In an era where young learners are navigating constant change, pressure and comparison, the most powerful lessons sometimes come from unexpected voices. At the TechEdu India Summit 2026, one such voice belonged to Shreya Ttewala, a 14-year-old student from Aditya Birla World Academy and a two-time published author, who addressed an audience of educators and leaders with a message centred on courage, mentorship and self-belief.
Opening her address with a reflective question—“Have you ever said no to something, not because you couldn’t do it, but because you were scared?”—Shreya framed her talk around a powerful theme: the importance of choosing growth over fear.
A learning journey that began during the pandemic
Shreya’s journey as a young author began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was just ten years old. Curious about what truly helps students succeed, she set out on an ambitious project—interviewing 47 teachers and principals across India.
The insights from these conversations eventually shaped her first book, The Power Is Yours, a project that pushed her beyond her comfort zone and introduced her to the world of research, dialogue and storytelling.
What began as a personal exploration soon evolved into a broader mission—to understand how wisdom, resilience and mentorship shape success.
Learning from entrepreneurs and leaders
Her second book, Never Say No, grew from a small but powerful idea inspired by her grandfather’s advice. Through internships and independent research, Shreya interviewed 17 entrepreneurs and leaders, stepping beyond classroom learning to understand real-life leadership journeys.
What she discovered surprised her.
Rather than focusing solely on profit strategies or business success, many of these leaders spoke about resilience, failure and perseverance—the qualities that enabled them to build lasting impact.
Their stories, she realised, were not about luck but about the ability to stand firm when circumstances become uncertain.
The role of mentors and elders
A central message in Shreya’s talk was the value of intergenerational learning.
Belonging to Gen Z, she acknowledged that young people today often seek to challenge norms and explore new possibilities. However, she emphasised that innovation should not come at the cost of ignoring the wisdom of previous generations.
“Our elders have something unique to share,” she noted, adding that mentorship plays a critical role in shaping personal and professional growth.
Drawing from Indian mythology, she referred to the relationship between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, where guidance from a mentor helped Arjuna rediscover clarity and purpose.
Similarly, she referenced the story of Hanuman in the Ramayana, who momentarily forgot his powers until he was reminded of them by Jambavan.
For Shreya, these stories illustrate a timeless truth: everyone needs someone who believes in them even when they doubt themselves.
Stepping beyond the comfort zone
One of the most transformative experiences she shared involved a challenge set by her mentor when she was eleven years old.
The task, called a “vision walk,” required her to approach 100 strangers and ask them to support her dream by signing their names.
For a self-described introvert, the challenge initially seemed overwhelming. Fear of rejection and self-doubt made the task feel nearly impossible.
However, with encouragement from her parents and mentors, she persisted.
Some people declined, others listened, but eventually she collected all 100 signatures—an experience that helped her realise the power of perseverance and self-belief.
A handbook for teenagers
These experiences ultimately shaped Never Say No, which Shreya describes as a leadership and self-growth handbook written for teenagers by a teenager.
The book addresses challenges that many young people face today—fear of judgement, comparison, perfectionism and self-doubt.
Its core philosophy is simple: say yes to opportunities, learning and growth, and say no to fear and distractions.
Each chapter includes reflective exercises, activities and practical toolkits designed to help readers apply these lessons in their own lives.
The book has resonated widely with readers and currently features among the Top 100 titles on the Amazon bestseller list, with strong reader reviews highlighting its relevance for young learners navigating modern pressures.
Creating spaces for youth reflection
Beyond writing, Shreya has also begun conducting interactive sessions in schools, where she engages students through activities, conversations and reflective exercises rather than traditional lectures.
Her goal, she explained, is to help young people develop self-awareness and confidence—encouraging them to see themselves not as passive observers but as active participants in shaping their futures.
Bridging generations through technology
Looking ahead, Shreya shared her vision for an upcoming initiative called Parampara Digital, which aims to teach digital skills to senior citizens while simultaneously documenting their life stories.
Through podcasts and storytelling, the project seeks to create a digital library of wisdom, capturing experiences from older generations that can inspire younger audiences.
The most impactful stories, she revealed, may eventually be compiled into a book—an Indian equivalent of the globally popular Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
A message for educators and learners
Closing her address, Shreya reflected on how speaking at the summit itself once felt unimaginable. Yet the experience reinforced her belief that courage combined with guidance can transform possibilities.
Her message to the audience was simple yet powerful: to lead effectively, individuals must learn to silence self-doubt and trust their own voice.
For educators, her words served as a reminder that mentorship and encouragement can help students discover strengths they may not yet recognise.
And for learners, the takeaway was clear—step forward, embrace opportunities and never let fear define the limits of what is possible.
