Dec 24:- Symbiosis Ishanya Bhavan became a space where young voices were not coached to impress but encouraged to think. The TED-Ed Student Talks December 2025 Edition, guided by VSPEAK Institute, unfolded as a quiet yet powerful reminder that the future does not shout it reflects, questions, and speaks with intention.
More than a student event, the programme stood as an example of what happens when education prioritises expression as a life skill rather than an extracurricular activity.
From Ideas to Insight: The TED-Ed Approach
The TED-Ed Student Talks programme follows a 13-module experiential journey for students aged 8 to 18. Instead of beginning with stage presence or delivery techniques, students start with curiosity.
They explore questions drawn from personal experiences, social observations, and emotional understanding. Through research, writing, peer feedback, and mentoring, these ideas evolve into talks that are thoughtful rather than rehearsed.
At Symbiosis Ishanya Bhavan, this process was evident. The stage felt calm, the audience attentive, and the ideas sincere. Students spoke to be understood not applauded.
A Two-Half Format That Honoured Every Voice
The December 2025 edition was presented across two halves, allowing space for depth and reflection. This structure avoided overload and ensured that each idea received the attention it deserved.
The result was an environment defined by listening rather than performance where silence carried as much weight as words.
First Half: Values, Wellbeing, and Conscious Growth
The first half of the event was led by Chief Guest Mrs. Nanditha Chauhan, model, speaker, and nutritionist, crowned Mrs. Maharashtra 2024 and First Runner-Up, Mrs. India 2025. Her journey of discipline, balance, and self-growth resonated strongly with the student speakers, reinforcing the importance of wellbeing alongside ambition.
She was joined by Guests of Honour Ms. Venicia Reneesh, Dr. Pratik Mungekar, Dr. Selvakumari Sankaranarayanan, and Ms. Desiree Dhami, whose presence reflected the values of holistic education, creativity, leadership, and global perspective.
Second Half: Resilience in Real Time
The second half featured Chief Guest Ms. Prisha Tapre, whose journey embodied courage and consistency.
At just 16 years old, she completed a solo swim across the English Channel in 11 hours and 48 minutes an achievement shaped by years of training, mental strength, and belief. Beyond the physical milestone, she used her success to support child nutrition initiatives, reminding students that achievement gains meaning when it serves a larger purpose.
Her story left a lasting impression, especially on young girls in the audience, as a reminder that preparation and patience build extraordinary outcomes.
The Students Who Carried the Conversation
At the heart of the event were 27 student speakers, each bringing a unique perspective to the stage:
- Aarav Shah – Why Failure Is the First Step to Growth
- Ananya Kulkarni – The Power of Listening in a Noisy World
- Rohan Deshpande – Redefining Success Beyond Marks and Medals
- Siya Mehta – Social Media: Connection or Comparison?
- Advait Joshi – Curiosity as the Engine of Learning
- Kavya Nair – Emotional Intelligence: A Life Skill
- Reyansh Patil – Small Habits That Shape Big Futures
- Isha Malhotra – Self-Worth in the Age of Validation
- Arjun Kulkarni – Technology with Responsibility
- Nandini Rao – The Courage to Be Yourself
- Vedant Gokhale – Discipline Over Motivation
- Aditi Banerjee – Mental Health Is Not a Taboo
- Mihir Kulkarni – Financial Awareness Starts Early
- Tanvi Deshpande – Kindness as a Leadership Strength
- Kunal Sharma – Learning Beyond Textbooks
- Riya Shetty – Confidence Is Built, Not Born
- Yash Agrawal – Decision-Making in Everyday Life
- Pihu Jain – The Impact of Words on Young Minds
- Omkar Bhosale – Resilience Through Change
- Shreya Sengupta – Why Empathy Matters More Than Ever
- Atharva Kulkarni – Purpose Over Pressure
- Meher Kapadia – Creativity as a Problem-Solving Tool
- Sarthak Mishra – Facing Fear with Preparation
- Diya Iyer – Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing
- Pranav Kulkarni – Responsibility as Young Citizens
- Alisha Fernandes – Finding Your Voice Early in Life
- Siddharth Chavan – Hope as a Conscious Choice
Together, these talks explored mental health, empathy, leadership, financial literacy, technology, identity, and resilience revealing a generation both aware and articulate.
The Mentors and Institutions Behind the Stage
Committed mentors and institutions shaped the programme.
Mr. Virendra Nirmalkar, TED-Ed Mentor and Founder of VSPEAK Institute, guided students with a focus on clarity, authenticity, and responsibility.
Ms. Puja Talesara Bhandari, Founder of Leadership Demystified, introduced conscious leadership principles rooted in Swabhava honouring individual strengths.
Ms. Ira Ghosh, Director of Research and Learning and Primary School Principal at Victorious Kidss Educares, reinforced the importance of safe, non-judgemental spaces for expression.
Support from Victorious Kidss Educares, RHYTHM Music Academy, Design Mediaa, and Stay Featured ensured a well-rounded TED-Ed experience.
Why This Moment Matters
The TED-Ed Student Talks December 2025 Edition did not attempt to define the future. It allowed it to speak calmly, clearly, and with intent.
At Symbiosis Ishanya Bhavan, students were not evaluated or ranked. They were heard.
And sometimes, that is where Real education goes beyond textbooks; it’s about developing critical thinking, practical skills, and character. Focus on inspiring curiosity and lifelong learning begins.