Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT) recently hosted the inaugural edition of TEDxKCT 2026, the first-ever TEDx event held on the campus.
The landmark event brought together eminent speakers, professionals, academicians, entrepreneurs, students and the public for a memorable day of ideas, innovation and inspiration.
Participants from various schools and colleges, along with the public, attended the event, making the first edition a vibrant gathering of learners, thinkers and changemakers.
The event featured powerful conversations on change, truth, resilience, discipline, nature and human connection in today’s rapidly evolving world. The first thematic block, “Seeing the World Differently,” explored chaos, patterns and self-awareness.
Arvind Sundararajan, a contemporary artist, delivered an engaging talk titled “When Math Meets Art,” explaining the connection between logic and creativity. His presentation was widely appreciated for making complex ideas simple, relatable and inspiring.
Nibha Namboodiri, conservationist and cultural practitioner, spoke on “Reclaiming Inner Boundaries in a Controlled World,” emphasising emotional well-being and self-awareness.
The second block, “Questioning Truth and Reality,” focused on information and perception. Stanly Johny, journalist and International Affairs Editor of The Hindu, presented “Viral Truths, Viral Lies,” stressing the need for critical thinking in an age of misinformation and digital overload.
The third segment, “Finding Anchor,” centred on discipline and clarity. Narthaki Nataraj, Bharatanatyam artist and Member, State Planning Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu, inspired the audience through “Finding Discipline in Chaos,” highlighting how consistency and inner strength help individuals navigate uncertain times.
In the afternoon, the event continued with “Responding to VUCA,” focusing on resilience and human connection. Sabari Venkat, disability rights advocate and speaker, spoke on “Resilience and the Demand for Change,” motivating participants to embrace transformation courageously.
Radhika Shapoorjee, mediator and conflict resolution specialist, addressed the audience with “The Trust Dividend: Repairing Connection in a VUCA World,” highlighting the value of trust and empathy in modern life.
The final session, “Beyond Human Systems,” featured Dr. Sanjay Molur, who delivered “Nature at the Edge,” offering insights into sustainability, biodiversity and lessons from nature.
The successful launch of TEDxKCT has established Kumaraguru College of Technology as a hub for global ideas and meaningful conversations, setting the stage for many more inspiring editions in the future.
