Past TEDx event

TEDxCIRS Youth

Beyond the First Thought

Took placeMay 21, 20269:30 AM - 1:30 PM (GMT+5:30)
LocationCoimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
FormatYouth
Every idea begins with a first thought — a flash, a reflex, a familiar answer that arrives before we've truly begun to think. It feels safe. It feels obvious. But the most transformative ideas in human history were never the first ones. They were the ones that emerged when someone paused, pushed past the comfortable, and dared to go further. Beyond the First Thought is an invitation to do exactly that — to question the instinctive, challenge the assumed, and explore the uncharted territory that lies just past our initial impulse. It's a reminder that innovation doesn't live in the first draft, empathy doesn't peak at the first impression, and understanding doesn't stop at the surface.

Speakers

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

  • Dr. Nitin Mehta

    Strategic Leader & Multi-Entrepreneur

    Nitin Mehta is an accomplished business leader with extensive expertise across operations, project management, IT, procurement, legal compliance, and corporate administration. Known for driving operational excellence and seamless business transformation, he specializes in optimizing complex processes, improving workplace productivity, and implementing innovative, people-centric strategies that enhance efficiency while maintaining high service standards. Passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility and resilient business practices, he also plays an active role in strategic leadership and infrastructure development through his contributions on the Board of Directors in India.

  • Dr. Somu Sivabalan

    Senior Pediatric Pulmonologist

    Dr. Somu Sivabalan is a senior pediatric pulmonologist, academician, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in child healthcare. He is recognized for advancing pediatric respiratory care in India, especially for asthma, airway diseases, and cystic fibrosis. Beyond medicine, he believes growth begins when we move beyond assumptions, fears, and limitations. His work in clinical practice, research, mentoring, and community outreach reflects resilience and purposeful thinking. Guided by the philosophy, “Don’t react, just respond,” he advocates thoughtful action in medicine and life.

  • Jayashree Vijayamohan

    Endurance Athlete & Mountaineer

    Jayashree Mohan, a Chennai-based endurance athlete and mountaineer, exemplifies resilience and reinvention. After surviving a stroke, she rebuilt her life through determination and mental strength. She became the fastest woman to ascend and descend Mount Kilimanjaro, pushing beyond both physical and emotional limits. Her story inspires others to redefine what is possible after adversity.

  • Mr. Aditya Chari

    Digital Artist & Educator

    Internationally recognized artist, A.R.Rahman collaborator, illustrator, and character designer, known for authoring and illustrating the books Dessiner’s Le Corps Humain, Figure Study Made Easy, and Portrait Techniques Made Easy. He has created character concepts and poster designs for major Indian films including Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, Sholay, Rang Rasiya, Yugpurush, and upcoming projects by S. S. Rajamouli. His work also includes character and creature concepts for films and series such as Sanghamitra, Hiranyakashipu, Ramayan, Garuda, Karna, The Village, Ashwathama, and Shiv Shakti. He has also worked with M. M. Keeravani and created a special illustrated achievement book for filmmaker K. Raghavendra Rao. At the age of 16, he held a solo exhibition in Vashi featuring 60 portrait sketches of renowned personalities.

  • Mr. Siva Kota

    HR Leader & Consultant

    Mr. Siva Kota is an HR leader, consultant, facilitator, and mentor with over 35 years of experience in people development, organisational culture, and leadership transformation. With a background in engineering and human resource management, he has worked with educational institutions, corporate teams, and young professionals, helping individuals build self-awareness, emotional maturity, and interpersonal effectiveness. He has served in senior HR leadership roles across technology, healthcare, and education, and has facilitated learning and coaching interventions for thousands of professionals across diverse organisations. His work focuses on helping people pause, reflect, and respond with greater clarity.

  • Usha Rajagopalan

    Writer, Translator & Environmentalist

    Usha Rajagopalan is a writer, translator, and environmentalist based in Bengaluru. She is a co-founder of the Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT), the first officially recognized citizen caretaker group of a lake in Bengaluru. PNLIT’s pioneering model of community-driven lake conservation has inspired similar efforts across the country. Her books span memoir, fiction, and translation, and her work blends storytelling with civic stewardship.

Organizing team