In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Alliance Française de Delhi
72, KK Birla Ln, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate
Delhi, Delhi, 110003
India

Aayushi Thakur

A passionate social designer, driven by the belief that small, everyday actions can lead to meaningful change. With experience as a graphic designer at Craft of Art and an illustrator with The Apprentice Project, she has honed her skills in creating design solutions with purpose. Aayushi’s heart lies in using design for social impact, particularly where culture, community, and care intersect.

Ayush Chauhan

Ayush Chauhan, is the Managing Partner and Founder of Quicksand — a pioneering design strategy and innovation consultancy operating across emerging markets. Over the past two decades, Ayush has worked with global organizations, including the World Bank, UNICEF, Google, Meta and the Gates Foundation, addressing challenges in public health, education, financial inclusion, and sustainability. A Yale World Fellow, and alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, Ayush co-founded the Unbox Cultural Futures Society, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue in arts, culture, and social transformation. He also serves as the Global Head of Design for &frnds, a venture focused on digitizing retail supply chains in the Philippines and Indonesia. Ayush’s work emphasizes the integration of empathy, creativity, and innovation to drive social and business impact.

Dhimant Badan

A passionate artist and a rigorous designer, whose creative journey is fueled by a deep connection to narratives and the people behind them. Driven by a strong awareness of humanitarian issues, Dhimant seeks to make an impact through the simplicity and power of storytelling. With a personal practice in art and academic training in design, Dhimant has honed their ability to weave meaningful stories through various media. Particularly captivated by print and tangible texts, They explore how these forms can convey complex ideas in a tactile and engaging manner.

Dr. C. Raj Kumar

Our next speaker is a Rhodes Scholar and the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU). Appointed at the age of 34, (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar conceived the idea of India’s first 'Global University' and with the philanthropic support of Mr. Naveen Jindal, established JGU in 2009. Under his visionary leadership, JGU has earned global recognition, being ranked India’s Number 1 Private University for three consecutive years by QS World University Rankings. It is also recognized among the Top 150 universities globally under 50 years by the QS Young University Rankings. Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in the university's rise to prominence, including JGU's recognition as an ‘Institution of Eminence’ by India’s Ministry of Education. A distinguished scholar in the fields of human rights, development, comparative constitutional law, and governance, Dr. Kumar has authored over 200 publications. His expertise also spans national security, legal education, and disaster management.

Drishti Sadawana

A communication design student, with a background in product design, Drishti operates at the intersection of empathy, storytelling, and social change. Her work is deeply influenced by the silence surrounding menstruation in India—a subject she claims responsibility to address through design. Her approach is rooted in the belief that design has the power not only to inform but to transform.

Falguni Sachan

Falguni Sachan, is a passionate design educator and outreach leader known for her storytelling and dynamic energy. A graduate of FDDI Noida, she began her career as a Footwear Designer at Ducere Technologies, later transitioning to academia as the Head of Leather Goods & Accessory Design at Hamstech Institute. With extensive experience in outreach initiatives at institutions like Swarnim Startup and Innovation University and the World University of Design, she now leads Admissions and Outreach at The Design Village. Falguni’s vibrant personality and commitment to fostering creative connections make her a driving force in design education and communication.

Gauri Singh

Gauri, is a second-year student at The Design Village, specializing in Fashion and Textile. Passionate about integrating fashion, system and space design, she aims to create inclusive and sustainable experiences. Gauri’s work reflects a commitment to social responsibility, blending design with empathy and purpose. As a council member at NISA, a non-profit advocating women’s safety, she actively contributes to research, awareness, and program development, showcasing her dedication to creating meaningful change.

Kunal Savarkar

Kunal Savarkar embodies a rare duality—an accomplished architect and one of India’s leading quizmasters. Guided by a childhood passion for LEGO and a lifelong fascination with buildings and construction, Kunal pursued architecture as his calling. Currently serving as Director of Architecture at Archohm Consults, he specializes in large-scale public projects that shape communities and urban landscapes. Beyond his professional realm, Kunal is an ardent philatelist and a devoted cricket statistician, bringing his analytical mind and passion for detail into all aspects of his multifaceted life.

Mohit Hajela

Mohit Hajela, is a seasoned industry leader with over 29 years of enriching experience in marketing, sales, and luxury brand strategy. An Engineer-MBA by education, he has worked with some of the most coveted brands, including Miele India, LG Electronics, and Hitachi Home Life Solutions, holding top management positions and shaping their growth in India and South Asia. A distinguished brand strategist and thought leader, Mohit has a proven track record of conceptualizing and implementing successful brand strategies across both retail and project environments. His expertise spans luxury, consumer goods, and specialty products, and his work has consistently transformed brands into profitable market leaders. As a Knowledge Consultant, Mohit has delivered exceptional results across industries, including aviation infrastructure, power, real estate, and consumer durables, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in strategy, leadership, and execution.

Navneet Garg

Navneet Garg is a celebrated entrepreneur, innovator, and co-founder of The Design Village, where he nurtures the next generation of creative problem solvers, championing design as a force for societal transformation. He is also the founding partner of Tavasya Capital Managers, and CEO of CAYA Constructs, which has improved sanitation access for over 10 lakh people across India through modular and sustainable solutions. Recognized for his remarkable contributions, Navneet has received several prestigious accolades, including the Spirit of Manufacturing Award for Social Impact and being named one of the “50 Most Talented Leaders in Water and Water Management” by the World Water Leadership Congress. His dedication to innovation and impactful design continues to drive meaningful change across industries and communities.

Pradyumna Vyas

Mr. Pradyumna Vyas, the President-Elect of the World Design Organization and Senior Advisor of Design Promotion and Innovation at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Formerly the Director of the National Institute of Design (NID), India’s premier design institution, Prof. Vyas has over 36 years of professional and academic experience in shaping design education and policy. Prof. Vyas holds a Master’s in Industrial Design from IIT Bombay and an Honorary Master of Arts from the University for the Creative Arts, UK. During his illustrious tenure at NID, he spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the establishment of the India Design Council and the launch of India Design Mark in collaboration with Japan Institute of Design Promotion. His contributions to the design field have earned him numerous accolades. He was honored with the Good Design Fellow award by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, the Lifetime Achievement Award by Times Education Icons, and the Outstanding Contribution to Education award by the World Education Congress. Additionally, he has served as a jury member for the Good Design Award (G-Mark) in Japan across multiple years. In 2019, he was appointed Distinguished Professor by the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts.

Pratibha Jain

Ms. Pratibha Jain is the Head of Strategy and Group General Counsel at Everstone Group, one of Asia’s premier investment firms managing assets of over $8 billion. Alumna of Harvard Law School, Oxford University, and Delhi University, Ms. Jain has an illustrious career spanning top global firms, including Sullivan & Cromwell, Skadden Arps, and Goldman Sacks. She has led groundbreaking initiatives like India’s largest climate impact fund, the creation of the National Infrastructure Investment Fund, and the development of India’s first SME exchange. A decorated legal professional, she has been named “Woman Lawyer of the Year” by Business World and recognized by Forbes Legal Powerlist multiple times. Beyond her corporate work, Ms. Jain is deeply committed to social causes as the founding trustee of We4Her Foundation, championing gender equality and justice through initiatives like financial literacy for women and child marriage prevention.

Pritesh Maru

Pritesh Maru is a multidisciplinary designer and educator, specializing in Spatial and Exhibition Design. With a diverse career that spans art direction, visual design, and interactive installations, Pritesh has contributed to national award-winning films. He also has designed miniature sets, stop-motion films, and collaborated with various global MNCs. He now leads Vanm Design Labs, a multidisciplinary studio, and Gatherarium, a museum focused on experiential education. Through his Sound of Silence project, Pritesh documents the natural world and explores the intersection of design and storytelling. At The Design Village, he spearheads the experiential learning vertical, emphasizing the profound connection between the micro and macro aspects of design and education.

Tanya Khanna

Tanya, is an Indian architect and curator who has been passionately championing Indian design on the global stage for over two decades. She is the founder of Epistle, South Asia’s first and largest communications consultancy for architects and designers, dedicated to giving a global voice to design and those who shape it. Trained in architecture in India and London, Tanya has collaborated with over 200 architects, artists, and design brands, combining her expertise in content, education, and outreach to redefine how design is communicated and celebrated.

Vidur Madhav

Vidur, is a multidisciplinary designer and design strategist at Bain & Company, New York. Trained as a product designer across the UK, Italy, and the US–Vidur brings a global perspective to his work. Passionate about moving design beyond aesthetics, Vidur focuses on its application to policies, systems, and everyday life. Today, he shares his insights into design research and the unique ability of designers to think beyond themselves.

Zaha Gupta

Plato once said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” For many, Zaha represents just that—a promising beginning and a glimpse into the new and next generation. An eleventh grader with a passion for exploring the world in its depth and breadth, Zaha finds joy in reading and writing. She embodies the ‘light’ we aspire to see and hear in today’s times.