The Orbis School Transforms TEDx into a Powerful Real-World Experience for Students

In today’s rapidly evolving world, academic excellence alone is no longer enough to prepare students for the future. Platforms that encourage critical thinking, self-expression, and leadership play a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals. Among such platforms, TEDx has emerged as one of the most influential global forums for young minds to engage with ideas that inspire change.

Unlike conventional competitions, TEDx is not about rankings or trophies. Rooted in the philosophy of “ideas worth spreading,” it encourages participants and audiences alike to explore perspectives, question assumptions, and articulate thoughts with clarity and confidence. For students, exposure to such platforms at a formative age helps build curiosity, courage, and a strong sense of self-belief.

TEDx offers learning that extends far beyond the classroom. Whether students are speakers or audience members, they gain invaluable communication skills by observing and engaging with powerful storytelling and well-structured ideas. The experience nurtures confidence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect meaningfully with others. Additionally, TEDx talks expose students to diverse viewpoints on topics such as climate change, technology, mental health, and social issues, sharpening their critical thinking and analytical abilities.

Another key benefit is global exposure. TEDx introduces students to ideas and lived experiences from across cultures and disciplines, broadening their worldview and helping them understand the interconnected nature of modern challenges. Such exposure inspires aspiration and social responsibility, encouraging students to think beyond themselves and contribute positively to society.

Reflecting these values, The Orbis School, Keshav Nagar, hosted TEDxOrbis School Youth on Saturday, 20th December 2025, under the theme “A Quiet Revolution.” The event focused on thought-provoking topics such as Minimising Modern Noise, Lateral vs Vertical Thinking, Gen Z Activism, War and Climate, and Breaking Free from Social Media Perfection.

Bright young speakers from various schools across Pune shared original ideas with confidence and maturity. Students from The Orbis School, Keshav Nagar and Mundhwa, along with participants from The Orchid School, Knowledge Habitat, and MIT WPU, contributed to an engaging exchange of perspectives.

Through initiatives like TEDxOrbis School Youth, The Orbis School continues to reinforce its commitment to holistic education—where academic learning is complemented by platforms that prepare students for life beyond examinations, nurturing confident thinkers ready to engage with the world.

Student teams from classes 8 and above led the event organisation.

The school’s student IT team comprising Ayush Sao, Sumedh Mathkar, Shaurya Telang and Avadhoot Patne under the tutelage of the HOD Ms. Veronica Dorairaj, built the digital presence of the TEDx event along with the social media team led by Mr. Karan Ghare. Every detail—from the layout to the content—reflected quality and care. Mr. Ghare also managed the logistics and vendors.

The ideation and creation of the TEDx logo by the students Akanksha Dasgupta and Sofiya Tamboli was no small feat. The countless iterations, the design thinking, the creativity and the guidance of teacher Ms. Trina Bhattacharya resulted in a logo that perfectly encapsulated the theme and the school’s spirit.

Teacher incharges of auditions and mentoring Ms. Anjali Srivastava, Ms. Pushpa Bhat, Ms. Sukhjeet Kaur, Ms. Disha Chauhan, Ms. Olivia Mamani and Ms. Farheen Shaikh dedicated hours to watching, evaluating, and providing the patient guidance, the constructive critiques, and the unwavering belief in the young speakers to identify authentic and novel ideas.

Student comperes Jitansh Jaiswal, Rudrani, Pakhi, and Chaitanya skillfully anchored the TEDx Orbis School event, ensuring seamless flow and keeping the audience and speakers connected.

The artistic elements that made the event more than just a series of talks- the dance recital by students Vaibhavi Kulkarni, Sahasra Madeshi and Ruchi, the choir and the instrumentalists Gayathri N , Shaneet Bhattacharya, Kshitij Agarwal, Varadh Puranik, Anand Maurya,  Yashashvi Jain, Krishay Nanavati, Akanksha Dasgupta, Vedant Shinde, Garv Gupta, Swara Kanade, Krisha Mehta, Durva S  and Manvi and the zumba performances truly made the ideas felt under the expert guidance of the teacher incharges Ms. Nidhi Dhume, Ms. Disha Chauhan and Ms. Trina Bhattacharya.

While Ms. Jyothi Pillay and Ms. Meenakshi Mukhi managed the student duties (NCC student volunteers- CDT Himanshi Vitankar , CDT Aarohi Narang, LFC Aarush Chhabria, LFC  Arya Mahajan,  CDT Sachi Bisanal, CDT Harshvardhan Shinde,  Irra Nandkarni,  Dayananda, Gargi Tanpure  and Shrutika)  ,layout and seating arrangements, Ms. Neha Gupte and Ms. Sonika Babbar coordinated for the seamless coordination of the event.

The event ideation, planning, logistics and execution was led by the Vice Principal Ms. Sheena Sethi.

The Planning Team reflected:

“Organizing TEDxOrbis School was both challenging and deeply rewarding. From securing the license to coaching speakers and coordinating every detail, the team worked tirelessly to create an authentic TEDx experience. The real reward came in watching our young students discover their potential as thought leaders and communicators. This is just the beginning of amplifying student voices at Orbis.”

Ms. Veronica stated, “Reflecting on our latest TEDx I am struck by how a Quiet Revolution is taking shape through the silent strength of young people who choose knowledge and balance over despair”.

Ms. Anjali Srivastava and Ms. Pushpa Bhat shared, “The joy of creating this event was immeasurable. To hear and watch the student speakers was a feast. The perceptions of these young minds, their words and confidence on stage clearly stated that they tread on the path of exploration and growth. Many hands worked to make TEDxOrbis School 2026 a success, adding to each one’s experience and growth”.

Audience & Parent Feedback:

Ms. Poonam Sahoo, an audience member, remarked, “Every moment was captivating. All the young speakers were outstanding and their confidence level was remarkable. Great efforts by the organising team—TEDx Orbis has surely brought out the best in these young speakers.”

Ms. Neelam Sanghvi, parent of speaker Arham Sanghavi, shared that the opportunity built her child’s curiosity, confidence, and interest in learning new things.

Student Speaker Reflections:

Nidhi Shinde felt TEDx gave her an amazing opportunity to connect with others.

Arham Sanghvi enjoyed learning from different speakers’ ideas and life experiences, understanding how sharing thoughts can inspire and influence others.

Josh Sahasrabuddhe shared that while excited and nervous for his first time on such a big platform, the TEDx Salon beforehand gave him confidence. He found the Orbis team very supportive and enjoyed every minute.

Divyansh Bohra : “The TEDx event was truly a brilliant place for sharing ideas. I consider myself blessed to have this stage.”

Reya Sahu : “The event gave me excellent exposure on a high-level platform. It has really lifted my confidence in public speaking. I thank my school and teachers for mentoring me through this journey.”

India Panicker: “The TEDx stage was a proud and defining moment for me. It challenged me to think deeply and express myself clearly. It was on my vision board and the journey through the varied versions of the Quiet Revolution alongside the other speakers was thought provoking.”

Sreedevi: “ The idea of Lateral vs Vertical thinking struck a chord for me and resonated deeply with my struggles as a student with logic and creativity. As a Speaker I realised that both were equally important and a balance is what I need to seek. Thank you TEDxOrbis School.

Vedang Paatil : “The experience was genuinely the best for expressing our ideas about topics that define the modern world—glad to be part of this change!”