Shillong, Sept, 13: The IIM Shillong has a long-standing tradition of organizing TED talks that have consistently inspired and transformed the minds of its students.
In 2014, a remarkable achievement by an IIM Shillong student saw them secure a scholarship to attend the prestigious TEDGlobal Conference in Rio, Brazil, setting the stage for the institution’s continued engagement with TED.
IIM Shillong hosted TEDx, a platform where the power of ideas met the enthusiasm of young, brilliant minds. This year’s event, held on 12th September 2025 under the theme “Beyond the Known,” delved into the captivating exploration of stepping outside conventional boundaries, embracing uncharted possibilities, and redefining human potential.
TEDxIIMShillong 2025 extended an open invitation to attendees to venture beyond the familiar, discover unexplored perspectives, and witness the profound influence of courage, creativity, and resilience in shaping the future. The event featured a stellar lineup of speakers from diverse fields, each a master in their own domain.
The distinguished speakers at TEDxIIMShillong 2025 included:
Brigadier Narendra Chaarag: A gallantry awardee and Brigadier in the Indian Army who overcame a life-altering accident. He has commanded elite units, led the 3,600 km NCC Cyclothon, and trained thousands, embodying resilience, leadership, and academic excellence.
Uma Sudhir: Executive Editor at NDTV, known for fearless journalism. With nearly three decades of reporting on social change, crises, and the environment, she is a recipient of the Ramnath Goenka and Chameli Devi Jain Awards, and a symbol of courage and impactful storytelling.
Deepak Vohra: Former Indian Ambassador to Armenia, Sudan, and Poland, and Special Advisor to African Prime Ministers. A career diplomat of global repute, he has also advised Indian and African leaders, bringing with him a wealth of experience in resilience and global vision.
Aku Zeliang: Founder of Urra Design & Objects by Aku Zeliang, and Creative Director at Cane Concept and Heirloom Naga Centre. His work blends Naga cultural heritage with contemporary design, reflecting sustainability, identity, and innovation that bridges tradition and modernity.
Priyanshi Sharma: Journalist and Co-Founder of Peek TV, she represents the rise of young leadership in media. With a background in NDTV, Times Network, and Deloitte, she embodies bold thinking, innovation, and creativity in redefining new-age storytelling.
Ashish Chopra: A recruiter at Google and co-founder of Beunic India (featured on Shark Tank S2). His journey from humble beginnings to global tech reflects aspiration, perseverance, and ambition, making him a strong advocate of determination and dreams.
Commander Preeti Yadav: With over 15 years in the Indian Navy, she retired as Commander and now drives transformation at Deutsche Bank. A trailblazer, TEDx speaker, and advocate for veterans, she embodies discipline, resilience, and vision in transitioning across careers.
Kevin Missal: National bestselling author and CEO of Hubhawks. A graduate of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, he became a bestselling author at 22, writing acclaimed series such as the Kalki Trilogy. His journey reflects the power of imagination, entrepreneurship, and storytelling.
Each of these speakers added a distinct and vibrant element to the tapestry of discussions, leaving attendees with much to ponder and deliberate on their actions going forward. The power of their stories and perspectives ignited a spark within the young minds present.
