TEDxPanimalar Engineering College

Speakers

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

• Abhash Kumar

  Former- Director General of Tamil Nadu Police

  Mr. Abhash Kumar, IPS is a distinguished police leader and former Director General of Tamil Nadu Police. A 1990-batch Indian Police Service officer born in Patna, he has served in pivotal roles across law and order, traffic, intelligence, and training. Notably, he held sensitive election-duty postings as Police Commissioner in Madurai and as Inspector General for South and West Zones, earning a reputation for neutrality and integrity. As Superintendent of Police in Virudhnagar, he pioneered community-driven initiatives, including the iconic “Police Bridge” built with public contributions, and introduced Human Rights Cells in police stations—a model later adopted in academic curricula. His career highlights include cracking high-stakes intelligence operations, including the arrest of an ISI spy linked to India’s nuclear submarine project. A JNU alumnus and voracious reader, Mr. Kumar is known for his proactive policing, public engagement, and commitment to ethical leadership.

• Arun Munuswamy

  Industry Expert - AI & Data || IIM Ahmedabad Alumnus

  Arun Munuswamy is a Data and AI transformation leader with over 22 years of experience in enterprise data engineering, cloud modernization, and AI product development. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, he combines deep technical expertise with strong business strategy to deliver measurable impact across global organizations. Currently a Senior Technical Program Manager at Fractal Analytics, he has previously held leadership roles at Genpact, Infosys, and Wipro, driving large-scale transformation, account growth, and P&L ownership. Arun has led AI-enabled product development, built Centres of Excellence, and helped enterprises become AI-ready through scalable data platforms and governance frameworks. He is also a recognized thought leader, speaker, and published author on data, AI, and digital transformation. Known for his practical insights and strategic vision, Arun brings a future-focused perspective on how data and AI can create business value and shape the next era of innovation.

• Flora Claudia Shamiran

  Drizzle Hospitality Group Managing Director Past President, Rotaract Spotlight Chennai

  Mrs. Flora Claudia Shamiran is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader. She is the First President of the Indo-UAE Economic Chamber of Commerce – National Women's Wing and Managing Director of Drizzle Hospitality Group and Gold and Light Company. She has been recognized among The Times of India's Top 10 Influential Women Entrepreneurs and received the Best Young Entrepreneur (Mayan Awards), Inspiring Entrepreneur (Mayan Vista Awards), Best Woman Entrepreneur (Women's League Association), and Golden Crown Award – Queen of Entrepreneurship & Role Model. She serves as Assistant Governor (2026–27) of Rotary District 3233 and President of the Rotary Club of Chennai Spotlight, leading 100+ Rotary projects, Global Grants, and CSR initiatives. A motivational speaker, singer, and stage performer, she has been featured by NDTV, Makkal TV, and leading print media, inspiring future entrepreneurs and leaders.

• Gokulakannan Narasimhan

  HR Leader

  Gokulakannan Narasimhan is an HR leader with 14+ years in Talent Acquisition, Development, and Management. He scaled talent strategies for Cognizant, Amazon, Intuit, and ServiceNow, leading Global Emerging Talent hiring across APJ. He hired thousands of early-career professionals, built high-performing teams, and created strategies balancing growth with candidate experience. His expertise spans campus recruitment, workforce planning, employer branding, and talent pipelines. Passionate about workforce, he delivers lectures and keynotes at universities and HR forums across India, blending industry insights with real-world experiences to help students transition to corporate life and equip HR professionals with modern strategies. Today, he contributes as a speaker, mentor, and thought leader on the future of work, AI in recruitment, and building world-class talent organizations. Recognized for storytelling and practical insights, he inspires the next generation of talent and HR leaders

• Iwan Siemens

  German Consulate General, Chennai Consular Attaché and Head of the Culture & Science Section

  Mr. Iwan Siemens holds a Master's Degree in Political Science, specializing in Sustainable Development in Multilevel Governance of the European Union, from the University of Bremen. He began his career with the German Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, working extensively on migration and asylum matters in Greece, Italy, and Malta. He also served as a member of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), contributing to refugee protection and migration governance. In 2019, he joined the German Federal Foreign Office as Liaison Officer in Kosovo. After a year in Berlin in 2024, he was appointed Vice Consul in Chennai in 2025. His return to Chennai is a homecoming. In 2010, he spent six months at IIT Madras as an exchange student, developing a deep appreciation for the city's culture, people, and academic excellence. Fifteen years later, he returned to strengthen Germany–India ties.

• Jayaganesh K

  Commissioner of Income Tax, Departmental Representative, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai

  K. Jayaganesh is an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), 2008 batch, currently serving as the Commissioner of Income Tax (Departmental Representative) at the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chennai. With a career spanning the private sector, the Income Tax Department, and the Enforcement Directorate, he brings extensive experience in taxation, investigations, intelligence, corporate assessments, infrastructure, exemptions, and regulatory enforcement. An engineer, legal scholar, and management professional by qualification, Jayaganesh holds a Diploma and Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Academic Laws (BAL), and a Master's in Management Studies (MMS). His multidisciplinary background enables him to approach complex challenges with analytical thinking and practical insight. Through his professional journey and public engagements, he advocates the power of positive thinking, values-driven leadership to inspire meaningful personal and professional growth.

• Krishna Vijay

  Social impact leader, Intersection of Youth Empowerment

  Krishna Vijay is a proactive youth leader, published author, and community builder dedicated to fostering intergenerational solidarity and youth empowerment. Currently pursuing her Class XII studies in the Humanities at Sri Mutha School in Chennai, Krishna is the founder of Bridging the Gap, a youth-led non-profit initiative designed to preserve cultural heritage and connect generations, she pioneered and hosted the landmark Tamil Nadu Legacy Summit. An accomplished writer, Krishna authored Grand Stories, Wise Lessons—a book of intergenerational profiles featuring a foreword by Dr. Shashi Tharoor —and is currently co- authoring a biographical work on Indian Paralympic medallists. She also serves as the Chief Student Ambassador for Tamil Nadu under a youth well-being initiative directed by the Narcotics Control Bureau and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Combining her background in public speaking with training in Bharatanatyam and Western classical music.

• Lakshana Bhaskar

  UG Student

  Ms. Lakshana B J is an undergraduate Computer Science and Engineering student passionate about leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning. Active in student communities and technical initiatives, she is a dynamic leader interested in public speaking, event management, and collaborative learning. She serves as Lead and Creative Head of the Automation Club and Coordinator of the Mathematics Club, organizing technical workshops, meetups, and student engagement activities. Her leadership extends to Model United Nations (MUN), where she has served as Executive Board Chairperson and United States Under‑Secretary‑General (USG), demonstrating strong communication, diplomacy, and organizational skills. A member of IEEE and the BIS Society, Lakshana has worked on technical projects while exploring emerging technologies and new concepts. Through her dedication to learning, leadership, and empowering peers, she inspires those around her and embodies innovation and collaboration.

• Meenakshi Ramakrishnan

  Vice President Operational Transfer Pricing, Standard Chartered GBS

  Highly accomplished and strategic Senior Finance & Transfer Pricing Professional with 18 years of experience spanning corporate finance, taxation, transfer pricing (TP), governance, and risk management. Proven track record in leading global operations, driver/methodology restatements, TP documentation automation, and robust financial controls. Currently serves as Vice President and Operational Transfer Pricing Lead at Standard Chartered GBS, managing large-scale intercompany allocations, quarterly provisions, and complex transformation initiatives. Expert in global risk frameworks, including UK ACGR controls, FRCF transitions, and ERMF/M7 alignment.

• Rahul Dixit

  Specialist - Campus Engagement & Recruitment at Quest Global

  Rahul Dixit is a strategic Human Resources professional with nearly a decade of experience in Campus Recruitment, Talent Acquisition, Employer Branding, Industry–Academia Engagement, and Talent Development. He has collaborated with leading engineering and management institutions across India to strengthen industry partnerships and create employability-focused initiatives that bridge the gap between education and the workplace. His expertise spans campus hiring, recruitment strategy, stakeholder engagement, employer branding, and talent pipeline development. Beyond recruitment, Rahul actively mentors students and contributes to discussions on employability, workforce trends, and experiential learning through guest lectures, panel discussions, and industry interactions. As a Member of the Board of Studies for the Mechanical Engineering Department, he brings industry insights to curriculum development, helping prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving professional world.

• Srinivasa Prasad

  Former President (2025-26) - ICMAI, Former ED (Fin&ERP), SAIL

  CMA TCA Srinivasa Prasad is a Management Consultant with over four decades of experience in management consulting, finance. His expertise spans ERP implementation, Financial Planning, Cost & Management Accounting, Budgeting, Business Process Reengineering, Change Management, HR Management, Data Analytics, and Business Intelligence. He has led major ERP initiatives and served as Executive Director (Finance & Accounts). A passionate educator, Shri. Prasad has trained thousands of executives, managers, and students across public and private sectors. His programmes cover ERP, Business Analytics, Digital Transformation, Time Management, Advanced Excel, Power BI, and Financial Management. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from AIMA, is a Cost Accountant from ICMAI, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Madras. A sought-after speaker, his TEDx talk, "Hidden Forces," explores the invisible forces that shape our decisions, relationships, and leadership

• Suparna V

  UG Student

  Suparna V is a final-year Computer Science and Business Systems student at Panimalar Engineering College and is also pursuing a BS in Data Science and Applications from IIT Madras. Driven by curiosity, she enjoys building technology that creates meaningful real-world impact. She has gained international academic exposure, participated in Model United Nations (MUN), presented research at international conferences, and filed a patent based on her recent work. Beyond academics, she has completed an Advanced Diploma in Hindi, is a Bharatanatyam dancer with over a decade of training and performances across various stages, and was part of a Guinness World Record performance. A professional artist and freelance designer and developer, she believes creativity and technology go hand in hand. She has also organized and hosted technical, cultural, TEDx, and community events, bringing people together through ideas, collaboration, and creativity.

• Suresh Chandra Menon

  National Award-winning Filmmaker, Entrepreneur & Social Innovator

  Suresh Chandra Menon is a National Award-winning filmmaker, actor, entrepreneur, and social innovator with over 48 years of experience in the Indian film industry. He has built a distinguished career as a cinematographer, writer, director, producer, executive producer, and actor, making significant contributions to both cinema and television. He directed the acclaimed film Pudhiya Mugam and produced the National Award-winning English feature film Mitr, My Friend. As the founder of Telephoto Entertainments Limited, he pioneered technological advancements in Indian filmmaking and produced over 1,000 television episodes and 150 advertising and corporate films. Beyond entertainment, he has contributed to public infrastructure as a Traffic Planning Consultant to the Chennai Police, implemented practical traffic solutions, established successful hospitality ventures, and is an avid bird photographer.

• Suvarnanidhi Rao

  Associate Director TA - Campus & Vendor Lead, Dentsu Global Services

  Mr Suvarnanidhi Rao is Associate Director – Talent Acquisition, Campus & Vendor Lead at Dentsu Global Services, where he oversees end‑to‑end campus hiring, strategic vendor partnerships, and large‑scale talent acquisition initiatives. With extensive experience in building talent pipelines for global delivery centres, he focuses on aligning recruitment strategy with business growth, employer branding, and early‑career development. In his role, he designs and executes campus engagement programs, collaborates with premier institutions, and shapes frameworks that attract and nurture future‑ready talent for the digital and creative economy. A strong advocate for skilling, diversity, and inclusive hiring, Suvarnanidhi brings a strategic, people‑first perspective to how organizations can build resilient, high‑performing teams in a rapidly evolving workplace.

• Vinod Natakala Madhavan

  Director of Development Genesys

  Vinod Natakala Madhavan is an Engineering Leader at Genesys, where he leads global engineering initiatives focused on AI, cloud technologies, and large-scale data platforms. Over the past decade, he has built and mentored high-performing engineering teams while driving innovation across products and platforms. Beyond his technical role, Vinod is passionate about fostering a culture of innovation. He has participated in, mentored, judged, and organized numerous hackathons, transforming them from coding competitions into platforms that inspire collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. His work has helped hundreds of engineers turn ideas into impactful solutions by creating environments where innovation can thrive.