ANINTERVIEWWithLateNESHIKUMARA,DTM

October31st2022afternoonwasashocktoallthetoastmasterofD116,thesuddendemiseof NeshikumarA,DTM.ItwasdifficultforustobelievethatNeshiKumarleftthisworld,stillsomeof the Toastmasters couldn't accept this truth! But he left us with a Legacy, the dedicated distinguishedtoastmasterwhoalwayshadabeautifulsmileonhisface,wemissyouNeshi!

WhatisNeshiKumaroutsideofToastmasters?

Since I joined Toastmassters, my world has been revolving around it I am an Electrical Engineer working with Mackins Trading as a working partner. I have done my Masters in Finance & Marketing. Maths has been an interesting subject and that’s why I chose Engineering.

What brought you to Toastmasters and what makesyoustay?

Back in 2007, I came to know about Toastmasters from an organization I was part of – Keralite Engineers Forum (KEF) which constitutes of Keralite Engineers who completedEngineeringoutsideKerala.Ijoined Toastmasters for my family. When my son became in 9th Grade, I realized he has to improve on his public speaking skills. I made him to join the YLP conducted by KEF Toastmasters. Now, the overall teaching or helpingotherstolearnbetter.Ithasbeenagive backtothesociety

Date–31May2021

Interviewer–BinduPillai Photography/Videography–RemiRaji Venue:Neshi’shouseinBinOmran.

Who is your mentor and share with your audience about some key memories of your mentor-menteerelationship?

I recollect my first mentor as DTM Noorudeen. He assisted me in the initial times with my speeches Later, when I understood what a mentor is, I can say there are many. Similar is the case when someone approaches me. I always tell them to observe me and consider measamentoronlyforthoseyouthinkisgood inme.Ireallycantcountmymentorsasthelist is long and I don’t wish to miss out on anyone whenInamethemall.

What are some of the key achievements that your mentees have attained that you are proudof?

I consider many people around me as my mentees. I don’t know how many of them consider me as their mentor (Giggles) I am proudofmanyofthemhaveperformed.IfeelI havedonesomethingforthemtoo.Foreg:two ofmymenteesarehereinfrontofme–Yourself (pointing to me) and Remi (pointing to Videographer).

You have been in Toastmasters when Pathways was implemented. How did you contributetoacceptingthechange?

JoinedinMay2017andIcompletedmyCCand

CL In Feb or Mar 2018 first training we attendedbyDTMRaghavanMenon.Inthenext year, I became the VPE in my clubs – KEF and Excel. I accepted the challenge to understand whatitisallabout.Helpingotherstolearnwill gainyoubetterlearningandbetterenjoyment.

There is no single definition for effective Leadership, what is your advice to the budding toastmasters to climb up the Leadershipladder?

Enjoy the program and attempt every role you take with passion. Say Yes to all the roles that come to you. Challenge yourself to new roles. Don’tovercommitandoverdo Staycommitted andtakeresponsibilityofyourroles.

Tellussomethingaboutyourfamily.

I am from Kuttiyadi, Kozhikode District. I am settled in Qatar since 2009. My family consists of my wife Lali and two children – Ninav and Nritha. Lali works in Pearl School as an AcademiccoordinatorforGrades1-4.Ninavisa Grade X11 student and Nritha is in Grade VI. I havetwosiblings.

Area15hadalegacybeingtopinDistrict116, 3rdinRegion11and7thintheWorldin201819.WheredoesArea15standatthemoment and where do you aim to reach prior to the endofyourterm?

MorethanreachingsomewhereinDistrict116,I aimed at developing my co-Toastmasters who are in my Area and my club. We formed a new club – AITMAQ Toastmasters. It was aimed at developthosefresherswhoareoutofAnjuman InstituteofTech&Managementwhoarecome into Gulf for jobs. We have two challenging clubs – AITMAQ which is a new club and Megchiani-Oneacorporateclubwasconverted intoanonlineclub.

YouweretheIT-HeadintheDTACCommittee 2020-21.Highlightsomeoftheexperiencesof alife-time.

DTAC has always been a celebration for all Being the IT Head was a huge privilege, We were a big team connected online during the pandemic We pondered into the options for online meetings and decided to conduct the DTAC completely online. It was a huge challenge and I must say, all were equally enthusiastic and eager to get the event conducted online. The event was a grand successtoo.

Thank you Neshi for your time. All the best to getArea15PresidentDistinguished.