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FAILFORWARD

Presented byTEDxYouth@CHIREC
2nd August, 2025CHIREC International School, Serilingampally

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDx[name], where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDx[name] event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
4
Years of Innovation
400+
Attendees Inspired
30+
Speakers Elevated
4
Transformative
Events
10000+
Views Reached

Guest Speakers

Shantha Sinha, former Chair of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (2007–2013) and Founder Secretary Trustee of MV Foundation (1981–2007), removed over one million children from work and mainstreamed them into schools across India, pioneering bridge courses for older children. She served as Professor of Political Science at the University of Hyderabad and received the Padma Shri (1998), Albert Shanker International Educational Award (1998), and Ramon Magsaysay Award (2003). Her work across states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Telangana revealed that all out-of-school children are child labourers and that poverty is not the root cause, challenging many entrenched myths.
Shantha Sinha, former Chair of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (2007–2013) and Founder Secretary Trustee of MV Foundation (1981–2007), removed over one million children from work and mainstreamed them into schools across India, pioneering bridge courses for older children. She served as Professor of Political Science at the University of Hyderabad and received the Padma Shri (1998), Albert Shanker International Educational Award (1998), and Ramon Magsaysay Award (2003). Her work across states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Telangana revealed that all out-of-school children are child labourers and that poverty is not the root cause, challenging many entrenched myths.
Sai, born with over 60% physical disability, overcame repeated rejections to excel as a gold medalist from CBIT, earn an MS in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin, and an MBA from ISB. Now a Deloitte consultant, he became the first Asian with a disability to set foot on Antarctica and the first physically challenged Indian to skydive from 14,000 ft, also featuring on Satyamev Jayate. A recipient of the Helen Keller Role Model Award and ISB Torch Bearer Award, Sai co-founded Sahasra, impacting 15,000+ students, and has worked to promote employment for the physically challenged in India.
Sai, born with over 60% physical disability, overcame repeated rejections to excel as a gold medalist from CBIT, earn an MS in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin, and an MBA from ISB. Now a Deloitte consultant, he became the first Asian with a disability to set foot on Antarctica and the first physically challenged Indian to skydive from 14,000 ft, also featuring on Satyamev Jayate. A recipient of the Helen Keller Role Model Award and ISB Torch Bearer Award, Sai co-founded Sahasra, impacting 15,000+ students, and has worked to promote employment for the physically challenged in India.

Student Speakers

Akhilesh Palakodeti is a Y2 IBDP student at CHIREC International School where he studies Math, Physics, and Economics. He is deeply passionate about history, politics and sociology. He is an avid reader of the Economist magazine, who enjoys high-tension discussions and varying perspectives. Akhilesh represented India as a member of the Indian Debate Squad in 2023 and is the winner and best novice speaker of the International Competition for Young Debaters hosted by the Cambridge Union. He thrives on critical questions, late-night discussions, and mildly alarming amounts of coffee.
Akhilesh Palakodeti is a Y2 IBDP student at CHIREC International School where he studies Math, Physics, and Economics. He is deeply passionate about history, politics and sociology. He is an avid reader of the Economist magazine, who enjoys high-tension discussions and varying perspectives. Akhilesh represented India as a member of the Indian Debate Squad in 2023 and is the winner and best novice speaker of the International Competition for Young Debaters hosted by the Cambridge Union. He thrives on critical questions, late-night discussions, and mildly alarming amounts of coffee.
Rikith is a 12th grade CBSE student hoping to pursue economics and finance. When he’s not at an MUN strengthening his articulation skills and love for policy you’ll probably find him appealing to the umpire for a lbw that’s clearly not out! His friends call him an enthusiastic yapper- someone who can go on and on, about absolutely nothing. As a frequent baker he’s always trying to master intricate dishes which are bound to go south. His brownies are a school favourite! He is ecstatic to be part of the TedX team as a speaker and can’t wait till the day of the event!
Rikith is a 12th grade CBSE student hoping to pursue economics and finance. When he’s not at an MUN strengthening his articulation skills and love for policy you’ll probably find him appealing to the umpire for a lbw that’s clearly not out! His friends call him an enthusiastic yapper- someone who can go on and on, about absolutely nothing. As a frequent baker he’s always trying to master intricate dishes which are bound to go south. His brownies are a school favourite! He is ecstatic to be part of the TedX team as a speaker and can’t wait till the day of the event!
Manya is a Grade 12 IBDP student at CHIREC. She started Project SignVerse to raise awareness about Indian Sign Language through interactive, empathy-driven sessions. Later, as part of ISB’s I-Venture program, she pitched AccessAbility — an AI-based idea to make sign language more accessible in everyday spaces. Outside of that, she’s usually painting, journaling, or learning Mandarin and Korean — with more languages definitely on the way. Her TEDx talk explores how silence, failure, and connection intertwine — and the quiet lessons they leave behind.
Manya is a Grade 12 IBDP student at CHIREC. She started Project SignVerse to raise awareness about Indian Sign Language through interactive, empathy-driven sessions. Later, as part of ISB’s I-Venture program, she pitched AccessAbility — an AI-based idea to make sign language more accessible in everyday spaces. Outside of that, she’s usually painting, journaling, or learning Mandarin and Korean — with more languages definitely on the way. Her TEDx talk explores how silence, failure, and connection intertwine — and the quiet lessons they leave behind.
Thrinay is a driven student passionate about creating impact through leadership and innovation. As former school president and founder of CAS Connect, a platform linking Hyderabad’s youth and corporate organizations with NGOs, he blends tech with social good. His work with NGOs and victories at various business summits reflect his commitment to civic engagement and creative communication. A top scorer in Economics, Thrinay is also an avid Formula One fan, listener, and fast learner. In his talk, he explores failure: not as defeat, but as a chance to grow. He believes our response to failure shapes who we are more than the failure itself.
Thrinay is a driven student passionate about creating impact through leadership and innovation. As former school president and founder of CAS Connect, a platform linking Hyderabad’s youth and corporate organizations with NGOs, he blends tech with social good. His work with NGOs and victories at various business summits reflect his commitment to civic engagement and creative communication. A top scorer in Economics, Thrinay is also an avid Formula One fan, listener, and fast learner. In his talk, he explores failure: not as defeat, but as a chance to grow. He believes our response to failure shapes who we are more than the failure itself.