The Gift of Not Fitting In | Kashvi Chawda | TEDxKG Institutions

The talk isn’t just about mental health; it’s about exploring the deeper layers of it. The Gift of Not Fitting In focuses on how embracing individuality can become a form of healing, empowerment, and self-liberation. It aims to encourage children and students to step out of their comfort zones, find their voice, and speak up for themselves — especially those who feel silenced or stuck in difficult family or societal environments.
Through my own personal experiences, I’ll touch on expectations, mental constraints, and societal pressures, and how breaking free from those led me to discover my true purpose. This talk is meant to inspire people to see that not fitting in is not a flaw, but rather a strength a gift that allows one to create their own path instead of following the one imposed by others. Kashvi, a 19-year-old medical student, is the reigning Miss Universe Telangana 2025 and the founder of The TOTO Project — a youth-led mental health initiative that teaches children the language of emotions. As a Beauty with a Purpose titleholder, she strives to bridge the gap between emotional education and empowerment, ensuring meaningful conversations about mental health begin early.
Born in New York and raised by a single mother in Telangana, Kashvi’s experiences with silence, bullying, and societal pressure shaped her advocacy. She now channels her journey into impact — as an international public speaker, youth spokesperson for ShakthiSAT, and a teacher in children’s homes — helping young minds see vulnerability as strength.
Kashvi embodies the essence of Beauty with a Purpose, blending intellect, compassion, and action to drive change where it’s needed most. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx