D125: Connect 125 - Q1 Edition

MydearDistrict125,

We came, we are seeing it, and n the verge of delivering the est!

When I got to know at the start f this year that I would be the ewsletter editor for District 25, the only thing that ran hrough my spine was Excitementinitsecstasy”! ouknowwhy?

ecauseIgottolaymyhandson he very first newsletter of the ewlyformedDistrict!

nything “first” is always pecial,right?

he very thought of getting to nterview the who’s who of District 125 kept me going hroughtheentirequarterJAnd we present to you “Connect 25” for July 2022 September 022.

BeingaleaderatToastmastersisfulfilling;especiallyasonegetstoactually taketheplunge!

Iseemyselfatadifferentlevelofperseverance,persistence,andperspiration since the last 3 months; and the journey would continue to be all the more enthrallingintheupcomingquarters.

Regards, Minal Vaishnav – Sheshgir, DTM Newsletter Editor, District 125

Celebration in the air!

Whydowecelebrateanyfestival?Forvariousreasons,OfCourse; as each festival comes with its own significance. We even celebrate a few special days with pomp & show like Anniversaries,Women’sday,YogaDay tonameafew.However, one underlying reason behind any festival or special day is to reflect and appreciate certain aspects of our lives or just an excuse to spread happiness or enjoy family gatherings with delicacies.So,whytoleavelearningbehind?

Now, the beauty of learning journey is that you do not have to waitforitforayeartocelebrateit.AtToastmasters,wecanlearn everysingledayandcelebratethesame!Whendidyoucelebrate yourprogress?

One of the ways we can celebrate it together with our toastmasters family is by having themed meetings followed by fellowship.Treatyourselfaftereachspeech,shareyourlearning after each role, celebrate achievements of members and club goalsfrequently.

Let me celebrate my journey with you all today I started my journeyin2014withToastmastersinBangaloreandneverlooked backsincethen.ThereweremanypointswhereIthoughttoquit Toastmastersmainlyduetotimeconstraint;however,thenIask myselfwhyIjoined,andIalwaysgetthisanswer tofocusonmy growthandlearningcontinuously Ireneweachtimetocelebrate mylearning.

Do not lose focus on your growth, learning, and sharing. In today’s time, relying on one core skill set or being SME in a subject is not enough. Along with expanding your horizon, we needtocommunicatewithconfidenceandleadwithpassion!

T R

C

D

R E C T

It’s a proud moment for all of us to have the first District Newsletter out in such a short period after our District was formedonJuly1,2022.Let’scongratulateourDistrictNewsletter Editor Minal Vaishnav Sheshgir, DTM for her efforts along with theDPRMTeam.

In these last three and half months, we, at the Trio and District officers’ level, have tried our best to lay the foundation of our District It is still ‘Work in Progress’ but be rest assured that we are on top of things to ensure that you members add value to yourselfthroughyourToastmasters'experience.

As your Club Growth Director, I am having a busy yet enjoyable journey assisting in chartering new clubs, attending milestone meetings,helpingailingclubsbecomestronger,following upon membershippayments,attendingtraining,givingtraining

AsDr.Ralph.C.Smedleyhadsaid,“Welearnbestinmomentsof enjoyment” I am learning, as I am enjoying. I urge each one of you to enjoy your Toastmasters journey as you take up roles in the meetings, give speeches, participate in contests as contestants and role players, perform your ExComm roles, mentor, get mentored There’s so much you can learn once you startenjoyingToastmasters!

And remember Toastmasters is a ladder to Professional and Personalwell being.Keepclimbingtheladder,enjoythejourney, thedestinationwillbesooninyourgrasps!

U B G R O W T H D I R E C T

R

D

DearDistrict125Members, WarmwishesforFestiveseasonandTrustyouaredoinggood! Somemomentsarespecial,theymakeusrealizehowfarwehave comeinourjourneyandinspireustocontinue….

As your District Public Relations Manager, this moment is one such moment for me. I believe that we can make miracles happenwithCollaboration,TeamworkandNetworking. My Vision is to build a strong and sustainable new District 125 with5PCultureofPublicRelations.ThekeyfocusofDPRMTeam ledbymeistoputspotlightonmembersandclubs.

People: To empower members by creating awareness through PRinitiativesandpromotionofTI andDistrict125.

Potential: To leverage our potential by invigorating PR Campaigns thereby acting as a Growth Catalyst and Quality Enabler

Passion:TomobilizePassionofallmembersinvariousinitiatives by innovation and creating impact with PR strategy and PR campaigns.

Planning: To collaborate and work Together as a Team and enabletheplansofTRIOandbuildastrongbondamongus Performance:ToPerformasaunitedteam.

TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, NASHVILLE

The week beginning August 15 will remain etched in my mind for a long time due to the wonderful memories of the Toastmasters International Convention I attended at Nashville, US.

The Convention is an annual event hosted by TI; attended by DistrictTrios,PastDistrict leaders, enthusiastic Toastmasters, Board of Directors ofTI,pastDirectors,past International Presidents. The first two days of this week were devoted to the District Leaders’ Training. Kudos to the “Training andDevelopmentdepartment”of TI The training arrangements, methodology, pre training assignments, presentations, group activities, choice of facilitators, and the earnestness offacilitatorswasallsofantastic..

On the following day we had the various International Directors, ActingInternational President Richard E Peck, DTM, CEO Daniel Rex make short speechesgivingdetailsofthelast year’s performance and plans for the upcoming year. The evening was marked by a glittering ceremony consisting of parade of flagsofallthe140+countrieswith Toastmasters’ presence. The Indianflag,indeed,stoodout!The paradewasfollowedbyakeynote speech by Jim Cathcart, a renownedpublicspeaker,author, andentrepreneur.Thesemi finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking kicked off the nextdayanditwasatreatforthe eyes and ears to witness the contestantswhohadcometothis level from among 30,000 contestants.Theeveningalsosaw the “Hall of Fame” awards distribution and it was a proud moment to hear the name of our erstwhileDistrict,District98being called for the Excellence in ProgramQualityAward.

The Golden Gavel Award was presented to Dr. Shirley Davis the following day. This award is presentedbyTIeveryyeartoanon Toastmasterwhodistinguisheshimself/herselfinthefield ofcommunicationandleadership Dr Davisrichlydeservedtheawardaswasevidentfromher powerful speech on the new competencies and strategies that every leader should adopt to evolveasamoreinclusiveleader.

ThesameeveningIwitnessedtheelectionsforthe7InternationalDirectors,andthefirstand secondVicePresidentontheBoardofTI.Thecrowningglorywasreservedforthegrandfinale on August 20, which saw the best of the best 8 contestants competing for the World ChampionshipofPublicSpeaking.Undoubtedly,thethreebestwon includingsecondrunner upAlexanderMatte,MasMahathirBinMohammed firstrunnerup andtheWorldChampion Cyril Junior Dim. Wow! What an experience to see where the contests we all compete in at club,Area,Division,andDistrictlevelfinallyendup.It’strulyworththeeffort.

TheconventionendedwithanamazingeventwhereintheelectedInternationalDirectorstook charge from the ones retiring and the inauguration of the incoming International President MattKinsey,DTM.

IthankallthemembersofDistrict125,theDistrictleaders,mycolleaguesontheTrio Sanjukta Kundu, DTM and Seema Rani, DTM for this opportunity Let’s resolve to make our presence felt at the next year’s Convention at Nassau Bahamas by doing our best in Club Growth,ClubQuality,andContestperformance.

TRAININGS

DISTRICT OFFICERS TRAINING PROGRAM

The District Officers’ Training Program was held on 16th and 17th July, 2022, wherein the installation of every district officer (Top 6 leaders + 6 Division Directors + 24 Area Directors + District Logistics Manager) happened It was special as the in person installation happened after2longyears(Thankstothepandemic).Thebondingthathappenedin48hoursisbound togoalongwaytowardsnurturingDistrict125.

TOASTMASTERS LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM

The Executive Committee of every paid club in District 125 underwent the Club Officers’ Training(betterknownasToastmastersLeadershipandTrainingProgram)onJuly23and24, 2022.

TheExecutiveCommitteerolesforwhichtrainingwasprovidedincluded:

ExecutiveCommitteeRole

President

Trainer

Sushil Pawar, DTM; Jayesh Pindoriya, and Anthony Gomes

Vice-President Education Ajay Hiraskar, DTM; Usha Udayshankar, DTM and Colin Coelho, DTM

Vice President Membership Manu Nair, Col. Uday Jagavkar, and Raymond Pereira, DTM

Vice President Public Relations Abilash MG, Mayank Naidu, DTM and Clyde Tellis

Secretary Nikhil Umale, Dr. Shaikh Shakil Anjum, DTM and Tanvi Chanekar

Treasurer

Hemant Arora, DTM; Nagappan Palaniappan, DTM and Gajanan Desai

Sergeant at Arms Ankur Bhargava, Vijaya Monteiro, DTM and Swapnil Jawale

JUDGES TRAINING

District125conductedJudgestraining(ChiefJudgeandVotingJudge)onAugust21,2022at thehandsof UshaUdayshankar,DTM(DistrictChiefJudge);BeenaMandrekar,DTM(District TrainingChair)

As of now, District 125 has 100+ toastmasterscertifiedtotakeup therolesofChiefJudge(CJ)and VotingJudge(VJ)atclub ,area , division , and district level contests happening in the Toastmasteryear2022 23.

Recording of the training is availableat District125YouTube Channel

https://youtu.be/q9RdmMsvBFQ

CLUB SPONSOR TRAINING

A club sponsor comes across asanexperiencedToastmaster possessing leadership skills, passion for Toastmasters, and a strong sense of dedication towardshelpingincharteringa new club.The training was conductedbySandeshBanger, DTM Club Coach and Club MentorChaironAug27,2022.

Recording of the training is available at District 125 YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/ECOu-PGq6Sg

CLUB MENTOR TRAINING

become a strong club that will ensure their success for years to come

.The training was conducted by Niteash Agarwaal, DTM, on Aug 27, 2022.

District125YouTubeChannel: https://youtu.be/MJoFk 5575c

CLUB COACH TRAINING

AclubcoachisanexperiencedToastmasterwhocoachesaclubforthequalityimprovementandhelp

Jawale,DivisionDirector,FonAug28,2022

DPRM TEAM – DESIGN WORKSHOP

District125,onSeptember24,2022,concludedthefirst DesignWorkshopbyDPRMTeamofDistrict125.

Thehighlightsoftheworkshopareasfollows

Launching ‘Any Body Can Design Starter Kit’ by Abilash(CreativeDesignTeamMentor)withthe objective of helping District 125 with templates pertaining to Open Houses, Demo Meetings, MeetingAgendas,EducationalSessions,Contests atClub,Area,Divisionlevel,Announcementsof Winners,andlikewise(usingMSPowerpointand Canva)

Sessiononcreatingposterswithimmediateeffect in Canva on Mobile by Shreoshee Choudhury (CommunityManager),whichfoundtheaudience well

·Session on ‘Video Editing’ and ‘Addition of Subtitles’ by Chandrashekhar Mankar (Social MediaManager).Assuch,goingforward,weought towitnesscaptivatingvideosonoursocialmedia handles.

Recording of the training is available at District 125

CONTEST ARENA ACE THE HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTESTS!

Humorous and Evaluation Speech

Contests round the corner, let’s have it from an ace humorous speaker Sriram, DTM He was a runner up at Humorous Speech Contest in District 82 in the TM year 2021 2022

GIVEAUDIENCEATWIST:

This is where the laughter generates! Usually people use “power of three” technique and give a twist at the end For example famousonelineronanITemployee“ITEmployees are always stressed, depressed, but well dressed”. Here, “stressed”and“depressed”areinsyncandtalkaboutmental stateofITemployeesatwork Nowyougiveapauseandthen say “well dressed”, which is a “twist”; where “well dressed” comes under another genre of personality. When you give a twist with correct pause the audience reacts and shows their unexpectedness through laughter Always try to set the plot andgiveatwistattheend,whichinvokeslaughter.

ADDEXAGGERATION:

Always remember “humor” is “humor + exaggeration”, where youtakeaudiencetoyourownland It’salwaysrecommendedto add exaggeration to your speech but do not make it a tall tale. Forexample inoneofmyspeechesmyplotwas“Ivisitmyclub after40yearsandseethechanges”,thereinIsayaline“HeyVPE, why is there a big queue? is it for any movie launch function in ourcompanyauditorium?”,thenVPEreplies,“NoSriram,it’sfor peoplestandinginqueuetobookspeechslotinourclub!Now a days, it’s tough to get speech slot in our club and you being Sriram, DTM, have a separate queue for DTMs and chartered members”. So, in this sentence, I want to have a line stated by VPE “Sriram, it’s for people standing to book speech slot indicating how tough it’s to get speaking slot “and here I add more masala to my soup by exaggerating, “separate queue for DTMs”.So,byaddingexaggerationyoudomakepeopletravelto yourownlandandinducelaughter.

DON’TCAREABOUTLOGIC:

Humor is triggered in audience’ mind only when you make logically illogical statements and whenyoucompeltheaudiencetotravelwithyouandtheyforgetlogicbehindit.Oneexample whichIcanstateisinoneofthecontestants’speechestherewasalinewheremathsteacher asksSyamtosaynumbersfrom1to20,responsefromSyam,“Ihavebeentaughtthenumbers by my uncle and he says “1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10” and then teacher replies “Fantastic Syam, go ahead”andthenSyamsays,“Jack,Queen,King,Ace”….Bysayingthispeoplelaughedasthere was a twist but if you think about logic, “Do we have “number 1” in our pack of cards?” NO, right?Butdidpeoplequestionorcareaboutthelogic?So,it’sabsolutelyfinetonotcareabout logicortruthwhilederivinghumorfromyourspeech.

Sriram, DTM

...you give a twist with correct pause...

"

...it’s absolutely fine to not care about logic or truth...

"

CONTEST ARENA

ACE THE EVALUATION SPEECH CONTESTS!

Beena Mandrekar, DTM has been a consistent winner of Evaluation Speech Contests at the club, area, and division level Let’s hear from her the pointers to ace the evaluation speech contests

Therearefourparametersmentionedintheevaluationballot(1179),onwhichtheevaluation speechcontestantswouldbeevaluatedbythevotingjudges

RECOMMENDATIONS

ANALYTICAL

The personal evaluation sheet could be used for voraciously noting down the points of the speech,followedbydividingthe paper into two halves On the left hand side, write down the good points, and on the right hand side, write down the not so goodpoints

Do not paraphrase the testspeaker’sspeech.

Opening should be great, body shouldbegreat,andconclusion shouldbebrilliant

Prefer using springboard from the speech for immediate connect between the speaker andyourself.

Avoid using “Amazing, Kudos, Wonderful”

Mentioning about the not so goodpoints,youshouldbeready with a valid answer (what is the rightwayifnottheonestatedby thetestspeaker)

TECHNIQUE

Prefer falling in love with yourspeaker.

If the speech is not all that effective,praisetheotherpoints atleasttwo

SUMMATION

Don’t forget to summarise the speech and end with a commendation

Drive the words like “but, however”outofyourdictionary.

Beena Mandrekar, DTM

Division

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3700901

ClubName

ToastmastersClubofBMCSoftwareCustomerSuccess

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ContactDetails

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RainbowToastmastersClub Sundays7:00pm +919370334481

RaisoniAceToastmastersClub

ExpleoIndia1.0ToastmastersClub

PuneAdvancedToastmastersClub

SinhgadToastmastersClub

Saturdays11:00am 1:00pm +919657724110

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2ndand4thSaturdays 2pm 4pm +919714338220

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PuneMarathiToastmastersClub Saturdays7pm 9pm +919021666147

DruvaToastmastersClub

EPAMIndiaToastmastersClub

TSYSPuneToastmastersClub

2nd&4thFridays 2:30pm +919406736293

Saturdays2:30pm 4:30pm +919324195123

Fridays3:00pm +919822748354

ToastmastersClubOfPuneCentral Mondays7:00pm +919890286817

ToastmastersClubofBMCSoftware

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28675402

AssimilateTechnologiesToastmastersClub

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ToastmastersClubofPune

eZestToastmastersClub

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KolhapurToastmastersClub

ToastmastersClubofPuneWest

CumminsPuneToastmastersClub

ToastmastersForGlobalEntrepreneurs

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Aspirers'ToastmastersClub Saturdays12:00pm +919527507498

AundhToastmastersClub Sundays3pm 5:15pm +919920663665

CRISILPuneToastmastersClub

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CiscoEloquenceToastmastersClub Fridays4.30p.m. 6.00p.m. +919035074409

MoogToastmastersClubofPune

2nd&4thMondays10am 12:00pm +919132292355

BanerToastmastersClub Saturdays4:00pm 6:15pm +917905455741

STSPuneToastmastersClub Tuesdays06:00pm 7:30pm +919823848647

AtlasCopcoGeciaToastmastersClub

AlternativeThursdaysandFridays5:45pm 7:15pm +917038601199

FintreeToastmastersClubForFinanceProfessionals Fridays8:00pm 9:30pm +919833671302

ToastmastersClubofPuneNorthWest Sundays11:00am 1:15pm +917249669807

3DSPuneToastmastersClub Thursdays9:30am 11:00am +1912067936683

ToastmastersClubofNashik Saturdays5:00p.m. 6:30p.m. +917676077409

Capgemini IkigaiToastmastersClub Fridays|Online9:00am 10:30am +919672759488

GenesisToastmastersClub Sundays3:00pm 5:15pm +918793089014

InfosysPuneToastmastersClub Wednesdays5:30pm +919975102225

EmersonInnovationCenterPuneToastmastersClub

Wednesdays9:30am 11:00am +919650213909

WakadToastmasterClub Saturdays5:00pm 7:15pm +918805750738

HTSIToastmastersClub 2ndand4thThursdays4:00pm 5:30pm +919503991110

Saturdays5:00pm +919422325523

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ClubName

BarclaysPuneToastmastersClub

AllstateToastmastersClubPune

Timings

ContactDetails

Fridays05:30pm 6:30pm +917382985829

Saturdays3:00pm 4:00pm +919620327860

BibvewadiToastmastersClub Sundays5:30pm +919949887918

ExpleoIndiaToastmastersClub

BarclaysPune2Toastmasters

RISEToastmastersClub,Magarpatta

ExpeditionToastmastersPune

ClarionToastmastersClub

ADPPuneToastmasters

TeradataPuneToastmastersClub

Fridays4:00pm 5:30pm +919884155145

Saturday11:00am 12:30pm +919944301825

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2nd&4thThursdays3:00pm +919900243043

2nd&4thThursdays03:30pm 5:00pm +917758991169

Fridays04:00pm +912067574549

1st&3rdWednesdays10:30am 12:30pm +912066442004

WondersofWomenToastmastersClub Sundays03:00pm +919527450436

BackpackersToastmastersClub Sundays4:00pm 6pm +919952584696

ToastmastersClubofPuneSouthEast Saturdays300pm +919767971818

BNYMellon Magarpatta

E3EcolabToastmastersClub

JohnDeerePuneToastmasters20

Wednesdays5:00pm +16467826785

Saturdays10:30am 12:30pm +919766053661

Wednesdays11:00am 12:30pm +919960709792

JohnDeerePuneToastmastersClub Fridays1000am +919823046538

DeutscheBankPuneToastmastersClub

SgAsToastmastersClub

Wednesdays11:30am +919819783553

Thursdays5:30pm 7:00pm +919604826965

ToastmastersforPuneEntrepreneurs20 Fridays700pm +919145726555

OpulentToastmastersClubOfPuneCamp Sundays11:00am +919527377988

UBSPuneToastmastersClub

JapfaToastmastersClub

BBDToastmastersClub

Tuesdays11:00am +912067425901

Thursdays5:00pm 6:00pm +918108821177

Tuesdays10:00am 11:30am +919881130355

ExpleoIndia20ToastmastersClub Fridays4:00pm +919890095800

TietoevryToastmastersClub

ToastmastersClubofPuneSouth

BNYMellon PuneCommerzone

CadenceSparklingToastmastersClub

Wednesdays10:30am 11:30am +919373104450

Saturdays10am 12pm +917875813981

Wednesdays5:00pm 6:30pm +917028267176

2nd&4thThursdays4:00pm 5:30pm +917709448612

ToastmastersClubofPune NorthEast Tuesdays7:00pm 9:00pm +917588582906

STLToastmasterClub

JohnDeerePuneToastmasters30

GOAYMCAToastmastersClub

MapusaToastmasters

TangentiaToastmasters

ToastmastersInternationalMargao

InternationalCentreGOA(ICG)Toastmasters

Wednesdays5:00pm 6:30pm

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2nd&4thWednesdays6:45 8:30PM +917620491487

1st,3rdMondays&5thMondays7:30pm +918007721089

2nd&4thWednesdays6:30pm 8:30pm +919370208917

2nd&4thThursdays6:30pm +919822480899

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Wednesday12:30pm 200pm +919049805222

ToastmastersClubofAllscriptsPune Fridays4:00pm 5:00pm +912071078005

Fridays5:30pm +919886426722

Fridays2:30pm 4:00pm +919766314195

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Fridays10:00am +918888077024

Saturdays3:00am 5:00pm +919834644361

Wednesdays4:00pm +9657990246

PR EVENTS

PRatishtha

District 125, on August 15, 2022 presented its very first PR event “PRatishtha”, with the objectivetofacilitateaneternalbondingamongsttheToastmasters.

Itwasa“LearnwithFun”eventthatcomprised

KeynoteSpeechesbyCol.ArunJoshi(Retd.)andPrasadSovani,DTM IntroductionofExtendedTeamsbyTop6DistrictLeaders

LaunchingDistrictWebsitebyArchanaPande,DistrictWebmaster Launching District Newsletter’s Structure by Minal Vaishnav Sheshgir, DTM, Newsletter Edit

Bytes (an initiative ), an initiative by District Director Seema Rani, k Naidu, DTM to spotlight corporate clubs of District 125 by Ravi entManager.

wards orAwards

n alumnus of the nce Academy), missionedinJune

At the nascent slucksnailedfor eIndoPakWarof N sector (Patton was fortunate to lee of victory by 2021. He has an ounterInsurgency nd J&K and LoC dRajaour.Hewas ide. Base Camp ebriefstintswith Tibetan plateau uctor at Thonda, at the Services eral Staff Higher y ollege. He was on deputation at Assam Rifles prior to super annulation after 33 years of honorable service.The motto of his dedicated service hasbeen“Naam,Namak,Nishaan”.

Prasad Sovani, DTM is the Founder of Toastmasters’ Movement in Pune & Maharashtra. He had served as District Governor (District Director was known as District Governor back then) for District 41, which covered 89% of India. He has been a Toastmaster for 28 years and is a 5 times DTM.He explained about his idea of splitting the“ToastmastersClubofPune”intovarious other clubs, but with a common thread binding them. In other words, the newly formed clubs followed the same nomenclature. For instance the clubs formed were Toastmasters Club of Pune North West, Toastmasters Club of Pune NorthEast,ToastmastersClubofPuneSouth, Toastmasters Club of Pune South East, Toastmasters Club of Pune Central, Toastmasters Club of Pune West, Toastmasters Club of Pune East (renamed as Opulent Toastmasters Club of Pune Camp later), and likewise Under the patronage of Prasad Sovani, DTM, Pune grew from ‘1’ club in2005to‘30’clubsin2015,i.e.30clubsinthe first 10 years! He had rightly entitled his keynotespeechas“UBUNTU”.

ThereweresomefunelementssprinkledbyUnmesh Mohitkar with his poems with comic timing.Also, uniqueness was imparted to PRatishtha by organizing the distribution of promotional postcardstothetargetaudience(aged7.5to75,as wearemarking75yearsofIndia’sindependence)in collaboration with Pune Metro, on 15th and 16th Aug, so as to usher fresh sparks in the form of District 125’s Promotional Postcards on India@75. The event concluded with the Vote of Thanks by MayankNaidu,DTM,DPRM.

THE EXTENDED TEAMS

HR SUMMIT 2022, HR 5.0, NASHIK 28thAugust,2022markedtheHRSummit2022,HR5.0@TheBigRethinkatSymbiosisInstitute ofOperationsManagement,Nashik.TheattendeesincludedHRdelegatesfromover40 organisationsfromcorporatesinandaroundNashik.ADDineshChaudhariguided ToastmastersClubofNashiktosetupanexclusivestallgotinteractingwiththeattendees The objectivewastoexpandtheclubandopennewclubsintheregion.

LEADERS' ARENA THE GO-GETTER!

Nagappan Palaniappan, DTM has been with Toastmasters since the last 10 years He has been a consistent leader and a force to reckon with. District 125’s Public Relations team had a tete a tete with him with regards to him standing tall at Toastmasters.

How did you get introduced to the world of Toastmasters and when did you begin your journey as a Toastmaster?

IgottoknowofToastmastersaround15years back. However, I joined Toastmasters in the year2012.Oneofmycolleaguesdidintroduce metoToastmastersduringmystayinChennai, but I became a Toastmaster after moving to Pune.

How long did it take for you to be a Distinguished Toastmaster and how fulfilling was it?

It took me 4 years 6 months to be a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). I firmly believe in the approach of enjoying the journey rather than the results. I suggest my fellow toastmasters to not just get carried away by the title (and try to grab it in the shortest time) but emphasise on journey and learnings. I completed the same in the conventionalpath(CompetentCommunicator (CC), Competent Leader (CL)), and the level was gradually turning out to be harder (from CC to ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze), ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver), and ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)) For instance to be an ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold), I had to conduct sessions on success/communication and success/leadershipseries Thisdidaskforalot ofpreparation.

How many mentees have you nurtured so far and your experience regarding the same?

I have 3 mentees at the moment (This has beenaregularscenariosincetheyear2014).I get inspired if I see my mentee getting a ribbon in the club meeting, awards in contests, or grows on the professional grounds.

Who are your sources of inspiration at Toastmasters?

I have got inspired by multiple senior leaders at Toastmasters till date all those who take up roles, take feedback positively and incorporateitinthesubsequentrolesstandas my source (s) of inspiration. In case I need to mention a few, I would like to mention Distinguished Toastmasters Prasad, Mukta, Beena,Mohanandthelistisendless.

What’s your take regarding being “super active” at Toastmasters?

I have come across Toastmasters who are “super active” for a year or two and then just vanish.Inmyview,weneedtobemoreregular atToastmastersandproveourconsistency.

What’s it that drives you towards Toastmasters after these many years?

Through Toastmasters, I could get connected with people from diverse areas of expertise and fields. It gives me a third dimension (Family/friends, professional life, and Toastmasters).

What were the challenges you faced to date and the way you overcame them?

At times, I was not able to do justice with Toastmasters say, due to being tad busy on theprofessionalorpersonalfront.Duringthat time, I actually had to take a break (or even attend meetings without taking up any roles, so as to relax) and get back in action as an active/regularmember.

What would you like to tell the prospective Toastmasters?

Toastmasters is a learning program and not a magicwandoraproductthatcouldbebought foraprice.Merelypayingformembershipfees is not all. Growth will happen on attending meetings regularly and being proactive with respecttotakingroles.

Nagappan Palaniappan, DTM

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

A PROFESSIONAL PAR EXCELLENCE!

Ravina More, DTM

Ravina More, DTM displayed a multitude of qualitiessinceherschooldays beitinterms ofbehaviour,performingartsandsports.She isaBachelorsinComputerEngineeringfrom Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) PuneandMastersinTechnologyfromCollege ofEngineering,Puneinthesamefield

Ravina started with her journey as a Toastmaster in the year 2012 with Toastmasters Club of Pune West She climbed up the ladder rejoicing over various accolades to her credit. Continuing the journey as the chartered members of Pune Advanced Toastmasters Club and ToastmastersClubofPuneEntrepreneurs. Her craving for niche in the professional worldendedupingettingthroughTAS(Tata Administrative Services). She is amongst the youngestprofessionalstobeapartofTata’s Advanced Leadership Programme. As such, she rightfully holds a responsible position withAirIndia(CommercialWing).

As a philanthropist, she is one of the key members of “Tahaan (meaning thirst)”, wherein she, along with 100+ volunteers across India are working towards providing access to clean water to almost everyone, withminimalwastage!

Weareindeedprivilegedtohaveanachiever amongst us who had many feathers to her capassheiswalkinginher20s.Ravinawould continue to inspire the existing as well as prospectiveToastmasters!

HIGH PERFORMANCE THE KEY TO SUCCESS!

Mendhe

“Whereleadersareidentified”

Toastmaster Prabhakar Mendhe from Genesis Toastmasters Club, who stands true to the dictum.Heisaperformancecoach,softskills facilitator,acertifiedmastercoachregarding performanceandsoftskillsbyIndiaCoaching Federation Performance Management is something Prabhakar is passionate about and ardently believes in passing on the legacytothebuddingleaders.Healsoholds the distinction of being the founder of WINGSGROW LEARNING (Soft Skill Organization)basedoutofPune.

It needs to be noted that entrepreneurship didn’t happen to him since the start of his career. He absorbed pearls of experience ranging 18 years from well known organisations like Mahindra Forgings Ltd, Sanghvi Motors, Garware Bestrech, ACG Worldwide, and Greatwall. His working principle is “Attitude is Everything”. Toastmasters catalysed the spark in him to be a soft skills facilitator, and here he is with his very first book entitled “High Performance TheKeytoSuccess”.Thebook was released on 15th August, 2022 and is availableonamazonin

What’s in?

The book, same as its author, is all set to ignite the fire within those who are still into oblivion regarding their potential. It is there tohelpthosewhowishtostepintotheworld ofpositivities!Thosereadingthebookwould certainly think of making a beeline to something that they would like pursuing wholeheartedly.

OPEN HOUSE & PRE CHARTER MEETING

DR. D Y PATIL UNIVERSITY

OnSeptember6,2022toconductanOpenHouseanddemomeetingwasheldatDr.DYPatil University,Pimpri.Toastmasters Minal,DTM,Chandrashekar,Vinod,DTM,DivisionDirector,A; Dr.Shaikshakil,DTM,DistrictParliamentarian.

JOHNSON CONTROLS TOASTMASTERS CLUB

OnSeptember7,2022,ademomeeting wasconductedatJohnsonControls,wherewehad Col.Uday,AreaDirector,E3,Dr.Shaikshakil,DTM,DistrictParliamentarianandMilind,DTM, ClubGrowthDirectorwerepresenttosharetheirwisewordstothiswonderfulcrowd.

THYSSEN KRUPP TOASTMASTERS CLUB

OnSeptember23,2022ademomeetingwasheldatThyssenKruppwhichwasledbyAditya Saxena,DTM,DivisionDirector,CandsupportedbyDineshChaudhari,AreaDirector,C1, Beena,DTM

DIVISION EVENTS

F: AREA F1 & F2 O

AreasF1&F2conductedOpen HouseonSeptember24and25, 2022respectively.WithSwapnil, DivisionDirector,Fleadingfrom thefront,theoccasionwasgraced byMilindPatwardhan,DTM,Club GrowthDirector;TanviChanekar, AreaDirector,F2; AnilLobo,DTM, AreaDirector,F1.Theother attendeesfromToastmasters fraternityincludedAbrarKhan, VishwajaFaldesaai,andMujtaba Haaziq.

A.L.I.V.E

Assiduous

ToastmastersInternational offeranopportunityintheformofaclub support role called Club Coach. The major responsibility of a club coach is that of instilling life into the ailing club by improving the membershipcountandmakingitadistinguishedclub.Thistaskwas successfully fulfilled by reviving the Genesis Toastmasters Club between Jul2021 Jun2022. The club was left with merely six members when he took over as the club coach. In the present scenario, the same club stands at 20+ members with the legacy of leadership being successfully passed on to the existing executive committeewiththeguidanceofassiduousManuNair!

Learning

V ELearningissomethingthatneverstops,right?Thetermfullstopdoes not exist in the dictionary of Toastmasters! Jai Singh is proving it everynowandthen!HegotassociatedwithToastmastersinthefirst quarteroftheyear2019,andsincethen,hasneverlookedback!He hasbeenaPathwaysStarsincetheyear2020,withfourpathsunder hisbelt,andtwopathsonthevergeofcompletion.Hehasservedtwo executive committee terms and holds the distinction of bagging “Diamond Club Award” during his tenure as the President of ToastmastersClubofPuneNorthWest!NonstoplearnerJaisingh!

Ignite

There are Toastmasters who have already bagged all the accolades that Toastmasters International has to offer. Still, they never cease to inspire. We have a retired technocrat, who entered the world of Toastmasters way back in 1992 in Saudi Arabia. Of Course, at that time,theobjectivewastomakenewfriends.Buttheoverallconcept of Toastmasters impressed him to the extent of completing CTM (Competent Toastmaster) in 1994. Thereafter, he took a break and reinstated himself in 2009. He has attended six international conventions in person; having served as Area Director, District Parliamentarian, and many more! He has been at the forefront in t ti f l b i P ndadualmember! adkar,DTM!

Voracious

ILThereareToastmasterswhohaveshowntheirvoracityrightfromthe day one of joining Toastmasters! She joined the community in April 2019,andwasBangOn!ShewentontowinTableTopicContestinthe same season at the Division level. Thereafter, she represented her Infosys Pune Toastmasters Club twice at the Division level at International Speech Contest. She continues to explore the other facetsofToastmasters.ThejourneyvoraciouslycontinuesforIrene!

Excellence

zedasaToastmasterforayingexcellence HeshmaDaryananiamongstus!Shewas ster of the Year” for 2021-22, Division D r, and third place winner for Humorous a level. The executive committee roles Clubpresident,VPE,VPM,andSAA.She year.KeepexcellingHeshma!

A.L.I.V E

Astute

AnkitKalethinksofToastmastersasthebestbirthdaygifttohimself!

He started his journey with toastmasters in 2018 and has met with people from various fields. Every single individual has something to learn from. It made him a better communicator and confident speaker;thejourneycontinues.Intoastmasters,hehas

Grownpersonallyandprofessionally. Madealotofgoodfriends,expandedhisnetwork;notonlythat heevenfoundhisbusinesspartner.

Receivedcountlessrewards

Livewire

EWhenVenkateshjoinedtoastmasters,hisgoalwastoenhancepublic speakingskills.Buteventuallyheunderstoodthatthereisalotmore in, beyond public speaking, where one can learn every bit of leadership skills as well. It takes little time to understand what is toastmaster. But to understand that one needs to take his/her journeyseriously.Whetheritsmeetingrolesorexecutivecommittee roles or district officers’ roles one must play it seriously to have deeper understanding of these roles & to get satisfactory results at theend.Hefollowedthemantraabovetoachievehisgoals.Allthese effortsatToastmastershavereflectedinhisprofessionaljourneyto evolveasabetterleader&helpedhimtogrowatprofessionalfront.

Inspirational

Joe,DTM in the last 1.5 years, has chartered two co providedleadforacorporateclubanditwassuccess bytheDistrictrecently.Itisawell knownfactastoh itistoconvertaguestintoamember.InJanuary2021 passionate fellow Toastmasters, chartered ToastmastersClub.Asafoundingpresident,hemana 13guestsasbrandnewToastmasters.Sincethen,heh than 30 members to the club. His motto – “Don’t tak masters close to rs”. The sourc guest gets co membersonboa

Ls ooks 2.5 years back, she sees a different Lipika. In these Toastmasters,shehaslearnedandgrowninsomanyways eouterselfbutalsotheinnerself.Shestillremembersthe henshevisitedKTCasaguestandlaterbecameamember. ookupExecutiveCommitteerolesfromVPMtoVPEtoClub Afterawhilesheactivelytookupvariousrolesnotjustin ut also at division or district leve j andenrichingwithlotoflearning

rough a corporate club in the deliver his ice breaker, which reatmentorswhoencouraged come a long way from being the speaking opportunities in . He has also taken various PR,VPE,President.Ithasbeen l.Hefeelsveryenergeticwith gtheexperience.

Ebullience

DESIGN

5P Culture of Public Relations HASHTAGS