TEDxIIMKashipur

Speakers

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

• Anuradha Pal

  A trailblazer, composer, and globally acclaimed Tabla virtuoso, Anuradha Pal has redefined what it means to lead with rhythm. Recognised by the Limca Book of Records as the world’s first professional female Tabla maestro, she brings to the stage a legacy shaped by over 5,000 performances across 40 countries and mentorship under legends Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain. Through pioneering creations like Stree Shakti - the world’s first all-female Hindustani-Carnatic ensemble, and her signature innovations in percussion, she champions empowerment through sound

• Anurag Chauhan

  Mr Anurag is an internationally acclaimed social worker, cultural impresario, and creative director who began his journey in social impact at the age of 14. He is the founder of Humans for Humanity, an NGO whose flagship WASH initiative has transformed menstrual hygiene awareness for over 4.5 million women across seven Indian states. By promoting dignity, breaking taboos, and enabling access to safe hygiene practices, his work has earned him the title of “Padman.” Through his initiatives, he continues to spark vital conversations, empower communities, and redefine what compassionate leadership can achieve.

• Minakshi Khati

  Popularly known as “The Aipan Girl,” she is a cultural entrepreneur and folk artist from Chhoi village, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. She has dedicated herself to reviving Aipan, the traditional ritual art of Kumaon, and founded ‘Minakriti – The Aipan Project’ to preserve this fading heritage. While deeply rooted in tradition, Ms Minakshi brings innovation to her work, creating meaningful opportunities for rural women and youth. Her efforts have carried Aipan from local homes to global platforms, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Republic Day Parade. Recognised for her contributions to folk art, she has received honours, including the Mahila Matrishakti Samman from the Government of Uttarakhand and an acknowledgement from the President of India.

• Rajat Jain

  Rajat Jain began his journey in motorsports engineering, but guided by his rural upbringing and shaped by personal challenges, he charted a new course into MedTech entrepreneurship and frugal innovation, dedicating his work to addressing critical gaps in healthcare access. As the Founder and CEO of Sunfox Technologies, he created Spandan, one of the world’s smallest ECG devices, designed to make life-saving diagnostics portable and affordable. His mission is to prevent avoidable deaths from mass-impact diseases by creating frugal innovations that bring diagnostics to patients anytime, anywhere.

• Rajeev Pulavar

  A celebrated shadow puppeteer from Kerala and the ninth-generation torchbearer of Tholpavakoothu, Mr Rajeev has dedicated his life to carrying this sacred art from temple theatres to global stages. For his pioneering work in revitalising and modernising this heritage art form, he has been honoured with several awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2016. He has also opened new doors by training women puppeteers, breaking generations of convention. A master craftsman and a bold innovator, he preserves the intricacies of traditional puppet-making.

• Vaishnavi Sharma

  A doctor, devotee, and dancer, Dr Vaishnavi seamlessly weaves science, spirituality, and art. Through her signature approach, “ancient wisdom through a doctor’s curious lens”, Vaishnavi bridges wellness, Ayurveda, and spirituality, crafting performances that are both devotional and deeply introspective. Her storytelling on stage becomes a dialogue between body and soul, tradition and transformation. Beyond her art, she champions the belief that true well-being arises when the physical, emotional, and spiritual harmonise.