eloQuence issue no 57: Tribute to Bahrain by WMC Toastmasters Club

eloQuence ISSUE NO. 57

Tribute to Bahrain

DECEMBER 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Presidential Address

WMC Communication

Perspective

Me & Bahrain

Birthday Celebrations

An ode from the VPPR

05 Feature

40 years now... Lesser known places in Bahrain Through the hour glass of time

27 Reflection

Meetings 404 & 405

PRESIDENT'S DESK We always get attached to the place we stay and, the place we work. The longer we stay, the better we start knowing the place, and it creates a special bond. Many of us share this special bond with Bahrain. This edition of eloQuence is an attempt to express our feelings and emotions about our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Karmabhumiâ&#x20AC;?. I am sure you will enjoy reading it. Fellow WMCians, with the release of this edition, we are halfway through our promise of publishing the eloQuence every month. We thank all the members for their contribution. It was not possible without the hard work and dedication of the editor's panel, chaired by our dynamic VP-PR Toastmaster Sukumar. Dear team, you are doing a remarkable job! During the last few meetings, we arranged a series of workshops to give you some valuable tips and tricks of how to prepare yourself for the

upcoming

competitions.

Special

thanks

Education

Toastmaster Jeffery for arranging the informative and motivational training programs. It's now time to bring the knowledge we gained through these workshops onto the stage. We will be conducting the club contests during the months of December and January. I wish all contestants the best of luck. Let us endeavor to take the name of WMC Toastmasters to the highest level.

TM YASHODHAN ABHYANKAR

| PAGE 01

An ode from the VPPR With hope in our hearts, we departed, Not broken, but we left heavy hearted. The only home where we grew being misparted, We wish the new land is not ramparted. With hope in our hearts, we departed! The wind has a fragrance here, The soil holds my feet firm here. The sweat on my temple tastes salty here, People walk with a spring in their steps here. My hopes are becoming more dear here! The two seas adorned a chain of lslands, Pearls and corals shimmered on its wetlands! The traders and craftsmen thrived at its helm, Indeed the ships of Dilmun moved beyond the realm! The culture is of tolerance here, Acceptance is a value here. The wise rule the land here, Their people thrive in here. Its been a while for me now here, I feel so humane here!

TM SUKUMAR SWAMINATHAN

| PAGE 02

WMC COMMUNICATION

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE DECEMBER 2020

EDUCATION UPDATE DECEMBER 2020

| PAGE 03

PUBLIC RELATIONS AWARDS NOVEMBER 2020 WMC Toastmasters Club leads the district with nine PR Awards (9 PR points) for 1st half 20-21 term (JulDec 2020). Winner of the 1st term will be awarded as "Outstanding PR Achiever" in January 2021.

| PAGE 04

FEATURE Forty years now... Lesser known destinations in Bahrain Through the hour glass of time

1991: Diplomatic Area

1976: Hilton Hotel Forty years ago, when I left India and came to Bahrain I was mentally prepared that I would have to change my lifestyle to suit the customs and culture

Bahrain.

relatives

living

accent,

lifestyle

Having

elsewhere and

seen

change

cling

“Indianness” in so many ingenious ways

was

ready

for

the

transformation. But Bahrain took me by surprise! I didn’t have to change anything about myself.

FORTY YEARS NOW...

1981: Gulf Air Advertisement

1999: Gulf Air Rebranded

1988: Exhibition Road

2001: Before Financial Harbor

WRITTEN BY DTM REKHA UTHAM

Miraculously Bahrain adjusted itself to me

and

connection

“Indianness”.

with

India

only

My grew

stronger caught as I was in the time warp of nostalgia and the knowledge that we would go back some day sooner than later.

Isolated from

mainstream we lived a bliss full life with friends who substituted for family and brought up our children in safe environments.

indulged

philanthropic, aesthetic and charitable activities

1989: Grand Mosque view | PAGE 05

which

gave

sense

purpose and meaning to our life here.

2006: World Trade Center

We got to see Maestros and stalwarts of Indian arts, culture and cinema perform at close quarters. India was more real here than back home because I met people from different states and segments of India which I never would have if I were back in India. Most poignant was meeting people who were supposed to be “our enemies” the daughter of the army man that I am and realising that one could exist as colleagues and friends; their worries and concerns being the same as mine. With technology India became even closer with news streaming in through the seconds. Advent of low cost carriers made it possible to visit India more than once year. India felt only as distant as our hearts were. Bahrainis were invisible non-existent strata of society whom you encountered especially when you were stranded on the road with a punctured tyre. Invariably the only person who would stop to enquire if you were ok and needed help would be a Bahraini. I truly met Bahrainis when I started working in 2004. I was bowled over by how polite and respectful they were to all be it their boss or the office boy or a stranger in the lift. The amazing sense of humour and the strong independent views Bahraini women have makes them such joyful friends. The generosity and compassion of Bahrainis is unmatched and was an eye opener in my journey towards learning to be inclusive.

The tradition of Bahrainis’ to spend Fridays with family no matter what is a value that I have learnt from this country. Seeing the strong sense of family that it creates and the bonds that it nurtures for the next generation has been a life lesson. When I go back to India now I will have a few values which I didn’t have when I left it years ago. I will be compassionate and generous and will have the courage to ask a stranger if he needs help. I will not have festering hatred towards any so called enemies. I will be respectful and polite to all I meet regardless of who they are. Most of all I will hold my family - all of it - together in bonds of Sunday lunches and laughter and love.

| PAGE 06

LESSER KNOWN DESTINATIONS IN BAHRAIN COMPILED BY TM SUKUMAR SWAMINATHAN

courtesy- amazonaws.com

courtesy- news of bahrain

courtesy- tradearabia.com

MANGROVE FOREST HTTP://PORTAL.BTEA.BH/MANGROVE/

A truly unforgettable sight and experience on

Tours will depart from Sitra Park between 8am

Mangrove tour – Tubli Bay; an escape to another

and 4pm. Participants can choose one of two

world! Tubli bay features a beautiful mix of well-

locations, either a tour in Tubli Bay, which

protected green mangrove forests and Bahrain

covers an area of 100-sq-km and is priced at

Skyline. It is a one of a kind eco tour to explore

BD20 ($52.5) for four people or the mangrove

Bahrain’s

tours which feature a beautiful mix of well-

natural

mangrove

forest.

Mangrove@btea.bh or call 13106913

Contact

protected

green

mangrove

forests

and

Bahrain’s skyline, priced at BD5 ($13) per passenger. Currently closed due to Covid precautions. | PAGE 07

courtesy- youtube channelPAKISTANI MOM IN BAHRAIN Vlogs

courtesy- gdnlife.com

courtesy- bahrain-confidential.com

KARZAKAN FOREST HTTPS://WWW.BAHRAIN-CONFIDENTIAL.COM/YOU-WONT-BELIEVE-THAT-THIS-PLACE-IS-IN-BAHRAIN/

Karzakan is a village in Bahrain that lies along

Off late, the forest has caught the attention of

the western coast of the island. If you are a lover

nature lovers and short film makers. The South

of nature and all things outdoor, this place will

indian diaspora has named this place as

definitely enchant you.

"Sumathi Valavu". It's about 5 kms away from Hamad town, so what are you waiting for? Drive on!

| PAGE 08

courtesy- lafontaineartcentre.net/

LA FONTAINE CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART HTTPS://LAFONTAINEARTCENTRE.NET/LAFONTAINE/ABOUT.HTML

The fine-dining restaurant at La Fontaine Centre

In 2016, we celebrated my wife's birthday at La

of contemporary art ensures an experience

Fontaine. It was as if the whole chateau was

unlike any other. Instead of a simple activity,

available for us. We sat right next to the

dining is treated as an art form, where every

fountain, in open air and in candle-light. The

single detail is taken into consideration. The

elaborate 4 course meal with light music

unmatched architecture is not the only aspect

playing in the background still resounds...

that makes La Fontaine unique. Try it if you have not already! For reservations please call 17230123. | PAGE 09

courtesy- gulfweekly.com

courtesy-peninsulafarm.bh

courtesy-destinationksa.com

FARMS IN BAHRAIN Visiting farms is a hobby of many in Bahrain.

Visiting a local farm can have an impact on

Some amazing places are listed below, if you are

children in many ways. Children are prone to

curious to visit and get some fresh produce for

ask all sorts of questions about mundane

yourself and family, go for it and use google for

things they see every day, imagine what they

locations:

can come up with on a farm! Farms present a

1) Hanging Garden, Al Malkiyah

chance to teach children about agriculture,

2) Peninsula Farms, Sakhir

animals, plants and so much more. While

3) Tasneem Farm, Budaiya

visiting farms can be worthwhile educational

4) Hamada Bee Farm, Barbar

experiences, they can also be a great time to

5) Apiary Bahrainline Aquaponicscenter, Hamala

explore and have fun outdoors for both

7) Unnamed farm near Bahrain Fort, Karbabad

children and adults alike.

6) Farmer's Market, Budaiya | PAGE 10

courtesy- localbh.com

courtesy-destinationksa.com

MASTERPIECE MUSEUM HTTPS://LOCALBH.COM/THINGS-TO-DO/THIS-MUSEUM-JUST-OPENED-IN-RIFFA-AND-ITS-EVERY-COLLECTORS-DREAM/

A young Bahraini, Hamad AlKoheji, has been

He sits there and works on almost everything

working on something cool for quite some time

that is being showcased with his own HAND!

and it’s finally here. Bahrain’s unique museum of

Clay modeled, painted and museum-ready,

countless different collections of art, TV & film-

basically. Serious and beautiful (and labor-

related things – curated by himself for all of us to

intensive) artifacts arise out of this...

see!!! Hamad carves, models and paints many figures of different characters from cartoons or movies, as well as collects signed pieces from different artists, singers or other famous personas and showcases those in his museum as well!

| PAGE 11

Four pairs of eyes focused on the world map stuck on the wall of my son’s study room. The owners of those eyes were my two sons, my wife and I. “There it is “Deepak shouted. We have discovered “ Bahrain “. We peered at the tiny dot overshadowed by the vast region of Saudi Arabia. The year was 1998. Practicing in God’s own country - Kerala we were happy and the Gulf was not even a dream... till the call came from Bahrain! I had been offered a contract to work as a physician in a not-for-profit establishment- the American Mission Hospital. Improvising on the lines of William Shakespeare, I thought... “To go or not to go, that was the question!” Finally, on 3 December 1998, I landed on the shores of Bahrain leaving my dear family behind. In my mind’s eye I visualized Bahrain as a desert with camels, sand dunes, deserts and Arabs. Alighting from my flight, I was received by Dr. Richardson, popularly known as Richie , the then head of the GP team. A very warm person, he drove me to his house.

THROUGH THE HOUR GLASS OF TIME

WRITTEN BY DTM (DR) BABU RAMACHANDRAN

“Babu, working here is really good till .... a loved one back home falls sick and you want to rush back immediately “. Dr. Richie’s words still echo in my ears. It still is so true!! Lunch at the Richies with the great hospitality of Richie’s better half Latha was indeed refreshing. And then started the next phase of my career …an overseas “ Pravasi “ Doctor - a Non Resident Indian. It was with trepidation and a sense of nervousness that I walked into American Mission Hospital on 4 December 1998 . Dr. Richie introduced me to a lot of colleagues (memory is blurred with advancing age)… American Mission Hospital... I was expecting to see a lot of Americans around but was surprised to see a mini India . The scene moves to my apartment- a comfortable cosy one adjacent to AMH where I slowly settled in. It was the first time I was away from Mary and our two sons and I was missing them. Quoting the words of Catherine Booth “ there is no changing the future without disturbing the present “ and so I accepted the transformational change that I was to be a part of.

| PAGE 12

Bahrain , the little dot on the map was indeed a nice place. I soon reinforced the belief that whichever corner of the world you go (no, whichever corner of the universe) there is one constant which never changes - “Keralites (popularly known as Malloos) are everywhere “. Bahrain was no different. Walk into a cold store , you see a country cousin. Walk into a textile shop, restaurant, hospital, clinic ... you meet country cousins all living together in peace and harmony. Live and let Live- the axiom is noticeable. American Mission Hospital is a not for profit hospital with a legacy of one hundred twenty years of service. It was in 1902 that missionaries from the Reform Church of America reached out to the community in Bahrain with dedication and commitment to serve them. The ideals they espoused continue to this day.

With a Trainee

With a patient

ICRF event

At a camp

“The practice of medicine here has a few differences compared to the protocols in India. I am not going into more details as this will take a lot of space which may put you to sleep (if you are not already dozing having reached so far). However, I need to record a few thoughts. AMH has given a lot of freedom in the way we physicians can practice. There is no compulsion to prescribe medicines and order unnecessary investigations (as is the practice in some private hospitals back home). Charity is given for deserving cases. From one center from which AMH operated when I became a part of the family, it has now spread its branches to various corners in Bahrain- Saar, Amwaj and Riffa with a state of the art hospital on its way to open in 2022. The three principles of Compassion, Grace and Love are ingrained in the minds of every AMH employee. Trust, Transparency and Teamwork form the foundations of the way we deliver Quality Care at Affordable cost. Further AMH has also given me opportunities to hone my leadership skills. That’s AMH in a few sentences. Now to my family. Mary and the two boys Deepak and Gautham joined me in April 1999 . The little boys (who are married men now) were very excited though it took them some time to get over the fact that their friends were across the ocean. | PAGE 13

Mary initially didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a job and that was frustrating for a lady who was and continues to be a workaholic. God has His plans and after nearly twenty months as a home maker with a degree in medicine, she too walked into AMH as a locum doctor. This was her journey of a thousand miles which started with the first step (If I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use this quote my article will be incomplete đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x20AC; đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x20AC; ). The children joined the Indian School Bahrain and life moved on. Mary subsequently joined the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) and after twelve years moved to the Ministry of Interior The initial supposed to be for two year stint went for a big toss and as I write this it is twenty two years and 7 days since I set foot on this island of pearls. Deepak and Gautham have brought in two beautiful roses Meera and Nikki to adorn our family. Mary who decided on 29 June 1988 to stick with me through thick and thin, for better or worse ,come hail or sunshine has been my anchor, my friend and my guide.

At a birthday party

With the grey haired man..

My pride...

WMC Toastmasters

Bahrain has been a home away from home for our family. Our grey-haired man, Suresh Karunakaran once said â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bahrain tends to grow on you â&#x20AC;&#x153;. How true! Many bonds of friendship were generated and many opportunities were given to me to help and empower others and serve the community. I continue to do my best. WMC Toastmasters ... I feel proud to be known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Founding President â&#x20AC;&#x153;, the title no one can take away from me. The camaraderie I enjoy from 2003 till date, the lessons I learned, the opportunities this club has given me, the warm relationship I share with past and present members, the signing off in my Whatsapp messages as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love Dr. Babu â&#x20AC;&#x153;, the way the club has accepted me ... sweet meanderings indeed. Many of my thoughts have been shared above. There is more to follow -some other time ....

| PAGE 14

Viewing my sojourn in Bahrain through the kaleidoscope of life , I see a lot of beautiful images and colourful patterns interspersed with tension-filled moments as well as ups and downs - the roller coaster of life. I believe we go through the phases of “Job... Career ... Calling... “ in our life. Mary has found her “calling” as a pastor in a church praying for others and reaching out to her sheep (as she calls them) . My phase of “ Job “ led me to my “ Career “. I am still in search of my “Calling“. I don’t frantically try to find my “Calling”. As John Milton said “ They also serve who only stand and wait ...” The journey of life moves on in this archipelago called the Kingdom of Bahrain . This small dot which I first saw on the world map in my son’s study room is now my world ....

AMH Christmas Decoration

Science India Forum

WMC Toastmasters With CM Achuthanandhan

| PAGE 15

Receiving an honor

PERSPECTIVE " Me & Bahrain"

t !se

h co

p ep

u iy

m ll a

i gn

ir o

f va

BORN IN BAHRAIN WRITTEN BY TM PRAGATI

I was born in this beautiful country, Bahrain,

y p y al ra

ey ta L re ,s n dA

Lost Paradise, Adhari Park and Wahoo Water

a tn

enjoy the weekends by visiting the beaches,

w sa

although some traffic is there at peak hours. I

and travelling is easy and relatively quick,

a tr

country because all the places are close by

square kilometers. I love to travel around the

' ad

small country with an area of only 765.3

also known as the land of pearls. Bahrain is a

Park. Every year, I am very enthusiastic and eager to attend Formula 1 at the Bahrain International Circuit. It is a well-planned and an enjoyable event. Last year at the event, we had a lot of fun.

There

were

games,

events,

musical

concerts by popular DJs and many other surprise events. The most interesting part of the year is when Bahrain celebrates National Day in the month of December. The entire country is lit up with festive lights that are arranged on trees, lamp posts, government buildings, etc. Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) hosts a wide range of festivities as part of the Bahrain National Day celebrations. | PAGE 16

There are large firework displays across the country marking the National Day, concerts by world-class performing artists from around the globe, carnival rides for kids, traditional music, food stalls and a shopping bazaar depicting the rich traditions and culture of Bahrain.

PERFECT PARTNERS

I consider myself fortunate because the salary that I get is for the same work that I did in my country for past 20 years. Since my job profile is fully based on my basic skills it has provided me peace of mind and ease to fulfill my tasks. It is imperative to mention the above when it comes to me and Bahrain. Bahrain

and

have

had

wonderful

relationship for last 8 years. I have fulfilled all those needs and wants that I have dreamt of, from my childhood to adulthood and to a middle aged person. WRITTEN BY TM MASOOD SHAH

Bahrain

has

accommodates

unique

every

culture

person

with

that their

I am glad to write about Bahrain and myself. I

specific style of life. For a person like me who

have no hesitation to express the joy, comfort,

believes in non-discriminating people based

luxury, and freedom that I have been

on their school of thought or their way of life,

experiencing since I stepped on this island.

Bahrain is an ideal place to live! The seeds of my happiness and wellbeing are flourishing

My experience is totally different from many

and growing fast in this scintillating country.

other expatriates who reach foreign lands

I also have a distinctive sense of love and

and undergo the hardships to retain or grow

sympathy for animals like cats and dogs.

in their jobs. They have to work from dawn to

Bahrain made it possible for me to be part of

dusk to prove themselves to be worthy of

some organizations where I am able to meet,

promotions and incentives. I am one of the

help and play with these animals. Not to

lucky people who was offered a job in

mention the fact that I love meeting new

Bahrain which I initially turned down over the

people and befriending them. All this has

remuneration. Subsequently, my proposal

taught me to look at the world with a fresh

was accepted and I agreed to working with

pair of eyes and this gives me a better

my current organisation.

understanding of myself and my role in this universe.

| PAGE 17

LANDED IN 2008 WRITTEN BY TM PRIYANKA

‘Manama is the capital of Bahrain and Bahrain is known as the land of pearls’, was

the only thing I had read about Bahrain in one of my General Knowledge books in school. Never in my thoughts, had I imagined that someday I would be destined to become a part of this island nation.

evening, I landed on this beautiful small with

husband.

was

unforgettable evening as I experienced my first sand storm and tasted Thai food for the first time in my life. Looking outside the window at the deserted streets with very few people, away from parents and siblings, I felt I would not survive for more than a month in Bahrain. Days flew by, years passed by, with great moments spent with family, friends and colleagues, I didn’t even realize when admist all this Bahrain became our home. Weekends on Fridays, sandstorms, hot summers, Arabic cuisine, Arabic tea, date and palm trees, tranquil and beautiful beaches, shopping malls became a part of our life. | PAGE 18

corniche at the Avenues, watching the sunset with

family

scrumptious

Bahrain

seafood

Bay,

lunch

enjoying La

Marine,

sharing a warm Belgian chocolate waffle at Cine Café with my son, sipping on a hot cup of

More than a decade ago in 2008, on a chilly island

A long quiet walk in the evening along the

campfire mocha at Caribou with my husband are some of my most favorite pastime I love to indulge in over the weekends here in Bahrain. Working at the Ministry of Justice for over 8 years, being part of WMC toastmasters club for over 2 years, and being associated with the medical fraternity in Bahrain (courtesy my husband), I met some lovely people who have become friends for life. Love, warmth and support from our friends of different nationalities, religions, traditions and values, abundant flavors from the wide variety of cuisines, beautiful landscapes from the deep blue waters to the grand deserts all comes together

one

beautiful

canvas

and

summarizes the last 13 years of my life in Bahrain.

BAHRAIN, MY LOVE...

When we stay abroad with family, one of the main concerns is the quality of our children's education.

Education

Bahrain

compulsory. Children attend either public or private schools. We have special institutions for children with disabilities in Bahrain as well. The Ministry of Education in Bahrain provides free education for all Bahraini students. Non-Bahraini students can enroll in public schools with a reasonable fee. Being part of the Indian diaspora our children do not miss the CBSE curriculum in Bahrain.

WRITTEN BY TM ANIL KUMAR

Those who visited Calicut once will never

There are many similarities between my

forget the taste of Calicut cuisine. For me, one

native

and

glass of lemon tea feels like a million hugs.

Bahrain. Both places have highly tolerant

And in Bahrain, I am in love with Karak Chai. I

cultures that offer residents and expatriates

don't miss my favorite lemon tea from Calicut

complete

because of my newfound love.

place

Calicut

freedom-

(Kerala-India),

perfect

balance

between traditional and modern living. Shopping malls, beaches, festivals & social Calicut for instance has many mosques and

life, we don't miss anything in Bahrain.

temples in the same compound, which is perfect display of harmony and peace. The

Calicut and Bahrain are both lovely and

temples in major Bahrain locations too

peaceful places to live. In both these places,

reflect the pluralism of the Bahraini society.

people are helpful and friendly.

Calicut city has more than 20 movie theatres

with a variety of choices. I am not missing the

opportunities and career development and

craze for films because Bahrain offers similar

Bahrain gave both to me. I LOVE BAHRAIN!!!

or better movie-goer's experience.

| PAGE 19

came

Bahrain

looking

for

better

UN CHANGED WRITTEN BY TM YASHODHAN

‘When I got an offer for a job in Bahrain, I did not know where this country was. Those days, the technology of Internet was still at a primitive stage. The only way to find out the location of Bahrain was on a map on the last page of a dairy. After searching for a while, I noticed a small dot on the map with the name “Bahrain”. Before landing on this beautiful island in 1994, I did not know what to expect. The only thing I knew was that Bahrain is a country in the Middle East, near Saudi Arabia. I expected to see a lot of camels on the road as well as sand dunes. Seeing Mercedes's and BMWs instead was the first surprise, followed by a series of surprises one after the other. There were many fellow Asians in my office, I was surprised to see many Indian restaurants and when I went to the temple lane in Manama I saw many Indian goods available in the market. At times, Indian faces outnumbered the Arabs giving me a feeling that I am in some other city in India and some Arabs have come there as tourists.

| PAGE 20

As I started exploring the country, I fell in love with the beauty and culture around. Although Bahrain is an Islamic country, people from all religions live in close proximity to each other. Diwali, Christmas and Eid are celebrated by everyone with the same spirit and joy. This is the beauty of Bahrain. In the last 25 years, I have seen Bahrain change drastically. Areas like Juffair and Seef have developed from being part of the sea to suburban areas. Earlier, there were very few supermarkets like Muntazah and Babasons, but now we have a lot of hypermarkets and shopping malls. Everything around me has changed. What has not changed is the lovely culture. That is why I consider Bahrain my home away from home.

A RISK TAKER

I officially became a 'Non-Resident Indian' and a resident of Bahrain in June 2011. I must say, my leap of faith paid off well. I don't need to elaborate on this land's qualities and its people since everyone understands that. But being in a nice place alone may not make people happy. What makes a place, an area, or a country your home is the human connection

form.

Despite

being

introvert, I could form those connections with people here, not only with Indians but also with Bahrainis and other nationalities. I am

WRITTEN BY TM JOE FRANCIS

blessed to the extreme as I have an excellent

I came to this island in March 2011 for a job

boss and a great set of colleagues.

interview. It was the peak of the unrest. Everyone thought that I would not accept

This country taught me to dream big and

the offer and never return to Bahrain after

gave means to plan and execute them. This

seeing the chaos at that time. Being a risk-

country gave me wings to fly. If in the future, I

taker (now I can boast of improving the

must leave this country, as we don't know

optics) and not because I desperately wanted

what fate (if you have a secular view) / God (if

you are religious) has planned for us, I will feel

leave

Punjab

National

Bank

pun-

intended), I took up the offer.

emotional as I check-in to my flight. However,

However, before I accepted the offer, I

all those human connections that I made

checked with a friend in Dubai. He had every

here will always be cherished.

praise for Bahrain i.e., how liberal the country was and how educated and friendly the locals were. According to him, the cost of living was one of the lowest compared to other GCC countries. Being frugal, I like the last point the most.

| PAGE 21

CAUSE WAY WRITTEN BY TM SUKUMAR

‘It was 2012, I was tasked to start Bahrain operations for Almarai’s poultry division. I drove from Dammam via the Causeway and parked the car near the HSBC ATM next to the beautiful Mosque for a quick phone call and directions. It was the first time in my life, I had travelled between countries in less than an hour and by road. It was memorable! For the next 90 days, I worked as a lone warrior. I would drive into Bahrain every day at 6.30am and head over to Almarai dairy Division. My colleague, the country manager had ear-marked a Merchandiser (Marshall) to show me around the market. I would meet the GMs and CEOs of Lulu, Megamart, Geant, Carrefour, Alosra, etc. Post lunch I would scout for warehouses and staff accommodations with Marshall. In the evening, I would again have

few

customer

meetings

before

heading back to Dammam at 9PM. 90 cycles later, we launched ‘Alyoum’ in Bahrain. We advertised in every Promotional Leaflet in Bahrain and the launch was a roaring success. 4 tons of ‘Alyoum’ fresh chicken was sold in one day. I stayed back with my GM, Noel Pattison to CELEBRATE! | PAGE 22

In these 90 days, I fell in love with Bahrain, without staying a single night (my wife without visiting even once in this period). So many things that we would not get in Dammam was available here. Pani Poori (the Pooris only), Maggi noodles, Pan Pasand confectionary, Incense Sticks, Pillsbury Chakki Fresh Atta, Kinder Eggs (Boy and Girl), Roohafza…(psst, yes in these visits I would shop as well, albeit for say 30 minutes - I was visiting the market anyways). The other thing I loved about Bahrain was the driving. What a pleasure it was to drive here! I still remember the 1st day when I was parked at Lulu Riffa. As always as I do in Saudi, I was waiting with hazard lights on for the traffic to clear so that I could reverse on the road and drive. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard a beep from behind and on turning back I realized that the other driver had stopped in the middle of the road and was inviting me to reverse!!!! Was I dreaming?? This had never happened in Saudi, we would be honked and cursed if we did something like that…

A year down, Bahrain had become a big market for ‘Alyoum’. We were doing about 50 tons a month and growing. What started as a one-man operation (myself travelling back and forth from Saudi), grew into a full-fledged 10 vehicle operation. Eventually, I had a change of heart, I loved Bahrain more than Saudi. In October 2013, I quit Almarai and moved to Bahrain as Country Manager for Nada Dairy, a family operation. My colleagues said ‘Sukumar, you are a fool to leave Almarai and join a family operation’. But I was a fool in love, did anything else matter?? It’s been seven years since; our love affair continues…!!

| PAGE 23

HOME

One such memory was when I was 6 years old. After school I had passed by a shop near my apartment and I saw a pair of roller blades. It was bright red in color with stripes of golden yellow similar to the colors of Hulk Hogan’s wrestling uniform. Hypnotized by the colors I pestered my dad to no end to buy it. Knowing full well that I would quit he reluctantly bought it for me. That evening I along with dad took it for a test drive. Less than a minute in I fell more than 5 times with a few scratches and the roller blades were not appealing anymore. I told my dad I was scared and was going to quit. I think I may have broken the record by any child to get tired of a toy. At that

WRITTEN BY TM JEFREY ABRAHAM Author Gladys Hunt’s definition of home is "a safe place, a place where one is free from attack, a place where one experiences secure relationships and affirmation. It's a place where people share and understand each other. Its relationships are nurturing. The people in it do not need to be perfect; instead, they need to be honest, loving, supportive, recognizing a common humanity that makes all of us vulnerable.” Being a second generation non-resident Indian identity was always on my mind; a confused desi as they say. While India gave me lazy summers, Bahrain always made me feel accepted and gave me my fondest memories (good and bad).

moment, a barrage of verbal frustration came my way, in the park. I began crying; talk about adding insult to injury. While it put me in a bad mood, my dad soothed me and my appetite by buying my first Shawarma

was

sweet,

tangy,

meaty

and

comforting all at the same time. I thank Bahrain for that Shawarma, as it washed my bad experience away. Now every time I have a Shawarma, the sweet (and sour) memories come flooding in. Bahrain has been a place of many firsts for me - my first love, my first bicycle, my first fight, my first car, my first accident, my first job, etc. There is much to say and can easily fill a book. Bahrain is also where many relationships were nurtured, built and rooted over a common humanity. I have been lucky enough to call Bahrain home. A place representative of all the things that Gladys aptly exemplified as home. A desert oasis made green by its people and culture.

| PAGE 24

TIME FLIES!

WRITTEN BY TM NORMAN DASS

With a goal to make a better future for me and my Family, I landed in Bahrain on 27th November 2009. Some of the highlights and memorable events during the span of these 11 years are as follows: Learnt driving (going on long drives while listening to romantic songs was a dream come true). Got chance to communicate with people of different nationalities. Got married and have one daughter now. Got chance to work with best automobile company in this region. Made good friends after joining Toastmasters club. We do not realize how time passes if we like the place and if we are completely occupied. Today, as I am writing this article, sitting in front of Laptop, imagining those 11 years, I just can't help but ponder....â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;time just fliesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

| PAGE 25

DEAR BAHRAIN

Living here has indeed been a great personality development exercise. Living in Bahrain has also taught me how we all feel the same basic emotions, love the same, cry the same, and connect in the same ways. We may look different, speak different languages, and live differently, but we are really not that different as a human race. It's this realization, that made me feel connected to this culture, and in turn, forced me to view life through a global lens. Bahrain also has taught me that it isn't necessary to leave one's cultural experience behind to live in another country. You can deepen and broaden your

WRITTEN BY TM ABDUL RAHIM When I lived in Saudi Arabia, I often used to visit Bahrain. Every time I did, I felt like I was taking a joyful vacation.

there are two different propositions. But having lived in a country like Saudi Arabia, moving to Bahrain was like settling comfortably in your seat after a table topics session..!

sensitive and open mind, and a willingness to adapt. different or unknown. Cultural integration does not mean blending all cultures and making them into an inedible mess. It is about relishing all the individual items of thali and recognizing their unique taste, texture, smell, and flavor. We want to be in the same thali rather than

However, the Malayalee diaspora seems to have, in their DNA, to ability to blend and into

any

foreign

culture

and

customs seamlessly. Bahrain has taught me how to open my heart to a foreign culture, how to integrate myself with unfamiliar people seamlessly, and how to be tolerant and undogmatic.

| PAGE 26

your present. However, it is necessary to have a Most importantly, to develop respect for that which is

But soon I learnt visiting a country and living

assimilate

experience by allowing your past experiences to color

being spilled out of the plate, but we don't want to be blended either. Hence, a balance is required. This is, by far, the greatest lesson I learned while living in Bahrain.

REFLECTION

RECAP OF MEETING 404: "OFF THE CUFF"

By TM Yashodhan Abhyankar

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING Star of the show It was all about impromptu speaking. Highlight of the meeting was Dr. Babu’s workshop on Table Topics. Few guests logged in only because Dr. Babu was to speak. This is the charisma of our founding president.

eloQuence launch eloQuence no 56 was launched in the meeting. This was a special edition with members conjuring up their memories for their favorite movie ever! Many members chose more than one movie to their write-up as choosing just one of the so many beautiful movies was a challenge. But that's what challenges are about isn't it? They are made to brin out the best in oneself. The feature of this edition was WMC's CINERGY. A feather on WMC Toastmaster's club's cap from 2008 was reminisced!

During the warm-up to the meeting, members spent time in some informal chat. Pulling each other’s leg, along with an atmosphere of jokes and laughter set the mood for the meeting. Sergeant At Arms TM Asif reminded everyone of mobile etiquettes and mentioned the mission of the club. President TM Yashodhan welcomed the guests. Grammarian TM Joe compared his role with Corona and US elections and announced “Tenancy” as the word of the day.

Person of few words TM Pragathi described her role as Ah Counter, which was followed by a story by the President with the moral - what you give is what you get. Timer TM Biju emphasised on the importance of time by quoting, “Time is money, but money cannot buy time”. So true. Dr. Babu’s workshop was nothing less than a feast. He gave some valuable tips such as: “If you have a point to say, say the point; Always begin with the end in the mind; Bring humour if required”. After the workshop got over, he asked DTM Rekha and DTM Thuraya to share their knowledge. This showed how humble Dr. Babu always is! It was HIS workshop, but he invited other veterans as well, so that the members can gain more knowledge. DTM Rekha gave a good suggestion of bringing one’s own story, while DTM Thuraya pointed out that many people don’t answer the question properly. She also stressed the importance of summarising the points at the end. As usual Dr. Babu overshot the time limit but still the members were saying “Yeh dil maange more!" The workshop had a twist though. He gave some topics to the members and evaluated their impromptu speeches afterwards. TM Masood was asked to comment on - “When it’s all said and done, would you have said more than you have done?”. DTM Thuraya commented on - “If you want to test a person, give him power”. DTM Rekha got a very interesting question - “Imagine that you are a piece of paper, describe how we should use youself before you got recycled”.

| PAGE 27

RECAP OF MEETING 404: "OFF THE CUFF" The knowledge session was followed by two wonderful speeches. TM Kiran’s speech was inspired

the

month’s

theme

eloQuence - “My favorite movie”. He paid tribute to the Malayalam film industry that has evolved over time. His evaluator DTM Rekha gave him the advice that the speech topic be conveyed in a such a manner that it should relate to the entire audience. She also added that he should look into the camera

lens

and

works

voice

modulation. TM Sukumar surprised everyone with a unique topic “Farting Around”. In a very hilarious way, he described how he had “6 downloads” before attending an interview. His evaluator TM Jefrey was aghast after hearing the speech. He mentioned that it was an educational speech for us as well as doctors. At the same time, he suggested that the speaker should manage the time properly, as the speech went on beyond 9 minutes. TM Sukumar wanted to show a video based on this very topic of Farting, but the members somehow managed to convince him otherwise. During the business session, the eloQuence was released and the topic for next eloQuence was announced. As we are approaching Bahrain National Day, “Bahrain and me” was declared as the theme for next eloQuence. General Evaluator TM Apurva praised Dr. Babu admired the confident and entertaining TMOD. We continued the long lasting legacy of WMC. As usual, the meeting did not finish on time. It lasted for two hours and fifty minutes. Long Live WMC and its legacy….

| PAGE 28

RECAP OF MEETING 405: "VISA TO ENGLEWOOD, COLARADO"

By TM Prabodha Sarangi

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING The meeting call To make it an interesting affair, the TMOD called upon attendees as if they had won a visa to TMI HQ and now had to buy their ticket. And for doing so they had to attend the meeting which would have then got them to start their 'competition journey'.

A2D Roshan's Boarding pass What an epic response. as soon as the GE TM Roshan Lewis was invited, he whipped up a magic boarding pass in reply. One word- wow!

When I received a WhatsApp message that my â&#x20AC;&#x153;Visa to Englewood,

Not many would know but TM Roshan is also an expert in Canva and has conducted many a PR workshop for the district, division and his area. He is one of those trainers who have content and charisma both!

The meeting opened at 4 PM with the SAA TM Asif Shaikh, asking

Colaradoâ&#x20AC;? was ready, I was thrilled. What a scintillating invitation written by flight Captain TM Sukumar.

everyone to board the flight to Colorado as the flight was going to take off. He handed over the flight control to CEO President TM Yashodhan.

President took over the flight control, asked everyone if boarding was complete and to relax and enjoy the flight to Colarado. As part of security formalities, he asked guests to introduce themselves. The guest and the show stopper for the evening, DTM Farhaz Farouk asked everyone if they knew him and received good feedback and a warm welcome from all toastmasters. Following, Mr. Kogulan K, our guest for the evening also introduced himself. The President then checked with the VP Education if there were any changes in the agenda. Flight Assistant and VPE TM Jefrey Abraham confirmed there was a change in agenda, and that in the absence of one of the role players, he himself took on the role of Table Topic Master for the evening. The change in agenda was adopted by TM Sukumar and seconded by TM Masood. . President introduced grammarian of the day TM Nidhi Wadke and the grammarian introduced the word of the day "Scintillate" in a scintillating way. The President then introduced the Ah-Counter of the day TM Raghu Kumar and he explained his role very well.

| PAGE 29

RECAP OF MEETING 405: "VISA TO ENGLEWOOD, COLARADO" President

Yash

explained

about

Toastmaster International in an interesting flight

simulation

way

and

shared

motivational experience about distributing sweets in the labor camp on the occasion of Diwali and expressed how happy he was, seeing all the laborers happy. He then called the pilot TMOD Captain Sukumar to take control of the flight. Captain Sukumar took over and asked members to tighten their seat belts as the flight was going higher. He introduced the timer of the day TM Kiran, and the timer explained the timing criteria very well. The TMOD introduced the International Speech Contest workshop presenter DTM Farhaz Farouk. As the flight had taken off well and was flying at the recommended height, all were relaxed and ready to experience

the

in-flight

entertainment

program â&#x20AC;&#x153;Visa to Englewood Colorado!"

Key points highlighted during the workshop were: Plan for the trip and decide what you want - To speak or to win? Get ideas from your own life, keep a pen and paper always with you and write down when some thoughts pop up in your mind. Then convert your stories to give a message to audience. Always try to be a part of the speech (either a hero or villain or any character). Know the audience and write your speech thinking about your audience, your speech presented at club level may have to be changed before presenting it at Area, Division, District and International level to include a universal message. Select and use proper words in your speech, work on your voice, vocal variety, your body language, use props and the stage. More Tips Write the speech in crude/raw form, rewrite from memory, bring your own style, then practice - edit - practice - editpractice... Speech format begin and end to include -Challenges- failures - recovery - victory and message to audience "It does not matter who you used to be. It only matters who you becomeâ&#x20AC;? - Judge Frank Caprio

The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, and queries answered by DTM Farhaz.

| PAGE 30

RECAP OF MEETING 405: "VISA TO ENGLEWOOD, COLARADO" TMOD took over the flight control and started the inflight entertainment. The message was about debunking the stereotypes. 1) Any toastmaster who completed Pathway L2 can contest in International speech contest. 2) It is not true that women and people with accent have less winning probability. For prepared speeches, TMOD introduced the first the evaluator TM Murali to present the speech criteria of Project 2 - Motivational Strategies. Next he introduced the speaker TM Abdul Rahim with speech title "Making a mole hill out of a mountain". TM Abdul Rahim started his speech with the message of salt and water and life does not exist without problems. It was an enthralling and extremely motivational speech. For the Table Topics session, TMOD handed over the control to the Table Topics Master(TTM) TM Jefrey Abraham. TTM took over the flight control smoothly and gave topics related to the theme of the meeting. TT speakers were TM Ovin Crasta, TM Norman, TM Widad Hijazi and guest Mr. Kogulan K. The TT session went very well and TM Jefrey handed over the control back to TMOD. He then prepared the flight for landing. TMOD conducted the photo session and then another round of debunking the stereotype - "Successful competitors focus on performance, not content" which is not TRUE, content matters. He then handed over the meeting to the President for business session. President TM Yashodhan took over and asked Secretary TM Pragati to read the last Minutes of the Meeting, which was approved by TM Abdul and TM Sukumar. President called all the other ex-com members to give their respective reports. VP-PR TM Sukumar declared three awards received by the club and asked about the approval of the financial expenses for 400th meeting certificates which are to be couriered to USA and other places. DTM Dr. Babu announced that he would take care of the expenses. The VP-PR asked everyone to give their articles for eloquence topic 'Bahrain and Me' by next two to three days. VPE TM Jefrey Abraham explained the educational path for all members. He declared the club contest date and quoted "Don't be a failure rather than failing" encouraging all members to participate in the contest. He also spoke about the mentors and mentee program. After business session TMOD gave the control to the General Evaluator for the general evaluation session. DTM Roshan Lewis took over the flight control and asked the timer TM Kiran to present his timing report. TM Murali evaluated the prepared speech by TM Abdul Rahim in a perfect manner, following which the GE asked AhCounter TM Raghu Kumar and grammarian TM Nidhi to present their respective reports. DTM Roshanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued his evaluation in a scintillating manner. He ended his session and handed over the control back to TMOD. TMOD TM Sukumar played an audio message by the world champion of public speaking DTM Dananjaya Hettiarachchi. The message stated "people wanted to hear it first, what you will tell at last" and we should not allow our audience to guess our speech from the speech title. He then declared that the flight has landed safely and handed over the control to President TM Yashodhan. President asked all the members to vote and thanked all role players as everyone had performed their roles in line with the theme of the day and it was enjoyable. While waiting for the results, he asked DTM Roshan Lewis, TM Widad Hizaji and DTM Farhaz Farouk to give their feedbacks about the meeting.

| PAGE 31

RECAP OF MEETING 405: "VISA TO ENGLEWOOD, COLARADO" The award ceremony started with a certificate of appreciation given to DTM Roshan Lewis. The other awards announced were: Best of TAG(timer/Ah-Counter/Grammarian) - TM Raghu Kumar Best of three (TMOD/GE/TTM) - TM Sukumar Swaminathan Best Table Topic Commentator - TM Ovin Crasta Best Evaluator - TM Murali Best Speaker - TM Abdul Rahim TMOD handed over the meeting to the President. President adjourned meeting number 405.

| PAGE 32

Birthday Celebrations

December 5th

December 27th

| PAGE 33

Editor: TM Sukumar Swaminathan Contributing Editor : DTM Rekha Utham Editorial Panel (PR Sub-Committee) DTM Dr. Thuraya Juma Abdulla DTM Manoj Kumar Pandey TM Priyanka Gaikwad Feature & Perspective Contributors WMC TMC Archive : Photos Various articles and media houses credited in te photographs

Stock photos: Canva.com Designer: TM Sukumar Swaminathan Disclaimer: eloQuence is a club newsletter meant for stimulating learning and education for WMC Toastmasters club members only. This is not a commercial newsletter and is not published for mass circulation. We respect all trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property rights of the brands, logos and content used within the newsletter. We would like to reiterate that any content is solely used for stimulating a learning environment for the club's members.

WMC TOASTMASTERS CHARTERED IN 2003| KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN CLUB NO: 603459| AREA 9 DIVISION D| DISTRICT 20

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