When People Step Up, Change Follows | Dr Karthikeyan K P | TEDxThiagarajar College of Engineering

Dr. K.P. Karthikeyan explores how ordinary people can create extraordinary change by stepping forward when it matters most. Through stories of courage and compassion, he highlights people who stepped forward to help others at crucial times. He also shares personal experiences from his journey in public administration, offering insights into the people, challenges, and moments that shaped his perspective on creating meaningful change. Ultimately, he reminds us that we are all part of the system, and that each of us has the power to shape it. Dr. K. P. Karthikeyan, IAS, is a medical doctor turned civil servant (IAS 2014, Tamil Nadu cadre) and MD, ELCOT, driving IT and emerging technologies. He has served as Tirunelveli District Collector, Madurai Corporation Commissioner and Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, GoI, and held leadership roles in TIDCO, SIPCOT, Guidance Tamil Nadu, TIDEL Park and SDAT. His Tirunelveli water-management initiatives won National Water Award 2024 for Best District in South India from the President of India. He spearheaded ‘Anbadum Mundril’ for inclusive, community-based governance and conflict resolution, earning Tamil Nadu’s Good Governance Award. As CEO/Member Secretary, SDAT, he helped conduct the 44th Chess Olympiad. He strengthened TN’s investment ecosystem and facilitated major investments by revamping Guidance Tamil Nadu; conceptualised TIDEL NEO for Tier-2/3 IT expansion; and contributed to industrial parks, 2023 Tirunelveli flood disaster management and State COVID war room. 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