eloQuence Issue no 55: "Sweet Memories"

eloQuence ISSUE NO. 55

OCTOBER 2020

Sweet Memories

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION PAGE 1, PAGES 2-4A

PERSPECTIVE

'SWEET MEMORIES'

PAGES 12-23

FEATURE

DISCOVERY COMPETITION

PAGES 5-11

REFLECTIONS PAGES 24-29

TMI NEWS PAGE 30

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

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The President's Desk

A

TMÂ Yashodhan Abhyankar

picture is worth a thousand words. According to Wikipedia, Henrik Ibsen wrote "A thousand words not leave so deep an impression as one deed."

After his death in 1906 this quote was plagiarized and paraphrased into what we know now. The modern use of the phrase is generally attributed to Fred R. Barnard. Barnard wrote this phrase in the advertising trade journal 'Printers' Ink', promoting the use of images in advertisements that appeared on the sides of streetcars.

This edition of eloQuence is a pictorial bouquet of 'sweet memories'. I thank all members for their contribution in preparing a beautiful collage of all our memories. Let us cherish and relive those lovely moments. Say Cheeeese!!

VPPR's Note

T

he camera is a common man's attempt at creating a portrait. Johann Zahn created a wonder that allowed all of us to capture our most beautiful moments in a

click! What was a privilege of the elite in those days started becoming more accessible to the common man and soon photos replaced portraits! Today, capturing our sweet memories is a matter of choice and keenness. We just need to switch the camera on; oh wait, swipe on the mobile phone TM Sukumar Swaminathan

and we are all set! A Statista report estimated that in 2017, three years back, we humans clicked approximately 1.2 trillion photos. Lo and behold 1.2 trillion 'memories' were born! That must be X2 this year. We live in an era of countless captures, yet, only a few are treasured. This edition is dedicated to those 'memories' which are a cut above the rest and are - 'SWEET MEMORIES'!

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WMC Communication

Membership Update

WMC Toastmasters Club wishes its members (from left to right in order) TM Ganapathy Narayanan, DTM Manoj Pandey, TM Ponnambalam Thirmalai & TM Raghu Kumar A Happy Members Day (1st October 2020)

New Member Update

WMC Toastmasters Club takes pride in welcoming its new member: TM Probodha Kumar Sarangi Happy Toastmastering!

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WMC TOASTMASTERS CLUB congratulates our Treasurer TM Joe Francis for steering the Club's renewals and achieving the Lead and Win September Award

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WMC TOASTMASTERS CLUB

congratulates our VP Public Relations TM Sukumar Swaminathan, for achieving two PR Awards in September 1) Toastmasters-To-Be ( Best Speechcraft Flyer) 2) Food for Thought (Best eNewsletter)

eloQuence editing Panel PR Sub-Committee DTM Thuraya Juma DTM Manoj Pandey TM Apurva Divakaran Contributing Editor DTM Rekha Utham

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WMC TOASTMASTERS CLUB

congratulates our member and Speechcraft Coordinator DTM Rekha Utham, for successfully commencing Speechcraft batch IV with American Mission Hospital.

When the same organisation hires us for the fourth time we know that the program has made a difference and as the deliverers we have made a difference too!

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Feature

Discovery Competition

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Discovery Competition

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MOMENTS The photo article features moments from 66 different occasions of WMC Toastmasters Club.

Member who identifies the most number of occasions correctly will be the winner of a special gift hamper from WMC Toastmasters club and a Moments Champion Certificate.

Runner-up will certificate.

win

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Moments

Master

Rules of Engagement Members can seek help, call any of the senior/ charter members (not the PR team) :) Charter members and our Editors cannot participate (PR Sub- Committee can participate).

Members must describe the moment for each photo serial number.

Qualifier- Minimum 15 correct answers.

In case of a tie, member who submitted the entry earlier will be declared winner. members can email their responses to wmcexcom2021@gmail.com.

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IT'S CONFIRMED!

We have it in our ROOTS to agree to disagree!!!

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Perspective: "Sweet Memories"

TM Rajeshwari Chouhan

I participated in the Guinness world record for crocheting. It was the one of the best experiences I have ever had. Made a lot of friends and learnt a lot in terms of crocheting as I was a beginner. It helped me come out of my comfort zone and explore new opportunities.

Navratri is one of those festivals that I am the most passionate about. We got this award for the best dressed couple. I get to showcase my creative side every year during Navratri which helps me develop my talent as I have to think differently each year to step up my game.

Bahrain

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Bangalore

2018

TM Pragathi Nagendrakumar

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With My Brother

Visited this palace with the help of an Audio Guide

DTM Dr. Babu Ramachandran

Memorable moment for my parents...

Me as a baby- First milestone in development!

Wedding day...

Employee of the year-2018...

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Full house- Breakfast at Four Seasons...

Tiny little fingers and feet curling up in our hands; Deep, beautiful twinkling eyes filled with innocence and love, Gazing at us; making it the most beautiful memory for my family and me, Something to be cherished and treasured for a lifetime! TM Priyanka Gaikwad

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The project that I enjoyed the most at WMC TMC

TM Ganapathy Narayanan

Most memorable acting role in WMC TMC

Most remembered and respected faces in WMC TMC

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TM Ponnambalam Thirumalai

RE-UNIONS always make fond memories! Be it with our spouse, daughter, college friends, food or even a friend's pet! RE-UNIONS are unforgettable...

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In 2019, I took many breaks and I am grateful to Providence for that intuition, instinct, insight or sixth sense whatever you may want to call it...

DTM Rekha Utham

Apart from the innumerable Dubai and Amman trips to spend time with the daughters I vacationed in Mauritius with the daughters; a most delightful week of food fun and laughter.

Then in December after attending an opulent Kerala wedding we rested and rejuvenated for three days at an amazing riverside resort Cranganore Riverside Cafe with my sister and family as well as Utham's niece and family. This resort by the river is close to the recently excavated site of Musiris, the legendary port in Kerala mentioned in Greek and Roman historical and trade records.

But my most memorable vacation is 2011 Onam when for the last time we 5 siblings spent an Onam together with my mom. A year after that vacation we became just 4 sisters.

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TM Yashodhan Abhyankar

Every moment spent with her is a sweet memory

My Caleje ka tukda making me proud onstage.

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"Parting is such sweet sorrow"...My kids spending their last few minutes on the sandy beaches of Havelock Island!

TM Jefrey Abraham

This is the time I met my Bestfriend after 10 years since she lives in Mumbai, and this is my most memorable moment.

TM Nidhi Wadke

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TM Sathish Mudalayil

with HE Dr. George Joseph - Ambassador of India to Kingdom of Bahrain.

With Jagathy /Sreekumar & Kanippayoor

Memorable moments in Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines...

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My daughter's Dream came true...!

TM Anil Kumar

With family in Georgia's snowy mountains

With family in a Cruise ship at Turkey

TM Nidhi Wadke

Family picture: This picture was taken inside Unilever Bahrain office when my parents came down to Bahrain. In short my world in 1 frame (except my daughter)

TM Kiran Poithaya

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First pic with my daughter, Dhruvi

Because every picture tells a story!!

TM Norman Dass

TM Bilal Hussain

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TM Abdul Rahim

New excom installation ceremony of Karnataka Club Toastmasters at Palace Inn Hotel

GDN report dated 10.12.2004

MBAed

TM Sukumar Swaminathan

Suhaan

Haasya

Fairytale

Bromance

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Romance

Reflection

Recap: Meeting 400

by TM Pragathi Nagendrakumar In a “forced-to-go-digital situation”, it was a magical concoction. The 400th Meeting Committee brewed a meeting so special that we had speakers and participants from across the world! And to promote such a gala event, the wand was in the hands of TM Sukumar and team. Grandeur oozed at every step, right from the logo of the 400th meeting to a technically brilliant execution of the meeting. It was one of its kind in the Island of pearls!

The theme for the day was ‘Decoding Leadership’.

Our Sergeant-at-Arms, TM Asif Sheikh kept the order during the meeting by coding the responsibilities of each member and started the meeting at 4:00pm sharp, maintaining his hospitality throughout.

Master of ceremony, TM Jeffery re-instated that one should never stop learning. He quoted John F. Kenney’s statement ‘Leadership and learning are indispensable with each other’ in his highly charismatic spoke English. He then introduced our President, TM Yashodhan Abhyankar who called the digital meeting to order by quoting his own thoughts on leadership.

‘Leadership is leading a ship with enthusiastic passengers. It aims at a common goal - some pillars and some others, tears of water. Everyone is a leader by his or her own capacity’!

A video presentation ensued and we had the fortune of having the legend Dr. Ralph C. Smedley speak to us! We were teleported from the TMI Headquarters to Crowne Plaza, time travelled through various WMC TMC meetings and moments and we finally met our dear founding president Dr. Babu Ramachandran on-screen. WMC Toastmasters was formed in the year 2003 and DTM Dr. Babu remembered the foundations fondly. DTM A.S. Jose, the founder of the club, congratulated on the 400th achievement and recalled all the former members - DTM Dr. Babu, TM Suresh Karunakaran, TM Santosh, DTM Rekha, TM Job Antony, TM Sanjeev Menon, TM Mathew Ommen, TM, T.L. Joy and many others in WMC TMC who worked for its success.

“In the hall of fame of WMC…”, TM Mathew Oomen started and said he could see portraits of many illustrated speakers and organisers who contributed to WMC. He also mentioned that the enthusiasm in the 400th meeting was the same as that seen on the very first meeting ever.

TM Vani Krishnan drew a beautiful analogy of WMC club being a 17-year teenage lady and gave credits to all the presidents and their executive committee members for such a great achievement of lasting the years and celebrating the 400th meeting.

TM Santhosh Abraham adverted the club for its exemplary work and asked the club to uphold with its magical touch. On this special day, he remarked that it truly felt like being back at home.

The logo of 400th meeting and WMC club blinked like an aurora.

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Keynote speaker for the evening was former Ambassador Prof Dr. Mohan Kumar. His views on decoding leadership leveraged on three things - Leadership style, situation and followers. He suggested that we read the book by Isaiah Berlin, which narrates the story of a hedgehog and a fox. In the story, the fox has many tricks but the hedgehog has only one. In life sometimes, we need to follow the fox’s principle and the other times, the hedgehog’s. To further re-instate his views, he exemplified with two current situations that India is currently facing – One being the Indo-China border issues and the other, the corona pandemic itself. Same style of leadership cannot be applied to both the situations. The greatest leader is who makes his followers a leader.

According to him, the ultimate leader was Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr. Faizal said that Covid is the biggest testing ground for entrepreneurs and business men. Business continuity plan of every organisation is severely affected. Digital transformation and work from home has changed the situation tremendously. He cited an example in Oman where reconstruction of work structure had taken place.

The impact of Covid situation on school is huge - online classes have commenced. Teachers and student’s community are not trained to face the online classes which is the challenging part. Although the teaching quality was a big question, the toughest part was truly for the little ones who wanted to go to school. The real challenge lies with the leader, who needs to find a solution that is sustainable for the larger good.

Founding president DTM Dr. Babu Ramachandran recalled Prof. Dr. Mohan Kumar's speech on the 200th meeting and thanked him for being part of the 400th meeting. “Key to the success is dedication of all the members”, he said. Today, he further said that, “his heart is full and words are few”.

The participation of alumni in the 400th meeting proved that the bond between the members is very strong.

The panel session ended with the note that true leaders emerge in the time of crises.

Panel Discussion on Decoding Leadership DTM Rekha Utham conducted the panel discussion on the theme of the meeting. The Panel members were Mr. Meliksah Utku, Mr. Shyam Shekar and Mr. Faizal Babu.

According to Mr. Meliksah, we live in an era where everything is changing. With digitalisation, the previous role models may or may not work as examples. The same strategy is not applicable everywhere. We should be excited and courageous to face new things. The thought of failure should not scare a person. Since rise and fall are inevitable in a financial state, e-channel communication should be the motivational energy. We should learn to be more flexible, possess a strong mind to take decisions, learn from mistakes and have an attitude to never give up in our life.

Mr. Shyam said that he uses every crisis to grow ecosystem, which helps in self-growth. Crises is inevitable. It helps fuel our future growth, consolidate the resources, raises capital and also helps to improve confidence on how to engage in this world. Constant preparation should be implemented to every form of leadership. Morality is the biggest driver of every organisation. A question was raised - When will this economy be normal? The answer was the next financial year as the last year had a 10 % growth which was a steep growth for most economies.

Achievements Video was presented by TM Apurva. She reported the historical associations of WMC Toastmaster Club with other Clubs in the country which included YLP, Marthoma church, Bapco club, Gavels Club and Speech craft training.

Our charter member, TM Ganapathy illustrated that WMC has taken the leadership and public speaking to a greater dimension. He said that it is a powerhouse of talent. He spoke of the most innovative toastmaster in the club who has become an entrepreneur - Mr. Faizal, the owner of International School in Kerala, Gem Board World School. TM Job Antony, MD of Steadfast International said his magical word was ‘Dream big’ and ‘You can’.

Cine Artist, TM Manoj Kumar was vocal about his passion for acting. The very achievement, he credited to WMC Toastmasters club. TM Usha Devaraj, an eloquent speaker and a tall WMC member was fondly remembered. TM Hussain Al Ansari said that his association with WMC is extraordinary. DTM Dr. Babu initiated him to start Bapco Toastmasters Club. He stated himself with the example of colourful carpet weaving from the raw yarn.

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We had the fortune to listen from a great leader who is leading one of the world’s largest tech companies today (he was humble to call it “a small company”)! Thanks to our founding president Dr. Babu Ramachandran, his friend, Google’s Chief Evangelist Digital Transformation & Strategy, Mr. Gopi Kallayil, Guest of Honour, explored his views on digital platform that helps organise the world’s information, thus making it universally accessible and useful. He underlined the following three points: • Innovation comes from anywhere. He cited an example of Dimitri- technology helps people with disabilities. He was deaf from the age of one and now he overcame the challenges by live transcribe.

• Think 10X – we can make something 10 times faster.

(Imagine crazy, out-of-the-box solution for all the problems). Example - Auto accident by human error but that coupled with google map and artificial intelligence led to the invention of fully automated car, Waymo.

• Have a mission that matters – organise the world’s information and make it universally useful.

A video was played on Pathways journey during the education session. Our VPE, TM Jeffery Abraham, the towering personality, captured the topic about structuring Toastmasters learning environment very well onscreen. "Every member should emerge with confidence and better listening skills", he said. In this changing, challenging digital world, he is well on this path in encouraging each and every member to cross the pathways successfully.

On-screen Our VPPR, TM Sukumar, the techie-of-the-day, spoke about WMC’s vision in the next era of digital world.

He detailed about open house, demo meetings, youth leadership program and enhanced club member experience. The strength of WMC Toastmasters was reinstated by our humble President, TM Yashodhan Abhyankar, who said that a club is known by his members! How true!

Our first speaker, TM Murali spoke on the topic ‘Chasing your dreams’. He narrated the story of how Farooq chased his dream and achieved it. ‘Never miss an opportunity’, advised TM Murali. The celebration of Farooq’s visit changed from home celebration to village celebrations.

Our second speaker, TM Abdul Rahim, spoke on the topic ‘To be, act as if’. He emphasized that our vision should be SMART (which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound).

A video was played on the achievement of WMC in which DTM Rekha recollected memories with TM Regi Xavier on the short film festival conducted by WMC – Cinergy, where 23 short films were made.

From the Coordinators of the 400th meetings TM Ganapathy thanked everyone profusely for attending the 400th meeting and felt fortunate to have organised and coordinated such an event and invited the other coordinator to take the center-screen!

TM Sukumar complimented WMC on its wonderful odyssey of 17 years of Toastmastering. ’It’s all about the members’, said our VPPR. He then proudly released the current month issue of the eloQuence magazine.

A one-minute video then followed in which all the members presented their views on ‘Decoding Leadership’.

With that the MC signed off and the president conveyed his formal vote of thanks. He opened the floor (oops!

Audio and video) for interaction and celebrations!

The celebrations started and how…

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Recap: Meeting 401

by TM Masood Shah A supposedly ‘young speaker’ was nervously asking if he was looking OK on the camera, whilst getting ready to take on his ice breaker. He was being encouraged and motivated by the President and other fellow members. This was the scene when I entered WMC ZOOM meeting before 4 pm.

September might be the 'Back to School' month but at WMC we wanted to take our members on a well-deserved holiday. We were there on Zoom even before 4 pm, chatting, laughing and socializing with each other, trying to motivate and encourage a speaker like DTM Dr. Babu (a former champion speaker) for his Ice Breaker on the 401st meeting of WMC toastmasters Club. We were helping him to not be nervous and frightened for his maiden speech and he was naively asking if he looked ok on the camera.

The acting SAA, TM Masood Shah, opened the meeting with great energy. He welcomed the President, TM Yashodhan on the virtual stage. In his opening address, TM Yashodhan thanked Dr. Ralph C. Smedley for starting the Toastmasters movement. He highlighted the fact that a single idea has spread into a massive non-profit organization.

Our President then shared the story of two monks (where the elder monk helps a beautiful lady cross the river which made the younger monk upset as he could not forget the lady) - Moral of the story being that humans tend to carry excessive luggage in their minds. Travel light / drop the extra luggage and have a peaceful life.

Master of Ceremonies TM Jefrey Abraham reminded us on how WMC TMC came about and how this club sets standards for leadership. His take on vacations is that it should be a place when you get to experience life. He then shared few of his vacation stories - one with his family where he traveled to a place and stayed in a hotel with no Wi-Fi anywhere except the reception desk and a trip back with his parents and siblings to Kashmir. His dad falling off a donkey remains a great family anecdote till today.

Dr. Babu delivered his ice breaker. His mom just celebrated her 85th birthday. He was born 60 years ago. At the time there was no slogan ‘Hum do, hamare do’ which translates to ‘We 2, our 2' so he came in as a 3rd child. He further shared how he used to stammer as a child (humorously adding that he used to stammer only when he spoke). He was afraid to speak but one of his teachers encouraged him and he overcame his stammering so much that it’s hard to stop him once he starts speaking.

I loved the positive impact of TM Joe’s speech. He said that if we keep looking for positivity, we’ll find positives in life and if we expect negativity and failures, we will embrace the same. It is important to look for positive impact by helping, mentoring and by saying few nice words. This way you will see the humanity flourish.

An attractive Table Topics session was conducted by our beloved TM Muthu, the past VPM. In his innocent and charming style, he was equipped with topics from travel and tourism.

TM Masood, your's truly, spoke about how travelling is a great idea for vacations.

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Recap: Meeting 401

by TM Masood Shah TM Abdul Rahim spoke about whether vacations for him was a stress buster – I was so relieved when he spoke against the topic and I kind of related myself in the situation. Planning a vacation with family members as a head of family is indeed a huge stress on his part. All the arrangements of travel and expenditures incurred to that is not at all stress buster but vice-versa. I agree with you completely, TM Abdul Rahim. Well, if someone else does the arrangements, then it’s lovely.

TM Norman shared about his experience on House boat and promoted Kerala tourism.

TM Nidhi spoke about how she spent her family vacation in Malaysia.

DTM Dr. Babu advised us to not wait for post-Covid to take a vacation – be it a mountain top/cruise – to go ahead with the norm guidelines (watch your distance, wear your mask, wash your hands).

TM Abdul Rahim as the General Evaluator was fantastic in his astounding style. He appreciated and suggested where he was deemed wise.

Seeing TM Satish back in the club was a dream come true for me. I have not seen many poised, reposed, human friendly and safe people in my life at a level where TM Satish dwelled. I welcomed him back from the all four chambers of my heart. I also appreciated other members who have got along with us in this journey of amazement.

DTM Dr. Babu and TM Masood got gold medals and all other members got silver medals from the grammarian for using the Word of the day. Rest of the role players have done justice to their roles as well which lead to a fabulous evening get together.

Long live WMC Toastmasters Club.

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Birthday Celebrations

September 19th

September 23rd

October 14th

October 18th

October 20th

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TMI News

Meet the New World Champion!* The results are in…

Each year, thousands of Toastmasters, representing over 100 countries, battle for the title of World Champion of Public Speaking. This monthslong competition culminated at the 2020 Virtual Convention as the 28 semifinalists competed for a title that transforms lives.

Mike Carr is the new World Champion of Public Speaking! Carr, from District 55 won with a speech titled, “The Librarian & Mrs. Montgomery.”

Congratulations to Linda-Marie Miller from District 37 for finishing in 2nd place with her speech, “Pretending Not to Know,” and Lindy MacLaine from District 32 for finishing in 3rd place with her speech, “Your Buried Story.”

Adapted from Tostmasters International website: https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2020-international-convention/world-championship-of-public-speaking 30

Editor: TM Sukumar Swaminathan Contributing Editor : DTM Rekha Utham Editorial Panel (PR Sub-Committee) DTM Dr. Thuraya Juma Abdulla DTM Manoj Kumar Pandey TM Apurva Divakaran Feature Contributors WMC TMC Archive : Photos

Stock photos: Canva.com Designer: TM Sukumar Swaminathan

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