In “The Communities You Don’t Hear,” Pragalya Arumugam explores the often-overlooked narratives of marginalized voices, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and understanding in our diverse society. Through her poignant storytelling, she urges audiences to recognize the rich tapestry of experiences that exist beyond mainstream discourse. Pragalya draws on personal anecdotes and research to illustrate how silence can perpetuate misconceptions and disconnect between communities. She challenges viewers to actively seek out these silent voices, fostering empathy and dialogue that bridges gaps. By empowering individuals and communities to share their stories, she emphasizes the transformative power of connection. This TEDxYouth talk not only sheds light on the importance of diverse narratives but also inspires action towards a more inclusive world where every voice matters.
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Author Video Description
Pragalya shares her experience with a cochlear implant and being someone in between the hearing and non-hearing communities. Pragalya is a senior at Dublin Jerome High School. She is passionate about healthcare, community, and advocacy. She is involved with her school’s HOSA chapter, ASL club, Writing Team, and Key Club. She enjoys traveling, painting, jewelry making, creative writing, and volunteering. As a passionate hearing loss advocate and founder of Hear2Connect, she raises awareness by hosting community events and hearing aid drives. Through her TEDx talk, she hopes to create awareness of the societal impact of hearing loss and encourage others to take action about the causes they are passionate about. 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
About TEDxTalks
TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “The Communities You Don't Hear | Pragalya Arumugam | TEDxYouth@Dayton” was uploaded on 04/21/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks