OUR OUR CHOICES CHOICES DEFINE DEFINE US! US!
LET’S LET’S CHOOSE CHOOSE WISELY WISELY
Dear Eves,
It's another new term and the EXCOM of ICC Eves Toastmasters Club is all happy and excited at the same time to release the first Newsletter of this term The Quest
Life is all about the choices we make These choices make us or break us It might either lead us to the path where we aim at or a difficult one that we never imagined but it provides us with a lot of learning. That's truly an experience and prepares for all the challenges ahead in our life. Such experiences mold us and enriches our personality.
Taking that initial step might be a difficult one but once you are ready to take that risk and face the challenges; everything will slowly fall into place. It will introduce you to a new world of opportunities where you will experience a different energy level. To be a part of Toastmasters International was the choice that I made, and I feel so blessed. Each member of my home - club is unique in their own way and every meeting that I attended has provided me with a different learning. I feel more confident and determined compared to what I was before starting this journey
This new role as VPPR of the club is another wonderful opportunity that I was entrusted with, and it was completely my choice to take it up and what an immense experience .it has been so far, and I look forward to more
I hope you enjoy reading about our club’s accomplishments and our members’ views on the theme “Life is all about the choices that we make”.
Let's support and uplift each other in this journey of life. Happy Reading!!
Best Wishes
Aishwarya Muralidharan Editor-in -Chief
Dear Eves,
“ Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen KellerIt is indeed my privilege to serve as the president of this prestigious club and I am grateful and honored. I would like to express my gratitude to each member for entrusting me with this significant responsibility. Our club stands as a beacon of excellence. Being the President Distinguished club, one of the district’s topmost club and having many illustrious leaders and members, I can say I am a toddler taking strong footsteps in the fraternity. When I first joined Toastmasters, my focus was on overcoming my stage fear and finding my voice. Little did I know that this path would lead me to take on leadership roles.
Today I feel privileged to stand among such accomplished leaders and members. It is a testament to the transformative power of our club and the opportunities it offers for personal and professional growth. The new leadership journey has begun along our newly formed EXCOM who are entirely fresh faces of our club. I firmly believe that with unity and shared efforts, we can achieve great things. With my EXCOM’s and all the club members’ support, I'm confident we can take our club to new heights . Let's all work together towards this
Releasing the club's first newsletter “The Quest”, is our VPPR’s significant milestone for the club this term. I wholeheartedly thank everyone who has contributed to this newsletter, making it a success. The chosen theme, Choices Define Us resonate deeply with me. Indeed, the choices we make in life shape our character and determine the path we follow. They reflect our values, priorities, and ultimately, who we become. It's through our decisions that we demonstrate our true selves to the world
As we move forward, our focus will remain squarely on you, the members. We want to ensure that every meeting is a source of value and growth for you. The Opportunities for involvement of members will be our motto , aligning with the theme set forth by our District Director, "Every Member Matters." Together, we will make this term a memorable and impactful one for our club.
Wishing you all an inspiring and fruitful term ahead!
DISTRICT 116
DIVISION E ; AREA 18 : WHERE WE BELONG
Greetings to All… It gives me immense pleasure to pen my thoughts as District Club Growth Director. ICC Eves Toastmasters Club, the first ever all femme toastmasters club of Qatar, indeed a path setter and keepraising their bars year after year making a well-rounded development in terms of achieving educational and membership goals consistently well. Let me first congratulate all members and the Excom in particular for their tremendous hard work and services rendered so far and for the more in future to make this club one of the best of its own. Ever since its inception in 2009, the club has made a remarkable growth... Thanks to visionary leadership and continuous nurturing to deliver value for members This club is now in the premier league that indicate a continuum of success as measured by matrices. The club leadership is evidently doing that. It is commendable to see the club is now full of leaders serving at Division, Area and club roles in other clubs too Also, consistently producing Champions. I wish this year too shall be a great year for them to outperform all their previous achievements and set up a new bench mark... A word of caution: we should not be complacent and should continue the momentum in building the club stronger, adding more members, conducting quality programs, achieving educational credits and much more…
My special appreciations to VPPR TM Aishwarya and her TEAM Quest for their dedication and hard work in releasing this Newsletter in time and style. Kudos and keep up the good work! The journey has just begun with lots of new hopes, dreams and goals The onus is on all of us to make it the best rewarding learning experience for all of us… Miles to go… Mountains to conquer… Loads of best wishes to All!
#LetsDoIt
Nothing Great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. Said by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
As a Division E Director, I am so happy to meet enthusiastic toastmasters of ICC Eves toastmasters club through this article. Anything great that was achieved only with enthusiasm. So never leave your enthusiasm. If there is enthusiasm anything can be achieved. Enthusiasm and never give up attitude normally help a person to achieve his goal. Similarly, in toastmasters not only the sincerity, commitment and focus takes you to places, but also your attitude and enthusiasm takes you to places. As a Humorous speaker you need to impress the audience with your enthusiasm. Club Excom members need to be enthusiastic and carry on their role elegantly. A leader need to be cheerful only then people will follow him.
Nirmala Raghuraman, DTM Division E Director District 116
I am always amazed to see the energy and enthusiasm spread among the members of this club This club is the role model club in Division E and they spread positivity and energy to all others whoever associated with them. Just two years before I happened to attend one of the club meeting when my daughter joined the club. I was attracted by the fun filled atmosphere, laughter and energy of this club. There were no negative comments, negative remarks or negative evaluations given. When I joined as a member I was motivated to take part in contests, I was motivated to take a leadership role as an Assistant program quality director for Division E. The very next year I became Division E Director.
Senior leaders and Ex-com members boosted my energy and help me to become Division director. In my 16 years of journey into Toastmasters, to do anything or to become anything, I have learned that enthusiasm is important. That spark in you will make you to work untiringly till you reach your goals. My advise to all toastmasters is that keep that momentum going, have dreams, work towards your dreams with enthusiasm.
Be Enthusiastic always!!!
TMSibyRipson,asthepresidentoftheICCEVEforthe year2023-2024setsthetonefortheclub,provideshelpful,supportive leadershipforalloftheclub’sactivitiesandbethefirsttoassume responsibilityfortheprogressandwelfareoftheclub.SibyRipson,anIT Professional,aproudEveandhasbeencontinuallylearningandgrowing She saystoastmastersgivesopportunitiestogrowandself-discover ourselvesWe justneedto Embracethechallengesthatcomeyourway andstay determined.
SIBYRIP
TMTaraAshish,asVicePresidentEducationisresponsiblefor planning, organizing,anddirectingtheclubprogramwhichmeet theeducationalneeds oftheindividualmembers.Taraisachemis graduate,an ardentsingerandmotheroftwoadorablekids.Sh believesageisnota barriertolearnnewthingsinlife.Shejoined toastmastersfraternity tobuildherconfidenceandhasbeena enthusiasticmembersincethen.Tara promisestodoherduties utmostdedicationand sincerityastheVPE.
TARAASH
TMNadia,asVicePresidentMembershipleadstheclubtocontinually increasethemembershipbymanagingtheprocessofbringinginguests andnew members.Nadia,ateacherbyprofessionandanartistby passion,isworking inDPS–modernIndiaschool.Shebelievesthat“You LearnMorefromFailure ThanfromSuccess.Don’tLetItStopYou.”Try hardertoovercomefromyour fears.Ever anew lessonoflifeandfailurebecomea stepp
TMAishwaryaMurlidaran,asVicePresidentPublicRelationsi responsiblefor promotingtheclubtothelocalcommunityancommunicatingthebenefitsit providesbymaintainingtheclu presenceonthewebandinthecommunity.Currentlyworkingas SupplyPlannerwithStanleyBlackandDecker.Sheis passionate learningnewthings,travellingandspendingtimewithfami
NADIAKHAN
TMKalai,as
Secretaryisresponsibleformaintainingclubrecord andhandlingallclubcorrespondences.TMKalai,workinginDPS-Mo IndianSchool.Ateacherbyprofessionandartistbypassion. Anadoringdaughterandalovingwife.Enjoyeverymomentsofthe
TMBinduPillai,asTreasurerfortheterm2023-2024isresponsiblefor tainingtheclub’saccounts.TMBinduPillai,ashipping professionalsince 2002,headingthecustomerservicedepartment.Sheloves tocook, gandreadmotivationalandinspiringbooks.Toastmastersis helpingher ocomeoutoftheshelland evolvedayafter dayandgrowasaconfident person.
BINDUPILLAI
TMJaggiKJoseph,asSergeantatArmsisresponsibleforkeepingthetrackof theclub’sphysicalproperty,meetingmaterials,preparationofmeeting venue,andmuchmore.TMJaggi,anMBAGraduateandaManagingPartner of AlsheikhTransportDoha.Shebelievesthatwe needtosearchfornew opportunities.ShejoinedToastmasterstoimprovehercommunicationskills andtofaceacrowd.
JAGGIR.JO
TMSonaliGhosh,asImmediatePastClubPresident,providesguidanceand support totheclubExecutiveCommittee.Sonaliisamother,adaughteranda wife. AnEnglishLiteraturepostgraduateandanAdvertisingprofessional,she lovesthejourneyofbeingaToastmasterwheresheisgraduallyevolvingwith eachpassingday.Amusicfreakandanavidreaderiswhatsheboastsof.A creativeandarticulateleaderandaproudEveencapsulatesherpersonality.
ISN’T IT ALL ABOUT THE CHOICES THAT WE MAKE?
Dear Toastmasters,
In a world full of choices, it is a BIG challenge to choose the best. Sometimes, having limited choices makes life simple and beautiful
Some choices are man-made, but some depend on the socio-economic back grounds which we come from. We do not have an option of when and where we are brought up depending on the financial capabilities of our parents, but one can make an attempt on molding life for the better.
Having come from a conservative family, I had limited options to choose from, right from my childhood which made my life very simple
There was not much of distraction, and it helped me stay focused mainly on academics. I had set my goals early in life and was working hard to achieve them. Though in the process there were some setbacks, I always picked up the best available options and moved forward. I believe that if we can identify the passions much earlier in life, it will be much easier for us to make some decisions and work towards it. Even if the passions keep changing, we should be flexible enough to adapt to those changes and work towards achieving it. After all, we know that life is full of experiments, and we just need the strength and courage to face it. .
Life moved on and I was blessed with choosing the life partner of my choice. He always encouraged me to overcome my short comings and to face challenges in life. Over a period, he pampered me with giving different options in every aspect. Having seen limited choices right from my childhood, it was becoming very difficult for me to choose the best. Slowly I began to develop a belief in my own deeper self, in my conscience,to which I always turned to for making the decision after all the seemingly “logical” analysis is done. Life is always a question of competing requirements and priorities,which are too dynamic
Lakshmi Sarada, DTMThe decisions that we take at every stage in life does lead to the next set of requirements and we cannot deny that. The study stream that we choose invariably to a great extent determines our profession and career. The career choice whether to get into a govt or a private sector company, whether a transferable job or a fixed location job do shape our future life. These then give us our circle of friends, the variety in the same. Our lifestyle choices and so on. You can see the marked differences in the lifestyle based on the decisions taken. One’s activities and hobbies get adjusted accordingly. The choice of the life partner is probably one of the most important of choices we make in life. Our lives and life styles get shaped by the choices that we make. Whether we go on a holiday to Nainital or to Switzerland, whether we drive a branded car or not, whether we go for scuba diving or tennis, whether we go for yoga or hiphop… the Choice is ours and it defines our “personality”. However, there is one more aspect, a much deeper one in which if you decide not to entertain even the notion of a choice, you get best defined! The choice of remaining true to our inner self. The choice of respecting and living by our value systems of truth, honesty, love and compassion The choice of being human To put it simply, ideally there are not much of choices in these. Once you consider that these are non-negotiable and hence rule out the existence of a choice in these, life becomes very simple and beautiful. You already stand defined – you are a true human
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME??
After moving to Qatar from the neighboring country Bahrain where I began my Toastmasters journey, I decided to take a break, not because I achieved everything but considering a new place, new atmosphere, new people, new job and yes, excuses were many One of those days, I happened to visit ICC Eve’s Toastmasters club and guess what??? There was a magical magnetic power of attraction and immediately joined this elite, the first ever eves only club of Qatar!!! What have you done to me, ICC Eves???
Couple of years later, I again decided to take a break for obvious reasons, including my second baby, work and so on but this time I was adamant!!! Told myself, no matter what, am not going to return to this club.Though not a member, I used to attend almost all Toastmasters events in the State along with my husband who was into Division and District leadership then, and once again… that magical magnetic power of attraction pulled me this dear club of mine
What have you done to me, ICC Eves???
Since then, no looking back but enjoying the camaraderie, friendship with lots of fun & entertainment while learning through the Toastmasters Curriculum. In between serving as Club officer, taking part in taking part in contests and everything that was possible and still continuing......
Should we choose social media?
Now-a-days, everyone is part of one or other social network. Social media or network is a new form of media which makes it possible transfer of photo, videos, audio and general information It is different in a way that it allows readers/viewers/listeners to participate in creation or development of content.
Now compare the above with following users data of popular
Social Media sites:
COMPANY USERS WORLDWIDE % OF LEGAL AGED
WORLD POPULATION
Facebook 2.5 BILLION ~ 40%
Instagram 1 BILLION ~ 16%
Whatsapp 1.6 BILLION ~ 26%
Youtube 1.9 BILLION ~ 30%
Social media / Social networks, if used rightly, has various benefits. However, there are negative effects too. Here are pros and cons of Social Media.
PROS:
Social media spreads information faster than any other media. Social media helps to access worldwide information and data. Social media sites help employers to find employees and job-seekers to find jobs. Social media is good for the economy.
CONS
HOWEVER, Social media enables the spread of unreliable and false information. , there is risk of information getting in hands of hackers who do online frauds.HOWEVER, wrong use of social media can harm employment prospects.THOUGH too much use of Social media during office hours harms employees’ productivity
Social media will grow more and will be integral part of our life. It is up to us to not fall in traps of its negative side, but use its very powerful and positive side to enhance quality of life
And remember, “Don’t use social media to impress people, use it to impact people.”
There are many platforms available now to improve our knowledge, widen our skillset, improve our interpersonal and leadership skills etc..To improve my public speaking skills, I chose to be part of Toastmasters International and I am happy that I chose the right path. I encourage each and every induvidual to have a choice in life and work towards it.
TM Chaitali Mehta
Life is a series of choices. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed, we are constantly making decisions that shape our existence. Some choices are ordinary, like what to wear or what to have for breakfast. Others, however, are life-altering, setting us on paths we never could have predicted. This is the story of one such critical choice I made that not only defined me but also transformed my entire life It was the year 2011, where I found my soulmate but he was working in outside the country Meanwhile I was working as Sub Post Master in Postal Dept I found kind of difficulty with regard to transfer to my husband’s native place and also found myself in an unfulfilling job It paid the bills, but it didn't ignite my passions or fulfill my dreams. That was the time where I have taken the bold step of resigning from my job, a decision that was met with uncertainty and concern from friends and family. But I knew it was the right choice for me. It was the choice that would define who I was to become. With my resignation letter submitted and a heart full of anxiety,
I embarked on a new journey relocating to a foreign country The decision to move abroad was born out of a desire to experience a different culture, broaden my horizons, and discover parts of myself I had never known.Life in a new country was a swift of feelings. There were moments of loneliness and doubt, but there were also moments of exhilaration and self-discovery..
Each day brought a new challenge and a new opportunity to grow.As I immersed myself in this new environment, I began to see profound changes within myself. I became more resilient, adaptable, and open-minded I learned to embrace uncertainty and turn it into an adventure The limitations I had once placed on myself began to crumble, replaced by a sense of limitless possibility when joined to toastmasters.
One of the most significant transformations I experienced was in my perspective on life and joining to toastmasters club I no longer saw challenges as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. I welcomed change and the discomfort that often accompanied it because I understood that it was through these experiences that I was truly growing.Through all the highs and lows of this journey, I discovered my true passions and talents. Looking back on that essential choice to resign from my job and move abroad, I realize that it was not just a change of scenery; it was a transformation of the soul. It was a choice that defined me in ways
I could never have imagined
In the end, it’s important to remember that choices are not just decisions we make; they are reflections of who we are and who we want to become. My journey is a testament to the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing change, and allowing choices to define us in the most beautiful and unexpected ways.So,as you navigate your own path through life, remember that the choices you make today have the power to shape the person you become tomorrow. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them define the incredible story of your life.
Choices are a reflection of our journey in different junctures of our life
I AM WHAT I AM
I AM WHAT IAM I’M DOING VERY WELL IN MY LIFE, AND I’M THANKFUL TO GOD FOR THAT
To be a cyclist was my choice; but Scars and wounds scared me, so I gave up.
To be a dancer was my choice; matching to the rhythm was difficult, so I gave up.
To be an artist was my choice; strokes and outlines were not easy, so I gave up.
To be a singer was my choice; ragas and swaras weren't something I could control, so I gave up.
To be an athlete was my choice; diets and routine were impossible, so I gave up
To be a teacher was my choice; but hardwork and patience was something which I lacked, so I gave up.
But since school days,I wanted to be an Orator and it really worked. I could deliver prepared speeches with confidence and I won many prizes.I was complimented by my friends and relatives. I also started participating in mono acts, drama, elocutions and essay writings. I received many prizes. My brothers used to tease me for the small gifts I received. But they were not knowing the value and my hard work behind that was put in. Each small victory gave me confidence. It made me stronger.
Even during college days, I participated in many competitions and was winning prizes . It was a proud moment for my brothers when I got a chance to speak at the All India Radio for the first time.
My neighbors were astonished when I visited the Television station for the first time as a choreographer for a dance performance with my students. I was happy when my poems and articles got published in local newspapers and magazines. That's when I realized that each and everyone possed some uniue talent or skill which needs to be identified.I continued my passion.Later, I got a chance to join toastmasters which helped me improve my communication and Leadership skills. The trophies in my drawing room speaks of my passion and vision I have achieved the highest educational title DTM in Toastmasters
Today I stand tall in front of you all as a Division E Director because of the Choice I made on that day. Find out what is your hidden quality, which does not allow you to sleep and chase that You need not be good in everything You can choose one path where you can prove your worth and that one choice will define you one day.
Today, every one knows me as a speaker, writer and toastmaster in Doha, its all becuase of the choice I made.all because of that choice I made.That Choice defines who and What I am.I am proud of the achievements in my life.I am h ng good in what I have ch essings !!.
My current role a “fall back upon pillow” for the current vibrant Excom – in black and white an advisor, when the need be.
I started off as a member of the club in 2018 and then began my journey with EXCOM as SAA, VPPR, VPE and President –a well-structured leadership course. All the roles had their own ways of a tailored growth pattern not only for a toastmaster but also for personal development. After spending five years in this life-changing journey, today I brim with a lot of confidence and enthusiasm. I am able to focus more on the positive side of anything adverse, am able to exude passion and “good vibes”.
It has been a very fulfilling journey so far and I look forward to a lot more in the years to come – learning and imparting my experience.
WHY SHOULD WE CHOOSE JUDICIOUSLY?
Why should we choose judiciously?
They shape our personalities, our values, and our destinies.
The decisions we make today will have a ripple effect on the rest of our lives.That's why it's so important to make thoughtful choices
We should choose our words carefully, our actions thoughtfully, and our relationships wisely. We should choose to be kind, compassionate, and helpful. We should choose to live our lives with purpose and meaning.
The choices we make today will determine the person we become tomorrow. So let's choose wisely.
TM Nadia Khan TM Nadia Khan TM Nadia Khan
TM Sonali Ghosh TM Sonali Ghosh TM Sonali Ghosh
TM Neha Yusuf TM Neha Yusuf TM Neha Yusuf
