MIT World Peace University presents TEDxMITWPU 2026. Centered around “The Upside Within,” this edition explores resilience, clarity, and the untapped potential that often goes unnoticed.
At its core, the event asks a simple but powerful question:
What if the shift you’re looking for isn’t ahead of you,
but already within you?
The Upside Within
A Theme That Shifts the Focus Inward
The Upside Within focuses on perspective, growth through reflection, not noise.
In a fast-moving environment where progress is often measured through outcomes and external validation, the theme shifts attention inward. It highlights how individuals interpret experiences, navigate uncertainty, and make sense of change. It recognizes that clarity is rarely immediate,
and that meaningful growth often happens quietly, over time.
By exploring how setbacks are reframed, how identity evolves, and how perspective influences decision-making, The Upside Within moves beyond surface-level motivation. It emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, and finding direction even in ambiguity.
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Event Details
Location
MIT World Peace University
Pune
Date
18th August 2026
Theme
The Upside Within
Speakers at TEDx
Vivek Oberoi - Indian actor and businessman
Vivek Oberoi is indian actor and businessman, recognised for a body of work that spans achievement, influence and public impact in their field.
Won Filmfare Awards for Best Male Debut and Best Supporting Actor for Company.
Their journey reflects consistency, reinvention and a growing public voice, making them a compelling addition to the TEDxMITWPU 2026 speaker roster.
Ashok Samarth - Indian actor (Hindi, Marathi & Bhojpuri cinema)
Ashok Samarth is indian actor (hindi, marathi & bhojpuri cinema), recognised for a body of work that spans achievement, influence and public impact in their field.
Appeared in over 50 films including Rowdy Rathore, R… Rajkumar, Simmba, Krantiveer: The Revolution and Satya 2.
Their journey reflects consistency, reinvention and a growing public voice, making them a compelling addition to the TEDxMITWPU 2026 speaker roster
Pragati Nagpal - Indian television actress and singer
Pragati Nagpal is indian television actress and singer, recognised for a body of work that spans achievement, influence and public impact in their field. Played dual mother-daughter roles in her debut show Jeet Gayi Toh Piya Morey.
Their journey reflects consistency, reinvention and a growing public voice, making them a compelling addition to the TEDxMITWPU 2026 speaker roster
Navneet Khurana - Instagram Influencer & Content Creator
Navneet Khurana is instagram influencer & content creator, recognised for a body of work that spans achievement, influence and public impact in their field.
Built a loyal, engaged following on Instagram through consistent lifestyle, fashion and everyday-life content.
Their journey reflects consistency, reinvention and a growing public voice, making them a compelling addition to the TEDxMITWPU 2026 speaker roster.
Madhav Dhekane - Former Director, ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU)
Madhav Dhekane is former director, isro inertial systems unit (iisu), recognised for a body of work that spans achievement, influence and public impact in their field.
Took over as the 7th Director of the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), Department of Space, in Thiruvananthapuram.
Their journey reflects consistency, reinvention and a growing public voice, making them a compelling addition to the TEDxMITWPU 2026 speaker roster.
Roshan Shetty - International Sports Commentator, Founder & Director, Sportytude
Roshan Shetty is international sports commentator & tv presenter | founder & director, sportytude, recognised for a body of work that spans achievement, influence and public impact in their field.
Renowned international sports commentator and TV presenter across major sporting events and broadcasts.
Their journey reflects consistency, reinvention and a growing public voice, making them a compelling addition to the TEDxMITWPU 2026 speaker roster
Thampy Koshy - CEO, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
Thampy Koshy is ceo, open network for digital commerce (ondc) | digital transformation expert, recognised for a body of work that spans achievement, influence and public impact in their field.
Led the founding and scale-up of ONDC, India’s open protocol reshaping digital commerce nationwide.
Theirjourney reflects consistency, reinvention and a growing public voice, making them a compelling addition to the TEDxMITWPU 2026 speaker roster
A Legacy of Thoughtfully Curated Voices
Voices chosen not for prominence, but for perspective
Last year’s speakers included Ankit Joshi, Capt. Dharmveer Singh, Manthan Shah, Nitish Bharti, Parnavi Bangar, Sahil Juneja, and Samaakshi Jha. Each brought distinct perspectives shaped by their journeys across creativity, leadership, culture, and innovation.
From personal transformations and entrepreneurial thinking to storytelling through art and identity, their talks offered more than just inspiration. They delivered ideas that stayed with the audience long after the event concluded.
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Beyond Talks: A Complete Experience
More than a series of talks
With live band performances and an immersive stage design, the event extends beyond atraditional talk format into a layered and dynamic experience.
The integration of music introduces moments of pause, energy, and emotional connection. It creates a rhythm that moves between reflection and engagement, shaping an environment that feels less like a conference and more like a thoughtfully curated experience.
The idea of looking inward for “The Upside Within” really resonates with me, especially when I think about how clarity can emerge from stillness, much like the calm I experience while snorkelling in clear waters. It’s amazing how growth can happen through reflection, not noise. I’ve noticed that even in murky dive conditions, there’s often a hidden world of beauty and life beneath the surface – and I think that’s what this event is trying to tap into. The parallel between exploring our inner selves and navigating uncharted underwater territories is something I have been thinking about because both require a willingness to venture into the unknown. As I reflect on this, I wonder what kinds of stories and experiences will be shared at the event, and how they might inspire others to look within themselves for their own untapped potential.