Student of R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics (Autonomous) - Speaker, TEDxRAPodarCollege 2025

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Mr. Neel Bahira, a student of R. A. Podar College and co-inventor of Invoisy and Ecohack, has been redefining problem-solving through innovation and social impact. An active NSS member since 2023–24, his journey reflects the spirit of turning challenges into opportunities, with his team’s ideas even securing patents. At TEDxRAPodarCollege, Neel takes this spirit forward in his talk “We drew the lines differently.” In a world defined by invisible boundaries—social, cultural, and personal—he explores how shifting perspectives can redraw the very lines that shape our lives. By questioning who drew those lines in the first place, Neel inspires us to imagine new ones that foster inclusivity, growth, and freedom.

Artists - Speakers, TEDxRAPodarCollege 2025

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Vijay Ramkrishna Pakhare, a sculpture and painting artist who has won national-level medals and runs his own Ganesh idol-making business and Mr. Ninad Kadam, founder of Gandharva Kalamancha—a versatile writer, poet, actor and award-winning theatre director—together embody the power of creativity. With experiences ranging from animation studios to Zee Natya Gaurav awards and even national television, both artists have built their lives on shaping imagination into reality. At TEDxTAPodarCollege, their joint talk “From Clay to Canvas” reflects this journey. For them, art is not just about creation—it is about transformation. By molding raw clay or weaving words into performance, they show how tradition can meet innovation, how expression can break barriers, and how art can paint entirely new horizons of human possibility.

Professional Dancer, Actor, and Model- Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2024

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Sudhana Sankar's TEDx talk explores Abhinaya, an ancient Indian art form, as a potent catalyst for life change. Her personal journey of resilience, post a knee injury, illustrates how Abhinaya's elements (attire, body language, communication, emotions) form a universal language, enabling personal transformation. Sudhana's story inspires embracing change, using expressive power to overcome challenges, and pursuing aspirations.

Psychologist & Psychotherapist - Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2023

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Dr. Anuradha Sovani is a psychologist and a psychotherapist who has been penning stories for young children to inculcate values of inclusiveness and tolerance. Youth is the future and to ensure a brighter future, we need to guide the upcoming generations. But how do we do that? This talk is an attempt to present storytelling as an invaluable tool to bridge the world together.

Bharatanatyam Performer and Teacher - Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2022

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Classical dances like Bharatanatyam have come a long way from their ancient roots and yet the dance pieces and music are still a solid reflection of what used to be. He, is an excellent performer and one of the most graceful Bharatanatyam dancers you will ever encounter. Join us to hear him elaborate about grace & innovations in the field of Classical dance.

Founder and chairperson, Fragile X society, India.

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Where many people think that they have hit the end, she considers it her job to show them the beginning. Being one of the very few people to raise awareness about the Fragile X syndrome and the person who founded the Fragile X Society in India, her journey has not been an easy one, but has created large ripples.

Nationalist - Speaker - TEDxRAPodarCollege 2019​

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A freedom fighter. A nurse. A secretary. A tourist guide - and even at the age of 92, a true Indian. She personifies the spirit of contributing to the country, making it the purpose of her life, thereby going beyond the borders of nationalism.

Social Entrepreneur - Speaker, TEDxRAPodarCollege 2025

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Mr. Sandesh Bhingarde, an alumnus of R. A. Podar College and founder of Team Vision Foundation—an NGO led by visually impaired individuals—has built his life around empowerment and inclusion. With a Master’s in Political Science, a certification in Disability Studies, and impactful initiatives like audio libraries and tactile education tools, he blends academic knowledge with lived experience. At TEDxRAPodarCollege, his talk “From Scribbling Notes to Writing Change” captures this journey. What starts as scattered thoughts in the margins, Sandesh shows, can transform into purposeful movements that rewrite systems. His story is proof that even the smallest words, when nurtured, can grow into powerful voices of change.

President, Forum For Autism- Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2024

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Darshana Sawant is a mother who has not only rocked the cradle, but she is also the one who went against the current to give her son the best! Her talk has highlighted the nuanced journey of Varun becoming the distinct and remarkable Varun Rajesh Sawant. Despite being on the spectrum, he has found the calm and order in this chaos and this speech unravels the trick to the trade - a mantra, a secret for all - the structure for you!

Mime Artist - Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2023

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Mime artist, Mr. Kunal Motling, enacts this beautiful talk where he shows how we all look for that secret ingredient to make our lives complete. The life around us has evolved surprisingly fast and has left us struggling to cope with the dynamics of this challenging environment. But eventually, we find the key to our happiness, to our peace within ourselves.

Amateur Astronomer, CA Aspirant, a student of

R. A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics (Autonomous)​ - Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2022

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He is an amateur astronomer, a CA aspirant and a student of our very own College. Having conducted various research studies and multiple webinars as well as two published books on Astronomy with his name, he is ready to set our minds on a journey across universe on a quest to unravel the secrets within! Are you?

Para swimmer, HSC Board topper, a student of

R. A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics (Autonomous)​ - Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2021

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She is one of us. A simple college-going student, and a few extra-curricular activities on the sides, she just seems to be moving around in the mundanity. But then, what propelled her to achieve the extra-ordinary? And what led her to define a new normal?

Trekker, Strategic Consultant - Speaker - TEDxRAPodarCollege 2019

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She is a Chartered Accountant having secured an AIR of 6, an avid trekker who has trekked to the Himalayan base camp, and hence, an expert at striking balances - be it work-life balance or a balance of the physical and mental strengths.

IITB Professor - Speaker, TEDxRAPodarCollege 2025

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Popularly known as the Solar Man of India, Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki—professor at IIT Bombay and founder of the Energy Swaraj Foundation—has dedicated his life to sustainability. Leading the Energy Swaraj Yatra, an 11-year journey in a solar-powered bus, he spreads awareness about solar energy and climate action across India. Globally recognized and holder of multiple patents, he embodies the urgency of environmental responsibility. At TEDxRAPodarCollege, his talk “The Most Urgent Choice? Living Finite on a Finite Earth” is a call to action. He highlights the pressing dilemma of sustaining life on a planet of limited resources, urging us to rethink consumption, redefine progress, and make conscious choices before our finite Earth can no longer support infinite ambitions.

Art Director- Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2024

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Synesthetic Teaching defies the constraints of perception. Synesthesia, a sensory phenomenon where stimulation in one sense prompts experiences in another, becomes a powerful tool in education. By interconnecting senses, Synesthetic Teaching elevates learning, fostering improved memory retention and comprehension. The central message we aim to convey in this discussion is that 'Synesthetic Teaching' presents an innovative approach to broaden our grasp of perception and elevate the educational journey.

Chess player, a student of R. A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics (Autonomous)​ - Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2023

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The idea of seeing beyond sight is presented in a new light via this talk by Mr. Aryan Joshi, an international chess player. Our brain is a wonderful creation. As we progress through time, the idea of senses and brain function has broadened to accommodate "perception". He co-relates the chessboard to our multifaceted mind and offers a refreshing take on the concept.

Luxury Lighting & Installation Designer - Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2022

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She is a luxury lighting and installation designer, with the superpower to turn luminous objects into creative wonders. If you are ever intrigued by the intricacies of the power of a setting, worry not because she will definitely shed some light on it!

One of the first female firefighters of the Mumbai division - Speaker TEDxRAPodarCollege 2021

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Putting out kitchen fires is easy, yet for a woman, putting out fires as a trained professional seems like a daunting idea to many. A talk that looks forward to explore more into exactly what is burning as an award-winning female firefighter in Mumbai, India!

Architect - Speaker - TEDxRAPodarCollege 2019​

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She is the Parent Founder - Trustee of the Forum for Autism and an architect focusing on Universal Design and Sustainability. She believes that inclusion is the philosophy of the future.