Raks Pallikkoodam Youth
x = independently organized TED event

Theme: Thrive with Purpose

April 5, 2025
8:30am - 4:30pm IST
(UTC +5.5hrs)
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
India
This event is sold out.
Ticketing policies vary by event.

Thrive with Purpose: This TEDx event is not a series of curated talks but an exploration of the powerful experience of well-being and meaning. Through inspiring stories and insightful perspectives, the speakers will uncover the tools and strategies to survive and thrive by connecting with what truly matters. The event tries to discover our purpose and ignite our passion in an ever-changing world.

Raks Pallikkoodam
Civil Aerodrome post
Near Codissia Ground
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641018
India
Event type:
Youth (What is this?)
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Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check event website for more information.

Amirtha Manchari

Student
Amirtha Manchari is a passionate writer, artist, public speaker, and activist who embraces diverse interests, from literature and science to business and culinary arts. Inspired by Sylvia Plath’s words, she seeks to experience and explore every facet of life. A strong advocate for feminism, she uses public speaking to voice her ideas with impact, striving to make the world a better place.

Amirtha Varshini S

Student
Amirtha Varshini is a passionate learner who excels in sports, dance, and music, with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry. She embraces new experiences through travel and cuisine, valuing growth beyond her comfort zone. Aspiring to be a successful businessperson and philanthropist, she is driven by excellence and a desire to make a positive impact.

Anitha Ranganathan

Soft Skills Trainer & Teacher
Ms Anitha is a dynamic soft skills trainer dedicated to bridging communication gaps for individuals across all age groups. With a passion for empowering others to find their authentic voice, she specializes in coaching children to develop self-confidence and assertive communication skills. An avid reader, Anitha brings a nuanced approach to her training, transforming communication challenges into opportunities for personal growth. Her methodology seamlessly integrates empathy, strategic insights, and a profound understanding of interpersonal dynamics, fostering meaningful connections and empowering individuals to thrive in both personal and professional spheres.

Anuja S Gandhi

Student
Anuja Gandhi is an A-level learner who is an aspiring lawyer with a passion for Kathak, music, and animal welfare. Having lived in multiple countries, she brings a global perspective and adaptability to every challenge. Known for her sharp wit and determined mindset, she excels in practical thinking and problem-solving while valuing meaningful connections and open communication.

Dr Keerthi Pai

Clinical Psychologist
Dr Keerthi Pai, a distinguished Clinical Psychologist, holds dual MPhil in Student Counselling (JBAS College) and Clinical Psychology (Kasturba Medical College, Manipal), along with a PhD from Madras University. She is a Consultant at Apollo Hospitals, a Mental Health Advisor at Apollo Shine Foundation, and a Partner at Element H Psychological Support Services. As Vice President (South Zone) of the Clinical Psychology Society of India and Joint Secretary of TNACP, she actively advances mental health awareness. Trained in Marine Psychology (Denmark), she assesses and supports seafarers across South East Asia. She specializes in grief therapy, Cluster B personality disorders, and gifted adolescents. A published researcher and columnist, her book Chocolate, Strawberry & Vanilla ranks among Amazon’s top five for teens. She curated Anbu Dhaney Ellam, a theatre play on Borderline Personality Disorder, and led a 600+ participant walkathon against sexual harassment in 2024.

Dr Mathew Cherian

Medical Doctor
Dr Mathew Cherian is a distinguished interventional radiologist with over 30 years of experience. As the Head of Radiology and Interventional Radiology at Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH) in Coimbatore, he has pioneered minimally invasive procedures, enhancing patient care in the region. Dr Cherian completed his MBBS from MKCG Medical College, Orissa, followed by an MD in Radiology from JIPMER, Pondicherry, and a postdoctoral course in Interventional Radiology at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute, Trivandrum. An active researcher, he has published extensively on topics like intracranial aneurysms and peripheral vascular diseases. Beyond his clinical work, Dr Cherian is dedicated to mentoring medical professionals across Southeast Asia, sharing his expertise to advance the field of interventional radiology. Dr Cherian's commitment to providing practical, accessible healthcare solutions continues to enhance patient care in Coimbatore and beyond.

Dr Pullela Gopichand

International Badminton Player & Coach
Dr Pullela Gopichand, a legendary international badminton player and coach, became the second Indian to win the prestigious All England Championship. A recipient of the IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), he has played a pivotal role in shaping Indian badminton. Honoured with the Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, Dronacharya, and Padma Bhushan, his contributions extend beyond the court. A mentor to Olympic champions, he is celebrated as an Iconic Sports Leader of the Decade and has received an honorary doctorate from IIT Kanpur. Gopichand’s inspiring journey from a young athlete to a transformative coach reflects resilience, leadership, and a growth mindset. As a sought-after motivational speaker, his insights on discipline, teamwork, and success resonate with aspiring leaders and change-makers worldwide.

Krithic Sriram R

Student
Krithic is an A-level learner who is a passionate sports enthusiast who thrives both on the field and as a spectator of the game. Beyond athletics, he expresses his creativity through drawing and finds inspiration in music. He values meaningful conversations, embracing deep connections through active listening and thoughtful dialogue.

Kunal B Shah

Student
Kunal is an A-level learner and dedicated athlete who thrives on endurance challenges, team competitions, and pushing personal limits. Beyond sports, he has a passion for filmmaking, storytelling, and innovation, always seeking new ways to bring ideas to life. With a growing interest in math, physics, and chemistry, he is driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world. A natural networker, Kunal believes in taking on tough challenges to grow and create new opportunities.

Navya Vikashni.G

Student
Navya is a dynamic learner with a passion for financial management, entrepreneurship, and public speaking. She thrives in debates, builds strong relationships, and understands stakeholder needs. Her confidence on stage reflects her ability to overcome challenges and present with poise.

Nivedha Kaushik

Nutritionist
Nivedha Kaushik, a dedicated nutritionist and Naturopathic Doctor (ND) certified in the UK, turned a childhood experience into a lifelong passion for mindful nutrition. A mother of two, she has over five years of experience guiding individuals toward sustainable health transformations. She specializes in effortless weight management and the nutritional care of conditions like PCOS, diabetes, cholesterol, and uric acid imbalances. With a science-backed approach, Nivedha empowers her clients to make lasting lifestyle changes, promoting overall well-being through practical, mindful nutrition strategies that go beyond diet trends.

Rahul Narayanan K

Student
Rahul Narayanan is an A-level learner with an open mind and a candid perspective, valuing authenticity and connection. Driven by an unquenchable thirst for excellence, he learns from the best in others while staying grounded in his values. Grateful for the people who shape him, he strives to build self-discipline and intrinsic motivation, embracing every challenge as a step toward growth.

Riswana Shiek Abdullah

Educator
Ms Riswana, Upper Secondary Science Educator and Head of Examinations, is passionate about inspiring scientific thinking and lifelong learning. With 13 years of experience, she encourages learners to question, analyze, and apply knowledge in real-world contexts. She holds a Master’s in Applied Chemistry, a certification in Food and Nutrition, a CIDTL Diploma, and a Bachelor's in Education. Dedicated to fostering science literacy, she goes beyond textbooks to spark curiosity and creativity. Her mission is to cultivate independent thinkers who connect learning with everyday life, ensuring they develop not just skills for today but a mindset for innovation and discovery.

Saadhvi Alapati

Student
Saadhvi is passionate about creative and intellectual pursuits, excelling in math, problem-solving, and writing. She enjoys baking, drawing, reading, and painting as outlets for her imagination. A confident public speaker and quick learner, she embraces challenges but finds socialising with new people difficult. Despite this, she strives to grow and step out of her comfort zone.

Tarun Jeevan Venkatesh

Student
Tarun Venkatesh, a Grade X learner, is passionate about basketball, public speaking, and debating. With a love for Carnatic music, he thrives on discipline, strategy, and creativity. Known for dynamic communication, he seeks growth through transformative conversations and aims to inspire change.

Vritika Rene Viswanathan

Published Author
Vritika Rene Viswanathan is a passionate scholar, published author, and accomplished athlete dedicated to exploring global politics, philosophy, and law. A law student at O.P. Jindal Global University, she blends legal expertise with a deep commitment to social impact. Her critically recognized book, Much More Than Love, intertwines her adoption journey with transactional analysis, offering unique psychological and sociological insights. Vritika has earned certifications from Yale, Leiden, and Lund University, focusing on international law, AI ethics, and human rights. A recognized leader, she presided over the UN Women’s Committee at IIMUN and has excelled in forensic science research and legal advocacy. Beyond academia, she is a state-ranked tennis player and dedicated humanitarian, championing grassroots initiatives. A dynamic speaker and thought leader, Vritika bridges law, governance, and literature, shaping conversations on justice, ethics, and global change.

Organizing team

Venunadhan Pillai
Bhaskaran pillai

Coimbatore, India
Organizer