Past TEDx event

TEDxCMRIT Hyderabad

Took placeJuly 18, 2026
LocationHYDERABAD, Telangana, India
FormatUniversity
INSIDERS is an invitation to move beyond the polished narratives we see every day and step into the realities that remain hidden behind closed doors. Every achievement, every movement, every innovation, and every individual story carries an unseen side — the struggles, contradictions, failures, silent decisions, uncomfortable truths, and unexpected perspectives that rarely make it to the surface. Just as a keyhole reveals only a fragment of what lies beyond, INSIDERS encourages us to look deeper and discover what exists behind appearances. This theme is not about celebrating conventional success stories or repeating familiar autobiographies. Instead, it explores the side that audiences rarely hear: What happens before success becomes visible. The hidden cost behind ambition. The realities behind industries and institutions. Perspectives known only to those who lived them. Ideas that challenge what society accepts as normal. Stories that remained unheard because they were too unconventional, too raw, or too early. INSIDERS creates a space for speakers to share not only what happened, but what no one saw happening. Through unfiltered conversations, unseen experiences, and unlocked perspectives, TEDxCMRITHyderabad aims to reveal the stories behind the story — transforming audiences from observers into insiders. Because the most powerful ideas are often not the ones in the spotlight — but the ones waiting behind the door.

Speakers

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

  • Ankur Khare

    Ankur Khare is a Senior Solution Advisor in Customer AI Innovation Services at SAP America, where he helps enterprises navigate AI-driven transformation through S/4HANA implementation, digital adoption strategy, and organizational change management. With over 18 years of global experience across India, East Africa, and the United States, he brings a practitioner’s perspective to enterprise AI adoption, backed by published research through IEEE and Springer and a patent in AI-powered HRM systems. He is a Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS) and an active IEEE member and conference chair. At TEDx, Ankur presents his 5C framework — Curiosity, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Character, and Courage — a roadmap for how individuals and organizations can become true catalysts for change.

  • BK Ritu Thakkar

    BK Ritu Thakkar is a Spiritual Author, Researcher, Happiness Coach, and Raj Yoga Teacher known for inspiring conscious living through meditation, self-awareness, and experiential learning. With over 19 years of association with Brahma Kumaris and 15+ years of experience in Corporate HR - Learning &Development, she brings together spirituality, human transformation, and practical life insights. A two-time Amazon India #1 Bestselling Author, she has spoken across global platforms including UN-Europe, IITs, IIMs, and international congresses on mental health and well-being. Her work continues to encourage individuals to explore inner growth, meaningful living, and a deeper understanding of self.

  • Charitha Challa

    Charitha Challa is a final-year Electronics and Communication Engineering student at CMR Institute of Technology and a passionate storyteller who believes that the most powerful ideas often emerge from the quiet moments we overlook. As the Documentation Lead for TEDxCMRIT Hyderabad for two consecutive years, she has helped capture and shape stories that inspire meaningful conversations. Beyond academics, she has organized innovation-focused hackathons and ideathons while contributing as a content writer to student-led initiatives. A recipient of the C. V. Raman Young Genius Award (State 2nd Rank) and recognized among the top-performing students in her department, Charitha hopes to inspire people to look beyond words and discover the stories that quietly shape who we become.

  • Devi prasad dash

    Mr. Devi Prasad Dash is the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Apollo Health & Lifestyle Limited and a member of its Executive Leadership team. With over 20 years of experience across the IT, retail, healthcare, and UAE sectors, he has led HR transformation, talent management, and strategic people initiatives for organizations including Apollo Hospitals, VPS Healthcare Group, and Unisys India. Recognized among Forbes India's Top 30 Talent Leaders of 2024, he has also been honored as the Economic Times HR Leader of the Year 2024, making him one of India's leading voices in Human Resources.

  • Dr.Ompraksah Prasad

    A renowned neurologist, healthcare leader, and Founder of Sri Sri Neuro Centre, Dr. Om Prakash Prasad has dedicated his career to transforming lives through compassionate neurological care and public health awareness. Recognized with numerous national and international accolades, his work reflects excellence, innovation, and service. At TEDxCMRITHyderabad, he brings a powerful idea: "Don't Be Yourself - The Unseen Science of Becoming Someone New." Through neuroscience, personal experiences, and thought-provoking insights, he challenges us to rethink identity and embrace continuous growth.

  • Gayathri Nakshathra Arroju

    AG. NAKSHATHRA IS A POWERHOUSE INDIAN ATHLETE (BOXER), COMPETITIVE POWERLIFTER, AND REGIONAL BOXING CHAMPION WHO SEAMLESSLY BRIDGES THE WORLDS OF COMPETITIVE SPORTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION. AS A CERTIFIED FITNESS COACH, NUTRITION EXPERT, AND PROFESSIONAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.) SPECIALIST, SHE COMBINES HER TEACHING EXPERTISE WITH ELITE ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE TO MENTOR AND INSPIRE OTHERS. KNOWN FOR HER HEAVY COMPOUND LIFTING AND ONLINE COACHING, SHE ACTIVELY PROMOTES THE VALUES OF DISCIPLINE AND STRENGTH, WHILE BREAKING TRADITIONAL STEREOTYPES AND PROVING THAT WOMEN CAN EXCEL AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE.

  • Jahnavi Dangeti

    Jahnavi Dangeti is an Indian Analog Astronaut, researcher, explorer, and STEM advocate working across human spaceflight, planetary science, aviation, and ocean exploration. Trained through internationally recognized astronaut and analog missions, she is currently engaged in planetary regolith research at IISc Bengaluru, focusing on human spaceflight systems, planetary habitability, and future Mars exploration.Alongside space research, she is also an advanced scuba diver, ocean conservation contributor, and student pilot, inspiring future generations through science communication and STEM outreach.

  • Meghalekha kacharla

    MEGHA LEKHA IS AN INDIAN ACTRESS AND PERFORMER KNOWN FOR HER EXPRESSIVE SCREEN PRESENCE AND DEDICATION TO HER CRAFT. WITH A PASSION FOR STORYTELLING AND THE PERFORMING ARTS, SHE HAS CAPTIVATED AUDIENCES THROUGH HER VERSATILE PERFORMANCES ACROSS FILM AND ENTERTAINMENT. BEYOND ACTING, SHE BELIEVES IN THE POWER OF STORIES TO INSPIRE, CONNECT, AND CREATE MEANINGFUL CHANGE. THROUGH HER JOURNEY OF CREATIVITY, RESILIENCE, AND SELF-EXPRESSION, MEGHA CONTINUES TO ENCOURAGE ASPIRING ARTISTS TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS WITH CONFIDENCE AND AUTHENTICITY.

  • Mohd Shaik Abdulla

    Mohd Shaik Abdulla is a branding strategist and marketing leader with over a decade of experience building brands and leading communication strategy across the startup ecosystem, education, consulting, real estate, and public affairs. His work includes collaborations connected with Harvard, Nord Anglia Education, KPMG, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Through his podcast and public speaking, he has engaged with globally respected leaders across business, media, education, and the creative industries, developing a unique perspective on how stories, beliefs, and human psychology shape the way we live, work, and connect.

  • Naazmi Tarannum

    Nazmi Tarannum is a passionate Computer Science and Engineering student at CMR Institute of Technology with a deep interest in innovation, space science, and nanotechnology. A dedicated learner with a strong academic foundation, she combines curiosity with creativity through her love for art, craft, and drawing. She enjoys exploring new ideas, emerging technologies, and believes in the power of continuous learning to shape a better future. Known for her kind and generous nature, Nazmi is always eager to help others and create a positive impact. With a blend of academic excellence, creativity, and an innovation-driven mindset, she continues to grow as a future technologist ready to make a difference.

  • Nikhil Padala

    Nikhil Padala is a Reliability Architect and 3x Founding Infrastructure Engineer with 15 years of experience building zero-to-one critical infrastructure for high-pressure environments, from HFT and institutional trading to crypto exchanges and regulated custody platforms in New York. He has led low-latency Linux infrastructure, incident response, audit-grade execution, and sovereign security design. His work focuses on building systems and teams that are not just reliable, but intentionally efficient, resilient, and designed to reduce human pressure at the point where technology, operations, and trust intersect

  • Satish Padavala

    SATISH PADAVALA IS THE FOUNDER OF DIZITAL MONK AND RAMSON TECHLABS, AND A TECH ENTREPRENEUR, MENTOR, AND BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGIST PASSIONATE ABOUT INNOVATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. WITH OVER 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, HE HAS MENTORED THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS THROUGH WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING PROGRAMS AT INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING IITS, NITS, AND ENGINEERING COLLEGES ACROSS INDIA. THROUGH HIS VENTURES, HE EMPOWERS THE NEXT GENERATION WITH PRACTICAL SKILLS. ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKING, AND A MINDSET DRIVEN BY CURIOSITY, CREATIVITY, AND REAL-WORLD IMPACT.

  • vennela reddy cherukupally

    Cherukupally Vennela Reddy is a student of CMR Institute of Technology and a passionate Classical Kuchipudi dancer dedicated to preserving and promoting India's rich cultural heritage. She represented Telangana in a national-level cultural program organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, where she showcased the traditional festival of Bonalu across the North East's Seven Sister States and received a Certificate of Appreciation for her contribution. She also completed her Certificate Course in Classical Kuchipudi Dance from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University in 2023 and was a proud participant in the Guinness World Record for the Largest Kuchipudi Dance Lesson held in Hyderabad.

Organizing team