From Poetry to Standup: Why TEDxPanaji's Open Mic Event is Trending in Goa!

At TEDxPanaji, we believe every voice deserves to be heard. That’s why we created the 'Open Mic': to bring the stories of our community to the forefront and amplify them through our platforms.

Let's be honest! We all carry interesting stories about our lives and work. And many of us dream of standing on the Red Dot. But the truth is, not every story makes it to the TEDx stage.

The buzz and coverage our 'Open Mic' received across media, reaffirmed its importance as a platform for community stories and youthful voices.

Open Mic coverage in Navhind Times

On August 24, 2025, TEDxPanaji, in collaboration with Zeitgeist Goa, hosted its first 'Open Mic' at the beautiful Carpe Diem Art Gallery in Majorda.

Curated and hosted by Diya Padiyar and Loretta Rodrigues, the evening was a heartfelt celebration of music, poetry, stand-up comedy and storytelling.

The stage came alive

This year's TEDxPanaji theme 'It’s About Time!' was interpreted in unexpected, powerful and deeply personal ways by poets, singers, storytellers and standup acts. The evening ended on a musical high as el.trio brought the crowd together with covers of popular songs and one of their originals.

What made the day magical were the stories behind the performances. Performers openly shared the thoughts that inspired their pieces, while the audience reflected on their own experiences. In those moments, the gallery transformed into a true community space, full of connection and inspiration.

A word from our organiser

“The TEDxPanaji xPERIENCES 'Open Mic' is all about discovering talent within our local communities. Goa is full of hidden voices—storytellers, poets, musicians, comedians—who need the right space to be heard. By creating these platforms, we’re not only celebrating creativity but also nurturing a culture where people can inspire, connect and spark ideas worth spreading.” — Ravi Kambhoj, Organiser and Curator, TEDxPanaji

In the News

Our 'Open Mic' caught the attention of local media and has been trending!

Check out what they had to say:

• Live News Goa – TEDxPanaji xPERIENCES OPEN MIC: MUSIC, POETRY EXPLORING RELATIONSHIPS, MODERN DAY EXPERIENCES

• Aiz GOA – TEDxPanaji xPERIENCES Open Mic event brought together Goan talent on a single stage

• Goa Khabar – TEDxPanaji xPERIENCES Open Mic event brought together Goan talent on a single stage

• Allycaral – Voices in Harmony: An Unforgettable Open Mic Evening at Carpe Diem – Majorda

• Herald Goa – Open mic evening held in Majorda

A big thank you to our collaborators Zeitgeist Goa, to Carpe Diem Art Gallery for hosting us, to our hosts Diya and Loretta, and most importantly, to all the performers and audience members who made the event unforgettable.

Curated by: Debarati Chakraborty | Communications & Media Strategist, TEDxPanaji