In his stirring TEDx talk, “Redefining Disability: Inclusion Over Inspiration,” Preetham Sunkavalli challenges commonly held perceptions about disability. Drawing from his own experiences, Sunkavalli recounts an anecdote from his job placement days, where he faced not only rejection but also a skewed perception of inspiration. He critiques a societal tendency to view disabilities through a lens of pity or as narrative opportunities for inspiration, evidenced in media portrayals and everyday interactions.
Sunkavalli emphasizes that disability should not define an individual’s identity; instead, the focus should be on dismantling social barriers that perpetuate perceptions of inadequacy. He urges the audience to see people with disabilities as equals, noting that the real challenge lies in changing mindsets and fostering inclusivity. By sharing his journey and insights, Sunkavalli advocates for a world where everyone, regardless of ability, is treated as a regular person and empowered to live without the weight of ableism. His talk ultimately highlights the need for understanding and inclusivity over superficial inspiration.
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Author Video Description
This talk challenges the common perception of people with disabilities as mere sources of inspiration. It shares experiences of rejection and societal bias, highlighting how ableist mindsets and language frame disability as a medical or charitable issue. The session advocates for dismantling barriers through technology and inclusive infrastructure, like accessible public transport and reframes disability as the interaction between impairment and societal obstacles. Audiences are encouraged to treat people with disabilities as regular individuals, fostering genuine equality and creating a truly inclusive society. Preetham Gandhi Sunkavalli has worked across industries including consumer products and automotive. He is currently part of the brand team at Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. under the home care vertical. Earlier, he was associated with Mahindra’s Group Management Cadre program, where he gained experience in sales, strategy, and transformation.
Preetham pursued the Post Graduate Program in Management at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, where he also led teams for podcasting and initiatives supporting students with disabilities. Inclusion lies at the core of his values, and he serves as a member of the Godrej Industries Group’s DEI Council.
Beyond his professional role, Preetham is committed to supporting visually impaired youngsters by helping bridge education and career gaps through speaking, mentoring, and volunteering. He is also passionate about aviation, consumer technology, and enjoys blogging, baking, and crafting miniature models from upcycled materials. 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
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Video “Redefining Disability: Inclusion Over Inspiration | Preetham Sunkavalli | TEDxATLAS University” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks