TEDxPushpagiri

Speakers

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

• Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai

  Neurosurgeon

  Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai is a renowned Indian neurosurgeon honoured with the Padma Shri in 2011 for his outstanding contributions to medicine. A former Professor and Director of Neurosurgery at Government Medical College, Trivandrum, his expertise spans craniofacial and upper cervical spine surgeries-fields he helped modernize in Kerala since the 1980s. As the Managing Director of Ananthapuri Hospitals & Research Institute, Dr. Pillai leads advancements in neurosurgical care, bringing cutting-edge treatments to patients in Trivandrum and beyond. He also served as National President and Vice-President of the Indian Medical Association, playing a key role in advocating for doctors' rights during discussions on the National Medical Commission Bill.

• Ebbin Jose

  Food Vlogger

  Ebbin Jose is a beloved food and travel vlogger from Kerala whose channel Food N Travel has captured the hearts of audiences across the world. After years working in Africa and Nepal, he returned home to spotlight the soul of Kerala through its cuisine. With a no-negativity policy and a deep respect for tradition, Ebbin showcases only the food he genuinely loves- making his content as honest as it is mouth-watering. His collaboration with global vlogger Mark Wiens further cemented his role as a true ambassador of Kerala's culinary culture.

• Farra Shibla

  Actress

  Malappuram-born actress Farra Shibla burst onto the Malayalam scene in Kakshi: Amminippilla since then has delivered standout roles in Divorce, Kadina Kadoramee Andakadaham, Pulimada, and the 2025 film Get-Set Baby. A proud advocate for body positivity, she's openly challenged beauty norms and used her platform to promote self-love and confidence. Educated in psychology and rising from modelling and TV hosting to serious cinema, Fara blends vulnerability with strength both on- and off- screen.

• Joel Jacob Mathew

  Entrepreneur

  Founder & Creative Force at MLOFT and a Changanacherry-based designer emerging costume stylist in Malayalam & Tamil cinema. A proud winner of the JD Annual Design Award 2019 for his luxury resort-wear line, "The Veiled Lady". With a graduation in BBA and a passion discovered among Bengaluru's fabric markets, he launched MLOFT in 2019-making couture accessible to the everyday woman. From bridal, pret, vintage, artsy to red-carpet collections, MLOFT offers personalized, affordable designer wear-backed by a flagship store in Changanassery. Known for blending craftsmanship with real-world budgets.

• Mia Joseph (Octane Girl)

  Moto Enthusiast

  At just 19, Mia - also known as Octane Girl on Instagram - is making waves from Thrissur, Kerala, with her fuel-fuelled passion for cars and bikes. Daughter of rally driver Joseph C Jos, she's captured over 13 million views by sharing high-octane reviews and real-time rides on supercars, superbikes, and performance hatchbacks like the Polo GTI and Golf GTI. A proud moto-culture ambassador, Mia aims to inspire more women to join the fast-lane, bringing authenticity, energy, and fearless style to every rev. When the automotive world leaned male, she shifted gears-redefining what driving looks and sounds like for a new generation.

• P.B. Nooh IAS

  Civil Servant

  An officer known not just for his administrative brilliance, but for the heart he brings to every role. A 2012-batch IAS officer from Kerala, P.B. Nooh has served as District Collector of Pathanamthitta, CEO of LIFE Mission, Tourism Director, and now leads as Chairman & MD of SupplyCo. He's best remembered for his fearless leadership during Kerala's 2018-19 floods, where he coordinated massive relief operations, and for managing sensitive times like the Sabarimala pilgrimage and pandemic response with calm efficiency. Whether it's floodwaters or red tape -he cuts through both with empathy and action.

• Ranjith Sajeev

  Actor

  Born in Dubai and educated at The Millennium School and the New York Film Academy, Ranjith made his debut in 2022 with Mike-a Malayalam film produced by John Abraham- portraying Antony, a man battling depression. His standout performance earned him the Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Debut Actor and SIIMA Best Debutant. Since then, he's taken on diverse roles: Leonardo in the romantic drama 'Qalb' (a 2024 hit), ASP Sandeep Krishnan in the mystery thriller 'Golam', and the lead in 'United Kingdom of Kerala' (2025). A trained dancer and glimpse into social issues like mental health and identity in his debut, Ranjith is the example of a modern actor-combining finesse, versatility, and heart.

• Renu Joseph (RJ Renu)

  Radio Jockey + Video Jockey

  From late-night radio waves to live sports arenas, RJ Renu has carved a path few dared to walk. With over a decade in broadcasting, she rose to prominence through Love Bytes on Club FM-one of Kerala's most iconic shows-which later expanded into a television series. But her journey didn't stop there. With her entry into sports broadcasting, Renu broke a longstanding stereotype. As a Malayalam presenter for FIFA World Cup 2022 and a ground-breaking voice during IPL Malayalam commentary, she redefined what it means to be a woman in mainstream sports media. Her ability to shift between heartfelt storytelling and high-energy sports narration has made her one of Kerala's most versatile media personalities.

• Shaiju Damodaran

  Sports Commentator

  Shaiju Damodaran is the energetic voice of the Malayalam sports scene. A former Mathrubhumi journalist turned commentator, he made his on-air debut with Celebrity Cricket League in 2012 and went on to become the lead Malayalam commentator for Indian Super League (500+ matches) and FIFA World Cup 2018-the first-ever Malayalam broadcast of the tournament. With over a decade of high-octane commentary across ISL, ICC tournaments, and FIFA matches, Shaiju has reshaped how Malayalis and many across India feel the game.