TEDxFountainhead School

Speakers

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

• Ananya Bhattar

  Grade 9

  I am Ananya BHattar a IB MYP Student, an entrepreneur, challenger, and independent thinker, fascinated by one question: what truly shapes us—talent, circumstance, or pressure? While building my own brand at a young age, I became less interested in outcomes and more obsessed with the forces beneath them. Growing up surrounded by comparison and expectation, I learned that pressure is not the enemy—it is information. It reveals our fears, our ambition, and the stories we tell ourselves. Instead of resisting it, I chose to analyze it, challenge it, and use it to sharpen my identity. In my talk “The Volcano Inside Us: What Breaks Us Isn’t the Eruption, But the Pressure Before It,” I argue that what breaks us isn’t the eruption, but the silent buildup we refuse to confront. When we learn to understand our internal pressure, we stop surviving it—and start directing it.

• Arjun Malhotra

  Grade 11 Student

  "Arjun is a force of nature in the world of changemaking, beginning his journey at 12 by volunteering with national nonprofits driven by social good and sustainability. With 5+ years in service, he founded Earth's 911, a youth-led organization advancing education, eudaemonia and environmental sustainability, impacting 50,000+ lives across India and earning the Global Youth Action Fund Award from the International Baccalaureate Board. As Co-Founder of Together We Rise, he unites 20+ nonprofits to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges. He has served as the youngest Secretary-General of Fountainhead School's Model UN, hosting a record 317+ delegates. A two-time TEDx speaker and Guinness World Record recipient featured across 20+ media platforms, Arjun is not limited by his years but propelled by courage - building movements that outlive the moment and proving that real change begins the instant you decide to create it and lead boldly.

• Jaivee Kagalwala

  Grade 10 MLC student

  Jaivee Kagalwala is a student leader and environmental advocate dedicated to fostering a sustainable future through education and action. A learner by heart, she has gained prominence for her commitment to reconnecting humanity with nature. As the founder of Ecopathy, Jaivee leads an initiative focused on promoting sustainable living and environmental awareness. Her impactful advocacy has been featured on global platforms. She also serves as a Young SDG Ambassador for the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI) and is a member of the Young Voices Council, where she collaborates on designing better futures through local and global impact. In addition to her environmental work, Jaivee is a published author of World of Words Poesy, Fountainhead Musings, and What Makes You Surti?, using creative expression to drive social change.

• Keaan Patel

  Grade 10 student

  Keaan, a grade 10 scholar at Fountainhead School, Surat, and an official speaker for TedxFountainhead 3.0 Youth, shows deep passion for mathematics, evident in his securing 3rd place in the American Mathematics Competition and a distinction in the Canadian Intermediate Mathematics Contests. His status further demonstrates his technical acumen as a Kaggle-recognized Python coder and his completion of Google's 5-Day AI Agents Intensive Course. Expanding upon his academic intellect, he achieved 39/42 in the grade 10-1st term exams. About his aptitude, secured the 14th zonal rank in the Mental Aptitude Olympiad. Beyond the numbers, he is a persuasive leader & a challenging competitor, holding High Commendation & Special Mention honors in MUN and district-level accolades in badminton, effectively bridging the gap between complex logic, physical activity & human connection. When not solving complex math problems, he enjoys cycling, football and moving chess pieces to checkmate the opponent.

• Khushi Khurana

  Grade 8 Student

  ABC

• Kyara Adwani

  Grade 8 student

  Kyara Adwani is a student who closely works around creative and innovative minds. Kyara is the author of 2 books, one a collection of her poetry and the other, a chapter book. She is particularly interested in books that give her a second life, and enjoys reading to the core. Her world of expression revolves around art, whether it be stories, poems, paintings or tiny doodles in boring classes. With a strong belief in honesty, curiosity and authenticity, Kyara values public speaking for its role in building her confidence and communication skills. Interested in how ideas bring real change, Kyara is currently focused on exploring how her everyday actions can shape the future. Curious and inquisitive at all times, she deeply values knowledge and continues to learn something new everyday. Surrounded by people who appreciate and adore her, she desires to give back to the little world around her and inspire young minds.

• Mahika Shah

  Grade 10 Student

  Mahika is a passionate 9th grader who has been balancing her love for music and basketball for the past seven years. As a dedicated musician, she has performed at numerous events and gigs, refining her skills and connecting with audiences. Alongside her musical pursuits, Mahika is also a skilled basketball player, showcasing her athleticism and teamwork. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-validation. In a world focused on external approval, Mahika has learned that true confidence comes from within. Whether she’s performing on stage or playing on the court, her commitment to personal growth and passion for her interests are what drive her, not the applause or recognition. Through her experiences, Mahika teaches us that self-worth is built on doing what we love and embracing our unique strengths, regardless of others' opinions.

• Mannat Agarwal

  Grade 10 Student

  Mannat Agarwal is an ambitious student currently studying in Fountainhead School. She is a passionate Grade 10 student with a strong enthusiasm for public speaking, creativity, sports and community service. As a certified TEDx speaker, she has developed the ability to share ideas with confidence and clarity, inspiring others while growing as a communicator myself. She also shares interest in art, and her love for painting has helped her understand her artistic potential and skill set, while helping her to express her thoughts vividly. Along with art, she keeps herself active by playing lawn tennis. This sport helped her find discipline, focus and balance, allowing her to grow and be physically fit. Through every opportunity she embraces, Mannat continues to explore her potential and strives to make a meaningful impact with her voice, creativity, and determination.

• Mysha Baxi

  Grade 8 Student

  Mysha Baxi is a grade 8 student at Fountainhead School and a young creative who believes art is not a place of escape, but a place of strength. Through her journey in the visual arts, she explores identity, growth, and self-expression. As a TEDx speaker, she challenges common ideas about creativity and encourages young people to see art as a space where they feel most powerful, confident, and whole. Her work reflects honesty, courage, and a deep belief in the value of creative expression.

• Naisha Dalal

  Grade 11 student

  Naisha Dalal is a Grade 11 student whose interests span classical dance, music, mathematics, science and literature. A Visharad in Kathak with distinction and a state gold medal, she has trained for over eight years and views dance as both discipline and dialogue. An avid reader, she is drawn to conversations that explore human nature, mythology, and philosophy. Aspiring to become a doctor, Naisha sees both the world and people as integrated rather than isolated parts; a perspective shaped by the way different disciplines intersect in her own life. Whether through rhythm, research, or reflection, she is fascinated by how patterns connect across fields. Through her work, she hopes to encourage others to embrace curiosity without apology and to see integration, not reduction, as a deeper form of focus.

• Navya Choksi

  Grade 8 Student

  I am a Grade 8 student at Fountainhead School, Surat. I am deeply passionate about geopolitical matters and have a strong interest in finance. I actively participate in Model United Nations, where I have developed skills in public speaking, diplomacy, and critical thinking while confidently presenting ideas on global issues. Alongside academics, I am actively involved in extracurricular activities, especially badminton and music. As a dedicated badminton player, I value discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, and have represented my school at ISSO. I also enjoy playing the guitar and have performed in multiple guitar fests and mini concerts, using music as a creative outlet and a way to connect with others.

• Nirja Naik

  Grade 8 Student

  My name is Nirja Naik. I am 13 years old and currently in the 8th grade. I am the co-founder of a recently established NGO, Thryva, and a passionate speaker, keyboard player, and basketball enthusiast. I believe meaningful change comes from concrete action rather than inspiration alone, and I value maintaining a balance between intellectual and physical well-being. My academic interests include science, mathematics, and the humanities. I am actively involved in social initiatives and NGO work, which has strengthened my understanding of social impact, community engagement, and ethical responsibility. I also enjoy participating in MUNs, which broaden my real-life learning experiences. Overall, I strive to balance analytical thinking with creativity and social awareness while remaining committed to continuous learning and positive impact.

• Parth Baraiya

  Grade 9 Student

  I am a passionate public speaker as I like to talk and share my ideas, I play chess, study science, and I am a coder. I evolved myself from being an introvert to becoming an extrovert, this became a pivot for me as I started to express my ideas and thoughts more freely.

• Reyansh Patodia

  Grade 8 Student

  Reyansh Rahul Patodia is a 13-year-old catalyst for resilience and a visionary in digital innovation, beginning his journey as a 2-time world-record-holding author at age 8. Now a Grade 8 student at Fountainhead School, he has transformed his personal Kurukshetra, a childhood struggle with a severe stammer, into a global mission for emotional safety. As the Founder of The Open Door, a non-profit organization, Reyansh is driven by a dream to build the classroom he never had: a sanctuary where every child possesses the sacred, safe space to speak their emotions. A 2-time TEDx speaker and author of 2 influential books, he is a high-level tech innovator who earned a world record for converting a Windows PC to macOS. Reyansh proves that our greatest struggles are not disqualifications, but the very training grounds required to lead boldly and build a world that finally listens.

• Sana Rathi

  Grade 11 Student

  Sana Rathi is the founder and visionary behind Earth’s 911, an NGO dedicated to societal and environmental conservation. She has led impactful initiatives on plastic waste reduction, menstrual health accessibility, sustainable lifestyles, and community education—mobilizing youth and local communities toward long-term change. A published writer, Sana has contributed multiple articles to platforms including The Guardian, using storytelling to spark awareness and action. Blending advocacy, leadership, and writing, she champions a future where young people drive meaningful social and environmental transformation.

• Shahraan Virani

  Grade 8

  I’m Shahraan Virani, a student driven by curiosity, creativity, and the constant desire to improve. I enjoy exploring new ideas, challenging conventional thinking, and turning simple concepts into meaningful initiatives. Whether it’s leading projects, experimenting with business ideas, or building something from scratch, I’m always looking for ways to grow and create impact. I believe growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and being intentional with your time and energy. I’m passionate about innovation, leadership, and finding smarter ways to approach everyday challenges.

• Shanaya Sanghai

  Grade 7

  This young 12-year-old talks about the drastic rollercoaster of friendship and takes you on a magical journey, understanding toxic friends and unmasking them. Watch the video to unmask the truth about friendship.

• Shravya Patel

  Grade 8

  Shravya Patel is a Grade 8 student who is deeply curious about how students think, learn, and quietly shape their identities in classrooms. She pays close attention to the small, everyday moments that influence confidence and self-perception. Through her talk "I Learned How to Sound Confident Before I Learned How to Feel It," she explores how performance, pressure, and self-doubt affect young people. She believes learning is not about appearing certain, but about becoming comfortable with uncertainty. Through her talk, she hopes to encourage students to feel more confident about their experiences and to trust themselves even while they are still figuring things out.

• Swara Patel

  Grade 11

  Swara, an 11th grade IB student, is someone who finds meaning in both numbers and nuance, equally drawn to solving equations and exploring the questions that shape who we become. Whether she’s immersed in physics problems, building logic through Python, or navigating hands on learning through her BTEC coursework, Swara moves through her academic journey with curiosity and quiet determination. Along the way, she has developed a deep interest in growth, motivation, and self-understanding. Through her TEDx talk, Swara invites others to embrace uncertainty, choose honesty over perfection, and make space for becoming. She hopes to spark conversations that linger, encouraging young people to grow into their answers rather than rush toward them.

• Vedika Rajwanshi

  Grade 10 student

  Vedika Rajwanshi, currently in grade 10 at Fountainhead School in the Ardour section, leads a dynamic life filled with various interests and challenges. Despite being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 10, Vedika has not allowed it to define her, maintaining a vibrant personality. She is an avid reader, painter, singer, and dancer. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Vedika actively participates in sports, including gymnastics, swimming, basketball, horse riding, badminton, and skating. Amidst her diverse activities, her true passion lies in architecture, aspiring to pursue it full-time. Alongside her architectural ambitions, Vedika envisions a future as an athlete, having already secured medals in gymnastics with a determination to achieve more. Vedika Rajwanshi's journey is a testament to her resilience and multifaceted talents.

• Vivaana Bhakta

  Grade 11 Student

  I am a Grade 11 student with a strong interest in biology and neuroscience, driven by curiosity and a passion for innovation. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am a dedicated Bharatanatyam dancer and actively engage in writing and design as creative outlets. Through my extracurricular interests, I try to explore storytelling, expression, and communication, which shape my perspective and ideas.