DIVISION
NEPTUNE DIVISION N, DISTRICT 98 NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1.0
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IN THIS ISSUE
3 DDIIRSETCRTI COTR
4 D IISMTMR EI CDTI ADTI ER EPCATSOTR 6 C L DU IBR GE CR TOOWRT H
7 MPAUNBALGI CE RR EDLI VAITSIIOONNS N
8 CE HD II ET OF RN EDWI VSI LSEI OT TNENR
F O R E W O R D 9 11
O2O Offline TO Online How Time Files
1 2 Mentoring Experience The Magic! 16
Leaders Speak
20
Growth is the Only Constant
21
From The Area Directors
2 3 From The Managers
25
Members Contribution
29
When Doodle Meet Toastmasters
30
Shining Outside Division N
32
TI & YOU!
33
Celebration Time
34
You Ask We Speak!
35
The Masters Behind this Piece
2 4 Blockbuster Poster N E P T U N E #DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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DISTRICT DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 98
It all started with one club back in 1992 in India, which laid the foundation for the growth of the movement in India. In the last 28 years, we have grown from One club to Six Districts. I am elated to see Nagpur-Chhattisgarh become a Division this year. As they say with great powers comes great responsibilities. You now have a significant role to play in growing the Nagpur region. When I visited Nagpur back in 2019, I loved meeting the members, enjoyed the Area Contest and saw a fantastic group of enthusiastic Toastmasters enjoying every minute of the program. I expect the following three things from you, 1) Practice Toastmasters promise. 2) In your communities or working circle, demonstrate the learnings of Toastmasters. 3) Bring one guest every quarter.
I am elated to see Nagpur-Raipur become a Division this year.
To grow any movement, it requires perseverance and discipline. The above three will help you with both and ensure with growing at a steady pace in Nagpur. You have one of the best Leaders, leading the Division and Areas ensuring they provide all the support the clubs and its members need. We only need your participation and support to make this possible. I wish Division N success and growth in coming years as part of District 98 now and then 126 starting July 2022. Stay Safe!
- DTM Niteash Agarwaal, District Director, District 98
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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IMMEDIATE PAST DISTRICT DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 98
Dear Members of Division N, Greetings! Congratulations to the members and leaders of Toastmasters of Division N for dreaming big and making it a reality for Nagpur City and Chhattisgarh state. It’s not a one day dream, but a dream of more than five years, when Nagpur parted with Mumbai and Pune and aligned with Hyderabad Divisions during District 41. The contribution of TM Manishankar Rajan, the then Area Director, and also TM Jagrut Vaishnav the then Division Director in supporting and encouraging clubs in Nagpur City, by their regular visits, should be remembered and appreciated. Later on leaders like DTM Smita Mishra, TM Shubhangi Pandey, TM Srikar, TM Shashank Arya, TM Eshant Gupta, TM Manav Makhija, DTM Mayuri Assudani (now the first Division N Director), and many others continued with this dream. Because of these continued efforts with lots of commitment and passion, now we have our own Division N. I would like to call it a Division ‘Nutriment’.
It’s not a one day dream, but a dream of more than five years, when Nagpur parted with Mumbai and Pune and aligned with Hyderabad Divisions during District 41.
#DivisionN
I wish Division N soon spreads its wings across Nagpur City and Chhattisgarh state and reaches every nook and corner of this geography and provides ‘Nutrimental’ support for the people in the region in becoming better persons through Toastmasters education program. I urge each and every member of this new Division to lead from the front to spread the word of Toastmasters as much as they can by word of mouth and their own personal social media, which is very powerful, so that everyone in this geography gets the benefits of Toastmasters. It’s our bounden responsibility to ensure this, if at all we really feel that the Toastmasters skills are helping us grow personally and professionally.
#ShineTogether
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IMMEDIATE PAST DISTRICT DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 98
Secondly, personal growth is also very important for each and every Toastmaster member. The new education program of Toastmasters International, PATHWAYS, is well designed to suit the present day needs and face the challenges effectively. I urge each one of you to pursue this Pathways program to improve your communication and leadership skills, not just to tick away a project for the sake of completion of the project, nor for some titles or points. Pathways really shows us the right path in our life's growth, if we really follow the objectives of every project thoroughly while preparing and delivering them. Please attend your club meetings regularly whether you have a role to play in the meeting or not and support the club just by being there.
Swami Vivekananda once said, "Stop Not Till the Goal is Reached." The next BIG and BRIGHT dream of members of Division N should be to become a District of its own. It’s not too far but just right around the corner. Go for it!
"Don't wait for opportunity, Create it!" -Anonymous
#DivisionN
- TM Venkata Ramana Dittakavi Immediate Past District Director, District 98
#ShineTogether
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CLUB GROWTH DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 98
Welcome to the new Toastmasters Year! First and foremost a big thank you to the amazing PR and Newsletter team of Division N. A lot of hard collaborative effort, persistence and time goes into creating a masterpiece like this newsletter. This year might be a slowdown for the world, but we at Toastmasters are shifting gears and increasing our pace, am privileged to be a part of this organisation which is bustling with leaders who are always hustling to become better versions of themselves, get out of their comfort zones, help others become better leaders and find creative ways of dealing with every challenge at hand. As a new Division we were just taking our baby steps when COVID hit us. But what was expected to be a disaster actually turned out to be a blessing; thanks to the amazing leadership of Division N, by bringing some very innovative meeting ideas and events that we can witness from the comforts of our homes. This Newsletter is one such initiative by our leadership team to help you keep a track of all that is happening is Division N and District 98 at large.
Your dreams become a reality when you choose a path and walk on the way.
We are committed to help you on your path to achieve the best out of your Toastmasters learning with Pathways. There are 11 amazing and powerful unique paths for you to choose from which are focused to help you acquire skills which will make you Industry-ready, no matter which career you choose. Keep learning and don't stop for anything,I am a behavioural trainer and my path is Effective Coaching which has helped me get more insights into my industry. We will see you soon with our next newsletter until then take care of yourself.
- TM Joy B Hans Club Growth Director, District 98
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER DIVISION N
Nagpur and Raipur became an independent Division, Division N, on 1st of July 2020. This was achieved due to the hard work and dedication of the leaders of the erstwhile Areas H4 and H5. It was our collective dream to see Nagpur-Raipur as an independent Division and now that it has been achieved I believe it is our collective responsibility to take it forward following the principles of the Toastmasters International. Having served as the Vice President Public Relations of my Club for two consecutive terms I feel honoured and privileged for the opportunity to serve the Division. As the Division PR Manager, I would want to see Division N as the most ‘Brand Compliant’ Division. I am grateful to have the support of an enthusiastic and creative team. Our first task was to provide our Toastmasters with their own Newsletter; a forum for them to air their views and also showcase their linguistic and artistic prowess.
We can and we will #ShineTogether as Division N.
We chose to name our newsletter ‘Neptune’ for Neptune embodies inspiration, creativity, soulfulness, compassion, sensitivity and forgiveness; the principles that we follow at Toastmasters. Now is the opportunity for us, Division N, to Progress, Prosper & #ShineTogether
- TM Monica Dixit Public Relations Manager, Division N
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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EDITOR'S NOTE NEPTUNE
Dear Toastmasters and Readers, Welcome to the first edition of Neptune! It has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of the newsletter team! This year has been eventful on account of multiple reasons. First and foremost, due to the various restrictions we face on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, we got the opportunity to explore new virtual mediums to stay in touch. Second, we have successfully transitioned from offline Toastmasters meetings to online Toastmasters meetings. Third, Nagpur and Raipur were recognized as Division N in District 98, we have a new Division Team in place and we are all on our way to #ShineTogether Fourth, it is that time of the year where we renew our journey with Toastmasters and future Toastmasters commence a new journey! In this inaugural issue, we share with you experiences, achievements, and challenges faced by our Toastmasters members and clubs.
In Division N we believe – ‘All for One and One for All’.
We are sure that you will be enriched by reading the experiences of fellow Toastmasters, because in Division N we believe – "All for One and One for All". This season is also the time when contests are round the corner! It is the time to find our funny bones, dust them off and enjoy one of our greatest survival tools! And it is also the time to work on our evaluation techniques and do what Toastmasters do the best, support others in improving themselves! So have a great contest season everyone! We may not be meeting in person this year, but we still have a lot to be thankful for, so go out (online only please) and enjoy yourselves!
- TM Prajakta Gadkari Chief Newsletter Editor Division N
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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O2 O
Offline To Online
The year 2020 might be considered doomed in world history, but for Division N, it is the year of new beginnings. While we felt caged inside our homes, July brought forth merry tidings for Nagpur and Raipur. Uncertainty loomed, but out of adversity comes opportunity. And just like that, we went from offline to online. This shift has had its unique challenges, like TM Vaishnavi Duragkar from InfoCepts Toastmasters says, "Major challenges were - adapting to the new technological environment, power cut or network issues leading to distortion & disorder and increased amount of disturbances in the meeting." Similarly, TM Chetna Arya from SSIPMT Spellbinders says, "The magic of an Offline meeting is untouchable. Online does not bring the same excitement or attendance." And all of us felt that! The old magic was not the same. There was something different about the atmosphere in Toastmasters, and it wasn't COVID-19! We all soldiered up and took in this newness as an experience of a lifetime. TM Eshant Gupta from TCS Nagpur Toastmasters shared a similar experience, "During my first online meeting I was a prepared speaker. When it came to where or who to look at, I was lost. But somehow I pulled it off and it was a great experience." "I joined InfoCepts Toastmasters club when the COVID-19 lockdown was announced. My entire on-boarding process happened online. This was an entirely new experience as I had not been a part of any such on-boarding. I learnt a lot during this time." says TM Anshoola Jaiswal who, much like DivisionN, started her journey online. "We had conducted only 2 on-ground meetings after chartering when we were struck by the new normal. The number of online meetings we have had is a lot greater than offline." Says TM Meenakshi Chowdhury from Loyal Toastmasters Club.
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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Each toastmaster has had a similarly unique experience in the past 6 months and many saw a silver lining to this dark cloud of distance. Like TM Subhasree Chatterjee who said, "It's a great effort to stay connected to people and successfully conduct a meeting or competition. Online is a real treat to the eyes and highly motivating." It has been a learning experience for all of us, like TM Sankalp Gupta from Gurukul.Education Toastmasters Club said, "I learnt so much and connected with not just my club but other clubs as well, all from the comfort of my home. The online meeting made me a camera-confident man." "Networking is easier and more opportunities keep coming our way. We can attend more meetings with more clubs regardless of the physical distance between clubs. No compromising on the energy and enthusiasm of Toastmasters." says TM Kalyani Khorgade from BRIO Toastmasters Club.
"O2O has made networking more efficient and feasible." The club Treasurers must be happy, as the cost of platforms is probably lower than the constant travelling expenses! says TM Anushi Jain from Raisoni Institute’s Diamond Toastmasters Club.
This shift saves tremendous amounts of efforts, resources and time. "Like we used to spend a lot of time travelling for meetings. Then to arrange the panel... but now it's quite easy" says TM Khushi Chaturvedi from InfoCepts Toastmasters Club. The O2O shift has been tough for some and a blessing for many. It is said that "out of limitations comes creativity". This is well proven by the manner in which we conduct online meetings in every club and the way role-players and speakers constantly bring in innovative ideas. This transformation is a lesson in leadership, one that no one had ever thought of, even in their wildest dreams. Let these restrictions nurture the leader in you because this is Toastmasters, Where Leaders Are Made. compiled by - TM Anushi Raisoni Institute's Diamond
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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How Time Flies !!!
Brio, Provakta IIM Raipur & SSIPMT Spellbinders Joint meeting
Gurukul.Education Toastmasters Club
Loyal Toastmasters Club #8th Meet
SSIPMT Spellbinders Toastmasters Club #55 Meet
Gurukul.Education & Provakta Joint Meeting
Loyal Toastmasters Club Brio Toastmasters #13th Meet Club
Brio Toastmasters Club
SSIPMT Spellbinders Toastmasters Club #57 Meet
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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Mentoring
Experience The Magic! Mentor – Mentee….. A Win-Win Situation; DTM Mukta Nadkar.
“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” Steven Spielberg A teacher is someone who helps you acquire knowledge and values as a teacher has more knowledge than a student, while a mentor has a greater perspective and guides you through his own life experiences. Our mentor is the one who helps us believe in ourselves, help us put our skills to better use and help us attain a higher self. Without the guidance of mentors, one may not achieve what they set out to, or may take longer to achieve their goals. In Toastmasters too, this holds true. Thus, we as Division N, have laid emphasis on the Mentor-Mentee program. And one person who absolutely vouches for and endorses mentoring, is none other than DTM Mukta Nadkar (four times Distinguished Toastmaster, a rare feat in itself). Following are her words. #DivisionN
One of the most satisfying and rewarding programs in Toastmasters and for me personally, is the Mentor program. We all join Toastmasters to primarily build our confidence, enhance our communication and leadership, and become good public speakers. But we need help! We need guidance! We need mentors! I am most thankful for the outstanding mentors I’ve had and blessed with the scores of amazing mentees I’ve supported. The responsibilities of being a Mentor or Protégé are equal. A mentor can’t do much good if the Protégé is unwilling to learn or reluctant to put in the effort. And the Mentee or Protégé cannot really improve if the Mentor doesn’t find the time or have the right knowledge. But if both, Mentor and Mentee have the right attributes and attitude, if they show respect and sensitivity, it could be a Win-Win situation. . The Mentor will help: Build confidence Enhance speaking skills Encourage participation Inform about club standards and procedures
#ShineTogether
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So what qualities should a mentor have? To be a role model, the mentor should have the time, patience, knowledge, flexibility and ability to be a good listener. Only then can a mentor really contribute his best. In doing so, a mentor also has a lot to gain. Benefit to Mentors Remain productive Fine tune own skills Learn from mentees Derive satisfaction Get recognition
If a club has a healthy Mentor-Mentee program, the club will always attract new members and retain old members because there is a sense of comfort and satisfaction. It is a Win-Win situation for all. I recommend with all my heart that every Toastmaster find a mentor who will challenge you, guide you and help you become the speaker and leader you wish to be.
Let’s find out how our Toastmasters have benefited from the MentorMentee program. TM Eshant Gupta, TCS Nagpur Toastmasters Club says “I have different mentors for different roles I have played till now. Mentoring not only helped me in meeting roles and speeches, but it helped me in enhancing my leadership skills. Every day I learn a new thing and try to implement it to become a better person. My Mentors taught me to appreciate people when they do a good job. My Mentors taught me to not react but respond. My Mentors are life changers for me.” TM Subhasree Chatterjee, InfoCepts Toastmasters Club says “To learn from others and share out whatever you have learnt is a way of growing and Toastmasters gave me this opportunity to the widest.”
TM Harshvardhan Singh Sikarwar, Oprah Winfrey said, “A mentor is Nagpur Toastmasters Club says someone who allows you to see the “My Mentor’s a genius when it comes to speech crafting. I learned a lot from hope inside yourself.” him in my Toastmasters journey things like including one or two lines of a poem or even how to make the #NFact speech more interesting. I also learned how to effectively give feedback and "Raisoni Institute's Diamond the best part -smile while speaking.”
Toastmasters Club is the Oldest Club of Division N"
#DivisionN
TM Sankalp Gupta, Gurukul.Education Toastmasters Club says “I have a mentor who helped me in shaping my speech and pushing me to take part in competitions.” #ShineTogether
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TM Chetna Arya, SSIPMT Spellbinders says “I have a mentor. My mentor is TM Apurva. She is a strict mentor and guides with the basics so that I can climb the ladder of speeches with ease. She is encouraging and does not hesitate to bring up my mistakes as a lesson to learn. She is also my senior in college. She always helps me in Toastmasters and guides me in college work.” TM Madhavi Patel, BRIO Toastmasters Club says “I was once assigned a mentor from a different club. I learnt a lot from him (how to make a speech? where should I improve myself?). I am very thankful as because of his mentoring today I am a good mentor for others." TM Shivani Dongarwar, Loyal Toastmasters Club says “Yesterday, I was assigned a mentor. Hope mentor mentee association will be fruitful. And I believe that mentoring will help me to attain my goals in Toastmaster and beyond.” TM Arti Patil, TCS Nagpur Toastmasters Club says “I do have Mentor or rather I say as mentors.... It feels great when you have someone to help you out. Not just in Toastmasters but in real life as well. It may be worries, conflicts or anything of that matter, I can go and seek help from my Mentor. I will say my Mentor in Toastmasters turned out to be a Friend, philosopher and guide for me in real life.” #DivisionN
TM Vanshika Bajaj, Loyal Toastmasters Club says “Mentor plays an important part in our Toasmasters journey. Since I am currently in pathway 1, my mentor has guided me thoroughly from giving various speeches and how to play roles effectively.” TM Nishi Soni, Loyal Toastmasters Club says “During my level one and meetings till date I got 3 mentors for different roles and speeches. All are very supportive & encouraging.” TM Anshoola Jaiswal, InfoCepts Toastmasters Club says “I was assigned a mentor for the initial competition at InfoCepts Toastmasters. This helped me to understand the concept of Toastmasters better.” TM Vaishnavi Bhavagna Kancharla, BRIO Toastmasters Club says “I had a mentor for my first level from my club itself. He was very supportive and he always makes sure that I am ready with my script. And for further projects I got two mentors from outside the club and that interaction was also great because they told me my strengths which I have are my writing skills.” TM Vaishali Rai, BRIO Toastmasters Club says “I just got a mentor, looking forward to an amazing experience and learning.” TM Rhea Jain, SSIPMT Spellbinders says “I have a mentor. Mentoring helps to discover each and every role and speech objective in a clear way.” #ShineTogether
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TM Kalyani Khorgade, BRIO Toastmasters Club says “Yes, I had always a mentor for my every speech. Being mentored has been an essential part of my journey as there is always need for direction with speed. Most importantly mentoring in Toastmasters was not limited to one person or to the club itself but we had mentors from other clubs too this led me to work, gain knowledge, to know the perspective of my mentors. This boosted my confidence and made me take a step to communicate with my mentors where I actually face difficulties. In the process of being mentored I have learnt that mentoring is not only telling but it’s more of transferring.”
In Toastmasters, the mentors and mentees share a special camaraderie and bonhomie; they encourage and help each other improve. But come the contest season and you will see them compete against each other, yet there are no feelings of jealousy. They cheer and applaud each other, regardless of the contest results. Such is the special bond between mentor and mentee. If you haven’t yet experienced this make sure you enroll yourself for the MentorMentee program. A Toastmaster is not an accomplished Toastmaster, unless he or she has experienced the magic of mentoring encouraging.”
compiled by - TM Monica Nagpur Toastmasters club
NEPTUNE TIMES Q. Is it mandatory to complete speech projects in order or can we take up and complete projects from any level at any time? The 1st speech is an Ice Breaker and the last one that of a Path completion. In between you can complete any project any time. However you cannot claim an award until the previous level is completed.
#DivisionN
Upcoming...! Find out which Clubs have Won the BlockBuster Poster
#ShineTogether
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Leaders Speak...
DTM Mayuri Assudani Division DIrector, Division N District 98
Leaders become great not because of their power but, because of their ability to empower others. Good leadership demands emotional strength and behavioral characteristics which can draw deeply on a leader's mental and spiritual reserves. Let’s try knowing our Division Director Mayuri Assudani, DTM. Q1. DTM Mayuri, how did you start your Toastmasters journey? A Toastmaster friend from Canada often talked about her experiences and used to encourage me to know more about it. Eventually, I did it one day. I searched on Google and I came to know that we have one club in Nagpur as well. That’s how in late December 2016, I went for the first Toastmasters meeting at Nagpur Toastmasters Club. Within a couple of meetings I realized that I wanted to be a part of Toastmasters. Thus began my journey in Jan'2017. Q2. What was your main motivation in joining Toastmasters ?
#DivisionN
My profession involves speaking in French all day. Over the years, I spoke less and less in English which led to it becoming rustic. Toastmasters gave me that platform where I could express myself in English and improve along the way. Initially it took time but after 6-7 months I was back on track with my English. Secondly, I also got the opportunity to meet new people and share experiences with them through speeches. Q3. How was your experience when you first stood on stage as a Toastmaster? As I have been into teaching and training since a long time now, I had assumed that facing the public would be a piece of cake for me. I could not have been proved more wrong ! I ended up making some rather silly faux pas in the initial meetings ( I still do at times). I served as SAA for the Club and had my script always in front of me. It was my protective shield. Q4. What’s your favorite role in a classical Toastmasters meet? They are all so good that it is hard to choose a favourite. I love to play TMOD. I was the timer in the last meet.
#ShineTogether
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I love to play General Evaluator so that I can help others in the meeting with their growth and how we can get better as a team. I also love to be a Speaker because I love public speaking, Evaluator because it’s so important to give positive feedback. I enjoy immensely the Grammarian role and even that of Table Topics Master !
I learned about how clubs function, how to motivate members and how our organization works and the hierarchy of clubs falling under area then area under Division then Division under District. During my tenure as an Area Director, H4 became a President Distinguished Area so that was a wonderful achievement for me.
All these roles are so important and hold so much importance not only in our meetings but also in our lives. All the roles in Toastmasters are clearly defined and are much needed in our meeting. Some roles require more preparations than others but the beautiful part is that each role is equally important.
The following year, in 2019-20 I was District Chief Judge. I was not only in touch with the District Officers but also with all the Club Presidents and members. From Speech contest Rulebook to keeping an eye on contests, to taking training sessions - I had a lot on my plate!
Therefore I love all of them. The only thing I miss is being a contestant because once you become an District Officer you cannot participate in contests.
And just when I thought I had things under control, we had to move to online Contests. With great enthusiasm and zeal, members accepted the new normal. l am grateful for all the support I received from the District.
Q5. How has your journey been as a leader: as an Area Director then a District Chief Judge and currently as a Division Director? I was fairly new to Toastmasters when I was asked to step in as Area Director in Mar'18. I discussed with my mentor who guided me and helped me understand the opportunities and the great learning that would come with this role During my term as an Area Director I had four clubs,.
#DivisionN
This would have never been possible without the team that I have today which includes not just the District officers or Managers but every member of Division N. At the end of my tenure I’ll be more than happy if we have one new club in each area. In terms of achievement I want us to achieve the status of President Distinguished Division. But my primary goal is to build leaders across Nagpur-Raipur.
#ShineTogether
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Q6. What are your visions for Division N? As a newly formed Division, we already have been progressing very well. It’s been only 3 months and we have done a lot of work. We had the mentormentee pool, Friendship Day Contest, HSC and Evaluation Panel Discussion and recently we conducted the Evaluation Marathon. Q7. What is the message that you want to convey to all the existing members as well as new members joining this season? To the new members, I would first like to welcome you all to the organization And I have complete confidence that you’ll enjoy learning to grow as a leader
and also that you’ll support club growth. Being a Toastmaster is a wonderful experience which needs to be lived. The skills you hone here are unparalleled. Here, you will never be judged, only encouraged to do better. So make all the mistakes here, you will learn and grow as a more refined, more confident version of yourself. DTM Mayuri has achieved the title of Distinguished Toastmaster, the highest laurel a Toastmaster can achieve. There's so much we can learn from her and progress. All our leaders will take a lot of motivation and inspiration from the words of DTM Mayuri. Let’s #ShineTogether as a team as Division N. compiled by - TM Sakshi SSIPMT Spellbinders
3 2 1 0
Checklist for Perfect Division
Provakta @IIM Raipur TM @ IIM Nagpur Raisoni Institute's Emerald Raisoni Institute's Diamond
Nagpur TM Club
IMT Nagpur TM CLub TCS Nagpur TM Club
2007
2014
2016
College Clubs
Brio TM Club Gurukul. Education TM Club SSIPMT
Corporate Clubs
Rungta TM Club
TM @ Spellbinders Persistent TM CLub Nagpur
2018
Community Clubs
2019
Loyal TM Club
Frequent Initiatives Membership Growth Timely Renewals
InfoCepts TM Club
= Division N
2020
21.4%
Co
Years
ity un m s m lu b c
Number of clubs v/s Years 57.2%
Co
College clubs
rp o u b rat s e
4
cl
Number of Clubs
NEPTUNE TIMES
21.4%
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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It is truly said, Journey is always more beautiful than destinations.
TM Eshant Gupta Associate Division Director, Division N
Although our destination was to make Nagpur and Chattisgarh a division but the journey from being a single club to an Area and now a division will always be special for me and I am extremely happy that I was a part of this journey. During this journey we have faced a lot of challenges. On the one hand we had a dream of making it a Division
But on the other hand there were clubs, which were struggling with membership and were at the verge of suspension, but with the help of some people we pulled it out and got all of our clubs back on track. I always admire this quote, "Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much." I am thankful to all the leaders who have been there with me during those tough times, when we needed their support and help us achieve this milestone.
NEPTUNE TIMES Q. What should we do to have productive meetings in the virtual world? Online meetings have in fact brought the entire world together. Whereas earlier we were restricted to geographical boundaries, today one can attend meetings anywhere in the world! Not only meetings, today we can have creative Table Topics, celebrity keynote speakers, education sessions, etc. Inter-club competitions such as IPL and Talk Masters can bring both excitement and learning to our members.
#DivisionN
Check our Next Article!! "Growth is the only constant..". #ShineTogether
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Growth is the Only Constant...
Recently Chartered Club! INFOCEPTS TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Arriving Soon!!!
YCCE Verbalizers Toastmasters Club #DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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From The Area Directors... This is a cherish-able moment. The first ever newsletter of a very new Division N. This not only marks the commencement of a new journey.
TM Yash Banarsi Area DIrector, Area N1 District 98
I still remember the words of our immediate past leaders TM Eshant and TM Manav that it was not H4 or H5, it was a big family for them. And this vision along with the guidance and patronage of our now Division Director Mayuri Assudani, DTM became a reality. And the day was 1st July, 2020 when Nagpur-Raipur came together and became a Division. Division N. New division, new beginnings, and along with it new challenges.
Along with this new division came the challenges of COVID-19. But we are toastmasters. We kept our flag flying high and today we are making our mark in history. Soon after this, the District gave us the notification that the Board of Directors has decided to keep all things online till July 2021. And we all saw this as a glorious opportunity. We toastmasters have been blessed with this as we are now able to attend meetings across the globe. For the first time in history the International Convention was held online. 2020 is the year for new things, new challenges, new opportunities, and new learnings. Neptune, the Newsletter of Division N is the result of tremendous hard work and constant support of each and every Toastmaster who believed in N. "It’s by YOU, for YOU, and because of YOU. Take pride in yourself leaders. Take a bow for YOURSELF." I read an article about Toastmasters once which said that "Toastmasters are different". We are free, self-sufficient, open to criticism, eager to improve, and free from the taint of commercialism’. My journey began as a club member in 2018. They say you become a complete toastmaster only when you become a good public speaker as well as a leader. Being a member, my public speaking skills were taken care of. However, I wanted to embark on the leadership journey.My first step towards the path of leadership was the role of the Club President. The day when my then-president, Mr. Karan Pareek, asked "Who do you think is a leader, Vaishali?" my life changed in so many aspects.
TM Vaishali Rai Area DIrector, Area N2 District 98
I knew the answer but couldn't find the right words. He smiled and said, ‘’Well, it's okay if you don't know now because you will know it soon, I have seen you being a leader and take the lead".From that day, all I ever wanted to be was a great leader-a reason to change, a reason to be a gift to others. Moreover, I always believe that growth occurs outside your comfort zone. Hence, I nominated myself for the role of Area Director. This prestigious position brings not only joy but also a lot of responsibilities and expectations. My vision is to create more leaders and build sustainable and strong clubs that provide the best communication and leadership experience. Over the short span of time as an Area Director I have realized - What you do has a far greater impact than what you say and leadership is all about doing it right in your unique style.
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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From The Area Directors... “Success comes to those who work hard and stays with those , who don't rest on the laurels of the past.�- anonymous It fills me with immense joy and pride to write a foreword for our first newsletter of Division N, Neptune. More than 2 years into the Toastmasters journey, I realized that it is not only about improving public speaking or leadership skills, it is much more than that. It is about how well you connect to people, TM Deepalika Kowar how you steal a few minutes every day to improve yourself and how Area Director Area N3 you build a team with people from different domains and ideologies District 98 having only one common string- the will to grow. You join Toastmasters as an individual but get a family away from home in return.Toastmasters provide you with immense opportunities to prove yourself and to learn. Take a chance, make mistakes, learn from them and grow because you never know how absolutely perfect something could turn out to be! Congratulations to all the unsung heroes who directly or indirectly contributed to this newsletter, the leaders who continuously motivated us to keep the spark glowing and all our dear members for believing more in us with each passing day.
"Speaking is an ART" - TM sharvesh Toastmasters has always been an integral part of my college life It has taught me a lot of things that are life lessons and eventually help me become a better individual. From being a member to the President to the Area Director it has been a journey in itself. An experience that has shaped me as a better orator and leader and I made loads of new friends from different paces.
TM Kuldeep SIngh Thakur Area Director Area N4 District 98
But out of all the experiences, I enjoy the most when I am giving a speech in front of an audience and the moment they connect with my thoughts and feel what I am feeling, that moment is a feeling that is going to remain with me forever. My current role as Area Director has given me a lot of responsibilities and am enjoying every bit of it. I feel it is a once in a lifetime experience never before and never again. I am a myopic individual but in this case, I can see myself as a Distinguished Toastmaster by the mid of 2021.
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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From The Managers... It was late evening while I was browsing Facebook where I saw a post shared by TM Niyamat Chimthanawala about Nagpur Toastmasters Club.
TM Dr Aliakbbar Maimun Club Growth Manager Division N
I was overwhelmed to see that there was a Toastmaster Club in Nagpur. In March 2019 I attended the meeting and immediately joined the same month. I was very happy to be elected as VP Membership and I also applied for the Club Extension Team in Division. As I was new to Toastmasters. I was added as an assist which was a great learning experience under DTM Mayuri. I was ecstatic that in my tenure as VP Membership I had got 18 new members to the club.
This year 2020-2021 I wished to move up the ladder so I stood for President’s Post and got elected. The most happy moment was when we were declared Division N, I applied for Club Growth Manager. One evening I received a message from Division Director DTM Mayuri, can we talk? I immediately replied yes and she called me to know if I would be fine to be the Club Growth Manager for Division N? I was overwhelmed with joy and I officially accepted the position of Club Growth Manager. As a Club Growth Manager of Division N, I am available to any clubs requiring my help, support and guidance 24 x 7. It’s a pleasure to be in the foreword of this new initiative of Division N Newsletter. I encourage everyone to participate to the fullest.
"Nothing in this world happens by chance."I have always been a firm believer of the fact that nothing happens in the world by chance. But I must admit my belief now appears to be shaken. Exactly a year ago, I joined this amazing fraternity of Toastmasters with only one intent: "To be a better Speaker" Just a week after I joined ,by chance I got an opportunity to participate in club elections. Handful of people decided to give me a chance and made me Vice President Membership of the Club Simple act of talking about the program to people completely unknown made me more confident, comfortable around people.
TM Prashant Sharma Program Quality Manager Division N
Hence I nominated myself for the post of Program Quality Manager when I got the first chance. Now I have an excellent team with a purpose of enhancing the Toastmasters experience for all the members of our Division. In just two months I have learnt a great deal from the Division Director, DTM Mayuri who always guides and supports the PQ team in all the initiatives we take. The day I joined Toastmasters I was not aware of the leadership opportunities it offered. Leadership happened to me by chance. Great things happen by chance. This role exposed me to one more aspect: Supportive Friends & Mentors! I became more disciplined, humble, responsible and a much better communicator than I was. . #DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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Block Buster Posters ( as selected by TM Aishwarya Vijay, DPRM, D98)
For July 2020 SSIPMT Spellbinders Toastmasters CLub
For August 2020 Gurukul.Education Toastmasters Club
#DivisionN
For September 2020 TCS Nagpur Toastmasters Club #ShineTogether
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M EM BE
RS Contribution
TM Yash Banarsi Gurukul.Education Toastmasters Club
TM Mohnish Zade Nagpur Toastmasters Club
Love, unconditional love. When everything in this world comes with some price, some conditions applied, why would love lag in this race. Even true love is conditional. Then what is true love if not unconditional? After a bitter fight what makes one apologize is true love, no two individuals are same but what makes them forget the differences and come together as one is true love, what makes a person someone's strength is true love, what makes one believe in another come what may is true love, what makes one forgive all the mistakes and give one more chance is true love, after wandering all round the world what makes one return home is true love. Every individual functions differently and that's what makes us fight. At times we get stuck in between the "rights" and the "wrongs". At times we expect and at times we apply conditions. But amidst all these conditions what keeps two individuals glued together is the gravitation of true love. Love is conditional but when one forgets about the "ifs" and thinks about the "even thoughts", love becomes unconditional. TM Gouri Dixit Nagpur Toastmasters Club. #DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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“The second runner up for the district level international speech contest goes to Toastmaster VAISHNAVI DURAGKAR.” Was it an imagination? No, a moment worth cherishing for a lifetime when the trophy was presented to me. “My public speaking journey started a year ago when my Organization had decided to have a Toastmasters Club. A through and through chatterbox I am, I found Toastmasters platform apt for channelizing my innate ability ;) I enthusiastically participated in my club’s Demo meet; guess what, I won the best speaker’s award for the very first speech. There was no stopping after that. I gave speech after speech & audience loved listening to me! Bounty of compliments followed, I did let it go to my head, until I started contesting. I was still a rookie toastmaster with immense self-confidence to win any contest. My maiden attempt at Humorous Speech Contest was not pleasant; I was DISQUALIFIED on the basis of time. It was shocking beyond belief. A timely advice from one of the audiences made me realize what I lacked– A mentor. Well, that advice was a game changer! I feel that the value of good communication is PERSPECTIVE & Mentor for me is someone who has a broader perspective and has already been through the pitfalls and challenges. Under the guidance of an able mentor, I have learned the value of coaching, willing to be open & most importantly Trust the wisdom shared. Indeed, it was transformational.
Some Key Learning’s I learned through mentorship & would like to pass on would be: ALWAYS ENJOY THE CONTEST: It isn’t that hunky-dory as it seems. Initially, I had a competitive approach towards contests. Subconsciously, it was building latent pressure in my mind. However, as part of ISC preparation, I took a pragmatic approach towards the contest. I set up a goal which was more than winning contest, to get better at every presentation than the previous one & simply forget about the things which were beyond my control. It worked wonders for me. SINK IN: When you connect to yourself, you connect to your story better. a rule to abide by, the more I got into the character, the more I could present it well & establish a connection with the audience. It’s been a month now; I still cherish the memory of making it to the district in the very first go! But at the same time, I took it as part of my journey where I am not afraid to make mistakes, fumble, have a writer’s block & I will continue my learning on this path. TM Vaishnavi Duragkar, InfoCepts Toastmasters Club
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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The Search Of Me She is now with her angels surrounded… Though she buried her demons unguarded… She is with the Almighty… That’s why she is possibly free… Her body is resting in peace on Earth… But her soul is still in search of someone… Someone she’s searching outside… But perhaps she has to explore inside… It’s not the one who will complete her… It will be only she who would let her luster… Her whole life passed in search of someone she used to be… Busy with family and fulfilling their dreams, somewhere she lost herself quite unknowingly yet gradually_ TM Kirtiraj R Garud Infocepts Toastmasters Club मे कभी कती नही... मे भी उसी क तरह , कभी कती नही... कभी थमती नही... जो मलता उसी के साथ चल दे ती... जस ने ना कहाँ ... उसक यादे लेके आयेज बढ़ती ... जो मले उसके रंग मे खुद को रंग दे ती... अपना बना लेती ... बस उसी के जैसे बन जाती ... ढल जाना मेरी फ़तरत हे... पर कना मेरी आदत नही... इसी लए प बदलती ... रंग बदलती ...पर कती नही... हर मोड़ पे मेरा वभाव अलग... हर कनारे मेरा प अलग... तुम दे खो मे वैसी...तुम समज़ो मे वैसी... कभी तरल...कभी सरल... कभी शांत....कभी उ ... इसी लए जतना समज़ोगे , उतना ही गुम होते जाओगे... युक ...मे कभी कती नही.....
TM Arti Patil, TCS Nagpur Toastmasters Club. #DivisionN
TM Deepalika Kowar TCS Nagpur Toastmasters Club Reason why I joined Toastmasters. For the past one-and-a-half-year I have been constantly reading in books, and on social media that you must have 3 hobbies. One that keeps you in Shape (join a gym they said). Two that earns you money (one has to work.) And three that keeps you creative.and thought. To be creative, I thought of trying some art form or painting but then I found Toastmasters International to showcase my creative side through Speeches, Role Plays and specially the role of The Toastmaster of the Day (TMOD). Toastmasters are food for your soul and thought. TM Sankalp Gupta, Gurukul.Education Toastmasters Club #ShineTogether
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The Poet and the Chef. He frequented this restaurant as the flavours here reminded him of his mother's cuisine. He knew nothing about the Chef. She was never seen mingling around with the clientele. He had somehow begun to understand her through the food she cooked.That day the 'daal' was too salty and he instantly knew that the unwept tears had added the extra salt. He sent a note through the captain "Now that your heart is at ease, the tears having fallen. May the lightness of the heart reflect in the mousse tomorrow. ~Poet~" The next day the captain served him a complimentary Chocolate mousse with a note "the mousse is as light as the heart and the smile is the added sweetner. Thank you.~Chef~" For every salty daal was then followed by a Chocolate mousse. After one such Chocolate mousse he sent in a note "Why don't we meet someday.~Poet~" The Captain got him a reply "the moment you ascribe a name and face to a relationship, the natural outcome is expectation. Expectations kill relationships. let ours be a nameless, faceless one. ~Chef~" TM Monica Dixit Nagpur Toastmasters Club
Every little laughs, Every little cries, And every little light in this mysterious life, Every little peace, Every little hardships, Are ways we get the courage to arise. Make a decision right, Make yourself rise, Make every opportunity a golden surprise. TM Subhasree Chatterjee InfoCepts Toastmasters Club
#DivisionN
TM Gunjan Banarsi Gurukul.Education Toastmasters Club
#ShineTogether
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When D DO D LE O
Meets
ToastMasters
@ Dakota Pvt.Ltd.
@ Prestige College's Hallway
@ Meera's House
made by - TM Sakshi SSIPMT Spellbinders
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
Neptune | Page 30
Shining
Outside Division N
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
Neptune | Page 31
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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TI and YOU! I remember conducting a workshop for the VPeds of all the clubs in Division N. It was on Club awards. When I started preparing for the workshop, I was quite surprised to see the huge amount of club awards in TI and I was wondering how can I make sure that I can explain all these awards in a way that everyone understands , so after working on it for an entire week , I had finally come up with a unique way of explaining awards ,which was dividing clubs on the basis of membership strength and also my PQ Team had shared with me the stories of clubs that missed awards like Diamond club just due to a small negligence and with this I was all set for the workshop but just before it started I was really nervous because it was my first time, but it turned out to be amazing because along with my prepared matter I was naturally able to add humour in it which worked like magic and it was a memorable and fun learning experience for me . TM Harshvardhan Sikarwar Nagpur Toastmasters Club.
#DivisionN
#ShineTogether
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Celebration Time!
Gurukul.Education Toastmasters Club 2nd Anniversary Meet
TCS Nagpur Toastmasters Club #100th Meet
#DivisionN
SSIPMT Spellbinders Toastmasters Club Golden Jubilee Meet #50th
#ShineTogether
Neptune | Page 34
You Ask We Answer! Q. How can we make the best use of Online platforms and get rid of stage fear? Online platforms can actually help you overcome your fear. The environment around us is familiar as we are at home. There are hardly any faces because most people keep their videos off. So we can focus on our speech content, structure and delivery. We can gain confidence in delivery. Later when inperson meetings start, it will be easier to tackle challenges that come with a physical meeting such as stage usage and facing a public. Q. In case a member has dual membership, does he/ she follow the same path in both the clubs or choose a different path in the second club? It is the member’s choice to either start a new path in the 2nd club, or continue with the same path.
Q. If I'm completing a project in a speech contest (HSC or ISC) will it be counted as there will be no verbal evaluation? Yes it can be counted provided an evaluator gives the contestant a verbal evaluation and a written evaluation later. However this is to be discouraged as far as possible, because evaluations in a meeting are not only for the speaker but for all members present. If a private one-to-one evaluation is given, other members will unfortunately not learn anything. Q. What is the procedure of taking transfer in another club? The member who wishes to take a transfer must inform the President of the club and fill up the Membership Application form correctly. He will share this with the VP Membership of the club he wishes to join. The VP M will email Toastmasters International and attach the member’s transfer application form. In a few days, his name will be added to the new club roster. Q. If I complete my path and chose another one, will I have to undergo Level 1 again? Yes, every path begins at Level 1. #DivisionN
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THE MASTERS BEHIND THIS PIECE
TM Monica Dixit PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
TM Prajkata Gadkari CHIEF EDITOR
TM Anushi Jain EDITOR
TM Anmoldeep Singh Arora TM Sharvesh Sharma DESIGNER CHIEF DESIGNER
TM Sakshi Bhuwal
TM Avadhi Asare
TM Khushboo Agnihotri
TM Ameya Sangep DESIGNER
TM Yashika
TM DP Auroshish