ICC EVES Newsletter -THE QUEST MAY 2024

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL FIND YOUR TREASURE WHEREVER YOUR HEART IS”

Some opportunities make us feel alive, engaged, connected, and fulfilled. I feel humbled and delighted to present the final newsletter of this term. I consider it as my honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to serve the VPPR of ICC Eves and communicate with you all through this platform. Being a VPPR of a club, has been challenging but I must say there has been a lot learning, growth, and engagement with the fello members. This opportunity made me respect th tremendous hard work and dedication every memb has put forward.

Nothing in life comes easy without hard work and if happens it's a stroke of luck which is never permanen My dream of becoming a confident speaker is slow turning into reality with Toastmasters and I consider it a blessing to be part of this community. Toastmastersplatform that not only provides us with opportunities improve your communication and leadership skills b there are enormous chances to learn, empower,inspi and develop. My journey with TM started a year ago and have already started witnessing improvements in m confidence levels and my communication styles. This is platform that provides us numerous opportunities f growth and development. The club has created some the esteemed leaders and fantastic speakers whom admire. It’s very inspiring to see that we have many ne entrants who have the immense potential of a speak and a leader and I’m sure the club will help to bring th out.

With constant efforts, we can bring the most unique an worth-reading piece of articles to the newsletter. I ca proudly say, I have learned something new. In th edition of our Club’s Newsletter, few of our membe have shared their journey with Toastmasters so far And believe all the readers will definitely get inspired by these stories and will be able to follow their heart.

AISHWARYA MURALIDHARAN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISION E DIRECTOR

NIRMALA RAGHURAM,,DTM

Dear IccEves Toastmasters,

I am happy to be chosen as a Division Director and I am glad we are nearing our Toastmasters annual speech contest. Every year this club produced champion speakers and leaders.

I love finger rings. I am happy to have 10 on 10. This club is like a ring in my finger. Normally when we propose or get engaged or fall in love or in wedding we exchange finger rings. When my journey started with Eves members and the club this ring was worn in my fingers to appreciate my relationship. I valued, accepted this extended family’s relationship and agreed to continue this bond . This friendly atmosphere made me to forget my home club.

Leadership is a finger ring not suffering which I understood with my experience. So wear more rings and appreciate it.

m this club. When I got this opportunity to learn the skills in leadership, I said immediately yes and took this challenge. Whether the leaders below me accepted my words or not, followed my words or not I did my duty. I did it with passion and served my role patiently, lead the team happily and corrected the mistakes then and there and showed a proper path to all the fellow toastmasters and created a peaceful path in their toastmasters journey.

MESSAGE FROM THE CLUB PRESIDENT

Dear Eves,

As we approach the end of another successful year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all that we have accomplished together. I am thrilled to report that our club has once again achieved the prestigious President's Distinguished status, a testament to the dedication and hard work of each and every member. From our engaging meetings to our active participation in joint events and Area 18 Confluence meetings, we have consistently upheld the highest standards of excellence.

As I reflect on my role as president, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve such a dynamic and supportive club. Leading Eves has been a tremendous learning experience, and I am thankful for the growth it has afforded me as a leader. Each member of our executive committee has played a vital role in ensuring the success of our club, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of them.

As we look to the future, let us remember to embrace change and continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. Our Toastmasters journey is one of constant growth and evolution, and I have no doubt that the coming year will bring even greater achievements and successes.

In closing, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our Vice President of Public Relations for her tireless efforts in producing our club newsletter.

To all my fellow Eves, I offer my warmest wishes for continued success and fulfillment in the year ahead. Let us seize each moment and make the most of our Toastmasters journey together.

TM Siby Ripson

" “The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

ARTICLES CORNER

THESTORYOFANAUTHOR SUSHMA HARISH,DTM

Rainbows have been the subject of symbolism, and art throughout history and across various cultures. They are often associated with positive symbolism, such as hope and promise, and are used in literature and art to convey a sense of beauty and wonder. It’s not every day that you seea rainbow. Likewise, opportunities which show up once vanish with t he clouds and sun.Grabbing opportunities while capitalizing on my strengths was my life’s biggest story of success.An aspiring author from age 5, but found mysel dilemmas..

In a small town Manipal, nestled between the forest hills and river Suvarna I spent my growing years honing my secret hobby of writing, in the glim glow of my messy study; in fancy notebooks purchased by my father from the local Bharath Book Store. My grandfather fuelled bymy relentless passion for storytelling.

But the pressure of the family tradition, which was floodedwith doctors, took me to an awful smelling operation theatre before I choseco llege. Having fainted within 10 minutes, I managed to convince my parents .I wanted to become a writer and a journalist and not a doctor.

To not much of my surprise, I was admitted into the finest Engineering college. Having buried my passion out of anguish and fear, learnt about technology, polymers & chemical engineering.

At age 40 when my writing caught flares as blogs that thousands of people read, finally a streak of destiny paved path in my publishing journey.

SUSHMA HARISH,DTM

The number of years where I had defined a boundary to my dreams, felt realistic now. My life in Qatar got me close to a wonderful story of serendipity and destinies which I penned down in 200 odd pages. Despite my dedication,rejection letters from publishers adorned my study

Now, self-doubt crept into the corners of my mind. But this was the time, my mind refused to sulk in the boundary. This time boundary of competition, rejections from traditional publishers and several peers who mocked “how anybody could write”.

I took each stone and built my own castle and chose the self-publishing of my debut novel. The grand launch of which happened in midst of covid lockdown, but a set of friends, well-wishers and many more fans and reader globally stood as pillar to my decision.When my book launch news flashed in the Gulf Times it also caught attention of enviers who asked me if I paid for it. I was smiling alone. I had invested my love, time and passion. I had invested my marketing skills convincing people, that I wanted Kismet to reach every Doha resident. Finally, my success as a “published author” had touched many a hearts. It definitely took time for me to peek beyond my boundaries and attain the success path. But the simple tool required was a strong determination.My book has adorned many bookstores in Manipal and the library which I went to in growing years. Each one testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of embracing

And as my name and my novel Kismet” joined the shelves of the Bharath bookstore from where my dad bought me notebooks on which I scribbled random stories; , a reminder that every rejection can be a prelude to a remarkable story of triumph.The rainbow made its presence. As I embark on completion of my second book soon, the rainbow will appear again as an epitome love symbol of the sun and the clouds.; breaking all boundaries of my selfdoubts..If you have set a boundary for yourself, peek beyond. A rainbow awaits you and my loud cheer to you too.

EMBRACING GROWTH

Embracing Growth:

A Journey of Lifelong Learning and Leadership. I am a firm believer in the power of lifelong learning, the joy of education, and the nurturing essence of both minds and gardens.

Unveiling the Depths:

With a Master's degree in Geophysics, I have delved into the enigmatic mysteries of the Earth, exploring its depths and unraveling its secrets. Yet, my journey extends far beyond the confines of academia.

Noble Path:

I have chosen the noble path of a teacher, dedicating myself to shaping the minds of tomorrow with wisdom and compassion. It is a role that fills me with purpose and drives me to make a positive impact on future generations.

Nurturing Life :

But my interests do not end there. In the serenity of nature's embrace, amidst rustling leaves and fragrant blooms, you will often find me immersed in the art of gardening. From seed to blossom, I find joy in nurturing life and witnessing the beauty of growth unfold.

Harmony in Melody:

And when the day's work is done, my soul finds solace and expression in the timeless melodies of song. Music is my refuge, a language that transcends barriers and speaks to the depths of the human spirit.

The Journey to Mastery

I have discovered ICC Eves as a sanctuary a space where individuals come together to hone their communication skills, build confidence, and cultivate effective leadership qualities. It is a place of growth, where we challenge ourselves, learn from one another, and thrive in a collaborative environment.

Aiming High

Here, amidst friends and mentors, I aim to embark on a journey of personal and professional development. My goal is simple yet profound: to become a confident speaker, a proficient leader, and to continually enhance my communication abilities.

As I conclude , I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to embark on this journey with each of you. Together, let us embrace growth, seize opportunities, and empower one another to reach new heights of success and fulfillment.

FINDING MY VOICE

My journey with Toastmasters began with a tremor in my hands and a knot in my stomach. Public speaking, the mere thought of it, sent shivers down my spine. Yet, here I was, a wide-eyed newbie at my first club meeting. Looking back, that hesitant step was the catalyst for a transformative experience, shaping me into an individual with a newfound voice and a burgeoning confidence.

The supportive environment of Toastmasters was unlike anything I'd encountered. Encouraging smiles, constructive feedback, and shared laughter made even the most nerve-wracking presentations feel like collaborative endeavours. Each meeting was a workshop, a platform to experiment, stumble, and grow.

My initial speeches were shaky affairs, filled with filler words and nervous glances. But with each delivery, I felt a shift. The supportive evaluations, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement, empowered me to refine my craft. I learned the art of storytelling, weaving narratives that captivated audiences. I discovered the power of vocal variety, using pauses and emphasis to inject life into my words. Most importantly, I embraced the importance of authenticity, allowing my personality to shine through.

Today, when I stand before an audience, the tremor in my hands is replaced by a quiet excitement. My voice, once hesitant, now carries conviction. The journey through Toastmasters hasn't just equipped me with communication skills; it has instilled in me a belief in myself, the courage to lead, and a desire to empower others to find their voices. It's a journey that continues, filled with the promise of new challenges, new learnings, and a community that will always have my back.

The Toastmasters community became my anchor. The camaraderie, the shared passion for communication, and the unwavering support fostered a sense of belonging I'd never known before. We celebrated each other's successes, commiserated over setbacks, and offered unwavering encouragement. This network of mentors and friends became my chosen family, cheering me on both within and outside the club walls.

AN EDGE OVER THE OTHERS

Whether it’s atten the two club meet of the month, ta roles, advancing the Pathw projects, mento others, ge evaluated by experienced o cheering from audience so that speaker on stage that gut feel that “ do it too” – i nutshell, you are doing, so much jus to your Toastmas Journey!!

Yes, the call to b Toastmaster in 2 was by choice, attending the meeting as a guest very first time an what a cheris decision that because since t there has been regret and no g back. Each mee has proven to b revelation to grow an individual and as a team.

TM Sonali Ghosh

Also getting into the leadership mold by hopping into the Executive Committee of the club was yet another cherished decision. Right form setting up the room for a perfect meeting, to managing public relations and then to organize good quality meetings and then to lead the first ladies club of the District as President, has been a proud experience.

Honestly, I had joined the toastmasters club to enhance my public speaking skills, but have gained much more in the process. I am still learning and hope to climb this Growth Curve as much as I can!

That great camaraderie, learning from each other and getting motivated to put in that extra mile and improve the next time the entire process is so challenging yet so rejuvenating.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

PLANT & SEED SWAP

Had an amazing time volunteering at Education City Micro-Farm for the gardening community. The opportunity to share and exchange plants, seeds, cuttings, and gardening supplies . Thanks to everyone who contributed, especially Rashmi for arranging and coordinating the HADIQAA. Special gratitude to Div E Director Nirmala Raghuraman for guiding, mentoring and supporting us, making the event incredibly successful. . This community service was a delightful experience and that has fostered a sense of camaraderie among fellow gardening enthusiasts.

PLANT & SEED SWAP

Community service “ Box of Kindness “ was successfully executed with all members help and support. We were able to donate four boxes of clothes and toys to Qatar Charity . Thank you to all who has been the part of this kind act of charity drive by donating clothes and toys

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted.'

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

TRIPLE CROWN STARS

CLUB MEETINGS

ICCEVESGAVELS CORNER

ANNUAL SPEECH CONTEST 2023-24

Counselor- Shanty Rose DTM

President – Aadarsh Nair

VPE- Nivedita Praveen

VPPR – Divneet Kaur Saini

Secretary- Hansini

Sgt@Arms – Rona Nibu and Rushda

‘The best way to predict your future is to create it!’!!

At ICC EVES Gavel Club had conducted its Annual speech contests on 20 th and 27 th of April 2024 with panache and aplomb. The theme for the contests was “Outgrow your Limits” and our gaveliers did break their comfort zones and participated in all categories with fervor.Many new members tired their hand for the first time in a contest and learned immensely from an unforgettable experience.

The International speech contest witnessed great quality speeches both in content and presentation. The evaluation contest truly showed how the gaveliers grew as communicators while providing insightful feedback to the speaker. Though it is cliched to say, all of them came out as true winners. Yet our trophy winners are

International speech

First Place – Ritika Nair

Second Place – Rona Nibu

Third Place – Aadarsh Nair

Table Topics

First Place – Aadarsh Nair

Second Place – Ritika Nair

Third Place – Janani Prabakar

Humorous speech

First Place – Pahal Bhatti

Second Place – Aaliya

Third Place – Milind P

Speech Evaluation

First Place – Nivedita Menon

Second Place – Ritika Nair

Third Place – Shresta Kothaty

As the ICC Eves Gavel Club marches ahead slowly and steadily, it is indeed heartening to see how timid teenagers are transformed to vibrant confidant speakers and leaders in a short span of time! Faces change, meetings continue, yet the spark in their eyes and confidence in their words linger and that is inspiration ahead for us counselors!

Club Mission

We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resultingin greater self-confidence and personal growth.

Club Vision

Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realise their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills and find the courage to change.