2. CONTENTS
1. EDITOR’S NOTE 1
2. ABOUT TOASTMASTER’S INTERNATIONAL 2
3. ABOUT BANGALORE TOASTMASTER’S CLUB 3
4. WITH OUR FOUNDERS 4
5. MEET THE EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
▪ From the President’s Desk
▪ Good Things Take Time - It is the Universal Law --- VPE TM Sreejith
▪ Connecting the dots… --- VPM TM Hannah Victoria
▪ The Power of Change!! --- VP-PR TM Priyanka Rannorey
▪ Life is full of challenges and opportunities!! --- SECRETARY TM Kamlesh Kumar
▪ Leadership is beyond you!! --- TREASURER TM Mahesh Shankar
▪ My Toastmaster’s Journey!! --- SAA TM Shabri Shankar
6
6. CLUB HIGHLIGHTS 10
7. MEMBERS INSIGHTS
▪ There is Always Something to be Grateful For!! --- DTM Rajdeep Manwani
▪ Orenda and Toastmasters --- DTM Sumitra Manamohan
▪ A Dynamic Process!! --- DTM Theresa Sophia Madtha
▪ Renew Yourself Everyday!! --- DTM Prakash Tamhankar
▪ Tragic turned into Magic!! --- TM Surekha Jagdale
▪ BTMC, A Fervour!! --- TM Nazneen Begum
▪ Adipose to Adi-pose --- TM Lokesh Talele
▪ Toastmasters Helps Join My ‘C’s to Form a Vital ‘S’ --- TM Aaron Kamath
▪ Remember Why you Started --- TM Vivek Vijayan
▪ Doesn’t the loser deserve our appreciation? --- TM Robinson D’Souza
▪ The Art of Living in the Moment --- TM Thomas Ramapuram
11
8. WALK THE TALK 17
9. THE INGENIOUS VISIONARY
▪ Let the Travels Begin!! –Poem by TM Alok Simha
▪ Paintings by TM Dhruv Goyal
▪ Sketching by TM Karthik Nag
▪ Photography by TM Vinay Venkatarama
18
10. SPEECHCRAFT 21
11. RE-INSTATED & NEWLY INDUCTED MEMBER’S 22
12. CLUB DCP REPORT 23
13. HONOR ROLL 24
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
Page No.
3. EDITORS NOTE
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi
Every second, every day we all thrive on hope!! Hope of making a
difference, making our life better in some way. Either by catching up on
the dreams we left behind or creating new ones. Hope for something
more beautiful or finding fulfilment in life. With the fast pace of everyday
life, it’s easy to feel we are falling behind. Fulfilment comes from
witnessing our own growth.
We all have the “Orenda” in us to make a difference to the world and to
ourselves.
That’s what toastmasters is all about. A place that paves way to take the
first step to unwind unleash yourself, experiment, grow and empower
others to grow.
Bangalore Toastmasters Club has been an organisation to help people
rediscover this force within themselves, empower them and change their
and many lives.
The making of this newsletter was a mystical experience, a journey of
ultimate discovery by each one of us from the editorial team. We have
been given the gift of life in this perplexing world to become who we
ultimately are creatures of boundless love, caring, compassion, and
wisdom.
It is said “Gratitude” is a powerful catalyst for happiness. Our thoughts
and actions are influenced by our feelings. I must say every member has
been a powerful catalyst in the making of this newsletter.
Now, it’s time to make a difference.
Inviting you all to travel through the journey.
Journey of Orenda!!
TM SOMASHEKAR
TM AARON KAMATH
TM PRIYANKA RANNOREY
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
1
4. TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
Where Leaders Are Made
364,000
Members
145
Countries
16,200+
Clubs
Toastmasters International headquartered in Englewood, Colo is a non-profit
educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills
through a worldwide network of clubs. Since 1924, Toastmasters International
has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers,
communicators, and leaders.
History
The organization grew out of a single club founded by Ralph C. Smedley
on October 22, 1924, at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, United
States. It originated as a set of classes with the aim of improving the
communication skills of the young men under his charge. Toastmasters
International was incorporated under Californian law on December 19,
1932. RALPH.C.SMEDLEY
Toastmasters Meeting Structure
> 5-7 Min
> Speakers follow the
specific objective
guidelines from
educational manual called
PATHWAYS.
> 1-2 Min
> Members are invited to the
stage to spontaneously
speak on a subject
> 2-3 Min
> An evaluator typically
points out several aspects
of the speech like timing,
grammar, fillers, structure
along with suggestions for
areas to improve on.
Toastmasters International Mission
We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
Toastmasters International Core Values
Integrity | Respect | Service | Excellence
ABOUT
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
2
SPEECHES
PREPARED SECTION
TABLE TOPICS
IMPROMPTU SESSION
EVALUATION
FEEDBACK SESSION
5. BANGALORE TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Contact us @
ABOUT
Bangalore Toastmasters Club is one of the largest Toastmasters clubs in Bangalore and is the
second oldest club in India.
In the beginning of the year 1996, four pioneers TM Robinson D'Souza, TM Claudius
Pereira, TM Peter Anil Rego and TM Siraj Ur Rahman banded together at Vidhan Soudha
Room No.32 for the purpose of instilling the idea of promoting communication, public
speaking and leadership.TM Claudius Pereira persuaded his staff members to join the club to
form the minimum required members and also supported many staff by contributing their fee.
Understanding the importance and need for a platform to discover oneself and to make a
difference within and for others they officially charted the club in the year 1997. They truly
personify the “Orenda” within themselves and share the same legacy down the lane for 25
years to every member connected to this esteem club.
CLUB MISSION
We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are
empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-
confidence and personal growth.
We Meet Every Friday at 06:30 PM at:
-Ashirwad, Loyola Hall
-St. Marks Road, Shantala Nagar,
-Ashok Nagar,
Bangalore, Karnataka 560001
https://btmc.toastmastersclubs.org/ @BangaloreToastmastersClub @bangaloretoastmasters
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
3
6. With Our Founders!!
Q1: "Toastmasters who have taken oath at BTMC must have been
prospered & present every part of the world. How does it feel to be the
founder, guardian of this club for 25 long years!"
For the last 25 years since the Club started (including the time consumed
to register it with TMI), there have been several thousands of members who
have utilised its benefits to improve their leadership and communication
skills. Now they are spread over in different parts of the world. Often, they
reach out to me either on internet or Facebook. I really feel proud for the
Club which truly helped them to rise in life and make a name for themselves.
Q2: “How many mentees so far and how the journey has been?”
It is not possible to say how many toastmasters have been my mentees
so far. At present 14 members of our Club are my mentees. That apart I
am mentoring 7 members belonging to the current speech craft. Two of my
mentees have become DTMs. Viz. Ashish Varghese and Terry Madtha.
TM ROBINSON D’SOUZA
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
Q1: "A humble entrepreneur you are, always behind the scene, what’s your
message to the Toastmasters?”
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”. - Margaret Mead
1996, a small group of 4 persons - Robinson D’Souza, Claudius Pereira, Siraj-
Ur-Rehman and self-came up with a thought to start a Toastmasters Club. It
looked like a daunting task but with determination, dedication and passion,
Bangalore Toastmasters Club was formed. As is for every start-up - birth pangs,
anxiety, fear and sometimes no progress, we never lost our focus. We are happy
and proud to see that the club has grown leaps and bounds. Also, this club has
changed many people’s lives and destiny by them taking the first step of joining
the club and most importantly, gaining from it immensely.
Being in the 25th year, it is a joy to see the club being led by leaders - 38
Presidents and many Directors over the years. What stands out for any
organisation to develop is, selflessness and always providing space for others
to grow. Opportunity is something that all of us need and our club has provided
that platform.
25 years have passed by and it just looks like the other day that the four of us
had a thought, took action and started the club. The foundation of ethics,
processes and adherence to the Toastmasters International guidelines are the
hallmarks of our club. Continuing these principles will help the club to be the
best Toastmasters Club in the world. Wishing the club much more successes
over the years.
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you
become a leader, success is all about growing others. - Jack Welch
TM PETER ANIL REGO
4
#makeadifference
7. TM CLAUDIUS PEREIRA
QUALITY OF THOUGHTS!!
Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act
and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and
you reap a destiny.
Our mind is continuously generating a multitude of thoughts. These thoughts could
be positive or negative depending on our conditioning in family and society. If the
social conditioning is positive, we generate positive thoughts, which empower us
and lead to positive actions. On the other hand, negative thoughts often
disempower us and lead to failure in life. Therefore, to achieve success in life we
need to keep a watch on our thoughts and gauge the quality of our thoughts. In
case negative thoughts are getting generated we need to reframe our thoughts and
then accept those thoughts.
All of us are chasing three important goals in life, health, wealth, and happiness.
The accomplishment of these goals is possible only when we understand the need
to manage our thoughts. For this purpose, we need to possess self-awareness.
Self-awareness is the ability to understand ourselves, our emotions and feelings,
and their impact on others. This ability facilitates our understanding of self and
others. Therefore, self-awareness can ultimately lead to improved communication,
harmonious relationship management, ability to motivate, lead and influence
people.
Monitoring our thoughts can also empower us to choose an appropriate response
in a given situation. If we are not aware of our thoughts, then we tend to become
reactive in life. We lose our freedom to choose the desired response. We become
like a victim in most of the situations. On the other hand, monitoring our thoughts
can develop the habit of choosing an appropriate response in every given situation
thereby helping us become proactive. Therefore, it is relevant to emphasize that
the “happiness in our life depends on the quality of thoughts”.
DR. SIRAJ UR
RAHMAN
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
Q1: "You are a Leader, entrepreneur, motivational speaker & writer.
This is a Club you founded in 1996 & still associated with it. How is
Toastmasters different?”
Every individual has a weak and needy part of their soul that can be
bought, and every individual also has a part of their soul that is resilient
and can never be bought. It is only a question of which one is stronger-
Toastmaster`s gives you that edge and the confidence to discover this
emotion - to me that emotion means energy in motion.
#ThrowBackMemories #2003
5
8. MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK!!
2020 will forever live in our memory, as a year without precedent. The COVID-19
pandemic…. A global recession!!!!
Last one year has been a roller coaster ride due to the pandemic but it gave us a virtual
platform to connect with the leaders across the world. We had our 1250th
meeting on
18th
December 2020, with more than 170 people participating in it and we had the
opportunity to meet & listen to all the great leaders from Toastmasters International. I
also got the opportunity to attend Pakistan’s toastmaster virtual meeting. I must say
their meeting was exuberant. It was a great opportunity for us to understand and learn
the toastmaster culture of other clubs. It gave us a lot of insights to make our club better.
The term “virtual” never used to gel when it comes to toastmasters, but it has been a
life saver during this pandemic situation. Though the current pandemic tried its best to
pull us back, the zoom meeting literally pushed us beyond its reach. We did not skip
even a single meeting. We started speech craft with 22 members on board. This was
possible because of the standard we maintain in Bangalore Toastmasters Club
Being the President of the club during this challenging time, helped me learn and
understand more about myself. I am happy to say that it took my leadership skills to the
next level. It was all possible because of the wonderful team I had, from Sergeant at
Arms to the Vice President Education. Thanks to all. We worked together as a team
during the lows and highs. Membership building has been a challenging one this time,
but thanks to our executive committee’s relentless effort, our renewal rate this time is
80%. There was a substantial drop in members attending the virtual meeting as many
wanted in-person meeting. To balance & cater the needs of our members, we started
online/offline mode of meeting from February 2021 considering all the norms of the
pandemic situation.
In 2021, I believe we have an equally historic opportunity to reset our expectations
across numerous dimensions, including Toastmasters. Transition times are healthy for
re-asserting our mission and future goals as we look forward. We are ushering in a
new toastmaster’s term that promises new challenges and new opportunities. Before I
sign off, I take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate all our esteemed members,
for their support and stand during this tough time.
PRESIDENT
TM AIYAPPA
PONACHANDA
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
6
#makeadifference
9. MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
VICE
PRESIDENT
EDUCATION
TM
SREEJITH
KIZHAKKILOT
Good Things Take Time - It is the Universal Law
It takes months for a beautiful butterfly to emerge.
It takes years for a seed to become a huge tree. Though we are aware, we tend to
forget this reality because we are living in an era where everyone is busy. People think
they don’t have enough time. This is what advertising agencies are now exploiting.
How to be successful quickly?
How can you get rich quickly?
How can you be famous quickly? And people will fall for this very easily.
When I had joined English spoken classes, they told me that within one month you can
speak English fluently, without any mistakes. In that one month they tried to teach me
what I could not learn for twenty years.
At one time I was very eager to have six-pack abs, I joined a gym and worked out
judiciously for two months, but it was a hard realization for me that I would need to
work out for a minimum period of two years to get those six-pack abs.
I believe this principle also holds good for Toastmasters, as it is an evolution process
to become a finite speaker or a definite leader. To achieve that, there are no short cuts.
You need to be very consistent and put in the efforts and time.
Connecting the dots…
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking
backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.
You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This
approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” ~ This
excerpt from Steve Jobs’ speech got me thinking.
I got to know about our fraternity a few years ago, when a colleague mentioned that
the CEO recommended him to join Toastmasters. I caught on to the term and
mentioned it in my journal. The first DOT.
Then a time came when I wanted to change my routine, my thought process - reading
my journal randomly I read my entry about Toastmasters: The Second DOT..
Made the effort of attending the weekly meetings, along came Speechcraft…then
BTMC as a member. The Third DOT…
Wanted again to venture into something I haven’t done earlier..., joined the Sub-
Committee for the VP-PR – TM Ganesh Pai. The Fourth DOT….
TM Aiyappa then suggested I stand for the VP-PR, I took up the challenge only
because he saw the potential that I didn’t see in myself. The Fifth DOT…..
I heard another speaker mention, your stage time is your wealth time. So made use
of every opportunity to take up roles in meetings. The Sixth DOT……
The Seventh connecting DOT is VP-Membership.......and I hopefully hope the dots
in time will connect to form DTM.
Toastmasters empowers you to change your thought process, widen your
perspective and with time become Better Listeners, Better Thinkers & Better
Speakers – in short it presents to you ‘your ORENDA’.
VICE
PRESIDENT
MEMBERSIP
TM
HANNAH
VICTORIA
#makeadifference 7
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
10. MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Power of Change!!
The word “CHANGE” sounds fantastic until we use it to advise others. When the
same CHANGE falls on us, we show apprehensiveness. That apprehensiveness
limits us to adjust; limits us to think and limits us to doubt or suspicion. That is what
I did to myself.
Our brain has this tendency to categorize and calculate things. It is important to
understand that more we stay in our comfort zone and show reluctance to change
or experiment, we will unknowingly limit ourselves to ourselves. We will fail to
realize our own God given potential and tend to brood on peripheral things.
I realized this when a forceful change fell on me on which I had no control. Initially,
it was a big struggle, a struggle that I was not prepared for as I lived in a bubbly
world assuming that all the things would go my way. That one change made me
realize the importance of choices and decisions, and to be adaptable irrespective
of the consequences. It sounds very philosophical, but it is true that we are the
artists of our lives, as we can choose the colors we want. It is that one choice and
one decision that can make a difference and change our destiny.
It is very important to let our mind free from assumptions and being judgmental,
otherwise we will be our own obstructions. This realization can be the best “Joy of
Giving” to ourselves.
VICE
PRESIDENT
PUBLIC
RELATION
TM
PRIYANKA
RANNOREY
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
Life is full of challenges and opportunities!!
Life is full of challenges & every challenge gives us an opportunity to perceive it
differently.
Being a member of Toastmasters International, I got the opportunity to volunteer for
a program 'Speechcraft'. This is a program to enhance Public Speaking skills. Many
participants joined the program. An interaction with one of them that changed my
perspective towards life.
After a few sessions, the trainee approached me early on Sunday morning &
enquired with me if he could bring his five-year-old daughter to the session, since
she didn't have any caretaker. I was a little worried as to how she would be occupied
for three hours. But he appeared to be quite confident to manage her. Without much
thought I allowed him to come along with his daughter. Later I came to know of the
sad truth that he lost his wife few years ago.
I was impressed by his dedication to his self-growth. I could see his willingness to
learn despite having unforeseen challenges in his life. He managed to balance his
career, personal growth & his daughter as well.
Meeting him reinforced some unforgettable life lessons within me:
1. Life throws unpredictable challenges at us, and we must strengthen our character
to handle them.
2. We can always find blessings in everything, rather cursing ourselves on what we
don't have, and
3. Positivity is the key to happiness.
SECRETARY
TM
KAMLESH
KUMAR
8
11. MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Leadership is beyond you!!
Treasurer the club's accountant is responsible for overseeing accounts, collecting
membership fees and paying bills. The responsibility also includes financial
policies, procedures, and controls. The primary purpose is to support the club
mission.
I took the treasury role thinking it's an easy area to address being from a finance
background. Little did I realize it's not only about accounting and managing the
club finances but connecting with the members. The renewal of the term fees
completely changed my perspective. Connecting with each of the members and
understanding their purpose and how Toastmasters solve their inquisitiveness
and listening to their challenges. What I held was perseverance and followed up
with those members who were doubtful and with continuous follow-up led to
renewal of their fees. This wouldn’t have been possible alone and with the office
bearers working together was the key in achieving the milestone. Leadership is
not only leading and delegating, it’s about working as a team for a common goal
by way of collaborating.
I always believe in bringing some process which helps in simplification. This only
takes to the next level for the member to take the treasurer role and further
improvise it. Any role in toastmasters club is a learning and my current treasurer
role is no different. Thanks to the members of BTMC for keeping faith in me and
giving me this wonderful opportunity.
My Toastmaster’s Journey!!
You're given challenges in life, but you're also granted the resources to overcome
them.
I was once a drowning man, gasping for my breath.
Toastmasters came to me when I needed it most.
To say toastmasters is a public speaking club is an understatement. It's a community
of wise souls unconditionally supporting each other. Regardless of where you are in
life or what you’re facing you will find someone you can relate to, someone who will
unconditionally support you and someone who will ensure that you succeed.
I'm deeply grateful for my toastmaster’s journey. It has healed me, transformed me
and made me a better person. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am today
without toastmasters and all the members at BTMC. I improved and grew just by
listening to every member's speech. The encouragement I received enabled me to
push far beyond my weight and made me realise that I'm capable of achieving
greatness.
Toastmasters is my now most cherished family and I can say with pride that joining
toastmasters was the best decision of my life. I'm excited with what the future holds
for me in my journey with toastmasters and if you take the first step, I promise you
will find your home here too!
TREASURER
TM
MAHESH
SHANKAR
SERGEANT
AT
ARMS
TM
SHABARI
SHANKAR S
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
#makeadifference 9
12. CLUB HIGHLIGHTS
FIRST OFF-LINE MEETING AFTER 10 MONTHS!! 29TH
JANUARY 2021
Installation Ceremony for the term Jan-Jun 2021.
Held at GOLDFINCH HOTEL!!
TM ROBINSON D’SOUZA
INSTALLATION OFFICER
TM LALITH DHANUSH
EMCEE OF THE DAY
OATH TAKING
GAMES!! FUN-TIME!!
TOGETHER AFTER 9 MONTHS
Did you know?
1. First BTM Newsletter was issued on Jul-Sept 1998.
2. As per the second BTMC Newsletter edition, 30
th
October -1998, was
considered the most memorable day in the history of BTMC. As it was
BTMC 131
st
meeting and on that day Humorous contest was held. Our
very own TM Somashekar won the second place.
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
10
13. MEMBERS INSIGHTS
There is Always Something to be Grateful For!!
It was one of those awful days. Everything was going wrong, when I chanced upon these
delightful lines. I read them and slowly a grin spread across my sullen face, then I looked up
and said a big, big thank you!
I am thankful for all the things that go bad to show there is reason to give thanks!
For the mother who snores, because I know she is at home asleep with me and in good health
at her age.
For my teenage son who is complaining about doing on-line classes, because that means he
is safe at home and not on the streets.
For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.
For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.
For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.
For a floor that needs mopping and windows that need cleaning, because it means I have a
home.
For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom
of speech.
For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of
walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.
For the noise I have to bear from my neighbour’s, because it means that I can hear.
For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.
For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been
capable of working hard.
For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am still alive.
“Oh,” I said, “it’s so easy to grumble when we should really be looking up and saying thank
you!”
Orenda and Toastmasters
As I mused on the word ‘Orenda’, I could feel the magic run through me. Imagine from a bundle
of fears, diffidence, low self-esteem and having no clue of your direction you gradually get
transformed into someone oozing with confidence, pride in yourself and being absolutely clear
whenever you need to communicate.
Haven’t each one of us gone through such a transformation after joining Toastmasters? That
is why we need to be grateful to Toastmasters for igniting the force or orenda in us. Think of
all your achievements and also the impact you have made on others through evaluations,
speech crafts, mentoring and other roles would you have taken up in Toastmasters, both
within and outside the club and the spinoff therefrom in your career in life in general.
After I realized the power in me, I was determined to tap into it and unleash my infinite potential.
The avenue I found was training, coaching and mentoring.
Research has shown we hardly use 2-3 percent of our potential. When we are determined,
have focus and believe in ourselves we can stretch ourselves to do anything even the
impossible. Toastmasters helps us unleash our infinite potential. The beauty is the more you
use your inner force or Orenda especially when used for others the more it increases in power
and gets reinforced. So, my fellow toastmasters Unleash your Orenda to become more
impactful and make a difference. Involve to Evolve.
DTM
RAJDEEP
MANWANI
DTM
SUMITRA
MANAMOHAN
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
#makeadifference 11
14. MEMBERS INSIGHTS
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
A Dynamic Process!!
Success in life is a journey, not a destination.
Success is the progressive, day to day, realization of pre-determined, pre-planned and
personal worthwhile goals. As a journey, we are always moving towards our end in mind, in
tune with the dynamics of our constantly changing, rapidly evolving and technology driven
world.
That's to say, we always stay focused on our strategic goals and objectives but remains flexible
in our tactical execution.
This simple fact helps us understand why at every stage in life it is important to have goals and
plans for the future. We can consider ourselves successful only as long as we continue to grow
and reach for new horizons.
We have heard about several successful people. They learn how to cope with their failure.
They know that they will have to face setbacks and they are willing to accept and learn from
them. We also know that most people are remembered not for their failures, but for their
successes. We never think of Thomas Alva Edison as a failure, though many of his experiments
were unsuccessful. Edison is one of the prime examples of successful people who was not
afraid to fail.
We might characterize successful people as those who have an invincible spirit that carries
them along their journey. Let us learn from their ambitious and continual work to improve
ourselves. If is always better to possess an "I will" attitude and we will be determined to
succeed. Also, we need to pursue long-range goals that keep us from being frustrated by short-
range. Most important, let us recognize that success is a journey, a dynamic process that never
stops — until we do.
DTM
THERESA
SOPHIA
MADTHA
Renew yourself everyday!
Every change is challenging and a fertile learning ground. As we transition into a new year in
India this Ugadi, we see change in the air. Weather – the spring - the flowers are in full bloom,
the academic year for the schools and colleges is coming to an end. With COVID-19 cases
resurging, the change in the way we work continuing to evolve. Look at Toastmasters…
Who would have thought that we would have Toastmasters Meetings only online for about a
year, just a year back? We have overcome the situation we had as Toastmasters by even
conducting the International Speech Contest and Convention online last year.
Change is the only constant and how we adapt is the key. I decided to work on one of the
most difficult challenges I had last year. I wanted to change my notion of “Fat is fit”. I realized
how many small changes made over time can bring a big change over a longer time. I had
worked diligently on my diet and exercise in 2019 to lose 7 kg weight. As the lockdown set
in last year and the movements were restricted, I saw my weight increasing slowly month on
month. All the drop I achieved over a year, I regained in six months. I decided to change the
course, making changes to my lifestyle and approach the problem more scientifically. I realize
six months in the journey now, I not only lost double the weight I had regained, but also gained
a new perspective about health – how I balance my diet and exercise. I could have never
imagined that I could cycle over 50 km every weekend, and over 100 km every week – which
I do now week on week.
This new year, as Toastmasters, let us pick up a new goal we want to achieve in our
Toastmasters journey and work to achieve it. If we have not attended a club meeting in a
while, let us attend one. If we have not given a speech in the last few months, let us plan to
give a speech a month. If we have not taken leadership roles at a meeting or club or district,
let us plan to take roles at the club and the district. Trying to get out of our comfort zone, we
will renew ourselves and see the magic happen!!
DTM
PRAKASH
TAMHANKAR
#makeadifference 12
15. MEMBERS INSIGHTS
Tragic turned into Magic!!
Once, during my volunteering visit to Kidwai Cancer Hospital, I noticed a lady sitting
despondently as she had been told that her cancer was terminal, and she barely had 3
months to live.
As I sat with her, I gently said to her "come, let me take you to an amazing place. I want
to introduce you to somebody really special."
Reluctantly, she came and I led her to the Children's Palliative Care Ward. There were
about 20 children who were playing happily.
They hugged me and then with joyous excitement asked her, "are you going to die too?''
She sadly replied, ''Yes''.
Then they asked, “Aren’t you happy that you are soon going to meet God? Come and
play this game with us. The winner will be the first to meet God. Isn't that wonderful?”
They pulled her into their game. She got so involved in their fun and frolic that she actually
forgot about her misery.
She now no longer descended into gloomy meditations. Rather she ascended into higher
thoughts of joy, strength and peace.
For the next 3 months, she would spend the day with them and go back to her bed late
at night.
She had now learnt to celebrate life, not to mourn her impending death.
Three months later she passed away peacefully and the next day there was a little
celebration in the Children's Ward because she had met her creator!!!
TM
SUREKHA
JAGDALE
TM NAZNEEN BEGUM
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
BTMC, a Fervour!
Bangalore Toastmasters Club, to many a club, but to me an emotion, a passion which
has grown on me so much over the past 4 months that I cannot imagine my life without
BTMC.
My journey took off with a hazy start. I was passionate about being a member of this elite
club and was asked by Toastmaster Rita Das to complete the formalities as Toastmaster
Robinson D’Souza had insisted that he wanted me to be a part of the club. Me being me,
in a very confused state of mind asked, "Who is Robinson-sir”? Little did I know, he would
turn out to be the greatest inspiration, by challenging me to discover my speaking skills
and providing me with exposure, opportunities and confidence. A brain to pick, an ear to
listen and the one who pushes you in the right direction, that is Robinson-sir for you.
When it comes to being grateful, I cannot forget to remember my very first mentor during
speech craft, DTM Sumitra Manamohan, she abetted me to navigate from the
undergraduate speakers’ journey by imparting wisdom and advice. The bond that we
share is literally and figuratively a priceless asset.
Our president, a great speechifier, leads from the front and sets an example for others to
follow. He has always encouraged and appreciated my work. I am also guided by a man
of zeal, Toastmaster Rahil who provides a reality check to help refine ideas and gain
clarity of thought. Being an experienced Toastmaster, he supplies the missing
experience—been there, done that!
All in all, here at BTMC, we cannot have a finite list of people to thank, we learn and grow
with each other. I am grateful to each and every member as I have gained abundant
knowledge from them. To many more, let’s raise a toast!
13
16. MEMBERS INSIGHTS
Adipose to Adi-pose
As I stepped off the weighing machine at my Doctor's clinic, he exclaimed, “Lokesh, you are
23 kg overweight. You are OBESE “
The word hit me hard…
For me OBESE meant a Sumo Wrestler who could barely walk and here I can run
Hey, I am not an obese!!
Denial kicked in & I told him all the activities that I can do which OBESE people cannot
and I felt proud as count rose to two digits.
Doctor showed me report from Body fat monitor - I had 32% body fat!!!
So started my fitness journey – I enrolled for online personal training. Since I had not
exercised for more than a decade, I was assigned a Yoga trainer to improve mobility. Over
Zoom, we started with Surya Namaskar and yes, I couldn’t do even basic postures. I felt
frustrated… my trainer continued to motivate me and in few days, I could do one set in 20
minutes which he could do in less than 2 minutes.
One day I was vomiting my frustration to my sister, she forwarded me a message via
WhatsApp – pic of someone doing a Crane pose with text “What you consider impossible
today will be your warmup one day “
This simple powerful message changed my perspective and I continued to practice with
patience and a few months later I was able to do each set of Surya Namaskar in 4 minutes
or less.
Whenever you feel butterflies in stomach before your speech or table topics, always
remember “What you consider impossible today will be your warmup one day “
And yes, I can do Crane pose too!!
TM LOKESH TALELE
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
TM AARON KAMATH
Toastmasters Helps Join My ‘C’s to Form a Vital ‘S’
As most kids from the millennial era, I didn’t pay much heed to a lot of advice that my parents
gave me only to later realize its true importance. This included exploring and joining the
Toastmasters fraternity at a young age. I always had stage speaking time, through school,
junior college and law school and I thought that I was a great orator. I believed that I was
the ‘cat’s whiskers’ of public speaking as I had the 2 ‘C’s – confidence and content. Little did
I realize that though good to have, these would neither complete nor sustain me as a good
presenter.
I realized that I wasn’t always able to communicate technical topics across to colleagues or
audiences effectively, and often found myself engaging in repetition and running out of time.
I decided to attend a few meetings at Toastmasters out of curiosity as to what it may do for
me, and since then there was no turning back.
There are other important aspects to a speech such as ethos (credibility), pathos (emotions)
and logos (logic). However, ‘Structure’ allows me to break up and simplify my points and
analysis to communicate, as well aids the audience in absorbing my speech, all within the
allotted time. This is useful not only when giving conference talks or academic lectures, but
also when briefing colleagues or clients. Hence, I emphasize in joining my two ‘C’s
(confidence and content) into a vital ‘S’ (structure).
14
17. MEMBERS INSIGHTS
TM ROBINSON D’SOUZA
DOESN’T THE LOSER DESERVE OUR APPRECIATION?
Yet another season of contests in Toastmasters has commenced. A few of our members
have started practicing in their respective categories to take part in the contests. All of
them have dreams. They want to win. But only one will have the chance of being selected
as the winner. Often, the other members and the audience pat the back of and shower
their appreciation on the winner and many a time the loser is totally ignored. Are we
justified in overlooking the loser?
Manoj Vasudevan, who was the World Champion of Public Speaking in 2017, had earlier
failed twice in the finals before winning the coveted title.
Aaron Beverly was the World Champion of Public Speaking in the year 2019. Beverly
had beaten more than 30,000 participants from 143 countries to win the contest.
Let’s imagine if there is only one person in the contest! The sole participant may be
declared as the winner. In such a situation he may not give his best. He may not use his
whole energy and full enthusiasm since his win will be a foregone conclusion. He is
required only to present his speech.
That apart, if there are no other contestants, there may not be a contest at all! The event
itself may be cancelled or may not be held. Therefore, one can imagine the contribution
of the losers for the event! Hence, losers are necessary not only for the winner to win, to
put his heart and soul in the contest and present his best but also for the contest to be
held. It is therefore evident that the losers play an immense role in the success of an
event.
For the losers, let me recall the words of ― Bangambiki Habyarimana in Pearls of
Eternity - “Keep running; keep dreaming, keep alive the flame of hope; defeat and
despair will not catch up with you.”
The winner and the loser are like body and soul. The presence of the loser in the contest
is indispensable as he is like the body and to live, the body and the soul should coexist.
Both the winner and the loser are to be equally appreciated when it is a hard-fought
battle. The thrill lies in the contest itself. Hence doesn’t the loser deserve our appreciation
as much as the winner.
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
Remember Why You Started
I cannot speak off-the-cuff in an impactful manner. That is the only reason why I joined
Toastmasters four years ago. All I wanted in the first few meetings I attended was to be
able to speak in ‘Table Topics’ segment. As time passed, I started getting a kick out of
occasionally being voted the best ‘speaker’ or ‘role-taker’ at meetings. That brought in
some pride (and pride comes before a fall?). Then each time I missed being voted for a
reward in the meetings, jealousy started brewing. Human nature, uh? I began chasing
the applause each time I went on stage - sometimes it worked, most often it did not. And
as they say familiarity breeds contempt, I started finding faults in the whole system. A
simple goal to speak off the cuff was now lost and forgotten. After four years I still could
not speak off-the-cuff in an impactful manner whereas everything else happened,
including leading a prestigious club like ours for a term. If only I had remembered why I
started with Toastmasters, I would be speaking off-the-cuff by now instead of getting
diverted from my original objective.
Sounds somewhat familiar? Remember why you started - Toastmasters or anything else
in life.
TM VIVEK VIJAYAN
#makeadifference 15
18. MEMBERS INSIGHTS
Favorite Quotes OF!!
The Art of Living in the Moment
Soren Kierkegaard Twain once said, “Life is not a problem to be solved but a Reality to be
Experienced.”
Each person lives their life in their bubble. Living their experiences moment to moment. When
we see it in totality, the grand things make up only a fraction of our life, but the majority are
regular moments we live in. These mundane moments allow us to make a beautiful experience
out of it.
Some of the things that I have found to work for me are:
Smile: It is such a simple thing to do but it has changed every interaction that I have with other
people.
Live in the Moment: There is no point in thinking of the past for it is over, nor worrying of the
future as it has not happened yet.
Exercise: A little bit of exercise gives me a cheerful temperament.
Forgive: When I forgive others, I release the burden I carry.
Loving What I do: For if I do, I will not have to work a day in my life.
Dream: Dreaming makes me broaden my horizon and set higher goals for myself.
Being Grateful: When I am grateful, I reflect on what I have right now instead of striving for more.
All these points above have helped me change my life. After all, our life is how we live it and few
changes can make even the mundane moments seem grand.
TM
THOMAS
RAMAPURAM
#makeadifference 16
“Happiness is in the small things. Success
is in the big things. Meditation is in nothing.
And, God is in everything.” - Mahatria
“Nothing can dim the light that shines from
within” -Maya Angelou
DTM RAJDEEP MANWANI
DTM SUMITRA MANAMOHAN
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
19. WALK THE TALK
Candid Q&A with Club Members
Q-Define your journey at toastmasters in one word/ one line.
A-Upgradation
Q-A potential your mentor helped discover in you?
A-Confidence
Q-What difference has Toastmasters made in your professional or personal
life?
A-To be a better listener with family
TM RICHARD D’SOUZA
TM JOSE PAUL
Q-Define your journey at toastmasters in one word/ one line.
A-Started out with a different objective though now use it as a platform to ease
stress.
Q-Which session do you enjoy the most in a Toastmasters meeting & why?
A-Largely depends on the role takers for the day, though generally it is the
evaluation segment.
Q-What difference has Toastmasters made in your professional or personal life?
A-It has boosted my confidence in my professional life
Q-Define your journey at toastmasters in one word/ one line.
A-Enormous
Q- A potential your mentor helped discover in you?
A-That if someone shows confidence in me, I rise up to that level.
Q- Which session do you enjoy the most in a Toastmasters meeting & why?
A-If I am in the audience then evaluation, if I am conducting the session then
table topics.
Q- What difference has Toastmasters made in your professional or personal
life?
A-See failure with a positive attitude and take away a learning from it.
TM SMITHA ROSHY
TM MELVYN SMITH
Q-Define your journey at toastmasters in one word/ one line.
A-A powerful influence in my life.
Q- Which session do you enjoy the most in a Toastmasters meeting & why?
A-Evaluation session, as construct feedback has helped to change.
Q- What difference has Toastmasters made in your professional or personal
life?
A-To be open minded, respect time, accept change gracefully in all spheres of
my life.
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
17
20. THE INGENIOUS VISIONARY
#JourneyOfDiscovery #Travel #ImperfectionOfLifeAndArt
...Let the Travels Begin!
The rising sun, the setting sun,
The sea, beaches and sand
The breezy nights and those roaring tides
Humility and awe, did the Ocean commands
The soft scent, the leather bind
Plots that thicken with Time
Words woven into delicate artistry
With Prose and Poetry sublime
Hills and mountains with God in their abode
A hue of green and white - waiting to enthral
As mystique and magnificence walked hand-in-hand
I realised I'd always feel small
Lives that spring to life before my eyes
I allow them to hold my hand
Their joys, sorrows and trepidation become my own
As we journey to their promised land
A different people, a different culture
A different language, cuisine and tradition
I embraced the unknown as if it were my own
Always a sojourn steeped in realisation
Their wisdom stroked and the conscience stirred
My canvas would always be white, black and grey
The pages held a mirror - as I struggled to accept myself
But the stories moved on, much to my dismay
"Come to Me" beckoned the World outside
"Come to Me" urged the World within
The Rucksack and The Book would always stand by me
It's never early to say, "Let the Travels Begin!"
Poetry by
TM ALOK SIMHA
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
18
#makeadifference
21. THE INGENIOUS VISIONARY
A PICTURE I SAW THAT
INSTILLED IN MY MIND
AND COULD NOT
RESIST MY HANDS ON!!
MY BUCKET LIST!!
A PLACE MUST VISIT!!
#GERMANY
#SWITZERLAND
Painting by
TM DHRUV GOYAL
Sketching by
TM KARTHIK NAG
AN UNFORGATABLE TRIP!!
MY EXPECTANT TRAVEL!!
AN EXPERIENCE I TREASURE!!
THIS PLACE HAS THE POWER TO
CONJURE AN ARRAY OF
CAPTIVATING IMAGES IN THE
MIND!!
#SPAIN
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
19
22. THE INGENIOUS VISIONARY
Photography by
TM VINAY VENKATARAMANA
#MyTravelDiaries
Post processing can turn a mundane regular picture into
something remarkable. It is a must skill for any photographer. I
am not saying that this is a remarkable photograph as by all
means the beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. But the control
of how what emotion a picture must depict lies greatly in post
processing
A picture from Gokarna!!
Gokarna is a town on the Arabian Sea, in the southwestern
Indian state of Karnataka and is etymologically translated to
‘cow’s ear.
According to popular mythological belief, it is the place where
Lord Shiva emerged from the incarnation of Mother Earth in
the form of a cow.’
A picture from Savandurga!! Watching this dog and the
scenery…. A Blissful feeling!! My all-time favorite!!
Savandurga is a hill 60 km west of Bengaluru (Karnataka, India).
The hill is considered to be among the largest monolith hills in
Asia.
A picture from Kudremukh!! Deep in the Jungle!!
The name Kuduremukha literally means 'horse-face’ and
refers to a particular picturesque view of a side of the
mountain that resembles a horse's face.
Kudremukh National Park is situated in parts of
Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
20
23. SPEECHCRAFT
Speechcraft is a program designed to help you develop public speaking skills. You will learn this skill in eight
three-hour meetings. During each meeting you will learn and practice speaking and evaluation skills. You will
be learning these speaking skills with other people who are there for the same reason you are. You will be
guided in your leaning by people just like you, who once feared public speaking and successfully developed
their public speaking skills.
Candid Q&A with Speechcraft Members
Speechcraft Organizer – TM Kamlesh
Kumar Session by TM Cherian
Thomas
Session by TM Sumitra
Manamohan
Speechcraft Members having fun!!
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
Tejaswini
Q: A change that speechcraft has made in
your life?
A: It helped me get over my stage fear. I feel
more confident now.
Uthapa Parteek
Q: A change that speechcraft has made in your
life?
A: It made me realize and unleash my inner strength
& confidence.
21
#makeadifference
24. RE-INSTATED & NEWLY INDUCTED MEMBERS
REINSTATED MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS:
– TM VIVEK VIJAYAN
TM SUMA
An Assistant High School Teacher for 17 years, realized from her professional
journey that subject knowledge is only not enough to stand out, good
communication skills are equally important.
That realisation made her join BTMC fraternity.
Hobbies: Trekking, Traveling, Exploring new things, Learning, Reading, Cooking.
TM CHETHAN PATEL
A full-time stock trader. While pursuing his MBA, at the time of presentations
he realized the importance of communication skill.
He always aspired to be a great storyteller and public speaker.
That made him be a part of the BTMC fraternity.
TM RAJIV MISHRA
A Cross-Functional Leader with extensive experience in Software
Development Lifecycle Management, Software Delivery, Project, and
People Management for over 20+ years.
He always aspired to a great public speaker. As he believes
communication is the key for successful leadership.
TM NAGESH RAMAMURTHY
A research scholar in Project Management. Has been a part of the
construction industry for around 3 ½ decades.His hobbies are watching
youngsters play on the streets, watching people conduct animated talks
(of course not to judge), cooking, and sitting alone to seek answers to
whys about many things. His interests are reading management books
and writing about his professional journey.
– TM KARUNAKAR DEV
#makeadifference
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
22
26. HONOR ROLL
SPECIAL THANKS TO TM SUREKHA JAGDALE!!
INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST
WINNERS
MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT!!
DTM THERESA SOPHIA MADTHA
◼ PATHWAY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMPLETION
TM NAZNEEN BEGUM
◼ PATHWAY PRESENTATION MASTERY
COMPLETION
AREA B3 LEVEL
INTERNATIONAL SPEECH CONTEST WINNER
FIRST PLACE
TM ABHIRAMA K S
CLUB LEVEL
TABLE TOPIC CONTEST WINNERS
FIRST PLACE
TM ABHIRAMA K S
SECOND PLACE
TM SMITHA ROSHY
THIRD PLACE
TM VARSHA B M
FIRST PLACE
TM ABHAY KOTHARI
SECOND PLACE
TM SUREKHA JAGDALE
THIRD PLACE
TM VAIDYANATHAN D
#makeadifference 24
Good food never fails in bringing people together. The chief ingredient in yummy food is love.
Food shared is happiness multiplied. Life is infinitely delicious with the amazing snacks sent
by you week after week.
Bangalore Toastmasters Club is very grateful for this amazing gesture!! Thank You TM
Surekha Jagdale!!
BTMC | NEWSLETTER
