The first week of August 2025 witnessed something truly extraordinary at CHIREC International School, young minds took center stage to share ideas that could reshape our world. TEDxYouth@CHIREC returned with its signature blend of inspiration, innovation, and intellectual curiosity, proving once again that age is no barrier to profound thinking.
Join us as we hear directly from the students who lived this experience, conquered their fears on stage and discovered new perspectives in the auditorium. Let’s listen to their voices, their reflections, and their honest accounts of how TEDxYouth@CHIREC transformed from just another school event into a moment that changed how they see themselves and the world around them.
TEDx has always been a platform close to our hearts. What inspired us most about TED was the way every story carried an idea, and every idea left behind a message that made people grow together. Growing up, watching TED Talks was never just a pastime. It was a source of values, inspiration, and hope. When we were given the opportunity to serve as co-organisers for TEDxYouth@CHIREC, it truly felt like a dream come true.
As co-organisers, we led a core team of 20 members and an organising committee of 30. Together, we oversaw the entire event across six departments: Logistics, Communications, Finance and Sponsorships, Design, Technology, and Marketing. Our team was a blend of IBDP and CBSE students, which made the entire experience even more meaningful. Working closely with people we may not have otherwise crossed paths with brought new friendships, unexpected perspectives, and memories that will stay with us for a long time. Being on two separate campuses sometimes made communication tricky, but those very challenges pushed us to step outside our comfort zones and give the event everything we had.
Hosting TEDx for the very first time at the new ISRP campus added greatly to the experience. With unfamiliar spaces and fresh possibilities, we had to adapt quickly and make the most of what was around us. There was a thrill in turning empty halls and new corners into something alive with energy and conversation. One of the most rewarding parts of the journey was working along with the speakers, seeing raw thoughts turn into stories, and stories turn into moments that touched everyone in the room. Watching those transformations reminded us of the magic of storytelling and how powerfully words can bring people together.
Through this journey, we grew most in leadership, communication, and teamwork. What began as ambitious plans gradually turned into clear responsibilities, with each of us stepping in for the other whenever momentum slipped. Meetings flowed better once we learned to keep updates regular and concise, set agendas that led to decisions, and offer speakers feedback they could act on. Along the way, trust deepened as we disagreed with respect and corrected mistakes together. .Coordinating across campuses brought lessons in aligning schedules and permissions, sharing resources, and ensuring that information kept moving. At the same time, working with sponsors and vendors helped us develop our negotiation skills. By the end of this transformative journey, we had become quicker, more organised, and more patient, habits that will stay with us long after this event.
Just as importantly, we grew as people. Working with a team this large taught us to let go of the need to control everything ourselves and to trust others with responsibilities that mattered. We became more comfortable asking for help when we needed it, more willing to listen when opinions differed, and more aware of how our actions affected those around us. The process reminded us that leadership is not only about decisions and deadlines, but also about keeping a group moving forward together.
The culmination of this journey came on August 2nd, when everything we had worked for finally came alive. It was a day filled with pride, emotion, and a sense of togetherness that is hard to put into words. Looking back, we feel grateful for the friendships we built, the bonds we formed, and the memories that will always stay with us.
– Nisha S & Neha T, co-organisers
At CHIREC International School, student agency goes beyond academic achievement—it’s about developing the confidence to lead, the resilience to adapt, and the wisdom to collaborate. Our TEDx journey demonstrated how students, when given the freedom and support to take ownership, can achieve remarkable things. We didn’t just organise an event; we developed essential life skills, built meaningful relationships, and created lasting impact.
This event also highlighted how student agency thrives in a collaborative environment. While we had the freedom to make decisions and lead initiatives, we were never alone in our journey. The support system at CHIREC International School—from faculty mentors to peer collaborators—created the perfect conditions for student agency to flourish. We learned that true agency isn’t about working in isolation, but about having the confidence to seek help, the wisdom to leverage collective strengths, and the maturity to share both challenges and victories.
