BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN
Cumming, GA, October 1, 2025: The Forsyth Conference Center was abuzz with thoughtful dialogue and innovation as TEDx Cumming Youth 2025 brought together young speakers, mentors, and community leaders under this year’s theme: “Connection in Motion: Self, Society, Humanity.”
Organized by Divya Anand, founder of Keyurah LIFE, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the event invited youth to explore what it means to stay grounded while embracing change, to build bridges across differences, and to discover their unique place in a fast-paced, interconnected world. Through this lens, the forum sought to highlight how today’s generation is redefining connection — to self, to community, and to the broader human experience — through science, storytelling, innovation, and activism.
Anand, whose background spans oncology research and community service, founded Keyurah LIFE to integrate youth empowerment, leadership development, and rare disease advocacy. Her transition from science to social impact led to the creation of an annual TEDx event that amplifies young voices and sparks meaningful change. “Connection is not static,” Anand said. “It’s evolving, and it takes courage to pause, reflect, and reach out.”
The event opened with an address by Veena Rao, Editor-in-Chief of NRI Pulse and author of Purple Lotus. In her talk, “Stories that Shape Us,” Rao reflected on her experiences as an immigrant and journalist, tracing how human connections helped shape her journey in the United States. She recalled the early years of launching NRI Pulse from scratch, sharing anecdotes about how small but vital relationships — with friends, mentors, and advertisers — helped transform an idea into a publication that now reaches over 100,000 readers each month.
Rao shared how two elderly American women she met shortly after moving to the U.S. helped her navigate isolation and find belonging, and how their encouragement emboldened her to take risks. “Every story begins with a connection,” she told the audience, emphasizing how trust, community, and shared purpose can lead to both personal and professional growth. Addressing the pressures facing young people today, she encouraged them to reach out for support when struggling with stress or anxiety. “Asking for help is not weakness,” Rao said. “It is strength.”
The speaker lineup was complemented by guest speakers Melanie Flores, an engineer-turned-educator and entrepreneur known for promoting STEM learning among youth; Dethra Giles, a leadership strategist, founder of ExecuPrep, and adjunct professor at Mercer University who works with global organizations on leadership and workplace equity; and Obinna Amalu, Senior Director of IT Operations and Infrastructure at Slalom, who mentors youth on technology and innovation.
Erika and Kurt Kandler, founders of The 410 Bridge, a nonprofit focused on sustainable community development and global outreach, were honored guests at the event, recognized for their humanitarian work and leadership in global service.
The main program featured nine youth and teen speakers who offered perspectives on identity, leadership, and mental health. Their talks reflected the event’s focus on connection as a journey of growth and transformation:
- Devanshi Bhargava — “Burning Bright without Burning Out”
- Anya Arora — “Reconnecting with Inner Self, amidst the Chaos”
- Harshit Chaturvedy — “The Social Media Illusion”
- Shruti Sunil — “The Network You Build Builds You”
- Akbar Ali — “Identity, Diversity & Inclusion – Where Changes Begin”
- Jay Joshi — “Riding the AI Wave: My Journey Through Innovation”
- Sheona Diwaker — “Cycle of Change: Why Menstrual Equity Matters”
- Aadhya Guntupalli — “Nurturing Parents & Teen Bonds”
- Jo Kethar (Teen Mentor) — “Being a Third Parent to Teens and Helping Build Their Reality”
As part of the LIFE initiative, three standout participants were recognized for their leadership and creativity. Akbar Ali, who has stepped into the political arena to promote civic awareness and youth engagement, was named Young Change Maker 2025. Devanshi Bhargava, who transformed personal adversity into a message of resilience and connection, received the Youth Voice 2025 award. Jay Joshi, an emerging entrepreneur who champions authenticity and innovation, was honored as Youth ICON 2025.
Veena Rao presented medals to the awardees on behalf of Keyurah LIFE, acknowledging their contributions to community dialogue and youth-led change.
In a gesture that reinforced the event’s core message, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the 21st Surgeon General of the United States, gifted signed copies of his book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World to all nine featured speakers. The gift underscored his commitment to fostering empathy and belonging in an increasingly disconnected world.
Beyond the stage, TEDx Cumming Youth 2025 also emphasized community engagement. A creative campaign titled Connection through ART invited students to interpret the theme visually, encouraging young artists to express their understanding of connection through art and storytelling. Their works were showcased and recognized at the event.
The forum also announced new initiatives to extend its impact, including the launch of TED-Ed Clubs, youth leadership workshops, and the 2026 Project BRAVE Fundraiser, which will support children battling rare cancers. These programs will be led by mentors including Obinna Amalu, Anand RK, and Rajini Stephen, with guidance from Ravi Guntupalli, Lead Mentor, and Mohd. Suleman of CodeRepo, Impact Lead for the TEDx platform.
Supported by lead sponsor SLALOM, TEDx Cumming Youth 2025 was curated over several months, from auditions to final rehearsals, culminating in a full day of talks, performances, and interactive displays. The program concluded with a musical presentation by Geethu Venugopal, followed by a networking session where participants exchanged ideas and reflections.
For more information, visit www.tedxcummingyouth.com.
