TEDxYouth@Suchitra Academy

Jigyasa is the most powerful catalyst for human progress. This trait has enabled us to rise as the most influential species on Earth, from walking on two feet to cutting-edge AI technology. Asking insightful questions has been the reason for all these accomplishments. Yet, most of us don’t tap into this innate curiosity and hesitate to ask questions, which prevents us from unlocking our fullest potential and reaching even greater heights. I integrate these examples with my personal experiences from the Scripps National Spelling Bee and Hollywood to remind the audience of the Power of Questioning – to ignite their curiosity by posing the right questions.

In my TEDx talk, I’ll explore the silent struggles of self-doubt and anxiety, challenges I’ve faced and transformed into personal growth. From finding my voice through poetry in the vibrant culture of Lucknow to publishing my first book at 16, each step of my journey has been shaped by resilience. Missing out on my dream college deepened my self-questioning, but also taught me the power of self-reliance. Today, at 19, I am not only pursuing my passion for business and consulting but also working on projects that uplift marginalized communities. My story is a testament to how vulnerability, curiosity, and questioning lead to transformation and impact.

Answering the Question or Questioning the Answer?
Knowing is not just about finding the right answer, and education is not solely about answering questions. A mind that isn’t filled with preconceived ideas is capable of learning. A mind that is quiet, open to new experiences becomes curious, seeking to know more. When
this curiosity is sparked, we ignite a – love for learning. People learn when they want to learn, and what they choose to learn is what they feel they need to know. The desire to learn stems from a deep-seated quest to understand oneself and the world that one lives in. This leads to Jigyasa—the urge to inquire, to question. So, let’s start questioning our answers.

By challenging conventional practices and asking the right questions at each step, businesses can create strong foundations that prioritize both people and impact. Questioning norms helps shape a company’s values system, guiding it towards long-term success. Questions offer an alternative perspective on business growth—one that emphasizes doing difficult things with intent and integrity while staying aligned with a purpose that goes beyond profit.

“My journey into the cosmos began with a single question sparked by an illustration of the solar system: How does all this work? From that moment on, my curiosity became my guide, leading me to explore the universe’s mysteries. The more I asked, the more I learned, and each answer led to new questions. Today, as a young researcher working alongside professionals in space science, I continue to seek out the unknown. My story, from a third grader full of wonder to a high school senior passionate about discovery, is driven by the belief that asking the right questions can unlock the greatest truths.”

The thirst for inquiry begins early but tends to fade as we age. Drawing from history and philosophy—whether Newton’s discovery, Socrates’ method, or the thought experiment of Schrödinger’s Cat— how meaningful progress arises from thoughtful questioning. As a filmmaker, I use film to provoke this very curiosity, inviting viewers to question rather than accept. In a world overwhelmed by information, it is inquiry—not mere answers—that leads to wisdom. I’ll explore how self-questioning is key to personal transformation and growth, demonstrating that true change starts with asking the right questions.

As an eDiscovery and Digital Forensic professional, my work revolves around asking the right questions to uncover the truth hidden within vast amounts of data. By targeting our inquiries, we support litigation and investigations. But sometimes, the answers lie ‘outside the box,’ and it’s essential to take a step back, question our assumptions, and view the bigger picture. Keeping curiosity alive is crucial, whether in our professional work or personal lives.

I’m an 11th-grade science student at Suchitra Academy, always driven by my passion for learning and questioning the world around me. From a young age, I’ve believed that every breakthrough begins with a question: What if? How can we make this better? This mindset has led me to achieve some exciting things in STEM. I’ve always asked myself how technology can push boundaries, and that curiosity earned me a spot as one of just 100 students across India to qualify for the Lodha Genius Programme.

From a young girl in a small town’s Hindi-medium school, struggling with language barriers and societal expectations, to a fierce entrepreneur guiding corporate giants, my journey is fueled by one question that has shaped my destiny: Why not me? When society said she couldn’t rise above her circumstances and that she couldn’t speak English, I asked, Why not me? When the world doubted her ability to lead in the male-dominated world of real estate, I asked again, “Why not me?” This thought inspired the founding of PrimeDesk, a company revolutionizing workspace.