TEDxKids Club CBSE School

Speakers

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

• AADHIRAI MAHALAKSHMI H

  Aadhirai is a Grade 9 student and a young leader with a strong record of academic excellence, public speaking, and social engagement. She served as the Head Girl of her school in 2025–26 and is currently the Interact Club President for 2026–27. She is a Pearson Checkpoint World Rank Holder in Mathematics and has actively participated in IIMUN conferences across Erode, Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Mumbai, earning recognitions such as Best Delegation, High Commendation, and Special Mention. A passionate quiz enthusiast, Aadhirai has won prizes in various quiz competitions. She has also received the prestigious Golden Arrow Award from Bharat Scouts and Guides, reflecting her leadership, dedication, and commitment to personal growth.

• Arumugam Sakthivel

  Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel is a pioneering leader in India’s apparel, textile and export sectors, with over five decades of distinguished service. Since beginning his entrepreneurial journey in Tirupur in 1973, he has built the Poppys Group into a globally recognized enterprise and played a pivotal role in transforming Tirupur into a leading apparel-export hub. As Founder President and Honorary President of TEA, he spearheaded major initiatives in infrastructure, education, trade and industry. He has served as Chairman of AEPC five times and twice as President of FIEO. A strong advocate of skill development, he founded AMHSSC, which has certified over 36 lakh candidates, empowering women and promoting future-ready skills. His contributions span entrepreneurship, exports, education, infrastructure, philanthropy and nation-building. Awarded the Padma Shri in 2009, he continues to inspire generations through visionary and responsible leadership.

• Dr.Pramod Padmanabhan

  Pramod Padmanabhan, Senior Principal scientist of Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History, Coimbatore has his doctorate in Zoology for his work in “Community analysis of birds in the tropical ever green forests of Silent Valley, Western Ghats, India”. Later he continued his studies on birds across the Western Ghats as part of his post-doctoral work in Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. After that, he switched over to conservation biology and policy issues as a Fellow in Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore. For the last 25 years, as the Head of the Division of Nature Education at SACON he has been reaching out to various stakeholders to create environmental and conservation awareness. He has given lectures to more than five lakh students and nature lovers so far across the country.

• Manha Nishanadeem

  Manha N is a Grade 8 student and a young achiever with diverse interests in writing, skating, entrepreneurship, art, and social influence. Manha is the author of *Dada’s Lucky Stick* and has earned recognition for achievements in skating, including Grahambell world record. As a young entrepreneur, Manha has explored business ideas and shared personal experiences through creative projects. Manha has also excelled in competitions, securing first place at the state level in the Tata Essay Writing Competition and the JSW Painting Competition. As an influencer and a Billiards Champion, Manha continues to explore new ideas, inspire peers, and turn creativity and determination into meaningful achievements.

• PRANAVASRI P S

  Pranavashri P.S. is a Grade 10 student who is curious, creative, and quietly determined. She has actively participated in MUNs for the past three years, earning a win along the way while valuing the learning, exposure, and experiences gained through the journey. She has also explored her entrepreneurial side by creating crochet projects and successfully selling them at a school fair. Her creative interests extend to digital art, while her fascination with history inspires her to watch historical documentaries. Through her diverse interests in diplomacy, creativity, entrepreneurship, art, and history, Pranavashri continues to discover new perspectives and express her ideas in her own unique way.

• Ranajit Das

  Dr. Ranajit Das is a geneticist, computational biologist, educator, and science communicator specializing in human genetics, genomics, and AI. He is an Associate Professor at Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, and coordinates the Centre for Integrative Research in Clinical Genetics and Metabolic Medicine. With a PhD in Biology from Duquesne University, USA, he has nearly two decades of experience studying how genetics, ancestry, environment, and lifestyle influence health. His research spans population genetics, cancer genomics, infectious diseases, nutrigenomics, and polygenic risk prediction, with a focus on South Asian populations. He has published extensively, developed AI-based genomic tools, and received research grants, international recognition, and the Yenepoya Best Teacher Award. He is passionate about making genetics accessible and meaningful.

• RANVITA A

  Ranvita is a bright and enthusiastic Grade 6 student with a deep passion for learning and a special love for reading, which has nurtured her curiosity and eagerness to explore new ideas. She has actively participated in numerous school and inter-school academic and sports competitions, earning several prizes along the way. Beyond her achievements, Ranvita is known for her friendly nature, confidence, and ability to connect easily with those around her. Her enthusiasm for learning, willingness to participate, and positive attitude make her a well-rounded young achiever who is eager to discover, grow, and inspire.

• RUTESH B

  Rutesh is a Grade 12 student who describes himself as someone who is not particularly inclined towards sports or Physical Training. Yet, he proudly holds a National-level Silambam achievement, having secured 3rd place at the national level. This accomplishment reflects his ability to step beyond his comfort zone and rise to a challenge. Rutesh is confident in taking on tasks and completing them effectively, even under pressure. He also possesses strong management and organizational skills, enabling him to plan, prioritize, and handle responsibilities efficiently. His journey reflects the idea that success often comes from embracing challenges, discovering unexpected strengths, and pushing beyond perceived limitations.

• SHRUTI RANGARAJAN

  Shruti Rangarajan is a student with a keen interest in language, science, art, and global affairs. She secured 180th rank at the State-Level Grand Finale of the National Spelling Bee, 123rd rank in Round 2 of the International Science Olympiad, and State Rank 89 in the International Drawing Olympiad. She also participated as a delegate at IIMUN Mumbai, where she gained valuable experience in public speaking, negotiation, diplomacy, and global affairs. Through her diverse interests and achievements, Shruti continues to explore new ideas, develop her skills, and grow into a confident and curious young learner.

• Sitara Karthikeyan

  Sitara Karthikeyan is a 23 year old wildlife photographer from Pollachi whose life has been shaped by the forests of the Western Ghats. Her journey began at age nine, growing up in a family of wildlife photographers. The forest became her backyard and her camera a companion. She pursued wildlife photography passionately and received several awards for her work. She believes wildlife is not only about photographs and achievements but also about giving back to nature and helping others connect with the natural world. Her passion led her to wildlife filmmaking. She completed a wildlife filmmaking course with the BBC in the UK. Her first film focused on the fireflies of the Western Ghats and she is now working on her next film. A national level swimmer and athlete, Sitara now sees herself as a storyteller and voice for nature, using photography and filmmaking to inspire people to understand and protect the natural world.

• SIVA KUMAR K

  K. Siva Kumar was born and brought up in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, and joined the Indian Army in 2001 at the Madras Regimental Centre, Wellington. During his service, he served in Kargil, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bhutan. In 2004, he completed professional courses in mountaineering and ice skating in Jammu & Kashmir. From 2008, he worked as a mountaineering and adventure instructor. He has climbed 18 peaks, including Mount Everest, and participated in several national and international expeditions. After an unsuccessful Everest attempt in 2015 due to the Nepal earthquake, he returned and successfully summited Mount Everest on 19 May 2016, becoming the first person from Tamil Nadu to do so. After 25 years in the Indian Army, he now trains NCC cadets in Wayanad. His profession is service; his passion is mountaineering.

• SKANDAN S

  Skandan is a Grade 11 student who is curious, calm, and quietly determined. A sports enthusiast, he has participated in inter-school tennis competitions and helped his team secure the Runner-up position, while also being part of the team that won Third Place in the Sahodaya Football Tournament. Beyond sports, Skandan is fascinated by vehicles and has a growing interest in business and economics, with an aspiration to become a successful entrepreneur in the future. Known for his helping nature, thoughtful approach, and ability to stay composed, he believes in learning from every experience and exploring the world with curiosity.

• Subash S

  Subash S is a Grade 12 student and an accomplished public speaker with a strong interest in global affairs, leadership, and diplomacy. He represented India at the BAAG Online Conference and has actively participated in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences for the past five years. Subash has also represented his school in various speaking and leadership forums. He was a speaker at the TED-Ed Student Talks held at PSG School, Coimbatore, in 2025. With confidence, curiosity, and a passion for meaningful dialogue, he continues to develop his voice as a young global citizen.

• Sudhakar Nalliyappan

  Sudhakar Nalliyappan is a heritage researcher and Founding President of Yaakkai Heritage Trust, Coimbatore. He holds Master’s degrees in Tamil and Business Administration and is trained in archaeology and conservation techniques. His work combines field documentation, heritage management and community-oriented research. He served as Photo Documenter (3D Scanning) for the Loose Sculpture Project of the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (Coimbatore Region, 2024–2025) and is Principal Investigator of Pilot Project EAP1685, Dharmapuri. He co-authored Neelamalai Tholliyal, an award-winning and academically significant Tamil volume documenting archaeological and ethnohistorical heritage, including memorial stones, rock art, megalithic contexts and ritual traditions. He has documented over 30 historical and five prehistoric discoveries and published research on memorial stones and rock art in academic journals, including the Epigraphical Society of India.

• Uthara U Menon

  Uttra U Mehran is a Grade 9 student with a strong passion for mathematics and academic excellence. Uttra has achieved **First Rank in India in Mathematics** in the **Pearson Edexcel Award**, demonstrating exceptional mathematical ability, dedication, and consistent academic performance. Uttra continues to pursue learning with curiosity, determination, and a commitment to excellence.

• VANTHANA K S

  Vanthana is a Grade 12 student and a passionate speaker with a keen interest in economics, business, and financial markets. An avid reader, she enjoys exploring books and novels related to the Indian economy and business studies. She has participated in and won several speech competitions, including Just A Minute (JAM) events, and has actively taken part in inter-school debates. Her curiosity extends to the dynamic world of the stock market, where she enjoys following market trends and understanding the factors that drive economic change. Through her love for public speaking, reading, and current affairs, Vanthana continues to develop her voice, broaden her perspectives, and engage confidently with ideas that shape the world.

• YUGAVATHANI P

  Yugavadhini is a Grade 12 student known for her empathy, curiosity, and ability to view situations from different perspectives. Fascinated by human behaviour and the ways people understand and cope with emotions, she explores these subjects through novels and non-fiction books. Her curiosity extends from the intricacies of human psychology to the vastness of the universe, from the smallest atoms to distant celestial objects. She has also actively participated in inter-school speech competitions, developing her confidence and ability to express ideas thoughtfully. Through her diverse interests, Yugavadhini hopes to understand the world more deeply and inspire others to look beyond the obvious.