When I first stepped into the role of organizing TEDxPORPS Youth, I didn’t see it as just an event to be managed. I saw it as an opportunity to build something larger than ourselves, a space where curiosity becomes conversation, and conversation becomes change. As a Grade 12 science student and Deputy Head Girl of AMS P. Obul Reddy Public School, I have often been entrusted with responsibilities, but this one feels different. This is not only about leadership, it is about legacy.

What excites me most about TEDxPORPS Youth is that it allows young voices to be heard not as echoes, but as originals. It is easy to believe that change begins somewhere far away, but I’ve come to realize it can begin right here, in our own school auditorium, with students daring to share ideas that matter to them. For me, this event is a reminder that inspiration doesn’t wait for adulthood, it can be born in classrooms, friendships, and the questions we carry with us every day.

This journey has been possible only because of those who supported us. Our Principal’s trust gave us the courage to dream boldly. My co-organizer, Chinmayee has been my partner in every step, sharing the weight of interviews, deadlines, and challenges with unwavering resilience. Our Vice Principal and Teacher-in-Charge have guided us with patience and wisdom, and every teacher’s encouragement has given us strength. My friends have been a constant source of encouragement, their belief in me quietly inspiring me to persevere.

I also want to highlight the executive team, whose dedication has been extraordinary. Together we worked through long hours and tight timelines, and I witnessed the true spirit of collaboration in action. Each of them brought creativity, discipline, and commitment, transforming an idea into something real. Their journey reminded me that leadership is not about carrying everything alone, it is about creating a space where everyone’s strengths come alive.

My family has been a constant source of quiet strength. Their encouragement, combined with the perspective gained from growing alongside my younger brother, has shaped how I approach responsibility and collaboration. Their support gives me the confidence to embrace challenges like TEDxPORPS Youth, and to pursue a vision that extends beyond myself.

TedxPORPS Youth has strengthened my vision: to create impact, to nurture ideas, and to leave behind something meaningful for others to build upon.

- Vasundhara Kalakota