In a world that glorifies hustle, optimization, and turning every passion into a side hustle, have we lost the simple joy of hobbies? Fifteen-year-old entrepreneur, debate champion, and STEM enthusiast Nikhil Gujral argues that in our race to be productive, we’ve sidelined the very activities that spark creativity, build resilience, and bring us genuine happiness. Through sharp insights and personal stories, he challenges the idea that every pursuit must have a purpose—reminding us that sometimes, the most meaningful things in life are the ones we do just because we love them. This talk will inspire you to rethink success, rediscover lost passions, and embrace the forgotten art of doing things for joy. Nikhil Gujral is a dynamic 15-year-old sophomore with a passion for innovation, advocacy, and making the world a better place. A skilled debater with numerous awards, he thrives on articulating ideas and inspiring change. Nikhil is also an entrepreneur, having launched and scaled several businesses while maintaining stellar academic performance. Outside the classroom, he’s an avid mountain biker, embracing challenges on and off the trails. With a deep interest in STEM and a drive to advocate for impactful solutions, Nikhil offers a fresh, thoughtful perspective on how we define success in an age of relentless productivity. 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
