TEDxThiagarajar College of Engineering

Speakers

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

• Akshya Murugappan

  Emerging Student Founder

  Akshya Murugappan is a future builder who refuses to pick a lane — as fluent in prompt engineering and digital marketing as she is in silhouettes, color theory, and design trends. Building at the intersection of tech and style, she's laying the groundwork for a startup built on an idea most people overlook: that technology and aesthetics aren't opposites, they're collaborators. Fashion isn't a side interest for her; it's a lens for reading culture the same way she reads code — for patterns, for meaning, for what comes next.

• Anushree Mohanram

  Entreprenuer and Writer

  Anushree Mohanram is an aspiring entrepreneur and passionate communicator who has always believed in exploring beyond the boundaries of her classroom. From building projects and exploring AI, Blockchain and IoT research to participating in platforms like ICT Academy Youth Talk and Speak for India, she has constantly challenged herself to learn, lead, and step into unfamiliar spaces. Her journey in public speaking began with school speeches and has grown through debates, hosting, and TEDx. She brings together a curious mind, a willingness to take initiative, and most importantly, the courage to put her ideas out into the world.

• APJMJ Sheik Dawood

  Co-Founder, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation & Technologist

  Sheik Dawood is a technology leader, AI strategist, educator and social-impact advocate, serving as Director – AI & Digital Solutions at Kryptos Info Systems, with two decades of technology-industry experience at the intersection of AI, digital transformation, innovation and human potential. He is Co-Founder of the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and grandnephew of former President and renowned scientist Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Inspired by Dr. Kalam’s vision of an empowered, scientifically minded India, he nurtures curiosity, creativity, leadership and nation-building among youth. Through work with students, educators, technology professionals and aspiring innovators, he promotes technology and education that create responsible citizens and changemakers, focusing on STEM education, scientific temper, innovation, entrepreneurship and real-world solutions.

• Arun Prakash M

  Founder & CEO, HCL GUVI.io

  Mr. Arun Prakash is the Founder & CEO of HCL GUVI. He is well known as T-Man (Technology man) because of his strong affinity towards technology. Arun Prakash led HCL GUVI to achieve not one but two Guinness World Records - one for the largest AI coding lesson and another for the highest number of learners taking a programming lesson online simultaneously, cementing HCL GUVI's impact in democratizing tech education on a global scale. In 2024, Mr. Arun Prakash was invited to Oxford University to give a talk on “How Vernacular learning is transforming Technology learning”. His 20+ years of work experience in well-reputed Tech companies like Honeywell, PayPal, Kalido, and Symantec as a technologist has enabled him to play a crucial role in the democratization of tech skills to learners all around through GUVI.

• Dr Chithra Madhavan

  Historian, Author & Heritage Researcher

  Dr. Chithra Madhavan is a renowned historian, author, and researcher specializing in the history, art, architecture, and cultural heritage of South India. Holding a doctorate in History from the University of Madras, she has authored several acclaimed books and numerous research papers on temples, monuments, and the rich traditions of Tamil Nadu. Dr. Chitra has delivered lectures at universities, heritage organizations, and cultural forums across India and abroad. Through her research and public engagement, she is dedicated to making India's history and heritage accessible, relevant, and inspiring for contemporary audiences.

• Dr Karthikeyan K P

  Managing Director, ELCOT

  Dr. K. P. Karthikeyan, IAS, is a medical doctor turned civil servant (IAS 2014, Tamil Nadu cadre) and MD, ELCOT, driving IT and emerging technologies. He has served as Tirunelveli District Collector, Madurai Corporation Commissioner and Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, GoI, and held leadership roles in TIDCO, SIPCOT, Guidance Tamil Nadu, TIDEL Park and SDAT. His Tirunelveli water-management initiatives won National Water Award 2024 for Best District in South India from the President of India. He spearheaded ‘Anbadum Mundril’ for inclusive, community-based governance and conflict resolution, earning Tamil Nadu’s Good Governance Award. As CEO/Member Secretary, SDAT, he helped conduct the 44th Chess Olympiad. He strengthened TN’s investment ecosystem and facilitated major investments by revamping Guidance Tamil Nadu; conceptualised TIDEL NEO for Tier-2/3 IT expansion; and contributed to industrial parks, 2023 Tirunelveli flood disaster management and State COVID war room.

• Padma Shri Dr Rajagopalan Vasudevan

  Plastic Man of India

  Padma Shri Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, fondly known as the Plastic Man of India, is a distinguished scientist, educator, and pioneer in sustainable engineering. An emeritus professor at Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, he revolutionized road construction by developing an innovative technology that incorporates waste plastic into bituminous roads. His groundbreaking work has enabled the construction of thousands of kilometers of stronger, longer-lasting roads while providing a practical solution to plastic waste management. Awarded the Padma Shri for his exceptional contribution to science and society, Dr. Vasudevan continues to inspire generations through his vision of sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship.

• Riyaz Iqbal

  Social Entrepreneur & Technology Enthusiast

  Riyaz Iqbal is passionate about technology, law, entrepreneurship, public welfare, and public speaking. He actively participates in and organizes hackathons and technical events. He is also the founder of REK, a student-led startup focused on helping students from underserved backgrounds use technology effectively while developing affordable software solutions for small businesses. Through technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, Riyaz aims to create solutions that deliver meaningful social impact.

• Sanjay Divakar

  Founder & CEO of RoleColorFinder

  Sanjay Divakar is a young founder, entrepreneur, and systems thinker exploring how people, roles, and institutions can work better. He is the Founder & CEO of RoleColorFinder, a platform focused on helping people understand roles, strengths, and the way they contribute within systems.

• Srinath Ravichandran

  Co-Founder & CEO, AgniKul Cosmos

  Srinath Ravichandran is the Co-Founder and CEO of Agnikul Cosmos, a pioneering Indian space startup redefining satellite launches through customizable and reusable rockets with breakthrough propulsion technology. Srinath trained as an electrical engineer, and later became a financial derivatives trader, while also attending film school before turning towards his childhood passion in aerospace. After 10 years at Wall Street, Srinath decided to pursue his core interest in space exploration with the idea that getting to space shouldn’t be the hardest aspect of working from or living in space. Today, he leads one of India's most innovative aerospace companies, driving the mission to make access to space simpler, more affordable, and more accessible.

• Venkatarangan Thirumalai

  Author, Entrepreneur & Founder Catalyst

  Venkatarangan Thirumalai is an author, entrepreneur, and startup mentor dedicated to helping founders build resilient, purpose-driven businesses He founded Vishwak Solutions in 1996, growing it into a global software services firm with offices in India, Seattle, and London, and later co-founded an AI-driven fintech startup in the US. An Honorary Microsoft Regional Director since 1999 and an IEEE Senior Member with over 30 years in software, he helps enterprises adopt Generative AI and advises founding teams of funded technology startups on growth strategy, leadership, team building, and service design. He also predicted that mobile phones would become primary computing devices in 2003 and built a machine learning-powered news app years before Generative AI became mainstream.