Theme: SOJOURN: The Transient Path

Sojourn means a temporary stay, a pause before moving forward. Life isn't a straight road. It's a series of stops, pauses, and fleeting moments where we catch our breath before moving forward. We like to believe that permanence exists, and that we are meant to reach a final destination, but the truth is, we are always in transit. A sojourn is just that – a temporary stay, a momentary halt in the grand journey of existence.

We step into places, into conversations, into experiences, knowing they won't last forever. And maybe that's the beauty of it. The fact that every stop, every detour, shapes us in ways we don't always realize. A different turn, a different stay, and we might have been someone else entirely. But we are here, in this moment, in this sojourn. And that means something.

Not because it is the end, but because it is part of the journey – one that will continue long after we move on.

TEDxIARE
institute of aeronautical engineering
dundigal
hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, 500043
India

Dr. Ashok Chandra Chandra

CEO of Pradam Dental

As the founder of Pradham Dental and the force behind one of Hyderabad’s leading Invisalign practices, he blends innovation with genuine care. His ability to truly listen turns appointments into moments of connection and trust. Dr. Ashok believes confidence isn’t given, it’s discovered. With each patient, he helps bring it to light, guiding them toward it with empathy and expertise. For Dr. Ashok, a smile isn’t just an outcome, it’s a compass that leads us back to who we are.

Dr. Praachi Rathod Rathod

Medical Officer

Dr. Praacchi Rathore (MBBS, DEM) didn’t just become a doctor. She became a symbol of what it means to claim your truth in the face of resistance. After being excluded by institutions that failed to understand her identity, she went on to make history as one of the first transgender women to serve in Telangana’s government healthcare system. Today, she not only treats patients at Osmania General Hospital but also speaks across the country on LGBTQIA+ rights and equity in healthcare. Her mission is clear: to create a world where compassion in healthcare knows no boundaries of identity.

Haarika Mandalapu

Biker & Acupuncturist

Riding to Umling La Pass, the world’s highest motorable road at 19,024 feet, is no easy feat. Freezing temperatures, low oxygen, and rough roads make it one of the toughest rides in the world. But Haarika Mandalapu took on the challenge solo and became the first woman from Telangana to do it! Her achievement even earned her a place in the Telugu Book of Records. Haarika is also an acupuncturist by profession, dedicating herself to wellness and holistic healing. She has always believed in making a difference. During the COVID-19 crisis, she led relief efforts with 400+ volunteers and worked with NGOs to uplift education in underserved communities.

Major Harsha Vardhan Chava

Army Vetaran

Major Harsha Vardhan Chava’s journey began as an NCC cadet with big dreams. He represented Andhra Pradesh at national camps, scaled Mt. Bhartakunta, and earned the DG NCC Gold Medal. Despite campus placements in top MNCs and a 147th rank in ICET, he decided to pursue his childhood dream of joining the Indian Army and cleared SSB with All India Rank 2 in his very first attempt. Commissioned into the Indian Army, he served in Sikkim and Punjab with the Bomb Disposal Team. After becoming a captain, he led 100 Ghatak commandos in anti-terror operations in Kashmir and was appreciated by General Bipin Rawat, then Chief of Army Staff. Later, as a Major, he trained troops in desert warfare across Rajasthan and Gujarat, commanded 400 soldiers, and served as Second-in-Command of the 53 Engineer Regiment before retiring in September 2023.

Rakesh Kurapati Kurapati

Fasttrack Car Care

Born in Vijayawada and shaped by humble beginnings, Rakesh Kurapati moved to Hyderabad chasing a better life. His journey began with a first job at a car decor store - long hours, tough conditions, and a steep learning curve. But he didn’t stop there. With a vision to redefine car care, Rakesh launched Fast Tracks from the ground up. Despite financial struggles, market competition, and personal setbacks, his passion for luxury cars like Lamborghinis and BMWs kept him motivated. Today, Fast Tracks stands out for its premium customer experience and top-notch service. Rakesh credits fitness and mental strength for helping him stay the course and now, he’s gearing up to expand his business and inspire young entrepreneurs along the way.

Vivekananda Gavini Gavini

Student Speaker

Vivekananda Gavini is a final-year cybersecurity student from the Institute of Aeronautical Engineering who breaks into systems for a living (legally, of course). His tech journey has been shaped by hands-on work in penetration testing, security research, and threat analysis. He enjoys solving complex security challenges, staying ahead of new threats, and building tech that actually makes a difference. But he finds real joy in mentoring and community building. He’s helped many budding cybersecurity enthusiasts learn the ropes and figure out their own paths. For him, it’s all about sharing what he knows, working together, and always staying curious. And through all this, he’s come to understand a difficult truth - that sometimes, doing the right thing at the wrong time can come at a cost. And it’s in those moments that we learn the most about ourselves.