthesizing personalized genetic therapies for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Beyond the lab, Berty has a unique ability to blend science with storytelling, turning complex ideas into sparks of wonder. He is the creator of First Principle Labs, an initiative that uses music, movement, books, and games to make young minds fall in love with learning. A passionate musician and quizmaster, he believes knowledge should never feel distant — it should feel like play. Through his journey, Berty shows how a single spark of curiosity can light fires of discovery, empathy, and hope in classrooms, communities, and beyond.

• Ms. Varshini Neethi Mohan

  Head of Finance, STEMI India

  Varshini Neethi Mohan has over 15 years of experience in public health, and has led multi-state heart-attack care programmes that improved emergency cardiac care in government hospitals across India, South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries. Her work spans health systems strengthening, programme design, cost-effectiveness analysis, and stakeholder engagement at both state and national levels. She has contributed to academic literature in health economics and maternal health. With both operational expertise and a research mindset, she brings a unique perspective to health sector initiatives. She is pursuing a PhD in Health Economics at IIT Madras, with a research focus on health technology assessment, economic evaluation, and health equity.

• Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali

  Heir-Apparent & Dewan to the Prince of Arcot

  Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Heir-Apparent and Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, represents one of India’s most distinguished royal families, in Chennai. Carrying this legacy forward, he has emerged as a global advocate for education, interfaith harmony, and humanitarian values. He is the founder of the Arcot Foundation, dedicated to supporting underprivileged communities across faiths. He is also Patron-in-Chief of the Sustainable Development Council, promoting equitable progress. An accomplished entrepreneur, he brings innovation and foresight into business, building ventures rooted in integrity and service while contributing to broader economic and social growth. He delivered the keynote “Education for Peace” at the 19th International Human Rights Summit at the UN in New York, emphasizing knowledge and compassion as pillars of a just society. His mission is to bridge divides through compassion, education, and dialogue, inspiring communities worldwide to unite for peace and progress.

• Never Back Down by Limitless

  Pop Ensemble

  Deep inside each one of us there’s a fire—an unstoppable force that refuses to back down. This song is for those who stand tall in the face of adversity, who fight when others might falter. It’s a reminder that no matter how tough it gets, you have the power to keep moving forward. Never back down. The strength you seek is already within you. It’s a reminder that no matter the struggle, the strength to rise again is always within reach. So, let the rhythm guide you, let the words inspire you—because giving up is never an option.