TEDxThe Orchid School

Speakers

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

• Adwitya Choudhari

  Student

  Adwitya Choudhari is a Grade 10 student and a four-time consecutive recipient of the Outstanding Performance and Excellence in Academics Award. Fascinated by diplomacy, global affairs, and the exchange of ideas, she is equally captivated by whimsical stories and the quiet magic of books. An avid reader with an insatiable curiosity, Adwitya believes that every experience—whether joyful or difficult, lived or found within the pages of a story—has something to teach us. She believes that no experience is ever truly wasted; there is always a lesson to carry forward, a perspective to gain, or a reason to grow. To her, the greatest measure of life is not what happens to us, but what we choose to take away from it.

• Arav Nath

  Student

  Arav Nath takes an interest in the unconventional and is always looking for new perspectives on the world. He believes that thinking every day is essential because the world is always in need of solutions. To him, even what does not solve a problem can inspire the will and humanity to solve it. He strives to live by this principle, hoping to evoke emotion in people—because whatever does that can be called art.

• Dia Manoj Kumar Bhat

  Student

  Dia Manoj Kumar Bhat is a 12-year-old student who is passionate about learning, exploring new ideas, and making the most of every opportunity. Science is one of her favourite subjects, and she enjoys challenging herself both inside and outside the classroom. An A+ student, she has been honoured with her school's Academic Excellence Award. Beyond academics, Dia enjoys playing tennis, working out, playing the piano, singing, dancing, and participating in school activities, clubs, and competitions. She has earned recognition at the national, state, and international levels through Abacus competitions and has also received awards for singing and dancing. Dia enjoys collaborating with others, embracing new challenges, and learning from every experience. Being a TEDx speaker has been an incredible opportunity to share her ideas with a wider audience. She hopes to inspire young people to work hard, stay curious, and believe in their potential.

• Dr Manas Dewan

  Founder Director of Brand Kiln Pvt. Ltd.

  Dr. Manas Dewan is a Brand-Tech pioneer, researcher, and entrepreneur working at the intersection of emerging technology, education, and business. Ranked among India’s Top 5 Brand-Tech Pioneers of 2024, he holds a PhD focused on Metaverse and Web 3.0 Didactics and is an Honorary Professor at Ludwitt University, Austin, Texas. He is an empaneled keynote speaker supporting the Government of India’s “AI in Education” mission and the founder of Brand Kiln, a future-tech research and implementation firm. With over 20 years of corporate experience at global brands including Mercedes-Benz and Dow Chemical, he has led strategy, product management, marketing, and communications. A published author and former Global Top 100 blogger, Manas is also a black belt in Karate, practices Kalaripayattu, and holds a national record for motorbiking across 18 countries.

• Dr. Amit Samarth

  Public Health Professional & Ultra-Endurance Athlete

  Dr. Amit Samarth is a physician, public health professional, and ultra-endurance cyclist. He holds an MBBS from Indira Gandhi Medical College, Nagpur, and a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, USA. He has completed some of the world’s toughest endurance races, including the 9,100 km Red Bull Trans-Siberian Extreme and the 4,900 km Race Across America. In 2024, he secured 1st place in Race Across India, covering 3,758 km from Srinagar to Kanyakumari. In 2023, he won Race Across India Solo and set a world-record time of 6 days 23 hours for the 3,651 km journey. He holds multiple WUCA and Guinness World Records, is a 4-time Full Ironman and 16-time Ironman 70.3 finisher, and has completed nine full marathons. He is the Founder of Race Across India and Miles N Milers Endurance Sports Academy, and serves as Bicycle Mayor of Nagpur.

• Kavyaa Chakraborty

  Student

  Kavyaa Chakraborty is endlessly curious about the world and the people who shape it. She enjoys exploring topics such as feminism, international conflicts, and the ideas that influence the way people connect and interact. She hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of law and international relations, where meaningful conversations, critical thinking, and a passion for creating positive change come together. Beyond academics, she is happiest exploring nature, travelling, embracing new adventures, and having conversations simply to learn from others. Guided by a genuine curiosity and a deep desire to make a difference, she believes in living life with purpose, helping people whenever she can, and standing up for what is right.

• Kinisha Kohli

  Student

  Kinisha is a student with interests that span both communication and creativity. She enjoys baking, spending time in nature, working with children, and embracing opportunities that help her grow, whether through speaking at TEDx, leading projects, or learning something new. Curious by nature, she believes that who we become is shaped by the experiences we are willing to embrace.

• Nimit Panwalkar

  Student

  Nimit, a 10-years-old student of Grade 5, is a happy and playful child. He is friendly, caring, and loves spending time with his friends and family. His helpful nature, and ability to sense how others feel, helps him build meaningful connections with people around him. He loves being active and exploring the outside world. He enjoys outdoor sports, athletics and spending hours in this imaginary world with his LEGOs. At the same time, he is fascinated by the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata and is curious to understand and explore the timeless wisdom they hold. He tries to interpret and apply this knowledge in his own simple ways.

• Omi Patil

  Student

  Meet Omi Patil, an enthusiastic 12-year-old 7th-grade student who seamlessly connects the worlds of logic, sports, and creative expression. An avid reader with a deep curiosity about how things work, Omi spends much of his time diving into fascinating books, complex mathematics, scientific concepts, and tactical chess strategies. Beyond his academic pursuits, he is an energetic sports enthusiast who loves the adrenaline of competition and proudly represents his school on the cricket team. When he takes a break from analyzing formulas you can find him expressing his creative side by strumming tunes on his guitar. Omi strongly believes that every discipline—whether it is science, athletics, or music—offers a unique opportunity to explore, learn, and grow.

• Ranbir Singh

  Student

  Ranbir Singh is a student, public speaker, and aspiring finance professional passionate about leadership and meaningful human connections. Through his experiences in community service, international exchange, and public speaking, he enjoys sharing ideas that inspire reflection, empathy, and positive change.

• Riyana Hatkar

  Student

  Riyana Hatkar is a science student with a keen interest in biology and nature. She enjoys exploring the outdoors and learning about the natural world, from tiny organisms like slime moulds to rivers and ecosystems. Curious and observant, she loves discovering things that others often overlook. Riyana hopes to pursue a career in biology and continue exploring the wonders of nature.

• Shriya Kharade

  Student

  Shriya Kharade is a Grade 12 student at The Orchid School, Pune, with a love for storytelling, leadership, and trying new things. A published poet, student leader, sportsperson, and public speaker, she enjoys expressing ideas in ways that connect with people, whether through writing, on stage, or as part of a team. Over the years, Shriya has captained school sports teams, anchored major school events, volunteered with a nonprofit organisation, and taken on leadership roles that have taught her the value of resilience, teamwork, and adaptability. She believes that growth often comes from experiences that challenge us the most. In her TEDx talk, Shriya shares how an unexpected injury changed not only her plans but also her perspective on ambition and success. Through her story, she hopes to encourage others to embrace uncertainty, stay aware of what truly matters, and find the courage to keep moving forward even when life takes an unexpected turn.

• Siya Prayag

  Student

  Siya is a 9-year-old student who believes that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Curious, enthusiastic, and always eager to learn, she enjoys reading, dancing, and taking part in school activities. Although she once struggled with stage fear, she discovered that one small act of courage could completely change the way she saw herself. Through her TEDx talk, What Is Your Stage?, Siya hopes to inspire children and adults alike to face their fears, embrace new opportunities, and believe in their own potential. She believes that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it grows every time you choose courage over fear. With her positive outlook and love for learning, Siya hopes to encourage others to take that first brave step toward discovering what they are truly capable of.

• Tanisha Badigannavar

  Student

  Tanisha Badigannavar believes curiosity is more valuable than certainty. A 17-year-old student with interests in psychology, philosophy, and human behaviour, she is fascinated by the contradictions that make people who they are. Alongside serving as the Senior House Captain, she enjoys writing, creating podcasts, and exploring ideas that sit at the intersection of identity, behaviour, and storytelling. Her TEDx talk, The Versions Within the Mess, reflects that curiosity, exploring why our complexity is not something to overcome, but something to embrace.