TedxDepartmentofCommerce 2026

Last year’s TEDx at our college was more than just an event—it was an experience that stayed with me long after it ended. I remember sitting in the audience, listening to speakers like Rubika Liyaqat, Rabia Singh, Abhinav, Gaurav Ghai, and Sadhika Sehgal. Each brought a different perspective, and for a few hours, the auditorium became a space where ideas were not just spoken, but felt. That was when I truly understood how powerful ideas can be.

Since then, I had been waiting for the next TEDx. But this time was different. As an MBA Business Analytics student and now a senior, my perspective had evolved. I wasn’t just excited as an attendee—I was curious about the effort, planning, and vision behind such an event.

When the TEDxDOC 2026 lineup was announced, the excitement returned, stronger than before. Names like Sandeep Singh, along with speakers from journalism, defence, business, aviation, and social impact, promised a richer experience. It felt like this year was not just about continuing a legacy, but elevating it.

The day of the event carried a distinct energy. As I entered the Sri Sathya Sai Auditorium, it didn’t feel like just another college venue. Conversations were focused, people were sharply dressed, and there was a shared anticipation. Groups discussed speakers, some revisiting what they knew, others simply curious.

For me, the experience felt layered. Last year, I was just an eager listener. This year, I observed more—the organizing team, the coordination, the silent effort behind the scenes. It added a new dimension and deepened my appreciation.

As the lights dimmed and conversations faded, there was a collective shift—from noise to focus. It felt symbolic. And in that moment, it was clear: this would not just be a series of talks, but a journey through different lives and perspectives.

Sumit Awasthi was not just another speaker for me. I had grown up hearing his voice through my father’s news habits. Over time, I noticed his clarity and authority. Once, while moderating a class discussion, my teacher compared me to him—a moment that stayed with me.

Seeing him on stage felt personal. What stood out was his calm composure. He didn’t dominate the room, yet held attention effortlessly. His talk felt like a conversation, not a speech.

The biggest takeaway was simple: real impact doesn’t come from being loud, but from being clear, consistent, and authentic.

Major LS Chaudhary’s session felt deeply personal. Before my MBA, I was a defence aspirant, inspired by stories of officers and their resilience. Listening to him felt like reconnecting with that phase of my life.

He spoke about his journey—from high-risk operations in the Rashtriya Rifles to clearing UPSC and transitioning into a corporate role as a data analyst. What stood out was not just the journey, but the mindset behind it.

He connected battlefield lessons to everyday life—discipline as internal, resilience as a skill, leadership as mindset. His story reinforced that while paths may change, values remain constant.

Nikhil Chandwani was someone I approached with curiosity and slight skepticism. I had seen his work online, but hadn’t fully understood its depth. However, as he spoke, that perception changed.

He shared how he helped over 9,000 persecuted families rebuild their lives. What I had earlier seen as content became real human impact. His words carried weight because they came from lived experience.

He framed his work not as charity, but as responsibility. The key takeaway was clear: meaningful change often requires stepping into uncomfortable spaces and challenging perceptions.

Vikram Rai’s session stood out even before it began. As CEO of GE Aerospace South Asia, his presence carried weight. For me, it was an opportunity to understand leadership at scale.

What impressed me was his simplicity. Despite his background, he avoided jargon and focused on decisions, turning points, and lessons. He spoke about leading teams, handling uncertainty, and making high-stakes decisions with clarity.

His talk brought management concepts to life. Strategy, execution, and leadership were no longer theoretical—they were real. The biggest takeaway: leadership is defined not by position, but by the quality of decisions and responsibility.

Sandeep Singh’s presence was powerful even before he spoke. Known for his remarkable comeback story, he carried an aura of quiet strength.

He spoke about the accident that could have ended his career and the phase where even walking seemed uncertain. What made his story impactful was his mindset—no dramatization, just discipline and belief.

His journey from that moment to leading the Indian hockey team was a testament to resilience. The biggest takeaway was simple: your worst moment does not define your future—your response does.

Dipak Sanghvi’s session felt unexpectedly personal. I had once watched a podcast about his journey building Nilon’s, and seeing him live created a connection.

His approach was refreshingly simple. He spoke about scaling a business through structured thinking, consistent effort, and disciplined decision-making. There was no complexity—just clarity.

The key insight was that long-term success is rarely about breakthroughs; it is built steadily over time.

Captain Zoya brought a different energy—warm, relatable, and inspiring. Despite her achievements as a Boeing 777 commander, her storytelling felt personal. One memorable moment was when a confident young girl spoke on stage—later revealed to be her daughter. That moment reflected not just professional success, but personal impact.

She spoke about breaking barriers and believing in oneself. Her journey highlighted persistence in a field with limited representation. The takeaway: true success lies not just in achievements, but in the confidence you inspire in others.

Chittaranjan Tripathy’s presence was memorable beyond his talk. I had the opportunity to be part of the team that invited him, making the experience even more meaningful.

Despite his stature, he was incredibly humble. On the day of the event, he interacted casually, even stepping out for tea with us. His simplicity and openness stood out.

His thoughts on theatre, especially its roots in the Natya Shastra, added depth. The biggest takeaway: true mastery comes with humility and a willingness to keep learning.

There were also smaller, unexpected interactions that added value. Meeting Tvishaa Tuli backstage was one such moment. Despite her strong online presence, she was grounded and approachable.

Our conversation about content creation and personal branding felt natural. It reminded me that behind every digital identity is a real journey. The key takeaway was that learning at such events isn’t limited to the stage—sometimes, the most valuable insights come from unplanned conversations.

As the event concluded, there was a natural sense of reflection. It didn’t feel like the end of a college event, but the conclusion of a journey through diverse perspectives.

Each speaker came from a different domain—journalism, defence, business, sports, aviation, and art—yet there was a common thread. Every story spoke of growth through contrast, challenges, and clarity.

For me, this TEDxDOC was not just about listening to successful individuals. It was about connecting their journeys to my own. It made me reflect on where I stand and where I want to go.

The biggest learning was clear: ideas have the power to shape individuals—and when individuals evolve, real impact begins.