Talk given at TEDxBHIS Kanpur Youth

As someone who had always preferred working quietly behind the scenes, stepping onto a TEDx stage was never part of my original plan. The idea of standing in the spotlight and speaking openly about my own journey felt daunting and deeply uncomfortable. Yet, having listened to countless TEDx talks over the years, I had come to understand the immense responsibility and reach the platform carries. It has the power to shape narratives, challenge long-held beliefs, and spark meaningful change. With that realisation, I decided to take the plunge.

My talk centred on questioning and ultimately changing the idea of what we accept as “truth”. I shared my personal journey — from being a small-town girl to building a successful career as a journalist — and the many moments along the way when my emotions were dismissed as being “too much.” Rather than suppressing them, I chose to embrace those very emotions and channel them into storytelling that was honest, empathetic, and impactful. They became my strength, not my limitation.

The journey I spoke about was not linear or easy. It was shaped by personal challenges, self-doubt, and moments of vulnerability that rarely find space in professional narratives. Yet, it was precisely these experiences that shaped my work and allowed me to connect more deeply with the stories I told and the people behind them.

Titled “From Scars to Stars,” my TEDxBHIS Kanpur Youth talk was deeply personal, but it was also intentionally so. It was less about achievement and more about permission — permission to feel, to speak up, and to seek help without shame. By sharing my scars, I hoped to help normalise conversations around mental health and well-being, and to remind others that asking for support is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage.

I Did It ! changed the way I look at life.

Youtube link -

Turning scars into stars | Prachi Raturi | TEDxBHIS Kanpur Youth