LaF Talk Archive

Past Talks

A growing community knowledge journey — where experts, parents, youth, and friends share practical wisdom in a simple and fun way.

LaF Talk Journey

This archive is reconstructed from available community announcements and WhatsApp notes. More photos, recordings, and speaker details can be added over time.

Math & Science Life & Society AI & Technology Economics Health & Wellness Personal Finance Cyber Safety Youth Leadership Mental Health
Jun 20 2026

Cyber Safety • AI Era

Digital Arrest - Scam-proof yourself in AI era

Format: In-person session with Zoom option for remote participants

Venue: New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647

A practical LaF community session on recognizing digital arrest scams, AI-enabled impersonation, phishing, QR-code risks, and social engineering. The discussion focused on simple red flags families can remember and immediate steps to take when someone pressures them online or by phone.

Zoom gallery of Digital Arrest talk attendees
Community members joined through Zoom for the June 20 session.
Digital Arrest talk discussion on Zoom
Live discussion and participant Q&A during the cyber-safety session.
QR code phishing presentation during Digital Arrest talk
QR-code phishing demo and practical safety tips.
Apr 25 2026

AI & Technology • Across Generations

AI Across Generations

Speakers: Prof. Sriram Chellapan, Chidananda Khatua, youth speakers, and LaF community voices

Prof. Sriram’s jovial punches, Chidananda Khatua’s weighty remarks, and the fresh perspectives from the high school era made this a memorable community conversation on AI.

View Highlights
Oct 25 2025

Mental Health • Across Generations

Prioritize Your Mental Health: Your Mind Matters!

Speakers: Dr. Rajashree Mohanty, Tithi Das, and Megha Mohapatra

A refreshing, insightful, and heartwarming session on mental wellness. Tithi Das opened with a personal story and a grounding conversation on what mental health means in daily life. Megha Mohapatra shared thoughtful youth perspectives through a video presentation, and Dr. Rajashree Mohanty connected the discussion with medical and scientific insights on the mind-body connection.

Jul 26 2025

Youth Leadership • Signature Series

Young Leadership Development Series

Format: TED Talk-style youth showcase

Theme: Six Topics. Six Voices. One Powerful Event.

A special LaF session featuring six exceptional high school students exploring thought-provoking topics and sharing their perspectives as the next generation of changemakers.

May 10 2025

Preventive Health • Hybrid

Cancer Screening

Speaker: Dr. Subhasis Mishra

Format: In-person and Zoom

A community health awareness session focused on cancer screening, prevention, early detection, and practical guidance for families.

Mar 29 2025

Personal Finance • All Ages

Personal Finance 101

Panelists: Dr. Sajeev Varki and Dr. Gitimoy Kar

An engaging session on money management for all ages, covering budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, financial security, and retirement planning essentials.

Jan 25 2025

Health & Wellness

The Gut Health Matters: You Are What You Eat

Speakers: Prof. Subhra Mohapatra, Prof. Shyam Mohapatra, and Dr. Suresh Mishra

Venue: New Tampa Regional Library, Rooms A–B

A practical wellness session on gut health, eating habits, and how nutrition shapes overall well-being.

Dec 7 2024

Economics • Public Understanding

What Does Economics Deliver? An Introduction

Speaker: Dr. Satya Das

Venue: New Tampa Regional Library, Rooms A–B

An approachable introduction to economics and how it connects to society, decisions, policy, and everyday life.

Aug 31 2024

AI & GenAI • Community Panel

AI and GenAI: What’s the Buzz About?

Format: Talk-show style community conversation

Venue: Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library

A beginner-friendly session introducing Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI, with real-life examples and discussion led by community members.

Apr 27 2024

Life Lessons • Travel

Life is a Journey — Explore the Unseen

Speaker: Dr. Gitimoy Kar

Venue: New Tampa Regional Library

A warm community talk built around travel, experience, curiosity, and practical life wisdom — encouraging everyone to keep learning from the world around them.

Feb 10 2024

Founding Talk • Mathematics

What is Mathematics About?

Speaker: Dr. Ram Mohapatra

Venue: Compton Park Clubhouse, Tampa

The first LaF session opened the journey with a thoughtful and accessible conversation on mathematics — making the subject feel meaningful beyond school formulas and theorems.

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