TEDxAAFT Raipur

Speakers

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

• Ananya Jugade

  Odissi Dancer

  AI Mode conversation: ananya jugade You said: ananya jugade ananya jugade 13 October 2026 Ananya Jugade is a nationally acclaimed young Odissi classical dancer, TEDx speaker, and cultural prodigy from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. A student at ODM Public School, she has quickly gained prominence as one of India's most promising young classical artists, balancing her extensive training with aspirations of becoming a cardiac surgeon. Ananya trains under the guidance of her guru, Smt. Sonali Mohapatra, and has been practicing the art form for over five years. She is a recipient of the prestigious National Cultural Talent Search junior Scholarship (CCRT) from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She was featured among the winners of the prestigious The Telegraph Online Edugraph 18 Under 18 Awards 2025, which recognizes extraordinary young talent across Eastern and North Eastern India.

• Darshan Sankhala

  Entrepreneur & Filmmaker

  Renowned entrepreneur, filmmaker, and multipreneur from Raipur. He is the Founder of Raamapeer Industries, Raamapeer Studios, and Rolbol – Rest of Life, Best of Life. He has received several recognitions, including the Dainik Bhaskar Eminence Award for Multitalented Entrepreneur.

• Mann Qureshi

  Indian Actor

  Mann Qureshi is a popular Indian actor who is a leading superstar in Chhollywood, the Chhattisgarhi regional film industry. He is highly recognized for his romantic, action, and youth-centric roles that have helped shape modern Chhattisgarhi cinema. AI Mode conversation: mann qureshi mann qureshi Mann Qureshi is a popular Indian actor who is a leading superstar in Chhollywood, the Chhattisgarhi regional film industry. He is highly recognized for his romantic, action, and youth-centric roles that have helped shape modern Chhattisgarhi cinema. Before making it big as an actor, he worked in a computer shop and as an engineer in the plastic industry due to early financial constraints. He made his breakthrough acting debut under director Pranav Jha in the hit film B.A. First Year. Over the last decade, he has established himself as one of the most bankable and prolific stars in regional cinema.

• Padma Shri Ajay Kumar Mandavi

  Environmentalist and Social Reformer

  He is a renowned tribal woodcraft artist, environmentalist, and social reformer from Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. Born on 11 October 1967 into a Gond tribal family, he is known for his exceptional wooden calligraphy and intricate wood carvings. In 2010, he began teaching woodcraft and calligraphy to inmates at Kanker District Jail, including individuals arrested in Naxal-related cases. Through this initiative, he helped hundreds of inmates develop artistic skills and livelihood opportunities, supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. His notable work includes a large wooden calligraphy artwork of Vande Mataram. He received the Padma Shri in 2023 for his contribution to the field of art.

• Rasika Pandey

  Journalist

  Rasika Pandey is a broadcast journalist and senior news anchor, currently associated with Vistaar News. She has built her career across prominent regional news platforms, including Zee MPCG, IBC24, and ETV Bharat UP. Her experience spans news anchoring, reporting and television journalism, giving her a strong understanding of regional news presentation and on-ground storytelling.