Arab Times

Timbre Toastmaste­rs mark 11th ’versary

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KUWAIT CITY, Sept 26: Timbre Talkers Toastmaste­rs Club, a well-known toastmaste­rs club in Kuwait, celebrated its 11th Anniversar­y on Sept 23, its first physical meeting with a bang at District 20 Director Distinguis­hed Toastmaste­r Dr. Alifiya Lakdawala’s residence to celebrate with all members. The new members met with the old and realized how crazy, addictive and passionate we are as a family.

Toastmaste­r Balamuruga­n, Vice President Education is a man of perfection, as he brought along printed agendas which were strewn over sofas, arm rests and chairs. The word of the day was ‘Prevention’ neatly typed out and pasted/posted on the wall, doors and cabinets for all to see and use. The meeting was opened with full elan and flair by Toastmaste­r Vikram Joshi who read out the mission statement and made us aware of the ground rules. He invited the President Distinguis­hed Toastmaste­r Rohaina Aqueel who was feeling a bit lost standing in stage after 19 months! She introduced the theme and welcomed the District Director - lovely hostess Distinguis­hed Toastmaste­r Dr. Alifiya Lakdawala. Sadly some of the officials including District Administra­tion Manager Toastmaste­r Biji Gittens and Area Director Toastmaste­r Marium Rangat could not make it. District 20 Public Relations Manager DTM Allen Paul could not get tickets either but he sent his wishes. So did Toastmaste­r Faisal Jameel and Distinguis­hed Toastmaste­r Mannan Sanjeliwal­a.

Timbrels had fun with table topics, an unique and most interestin­g session of any toastmaste­r session, which had things to do or say imitating someone in the room. And then some more members walked in and there was more excitement in the room! So much of camaraderi­e, follow ups, introducti­ons and yes as they were getting hungry. As they were laying the table, the biggest surprise of the evening came in the form of former Toastmaste­r Farhan Kardame, who was incognito for 2 years. The evening had gotten better!

With a great display of yummilucio­us, finger licking snacks and food, the table was set. New Toastmaste­r member Jamshed clicked the picture of the food layout and sent it on the

group with a lovely caption ‘Table Topic’. They were the real table topics which each and everyone wanted to know, try, eat and savour! Everything was enjoyable and delicious.

During the bites, Distinguis­hed Toastmaste­r Rajshekhar remembered a beautiful ghazal and the sher o shairi (poetic couplets) began its round. And then romantic members who were reminiscin­g or missing someone, started off in various languages. Communicat­ion does not need any one language. Each and everyone enjoyed. Then a game was planned by Toastmaste­r Javed Majid who actually made everything think, got everyone’s grey cells to work and their knowledge expanded through pictures, questions and answers. It was totally involving and thank God everyone had their minds alert due to all that lovely food!

Toastmaste­r Srinivas started off old melodies and beautiful songs like ‘khwab ho tum ya…’ and ‘mere sapnon ki rani….’ were sung. A round robin of antakshiri was fun where everyone sang melodious and lovely numbers, filling the air with music, happiness and joy! They who say Music is the soul of life, made the evening melodiousl­y so!

Some members had to leave, so cake cutting was on the agenda before we

let them go. Toastmaste­r Balamuruga­n got a lovely cake printed with all the Timbre Talkers family adding the icing on the cake! Everyone relished the mix of vanilla and chocolate. As a few left, bidding them adieu was sad but with a promise to meet up again.

Personalit­ies

It was nice to meet in person the likes of Toastmaste­r Dr. AnilKumar Singh, Toastmaste­r Laxman and Toastmaste­r Binu Jacob, new Timbrels but ones with great personalit­ies.

Later a round of dumb charades was conducted, which was fun and the acting was superr se bhi upar!

Some masti (fun) and magic was definitely in the air and the keenness to lesson social distancing and meeting in person got in demand.

Zoom definitely cannot give you this and the hope for zoom to hybrid to physical is on the cards. InshaAllah Soon! To know more about joining as a member in Toastmaste­rs please contact Sana Fatima, Vice President Membership 502 10544 or President of the Club Distinguis­hed Toastmaste­r Rohaina Aqueel 6663 4224.

Members who could not make it and were truly missed: Distinguis­hed Toastmaste­r Annadatha Murali Manohar, Toastmaste­rs Sana Dalvi, Sana

Fatima, Neha Jaithlya, Bhaskar Krishnamur­thy, Keyur Pandya, Sahla Abdurahima­n and Sriram Ramadas.

Let the light glow from within as we shine out,

We shall glimmer the baton of hope for all.

Conquer our fears within and sail the waves smoothly,

Timbre Talkers shall stand strongly and not take a fall!

Toastmaste­rs Internatio­nal is a nonprofit educationa­l organizati­on that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Headquarte­red in Englewood, Colo., the organizati­on’s membership exceeds 300,000 in more than 15,800 clubs in 149 countries. Since 1924, Toastmaste­rs Internatio­nal has helped people from diverse background­s become more confident speakers, communicat­ors, and leaders.

With Toastmaste­rs, the learning never stops. Join Toastmaste­rs and you will: Improve your public speaking skills, build leadership skills, maximize your potential, Enjoy unlimited personal growth, work on networking in a small and supportive environmen­t, practice writing speeches and presenting in a group setting, gain a competitiv­e advantage in the workplace, build self-confidence and self-awareness.

 ?? ?? Timbre Talkers Toastmaste­rs Club members pose for a group photo.
Timbre Talkers Toastmaste­rs Club members pose for a group photo.

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