As cities grow and dependence on technology and artificial intelligence increases, public discussions are often centred on speed, scale, and efficiency, raising questions around care, environment, and long-term sustainability. These concerns are becoming more visible as urban spaces face pressure on resources, climate risks, and changing social needs. The shift is driving a closer look at how development is defined and measured in everyday life. What does progress actually include?
In that context, “How would you react if I told you that a tree once saved 150 people during the Musi floods?” asked Uday Krishna, an environmental storyteller. He then pointed to a series of lesser-known examples: another tree in a city that sheltered 20 robbers, one valued at Rs 100 crore, a tree in Goa that attracts visitors from across the world, and even a ‘walking’ mango tree. “All of these exist in our country, but how many of us have truly noticed them?”
With this opening, Uday Krishna began tracing a journey shaped by years of travel and documentation. “Over the past few years, I have travelled nearly 40,000 kilometres in search of these trees. Until then, they were just part of the landscape for me, places for shade or hiding,” he said, reflecting on how perception changed over time.
A key turning point came during the construction of a foot overbridge that required the removal of several trees. Instead, 16 trees were relocated, of which 13 survived. “Since then, we have gone on to save over 5,000 trees,” he noted, pointing to how one intervention expanded into a larger conservation effort.
Speaking about India’s natural heritage during a session at TEDxHyderabad 2026, Uday referred to an 18-month search for one of the country’s oldest trees in the Himalayas, estimated to be over 2,000 years old. He also mentioned banyan trees in Nirmal and Kanpur that witnessed events including the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
The trees we save are not just part of nature, they are shaping people and society, he said.
Uday concluded by questioning how cities define value. “We measure our cities by flyovers, foot overbridges, and land valued at Rs 100 crore per acre. But the true wealth of a city stands quietly in its trees. Throughout history, trees have saved us, we have rarely saved them.”
“AI is the great second opinion today,” said Soma Raju, who worked alongside A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Referring to the growing role of artificial intelligence in medicine, he described it as an extension of the physician and an addition to medical knowledge, while dispelling concerns about it replacing doctors.
An indigenously developed coronary stent, created in collaboration with A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, was highlighted as a key intervention in improving access to cardiac care. Priced at approximately Rs 15,000, the stent expanded access to life-saving treatment compared to costlier imported alternatives.
He noted that advancements in medical technology are changing patient care, with procedures now enabling treatment of the heart without the need for open-chest surgery, marking a shift towards less invasive interventions.
Other speakers highlighted a range of issues across sectors at TEDxHyderabad 2026, which brought together 14 speakers, four performances, and around 1,200 attendees for a day-long session on Sunday. M. Subrahmanyam pointed to gaps in end-of-life care, and Sivaranjani Santosh flagged risks from misleading health products.
Ritesh Tiwari emphasised skill-based training and self-defence, while Uttam Kumar noted accessibility challenges linked to societal design. Pavan Goyal questioned rote learning, and Krishna Sastry Pendyala highlighted growing digital risks. Hemakshi Meghani reflected on political participation, Rajiv Chilaka referred to building global content from India, and Rajni Bakshi spoke about nonviolence and humane economic systems.
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