.png)
AI, Art & Audacity: Goa Just Reimagined the Future at TEDxPanaji Live
- Debarati Chakraborty
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
What does it mean to be human—right now? On a rainy June evening in Goa, a curious and passionate community gathered to explore this very question. Global ideas met local energy, sparking a powerful moment to reimagine what lies ahead.
Welcome to the sixth edition of xPress! This time, we bring you highlights from TEDxPanaji Live: Humanity Reimagined, Goa’s TEDxLive experience. Held on June 14, 2025, it was an evening of reflection and possibility.
The curated video stream from TEDGlobal 2025 brought in global visionaries. But what truly electrified the room were three voices from Goa, who reminded us that progress and creativity aren’t just ideas. They are choices we must make, again and again, as we shape our collective future.
The big idea: "It’s About Time"
It's About Time: That’s the theme for TEDxPanaji 2025—and this event was its first spark.
The TEDxPanaji Live experience reimagined humanity at a turning point, spotlighting not just the awe and anxiety around artificial intelligence, but also its profound potential.
How can we use AI for people, not against them? How do we build technologies that serve human values and amplify empathy?
From global thought leaders to Goa’s changemakers, the conversations invited us to move forward with courage, compassion and intention.
Goa on the Red Dot: Three unique perspectives
Milind Anvekar: Senior Vice President, Open Destinations
A long-standing leader in Goa’s tech ecosystem, Milind spoke about responsible AI and the role Goa can play in future-forward innovation.
"AI will become as integrated as the mobile phone. But how we use it—responsibly, inclusively and ethically—will shape its legacy."
Milind emphasised Goa’s potential as a global tech and talent hub, especially with co-working spaces along the coast, a growing appetite for innovation and professionals choosing to balance work with wellness.
"Goa gifts you a freshness of thought. It’s time we let the world know what we are capable of building here."
Valerie D’Silva: Singer-Songwriter and Composer
Valerie performed “At the Horizon of Happiness”, a song written in the aftermath of personal turmoil and the audience sat in reflective silence, moved and visibly affected.
“I write from a place of honesty. These are my life stories. If even one person finds them healing, my art holds value.”
Valerie's music added heart to the day, reminding everyone that reimagining humanity also means making space for real emotional expression.
“Humanity isn’t just about tech or change. It’s about real emotions. The kind that lingers after the last note fades.”
Shawn Kenneth Fernandes: Founder and CEO, Fluxatic™ Global
Shawn’s talk was passionate, personal and packed with perspective. He explored the transformative potential of AI: not to replace humans, but to give us back our humanity.
“Every great revolution—green, industrial, digital—made us more human. AI is no different. It will let us focus on imagination, empathy and creation.”
A self-described optimist, Shawn’s key message was clear:
“It's about time we stop waiting. We are the generation making decisions today. Let’s make them count and reimagine a prosperous future.”
As a partner behind the scenes and speaker on stage, Shawn's commitment to the TEDxPanaji ecosystem shone through.
From the world to Goa: Global minds on the big screen
In true TEDxLive tradition, we brought the world to Goa. Video presentations from TEDGlobal 2025 expanded our horizons and offered a glimpse into what’s next for humanity.
🌍 Bernt Børnich, Founder & CEO of 1X
In a talk that felt like science fiction but was very real, Bernt showed how humanoid robots are already working in the real world. He emphasised the need to ensure AI and robotics evolve with empathy and responsibility.
🌍 Palmer Luckey, Inventor, Entrepreneur, Founder of Anduril Industries
A defence-tech trailblazer, Palmer spoke about why invention needs courage; especially when you are building technology that provokes both admiration and fear.
🌍 Rob Bredow, Academy Award-nominated Visual Effects Visionary
With dazzling behind-the-scenes stories (from Star Wars to Jurassic Park), Rob explored the future of storytelling through technology. From AI art to ethical creativity, he showed us how art and tech can thrive together.
These three talks didn’t just showcase innovation; they asked the big questions: What are we building? Why? And for whom?
They didn’t just host it: They made the magic happen
Meet the hosts of TEDxPanaji Live: Humanity Reimagined
Jessica Sharma: Anchor and Compere
Stedwick Fernandes: Leader, Trainer and Corporate Host
Our partners for TEDxPanaji Live: Humanity Reimagined
Fluxatic™ Global
Lila Creations
Creator Studio Goa
Festivalists
BIZ Nest Goa
9 Digits
Held at BIZ Nest Goa - Co-Working, Workations & Meeting Rooms, TEDxPanaji Live: Humanity Reimagined was more than a gathering of great minds. It was a signal that Goa is ready to contribute to the global conversation with its unique voice, grounded in creativity, culture and curiosity.
What’s Next at TEDxPanaji 2025?Gardening with The Owl House
🌱 Join a hands-on gardening session led by neurodiverse individuals—celebrating inclusion, growth and the power of ability. The event will be led by Eusebio, Srutesh and the incredible team of The Owl House Goa.
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Time: 10.30 AM to 12.30 PM
Venue: The Owl House, Aldona, Goa
Stay Connected:
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter
That’s a wrap on Edition #6.
We are thrilled to be bringing you these updates each week. See you next week!
Curated by: Debarati Chakraborty, Communications & Media Strategist, TEDxPanaji
.png)