Theme: Questions for the Future

The future is full of possibilities, yet also filled with unanswered questions. The path forward may be shaped by the questions we ask today. TEDxChennai Institute of Technology returns on January 24, 2025, to explore these Questions for the Future, offering a glimpse into the world of tomorrow. Join us for an inspiring experience that will ignite the next generation of leaders.

Visit our website : https://www.citchennai.edu.in/tedx/

Parthasarathy Auditorium
X2CV+Q5 Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600069
India

Aman Lamba

Global Director, Gigamon

Aman Lamba, a dynamic professional with 18 years of experience, has established himself as a Sales & Renewals Techno-commercial Lead and Partner/Customer Success Evangelist. His career encompasses managing global teams, optimizing operations, and enhancing partner and customer satisfaction through strategic planning and innovative problem-solving. With a strong foundation in network engineering and project management, Aman has seamlessly combined technical expertise with sales leadership to drive customer success initiatives through channel partners. Currently serving as the Global Director-Partner Success at Gigamon, Aman has forged impactful CXO relationships, improved retention rates, and fueled business growth. A TEDx speaker and former leader at Cisco, he is celebrated for championing customer-centric strategies and inspiring teams to deliver exceptional partner and customer experiences.

Bilal Shariff H

Senior Assistant Vice President, Wells Fargo

Bilal Shariff H, an MBA graduate and a dynamic professional at Wells Fargo, is recognized for his dedication to overcoming barriers that hinder individual and organizational growth. With expertise in strategic management, financial operations, and leadership, he has consistently delivered impactful solutions and driven innovation in his field. Bilal's passion for personal and professional development empowers him to tackle challenges with resilience, inspiring others to push boundaries and embrace progress. His unwavering commitment to excellence and transformative thinking establishes him as a standout leader in today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape.

Dakshin

Founder & Managing Partner, FounderX Venture Partners

Dakshin, an 18-year-old serial entrepreneur and founder of Bloomit and FounderX, began building startups at just 13 and achieved his first exit by the age of 15. With a global network of 500+ founders and 600+ investors, he is committed to empowering emerging founders through strategic ecosystem development, inclusive mentorship, and improved access to funding. Dakshin has partnered with 11+ renowned institutions to tackle critical challenges such as funding disparities, limited infrastructure, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Inspired by global ecosystems like Silicon Valley and Station F, he envisions creating sustainable frameworks that drive innovation, equitable growth, and transformative change in India’s entrepreneurial landscape, setting a benchmark for emerging economies worldwide.

David Samuvel Sibi H

Student, Chennai Institute of technology

David Samuvel Sibi H, a cybersecurity student from the Class of 2027 at Chennai Institute of Technology, is celebrated for his versatility and leadership. A native of Kodaikanal, he excelled as the President of the Interact Rotary Club during his school years and was crowned the 2023 Kodaikanal Chess Champion in the open school category. Additionally, he achieved a state-level rank in the Computer Olympiad. At Chennai Institute of Technology, David has taken on prominent roles, hosting major events such as the inauguration of KUKA, CIT Connects, the Catapult Program, and the college induction program. As the Editor-in-Chief of CIT Connects, the college’s official magazine, he has shaped its creative vision for the past year. Beyond his editorial leadership, David has organized numerous events and showcased his exceptional communication skills by interviewing the Minister of State for Education, reflecting his dedication and multifaceted talent.

Dr. Santosh Karthikeyan Viswanathan

Global Technical Director, Clinical Data & Insights, AstraZeneca

Dr. Santosh Karthikeyan Viswanathan is a distinguished Data and AI Leader with extensive global expertise in IT and clinical operations. He has successfully led large-scale data teams, established capability hubs, and developed AI-driven solutions that enhance efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce costs. As a global ambassador for AstraZeneca, Dr. Santosh champions ethical AI practices while advocating for sustainability and environmental protection. A mentor, author, and technology advisor, he inspires young talent and helps organizations harness the transformative potential of data and AI. A TEDx speaker, LinkedIn Top AI Voice, world record holder in Data & Analytics, and ACDM APAC Chair, Dr. Santosh continues to drive innovation and purpose, advancing healthcare and shaping the future of industries beyond it.

Janis Rebekah V

Student, Chennai Institute Of Technology

A second-year college student, Janis is exploring life as if it’s her first time, discovering a world far more expansive than she once imagined. With a curious spirit, she embraces the unknown, finding meaning in both life’s triumphs and challenges. Like an artist with a blank canvas, Janis is creating her own story, where each brushstroke—bold or uncertain—contributes to her growth. She is learning to truly live, not just survive, and strives to inspire others to do the same. Janis encourages people to break free from limitations, embrace life fully, and uncover the meaning in their own unique journeys.

Kanishka Bharathi

Student, Chennai Institute of technology

Kanishka Bharathi is a third-year Information Technology student at Chennai Institute of Technology with a passion for problem-solving and business innovation. Her internship at the prestigious IITM Research Park and victory in the national-level business hackathon Bizence 2024 have fueled her aspirations to excel in management and entrepreneurship. Currently, she is preparing for the CAT exam to take her career to the next level. A literature enthusiast, Kanishka honed her writing skills as a content writer for EssentiallySports. On campus, she actively contributes to social causes as the content lead for Yuvenza, a youth empowerment club. Her exceptional public speaking skills earned her recognition as a regional finalist in the 2024 ICT Youth Talkathon. Kanishka is on an inspiring journey to expand her horizons and push her limits in the ever-evolving world of business management.

Krithivasan S

Talent Building Block Advisor

Krithivasan is an enthusiastic professional with over 17 years of experience across diverse HR roles, currently leading at Virtusa. He has managed Global University Strategy and relationships, salary benchmarking, and Learning & Development, including a stint in the US that enriched his expertise across various domains. Notably, he reduced attrition to 8.7%, expanded the team by 25% at Pickyourtrail, and set up a new office in Srinagar. These achievements have opened multiple opportunities, including being a two-time TEDx speaker, where he shared valuable insights with audiences. Krithivasan also created the People Premier League HR competition and collaborated with startups on innovative talent strategies.

Nishitha Raghunathan

Student, Chennai Institute of technology

Nishitha Raghunathan, a second-year Biomedical Engineering student at Chennai Institute of Technology, seamlessly combines academic excellence with creative leadership. A consistent school topper and former School Sports Captain, she excelled in academics and leadership, captivating audiences with solo orations during her school years. Passionate about bridging technology and healthcare, Nishitha has contributed to impactful projects, including AI-driven healthcare solutions and automated diagnostic tools. Her communication skills shine as an emcee for major college events like Innovest and Takshashila. She has also made her mark as the winner of the ICT Academy Youth Talk 2024 and as a finalist speaker at the Youth Leadership Summit 2024. Whether delving into cutting-edge research or commanding the stage, Nishitha is driven by a commitment to making a meaningful difference. With her journey just beginning, she is undoubtedly a rising star to watch.

Nithya Subramanian

Head of Data & Analytics AMEA, Kellanova (Kellog's)

Nithya Subramanian is a seasoned expert in Data & Analytics with over two decades of industry experience. She is proficient in Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Data Governance, and more. Her strategic execution of impactful plans has contributed to building scalable and sustainable AI solutions, earning her trust and recognition in the industry. Driven by curiosity, she continuously gains insights and knowledge that pave new pathways for growth. Her leadership skills have opened opportunities across diverse fields, enriching her professional and social profile among industrialists and businessmen. She shares her expertise through conferences such as Nasscom, IACC, and CII, offering intellectual guidance to young professionals. An enthusiastic person who never doubted her path, believed in her instincts, and invested in her interests.

Rathinavel Rajan S

Regional HR Head, Ball Corporation

Dr. Rathinavel Rajan S is an accomplished HR leader with over 25 years of expertise in Human Resource Management and Employee Relations. As the Regional HR Head for Asia and the Mediterranean at Ball Corporation, he is celebrated for driving workplace excellence and implementing innovative HR strategies. Dr. Rajan holds a Master’s in Labour Management, a Bachelor of Law, and a Ph.D. in Management, reflecting his profound knowledge and expertise. Beyond his corporate contributions, he serves as the Chairman of the HR Expert Committee of SICCI, making significant strides in advancing HR practices. He is also the author of Managing Turns in Life, a book offering profound insights into navigating life's challenges with purpose and resilience. A visionary thought leader and mentor, Dr. Rajan continues to inspire individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential.

Sam Alex

Group Product Manager, UST

Sam Alex, renowned for transforming ideas into impactful products, is a seasoned Group Product Manager at UST with over 15 years of expertise in product management, strategy, and leadership. Based in Chennai, he specializes in Product Lifecycle Management, Product Vision, and developing scalable software solutions. Sam has held key leadership roles at UST and CML Media Softwares Pvt Ltd, where he was instrumental in delivering innovative products and fostering team excellence. A passionate speaker and mentor, he actively shares his expertise on product management, leadership, and innovation at various events, inspiring the next generation of professionals to excel in their careers.

Shammy Narayanan

Chief Solution Architect, Welldoc

Shammy Narayanan, a Chief Solution Architect and Founder of Celebrating Life, brings over 23 years of experience in the IT industry, managing 500 customers across four continents. As an account manager, he successfully handled over $25M in accounts spanning the US, Australia, and Asia. Through Celebrating Life, Shammy is dedicated to supporting underprivileged girls in completing their schooling, and creating meaningful societal impact. He has built strong digital and architectural capabilities, driving revenue growth and fostering collaborative innovation. Shammy is an expert in account penetration strategies, consistently scaling accounts from under $1M to $5M through upselling and cross-selling solutions, including Quality Engineering, Data Engineering, Data Governance, and more. His visionary leadership continues to deliver transformative results in both the corporate and social spheres.

Sheela Unnikrishnan

Sridevi Nrithyalaya, Founder

Sheela Unnikrishnan, the founder of Sridevi Nrithyalaya, is a dedicated and passionate Acharya of Bharatanatyam. Learning Bharatanatyam under her guidance is an experience of pure bliss, where elegance graces every step, tradition shines in every move, and rhythm seamlessly blends with culture. Her students have been honored with the prestigious 'Balshree' award, a testament to her excellence as a mentor. Sheela mastered the Melattur style of Bharatanatyam under the tutelage of Railway Sri Sundaram, a direct disciple of Mangudi Sri Dorairaja Iyer. Her scholarly pursuits led her to complete research on "Dance Aspects in Sitrilakkiyam," earning her a Doctorate from Tamizha University in Thanjavur. An energetic performer and exceptional teacher, she continually creates outstanding choreography, inspiring her students and audiences with her unparalleled dedication to the art form.

Srinivaasan Gopalakrishnan

Student, Chennai Institute of technology

Srinivaasan Gopalakrishnan, a freshman pursuing Mechanical Engineering at Chennai Institute of Technology, is passionate about merging technology and creativity to address real-world challenges. Driven by a deep curiosity for innovation and problem-solving, he aspires to make meaningful contributions to society through his engineering pursuits and beyond. A dedicated learner, Srinivaasan constantly seeks opportunities to grow both academically and personally. As a natural storyteller and writer, he believes in the power of ideas to inspire and drive positive change. Whether crafting compelling narratives or envisioning impactful solutions, he is committed to leaving a lasting mark. With a vision to combine technical expertise with creative thinking, Srinivaasan aims to build a sustainable future where his innovations contribute to a better world, inspiring others to dream big and make a difference along the way.

Tamizhazhagan SK

Student, Chennai Institute of technology

Tamizhazhgan, a pre-final year student at Chennai Institute of Technology, is a dynamic individual with exceptional leadership and organizational skills. As the Secretary of the Youth Club, he fosters collaboration and unity among students, driving impactful initiatives. A skilled event host, he has organized major events like symposiums and student induction programs, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences. On the technical front, Tamizhazhgan has proven his expertise by winning a ₹10,000 cash prize in a web development challenge organized by OpenWeaver. An aspiring AI enthusiast, proficient front-end developer, and graphic designer, he consistently enhances his skills to thrive in the tech landscape. Beyond academics, he exemplifies social responsibility through regular visits to orphanages, supporting underprivileged communities. A talented freelance artist specializing in portraits and sketches, he channels his creativity while embracing opportunities to grow.