Past TEDx event

TEDxSRCASW

The Second Layer : Stories. Systems. Truths.

Took placeFebruary 18, 20269:00 AM - 5:00 PM (GMT+5:30)
LocationDelhi, Delhi, India
FormatUniversity
What is The Second Layer? When we look at someone successful, we see the visible layer — the achievements, the confidence, the recognition, the milestones. We assume they are fulfilled, happy, and “sorted.” But what we don’t see is what shaped them. We don’t see the doubts. The failures. The conditioning. The systems they operated within. The beliefs they questioned — or never questioned. That invisible space beneath the surface is what we call The Second Layer. This year, we explore it through three dimensions: Stories: The narratives we grow up hearing — about success, age, timelines, comparison. When we see someone achieve something at 25, we feel pressure to do the same. But every journey unfolds differently. Stories inspire us — but they can also silently set expectations. Systems: The rulebooks we inherit. Family expectations. Academic structures. Social norms. Institutional hierarchies. Many of these systems shape our decisions long before we consciously choose them. Sometimes they guide us. Sometimes they limit us. Truths: The beliefs we accept as universal — “You must follow this path to succeed.” “This is the right way.” “The sky is blue.” But is it always? We’ve seen sunsets turn the sky pink, purple, gold. Yet in a drawing competition, we paint it blue — because that’s what we were told is correct. The Second Layer asks: Why do we accept certain truths without questioning them? Which systems are shaping us? Which stories are we trying to live up to? And most importantly — What lies beneath what we see? Because what is visible is only the first layer. The real transformation happens underneath.

Speakers

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

  • Dr. Itisha Nagar

    Psychologist + Educator

    Dr. Itisha Nagar is a psychologist, educator, feminist thinker, and storyteller with over a decade of experience in counselling, teaching, research, and mental health advocacy. She has delivered hundreds of talks and training sessions on mental health, gender, intersectional feminism, trauma recovery, and neurodiversity, engaging thousands in meaningful dialogue. She believes that authentic conversations are key to healing and social change.

  • Jai Bhagwan

    International Boxing Medalist + Deputy Superintendent of Police, Haryana Police

    Jai Bhagwan is an accomplished Indian boxer and a serving Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Haryana Police. A Commonwealth Games medalist, he has represented India on international platforms, earning recognition for his discipline, resilience, and competitive spirit in the lightweight boxing category. Balancing elite sport with public service, he embodies dedication both inside the ring and in uniform, inspiring young athletes to pursue excellence with integrity and perseverance.

  • Pranav Boxer Grover

    Actor + LGBTQ Advocate and Animal Activist

    Pranav “Boxer” Grover is a motivational speaker, LGBTQ+ advocate, and animal welfare activist who uses her lived experiences to drive conversations around identity, gender expression, and social inclusion. Through her journey of resilience and self-acceptance, she challenges stereotypes and promotes visibility, empathy, and intersectional understanding. Her work centers on creating safer, more compassionate spaces where authenticity is celebrated and diversity is embraced.

  • Rhythm Sheel Srivastava

    Advocate

    Its been nearly a decade in this profession fighting for truth and justice to bring a huge change Active debate speaker in all the news channels state president of Embark care Foundation. Have been a legal advisor at Shanti Sehyog. Have worked on Animal Cruelty Cases and acheived a landmark judgement Have been a representing counsel of one of the biggest association of Ladakh in a dispute of Sarchu Gold medalist and India book of Records for India’s first women to cover golden triangle in Indian map on bike she was awarded and recommended for representing India in Poland on Animal Rights.

  • Romesh Kakar

    IAF (Projects to create Air Defence Systems, facilities for intelligence gathering through satellite imageries & Commandant Air Force Technical College) , For the last 15 years, a mentor for aspirants wanting to join def forces in officers cadre)

    36 years of distinguished service in the IAF. M Tech from IIT Kharagpur and M Sc in Defence Studies from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (TN). For more than half the active service, was involved with projects for bringing into existence altogether new systems One of these related to setting up a nation wide Air Defence network including integrated Air-Defence Command & Control System (IACCS). Another project related to setting up a facility for intelligence gathering about China & Pakistan through satellite imageries. Held the post of Commandant, Air Force Technical College (AFTC), Bangalore. A recipient of the Presidential award of Vashisht Seva Medal (VSM) for distinguished services.

  • Yash Sharma

    Influencer

    My name is yash.I did my schooling from Delhi and was really good a studies until I free apart my passion towards content creation I left engineering to follow something that scared me more than exams ,my dreams. Now I create stories that feel like home. I grew up inspired by the faces on the screen. One day, someone will grow up watching mine. Actor in the making. My parents have always been a big support

Organizing team