Past TEDx event
TEDxTheKnowledgeHabitatPuneYouth
Wired to Wonder
Speakers
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.
Col. Gopal Karunakaran
Col. Gopal Karunakaran is a senior advisor at the Shiv Nadar Foundation. His belief in education being a tool for social transformation has driven him to absorb a rich and diverse experience across all facets of school education, including policy, academic leadership, operations, and business; and has helped him gain important perspectives on the key drivers of the education sector in India. He has been a member of the National Committee of Education of the Confederation of Indian Industries since 2008. A graduate of the National Defence Academy, Col. Karunakaran spent thirty years in the Indian Army – ten of which were in the insurgency region of Kashmir, including the Siachen Glacier. While with the Army, he was chosen for the United Nations Mission in Kuwait in a multilateral and multicultural environment. He is an M.Phil. and an M.A. from the University of Madras. He joined Shiv Nadar Foundation in 2011.
Dr. Mona Gajre
Paediatric Neurologist and Developmental Disorders Specialist practising at Dr L. H. Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, and other centres across Mumbai. With over 50 publications and path-breaking work in autism, ADHD, epilepsy, and learning disabilities — including designing specialised clinics and intervention pathways — she remains committed to advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for children.
Master Shaurya Singh
Shaurya Singh is a curious young learner from Pune whose love for questioning the “why” and “how” has shaped his journey. Passionate about acting, football, and drawing, he finds his greatest joy in exploring ideas deeply. Nurtured by The Knowledge Habitat Pune, he continues to seek knowledge beyond the ordinary — driven to explore, create, and inspire.
Mr. Bhoopesh Singh
Bhoopesh Kumar Singh (15) is a multi-talented student passionate about academics, technology, sports, and the arts. He has won Best Speaker at Behes 2024, 1st place at K Talk 2025, and has excelled in tech competitions including Webcraft, Roborace, RoboTech Nationals (Delhi), and the Logiquids final at IIT Bombay. An avid sportsperson and basketball player with league-level wins, he has also earned distinctions in Abacus, Chess, Art, and Classical Music. He brings his curiosity and diverse achievements to the TEDx The Knowledge Habitat Youth Pune stage.
Mr. Satish Gaikwad
He is a luxury hospitality professional with over two decades of experience, known for creating guest experiences rooted in warmth, empathy, and excellence. His journey — featured on BBC News — reflects his belief that great service begins with humility and heart. At TEDx, he shares insights on leadership through service, and how genuine connection can transform workplaces and lives.
Mr. Vishwas Parchure
He is a Pune-based educator and facilitator with decades of experience in experiential education across India and abroad. As Director of FEEP, he designs learning-by-doing programmes for schools, corporates, teachers, and communities, and was instrumental in introducing Play for Peace in India. At TEDx, he brings insights from this global, hands-on journey to re-imagine education, teamwork, and community building.
Ms. Ishana Swami
Ishana Swami (14) is a curious and observant young learner who finds meaning in the smallest details of everyday life. She won the IIHM Young Chef India Junior Regional Award and was selected among the top 60 girls in India for the AGMNC Math Camp. Beyond academics, she explores creativity through writing, cooking, and adventure — believing that being “wired differently” is where imagination and courage truly begin to flourish.
Ms. Saijal Bansal
She is a Mental Health Consultant and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and through her practice Apricity Haven, she guides individuals back to inner healing and self-connection. Blending therapy and storytelling, she creates safe, transformative spaces where vulnerability becomes strength, and pain finds purpose — rooted in her belief that no one should have to carry their struggles alone.
Ms. Suhani Lal Sanghra
Suhani is the Principal Architect and Founder of Sparc Design, an award-winning studio known for refined, functional spaces in homes, hospitality, and commercial design. With 20+ years of experience, she continues to shape contemporary Indian design with elegance, innovation, and purpose.
