Exorbitant Exuberance

Excerpts from the speech as emcee in ITMC on its 7th Birthday .. felt really good making a come back on stage after 2 long years. For introducing the speakers I asked three questions -

1). What has been the most significant event/memory in the last 7 years of your life?

2). What is your fondest memory about ITMC?

3). Anything else that you may want me to mention..

It was a revelation on the kind of answers I got:

Answer1:

The fondest memory for me since the year 2000 would be that of traveling through the north of India from Jabalpur to Sikkim during the semester breaks, passing through the states of UP, Bihar and West Bengal, I used to see the stark diversities. That lonely journey when my reading would increase multifold, the rocking of the train used to put me to sleep, getting down at deserted stations late in the night to have a cup of tea and finally reaching home after nearly 48 hours of train and 5 hours of road journey. It remains ensconced in my mind and I have vivid pictures of those days of yore.

Every moment has been significant in ensuring I am where I stand today.

Most significant event /memory in the last 7 years of my life had been running a half marathon in May 2005 in under 3 hours. It was a dream come true!

Kaushik taking his project 10 in Year 2005 on 21st Sep 2005

Answer2:

I do not call it the fondest memory because I relive it every alternate Tuesday, it is to see the notice of the Toastmaster’s session on the notice board. Gives a very nice feeling to look forward to something at the end of the day.

Mysore Trip 2004.

My fondest memory of ITMC had been the Mysore demo meeting of ITMC in 2004 wherein I also gave my 9th project.

Getting people to progress faster. Achieving people to complete before they relocate.

A very humorous anecdote:

Being the current SAA I was asked to be the SAA for 175th meeting. ITMC members made me write the speech on my own and then they kept giving comments which I used to include, but never ever did they write the whole speech for me. The speech what I wrote initially and what I
delivered finally was very different but they made it as if it came from me and hence the confidence to speak on that day. Also when the installing officer DJ asked all TMC members to give their full support to the new members, it was a real exciting moment to see all of them
standing up and saying yes we will. During Practice sessions, I had to mention where the rest
rooms are and in the whole speech we did not know where to place it. We had fun placing that part at different places and the support everyone gave during that time was soo wonderful. I really enjoyed being part of ITMC. :-)

Introductory part of my speech:

Incidentally, September came from the word Saptha or Seven. Accidental or Coincidental - Thanks so much.

Once upon a time, long, long ago lived a very beautiful maiden. She had skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony. She was lovelier than the seven colors of rainbow, sweeter than the seven petals of rose and shinier than the seven planets in the sky.
Courtesans and guests far and wide who would hear about her would cross seven seas and seven rivers to meet her. Those who had met her would sing songs in praise of her beauty and grace. But there are some who have fallen in love with her at first sight, some who are madly in love with her charm and there were others who are passionately in love with her. Her sisters were jealous of her, so every morning they would ask the magic mirror

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the best among us all?"

And everytime the answer is - ITMC. Guess we can do it better ..

Give me an I, Give me a T, Give me a M, Give me a C .. wooo .. fantastic

Well friends a very good evening to all of you. As you all might be knowing by now that this beautiful maiden was born 7 years ago in the foodcourt above the Dominos. Yours humbly was among the lucky few who saw the birth of this great movement in Infosys called Toastmasters. Over the last seven decades since the first meeting in 1924, Ralph Smedley's brainchild has awed the world. 21st September, 2000 was when the first meeting was held and there has been no stopping back for ITMC since then.

Todays meeting is very special to all of us and we have some great speakers and veterans showcasing their talent for the occasion. so, without further ado, lets kick start the meeting at full gear.

Conclusion:

This is the place of power and passion, a place for learning and growth, a place for entrepreneurship and enthusiasm, a place for creativity and motivation, a place for teamwork and leadership. But life offers many obstacles, many accidents, may To be, or not to be: that is the question:Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to sufferThe slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,And by opposing end them?
So, do you want to learn the right skills to change your life?

Message sent by current President to ITMC members

Dear Fellow Toastmasters,

21st September 2007 is a special day for all of us. On this day, Infosys Toastmasters Club (ITMC) will be celebrating its 7th Birthday!

Having started off on 21st September, 2000 we have come a long way. Over the last 7 years the club has had the privilege of having members who believe ITMC has helped them succeed in their professional lives. The club has, part of its proud roster, members who have utilized their communication and leadership skills made a mark for themselves, contributed to the organization and the Toastmasters fraternity and thereby have done ITMC proud. Our best practices have been commended by guests and embraced by clubs outside. ITMC has provided MCs for some of the largest organizational events and voices for numerous training programs. Our toastmasters have been winners at various inter-club competitions. During the last division conference, we had played a major role in conducting the division speech contest and this term, we have volunteered to contribute to the district newsletter.

Looking back today, 7 years ago, during its inception, Mr. Nandan Nilekani, who had been the chief guest, had said that if the club could continue for a year, it would continue to stand forever! Today we are proud to be the longest standing and the best Corporate Club in India. So what is it that makes us so strong? What is it that keeps us going? Without doubt, it is you! Yes, ITMC has achieved so much thanks to you. You have put in your best efforts to make every meeting worthwhile and achieved so much within the club and outside. It is your efforts that keep the ITMC flag flying high!

In a few days time, we will be stepping into our 8th year. To mark this glorious occasion the past Presidents (and the current President!) will be coming together to put together a special meeting. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, 18th September, 2007 between two regular meetings. Each of the Presidents who are in Bangalore (Kaushik Rana, our Founder President is in B’lore for sometime) will execute a role or take up a project speech that day. Since we improve our communication and leadership skills through executing roles and delivering speeches, you’ll witness our Presidents leading from the front.

Each one of you has the potential to make history at the ITMC! Complete your certifications or, participate and win prizes at competitions outside. You can do this when you take up roles and deliver speeches. Every bit counts and will make a difference to you. Chase the Education Team and take up your project speeches and execute roles. At the same time, keep them informed of any last minute change in plans to help keep up the quality of the meeting. After all, it is team work and thus your leadership qualities that come into play. As a team, let us come together and take ITMC to greater heights!

So join us on Tuesday as we celebrate 7 years of progress at ITMC!

Regards,

All in all it was a great evening that culminated with cake cutting ceremony celebrating the birthday of Our beautiful maiden - ITMC

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0tYs1Diml5g