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Page 1: TGIS Talks February 2013

TGIS TALKS TGIS TMC(#804519), Area 7, Division B, District 20 February 2013

≈Think, Grow, Inspire & Succeed with TGIS

Page 2: TGIS Talks February 2013

Quisque auctor erat vel nunc Issue No. 123

FROM THE EDITOR

Finally, TGIS is talking, our Newsletter is out!I know the next few lines may sound a bit cliché, but I need to thank all of the Toastmasters who have contributed to this newsletter by submitting their Messages such as Division B & Area Governors, my dear Excom members, our New and Senior club members, Area 1 Governor TM Hubert Miranda and TM Dr. Sikandar Ali from Burj Toastmasters. Thanks to TM Santosh Venkataram for taking our Excom photos and thanks to the Shoot Masters of the the Gala Dinner, Area Club Contests, hope there are no copyrights on your photos as they are now in our newsletter. 

What a bless to be a VP PR in this era! If I had the same role 10 years back or even 5 years ago, I doubt I would have enjoyed this role as much as I do now. Last year I was the Club Secretary so when the role of PR was suggested to me by the Nomination Committee, my first reaction was NO WAY! how could I be the PR, I am the most introvert in this club! But they somehow believed in me and being a PR doesn't mean I need to speak, all can be done in writing and with visuals. We have so many platforms available to us to promote Toastmasters, from Meetup to Linked-In and the Grand Facebook Social Network. All these media do make my work easier and yes I don't need to speak... Our Division and other Divisions in the UAE as well as our District 20  have their dedicated Facebook pages so I urge each member to join their pages to make the most of this Social Media phenomena and be updated with all the Toastmastering news in and out of our area.Happy Reading!Emma Bruneau

 

What’s in this Issue & Editor’s note

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 2

In this Issue:

Division B Governor Message 3

Area Governor Message 4

Meet the Excom 5

Presidential Communiqué 6

Messages from Excom Members 7-11

Tête-à-Tête with a Senior Toastmaster 11

Ek Tha Tiger Mission 12-13

Your Voice is Your Signature 14-15

Treasured Memories 16

My Summer in the USA 17

Finding my Nemo 18

The Power of Thoughts 19

Congrats & Thank You 20

Bienvenue to TGIS 21-26

Contests at Club Level & Area Level 27-28

Divisions B & F Gala Dinner 29

Marhaba to Dubai DTAC 2013 30

Page 3: TGIS Talks February 2013

‘COMMITMENT IS THE KEY EVEN TO SELF DEVELOPMENT. THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS’

Good day TGIS members & leaders,

The toastmasters program helps us gain the courage to c hange and become be t te r communicators and explore the leadership skills. In process it helps us build a new generation of leaders. Which is what we are lacking currently in fast paced world. This is what we are lacking current in the fast paced world.

The world is changing rapidly and we need to change too. We need to be better communicators and better leaders in what-ever we do and toastmasters program is an wonderful platform which can transform all of us and lead to become better human being.

I would like to congratulate you all TGIS members who have been driving force for many other toastmasters’ guests to Think again and join the toastmasters program which will help them grow and inspire others by sharing all the experiences. I would like to congratulate all TGIS members who have been a driving force

My toastmasters experience started in 2007 when I was elected as SAA of the club. It’s been great journey since then as I have learned a lot by serving the members at club, area and division level. 2007-2008 SAA - Emirates Supply Chain Forum

Toastmasters2008-2009 SAA - Emirates Supply Chain Forum

Toastmasters2009-2010 President - Emirates Supply Chain Forum

Toastmasters

2010-2011President - Emirates Supply Chain Forum Toastmasters

2011-2012 Area Governor - Area 252012-2013 Division Governor - Division B

The reason why I shared the details above is to let you know that commitment is the key even to key to self development. There are no short cuts and I would request all of you to avoid the same in toastmasters if you want to be better communicators and leaders. Toastmasters provides us with the important foundation and tools to build ourselves upon--- in communication and leadership. So I would say…be regular and make the best out of it and share with others and help them grow..•Celebrate achievements and successes

together as a team•Network and connect with other toastmasters

across the world•Absorb helpful communication and leadership

skills•Watch and learn from superb speakers and

trainers around us

Best wishes for an enjoyable and enriching year 2012-2013 and ever after.

Alok Kumar Singh (ACS/ALB)Division Governor (2012-2013)Division BDistrict 20.Toastmasters International“Where leaders are made”

Our Division Governor Talks to the TGISites

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 3

Page 4: TGIS Talks February 2013

‘A JOURNEY FROM UNKNOWN TO WELL-KNOWN’

Dear TGIS members,

As your Area Governor, It is indeed a pleasure to write this message to you all. Having attended several of your meetings and interacted with your club leaders and members, I feel it is a very vibrant club and It is always a pleasure to attend TGIS meetings.

My journey in toastmasters has been a remarkable experience. In simple terms, a journey from unknown to well-known, from a shy person to a smart speaker, from a guest to an Area Governor. I used to be a very shy person, an introvert and afraid of the English language from childhood. My high school and higher secondary school mark sheets stand testimony to this . However, today with all humility, I can say that I am able to confidently lead a team, organise events, train, inspire and motivate people......not just because of joining toastmasters but also because I never looked back when it came to taking up varied roles. When opportunities came my way, I did not stop to think whether I would be able to do full justice to it, but I plunged head-on and I believe this is what has made me blossom as a speaker and leader.

Dear TGIS members, If I could get here overcoming so many challenges, I firmly believe that each one of you can achieve much more than me. I urge and encourage you all to act and act now to reap full benefits from this wonderful platform called toastmasters. During the remainder of this term, let us all endeavor to do our personal best not only for the club but for our personal goals as well.

My sincere appreciation to all the club members, in particular the Excom members & leadership demonstrated by your VPPR in bringing out this news letter.

I take this opportunity to wish each and ever one of you -Happy toastmastering and wish it is as rewarding a journey for you as it has been for me.

Warm regards,

TM Shanmugam, CC, ALBArea Governor, Area &, Div B, Dist 20

Message from our Area Governor

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 4

Page 5: TGIS Talks February 2013

Meet TGIS Excom 2012-13

From left to right: President MTM Sumana Halder, Immediate Past PresidentMTM Saira Ranj, Secretary MTM Saro Tharyan, SAA TM Vishal Manglani, VP-Memb TM Dhanush Acharya, Treasurer TM Manish Agarwal, VP-PR MTM Emma Bruneau, VP-Education TM Razeeth PMK

The smiling faces of TGISPresident MTM Sumana Halder (left) and Secretary MTM Saro Tharyan (right)

VP-PR MTM Emma Bruneau (left) and VP Education TM Razeeth PMK seem to be having fun

Guys talk, serious talksLadies can’t interfere!

(Left VP-Memb.)TM Dhanush Acharya, (Middle Facing us) SAA Vishal Manglani, (Right VP-Memb.) TM Razeeth PMK

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 5

Page 6: TGIS Talks February 2013

Hi Everyone!

It’s my pleasure to greet you as the President of TGIS club. I took over mid-term, but the support and enthusiasm of the club members and that of the office bearers of the club did not make me feel at all that I am a new President. Everything is running as smooth as it was before!

TGIS is doing extremely well in terms of quality of meetings, new memberships, PR activities and has been branded as one of the reputed club in the region. I express my gratitude to the leadership of past President Kamal Goyal and the hard work of the Executive Committee members. I am elated to see that some of our old members have also started attending the meetings regularly. I, together with the other officers of the club, aim to build a robust foundation on which the pillars of the club will be built, so that it would be easier for our future leaders to sail through without any major hurdle.

We have quite a few events lined up in the coming months. We have even planned for joint meetings with other prominent clubs, educational sessions, speakathons and many more.

Each member’s presence adds some value to our meetings. Its my urge to all the members to attend the meetings regularly. We don’t want to miss anyone of you !

Signing off for the time being !

Sincerely yours,

Sumana Halder

Presidential Communiqué

Message from our Past President (President from July to October 2012)

One of the most important reasons I like being a member of the toastmaster club is that it brings out the best / positivity in each of us. There is no gossip, no criticism, no politics. Everyone is helpful and inspiring. As I write this message, I cannot help but reproduce this powerful message from a motivational speaker, David Boufford: “The longer I live, the more I realize the power of my attitude on life. “

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a home, a family or friendship.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is play, the one string we have control over and that is our attitude. I'm convinced that life is 1% what happens to me and 99% how I react to it.

Please remember to choose your attitude carefully because 1) It's contagious, it'll affect people or infect them (especially children). 2) Your emotions can definitely be positively affected by choosing a positive attitude/outlook. 3) You will enjoy life more and those around you.

I encourage you to test it out for yourself! 

Best,Kamal

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Page 7: TGIS Talks February 2013

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 7

The VP EducationEB: You are a hard core cricket player, what is that common denominator between Toastmasters and Cricket?RP: I hail from a place called Thalaserry, a city on the Malabar coast of Kerala.Thalaserry has an extra ordinary relation with cricket, In India the game cricket was started here, and the first bowl was bowled in early 1800s on the ground of Thalaserry cricket stadium, produced lots of talented players. Thanks to Colonel Wellesley who brought the game to this Malabar town. Many cricket matches had been played between British Cricket Team and Thalaserry cricket team during the time of British invasion itself. I was brought up watching my father and his friends playing cricket. That was how I became a hard core cricket player. I enjoy playing and watching cricket more than anything. But one thing most of the Thalaserrians (not all) forgot to learn from Colonel Wellesley and his team was the English Language. I wish I would have brought up listening English language (with due respect to my mother tongue) from the mouth of my parents.Thanks to my parents otherwise I would have never ended up in Toastmasters.

EB: You are now a Competent Communicator, which project in the CC manual you enjoyed preparing the most and which one was the most challenging?RP: P1 – Ice Breaker. That gave me the confidence that public speaking is something which can be molded through continuous practice.

EB: From Sergeant at Arms last year to VP Education this, I recommend you to take the VP PR role next year, what's your take on that:)?RP: I would like to focus on Advance manual rather than to take any Excom role next year.

EB: As a VP Education with a club of 30+, in few words, motivate your members to take up roles and complete their projects. It's a TT, you have 30 seconds!RP: We all have joined Toastmasters to improve our public speaking and leader ship skills and not to just witness others performance. Yes off course in our journey we do help fellow members in achieving their goals.

EB: Finally, you are known as the John Abraham of TGIS, how do you keep up with this reputation? What's your secret?RP: Secret is Cuisine of Malabar J, especially Thalaserry is well known for their variety which they got from Arab traders who used to visit Malabar region and local community.

TM Razeeth PMK

Other Officers... Say what?

Page 8: TGIS Talks February 2013

]T G I S T A L K S P A G E 8

The VP MembershipEB: You have joined TGIS around the same time last year, how has been your Toastmasters journey so far?DA: Indeed, times flies and looks like its just been fews days ago I joined toastmasters to improve my public speaking. TGIS has given me a good platform to express myself and develop the confidence to speak. The good thing about TGIS meetings is that every meeting there is something new to learn. Although its been just a year, I feel like I have been with TGIS all my life and have a connection with all the members in the club. It feels great to be part of an organisation where each us of encourage each other. 

EB: As our VP membership, what is your strategy to attract new members and what is your strategy to ensure current members remain active?DA: I think the members define the club and being in TGIS club, there is no doubt that we will be able to attract even more people. We have a good mix of senior and new toastmasters. Its good to see the new toastmasters taking up roles and senior toastmasters guiding them. On a whole, there is freshness in the meetings with the quality being intact.Hence, through our club's quality meetings and reputation, we have been getting more and more guests. I believe the only way to bring in new members and retain existing members is to have quality and lively meetings.

EB: What are your objectives for this Excom year?DA:I think the objectives for Excom this year has been to spread the name of TGIS toastmasters club and make the meetings more livelier. This has been evident with the number of guests coming as well members from other toastmaster clubs coming in as well. With respect to meetings, I think the involvement of new members has been very good and the ongoing support and encouragement by the toastmasters has made sure that we have successful meetings.  EB: Last year, you represented the club at the Area and Division Levels in Table Topics, do you have any tips for this year’s Club participants?DA: I feel fortunate to have represented the area and division level in table topics category. It gave me a great opportunity to learn and develop.   The only way to learn is to participate irrespective of the result. You just need to believe in yourself and look for improvements at each speaking session. The only way to compete is to compete with yourself and improve yourself everyday. You just need to take the first step and the rest will follow.

EB: We want to know more about our VP Membership, tell us what you are passionate about, what do you do and how does Toastmasters just blend into all this?DA: I am an ACCA (certified chartered accountant) and work in Ernst & Young, Dubai in the audit services. I am passionate about singing, travelling and photography. I always believe to live life to the fullest and see positive in everything. Toastmasters was something which I wanted to do for a long time to improve my public speaking and I amglad that I took that I have joined TGIS toastmasters. Being in toastmasters is an ongoing development and meeting toastmaster from whom we can learn a lot. 

Page 9: TGIS Talks February 2013

The SAA (for the first half of the term)

"I simply love  being in toastmasters club. I consider  TGIS as a college (mind it, not school which is always scary) where different people with same objective come together and share their knowledge.Where in this world will you find a place where you can learn and have fun at the same time??? There are teachers (mentors), principal (president), monitor (general evaluator), a watchman (timer), exams (project speeches), results (evaluations) and many classmates (fellow TM) who all have joined to get their graduation, let's call Bachelor in Communications (B.Comm); there is masters  as well (advanced project speeches) but lets not talk about it :) The only difference here is that you can never fail in your exams, thanks to all positive minded members who will always guide, support and encourage you to do much better next time. All you need t o d o i s j u s t f o l l o w t h e i r advice....religiously...sounds simple? aaahhhh....ask me:)

TM Vishal Manglani

]T G I S T A L K S P A G E 9

The SecretaryToastmasters is all about improving your communication and leadership skills. Communication skills can be improved by doing the project speeches and taking up different roles. Being part of the Excom, is helping me improve my leadership skills. As the Secretary of the club, I have to take the minutes at each club meeting and executive committee meeting. I am thoroughly enjoying myself in this new role as it’s helping me to improve on my listening skills also. At the meetings I have to be alert and make quick notes so as not to miss any points. The Secretary role is also helping me to organise myself. I have to see to it that the minutes are send to all the members before the next meeting.

At TGIS, I am discovering myself all over again. I am among some very talented and encouraging people. I am look ing f o r ward t o many wonderful moments with the TGIS members and learning new things in the process.

MTM Saro Tharyan

THE TREASURER DECIDED TO REMAIN SILENT FOR THIS EDITION

Page 10: TGIS Talks February 2013

The Immediate Past PresidentEB: You have been a Toastmasters for about 10 years on and off, what drives you every other Saturday to attend TGIS meetings or any TM meetings?SR: Firstly, Toastmasters is an amazing organisation that has transformed the lives of many people. I say TRANSFORMED as people who join are absolutely awestruck by their own growth and change as time goes by. I have also changed and grown tremendously but as we all know life is a learning game and there's always place for bettering ourself further. TGIS- it was pure chance and a reference by a friend Toastmaster Shoukath Ali Eroth- one of the past President's who asked me to come by. I stayed because the place grew on me! The people are such kindred souls and there's a spirit about this club that needs to be felt to be understood. :-) 

EB: It's hard to believe you when you say you were an introvert  in the past, what was the turning point that made the person you are today i.e. not even a bit shy to speak in front of an audience?SR::-) Well, not an introvert actually. I have always been big and expressive inside my head...just unable to express myself in reality! TM gave me the platform, support and encouragement to be 'me'.And that's been a fabulous journey. I was however a very nervous soul on stage- I had prepared and rehearsed my ICEBREAKER 1 month before I delivered it- so you have an idea how much of nervous energy I harbour!I wouldn't define any turning points- just the fact that I loved what I did- watch other speakers, express myself in writing through my speeches and then work meticulously on delivering them on stage. I did this passionately for a long while...and before I knew a confident, bold me emerged. I have seen lots of people change and enhance other's lives through this organisation- so I would defend it till my last breath. :-)   

EB: As a working mother of two, how do you balance work, family and Toastmasters?  SR: When you are an Excom member, life does get complicated. It's a juggling act- esp with long corporate hours and growing kids! Everyone and every aspect requires a part of you- and you have no choice but to keep moving. Today my life is quite different- things are more relaxed than in the past. This year was an intentional break away from the Leadership roles- to concentrate on my Communication- and I am enjoying every step of it.  

EB: Three tips you would like to give to fairly new Toastmasters or Toastmasters who are on a frozen speaking mode?SR: 1."Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, just keep swimming...." - quoting Dory from NEMO. :-)You have to just come, watch, make the deliberate effort to participate- even if it is through minuscule roles- slowly and steadily you will bloom.Guaranteed.2. Source a mentor for yourself. TM does not restrict you to the number of mentors you may have.Find someone you connect with and tell them your situation- he/she will guide you and seriously help you out. You just need to hang in there and persevere.3. I often get frozen because of topic selection- I can write and speak- but what to write about is myfrequent freeze mode. I try and get over this by watching other's deliver their speeches/topics- or even ask for random topics that spur my creative side. So I recommend the same for you.

(to be continued)

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 1 0

Page 11: TGIS Talks February 2013

EB: As the Immediate Past President of TGIS, what is your vision for the club and any advice you would like to give to the new Excom?SR: In Sumana's hands, I see the club blooming...and I daresay, reaching very new heights. She is dedication and commitment personified. If the Excom members support her vision and help her to reach it, the club will see an all time high. I find the current excom very talented but not all folks are as committed to the task as to the vision and the talk. It is one thing to profess, it is totally another to just do it- and in the end ACTION wins hands down. We are all busy leading our unique full lives, we just need to CREATE the time to fulfill the promises we took.I love this club- I hope the flag keeps flying high- always. 

MTM Saira Ranj

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 11

Tête-à-tête with one of TGIS Senior Toastmasters

EB: As a Senior Toastmaster, what are the five tips you could give to TGIS Excom?HM: TIPS stands for Take Immediate Permanent Solution. Excellence comes from doing numerous little things with passion one after the another. An Ordinary can become Extra Ordinary by doing those 'Little' things regularly. So my Tip is only one if I can express it in the language of Cricket. As Geoff Boycott invariably mention, 'Bowl wicket to wicket' and as Glen McGrath has always practiced, TGIS should immediately be brought upto 'Basics' to make once and for all a strong foundation. TGIS ExCom has to define this 'Basic'.

EB: You are a mentor to several new members, who are or have been your mentors? Any stories or mentor/mentee techniques you would like to share? HM: I have never had any Mentor/s. I have always decided what one thing I want out of a particular Role Play and accordingly select my Mentor for that required skill to be acquired. I inspire myself completely with the person I look upto so much so that I become him for a while before I emerge in a new pack.

EB: What have you been up to? One project in one year?HM: It happens to me quite often but it always unlocks another creative side of me. So with regard to Project Speeches I have never been in hurry. No wonder I took 5 years to complete Competent Communication manual. History will not repeat itself this time but  Stories about my pace are being made. But then Stories are also made about those who complete 10 project speeches in 7 months!

Hemant Mundhra

Page 12: TGIS Talks February 2013

Ek Tha Tiger, Ek Tha TGIST h e w i n n e r s o f t h e T G I S E k T h a T i g e r m i s s i o n

TGIS Tiger:

On the motor bike ride from Dubai to Istanbul, before reaching Tabreez in Azerbaijan, the Tiger met with another Czech Tiger who was riding from Delhi to Prague on a 1960 diesel

TGIS Tigress:

Immediate Past President MTM Saira Ranj on a mission in Hua Hin (Thailand)

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 1 2

Page 13: TGIS Talks February 2013

The other Tigresses of TGIS with their Tigers

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 1 3

Tigress says: “I love the ocean, every time i go to the beach I feel as if i am going home. The horizon where the ocean & sky meet, is mesmerizing.Reflection of the sky, the mysteries it holds beneath always lure me.At twilight, watching the sun going to sleep, on the bed of the ocean is splendid with the colors changing from sky blue to dark blue, gray, yellow, orange, red. I am crazy about the ocean, sea shore, especially the one near my place. Every time I go there it’s like talking to the nature, to my very own soul. It makes me feel calm, quiet & absolves all my worries, tensions. It’s an eternal feeling.”

Bonnie and Clyde aka MTM Saro Tharyan & ETC President TM Alex Tharyan on their US Tour (read the complete article! on page 17)

The Majestic Niagara Falls

Times Square in the Big Apple

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

What a Rainbow!

Typical bollywood story! Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Tigress in action (enjoying the ride)

Page 14: TGIS Talks February 2013

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 1 4

Your Voice is

Your Signature

By Hubert Miranda, Area 1 Governor, Division B

Your Greatest Tool as a Speaker is YOUR VOICE!

How well are you looking after it?

Deep, Controlled Breathing is NECESSARY For Good Vocal Production

How your Voice is Created

Page 15: TGIS Talks February 2013

WHAT KIND OF VOICE DO YOU HAVE?

1- Do You Whisper Or Boom ?

2- Are you Monotonous Or Melodious ?

3- Is Your Voice a Rain Cloud Or Rainbow ?

4- Do you have Mumblitis ?

5- How well do you Articulate?

6- Do you Trudge like a Turtle Or Race like a Rabbit?

7- Do you Agitate Or Orchestrate?

Discover Your Voice Profile

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 1 5

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING VOICE!

METHODS FOR VOICE RELAXATION

Be aware of throat tenseness & jaw tightness

Yawn with an easy “ho-hum”

Repeat and feel the strain removed

Practice saying : hang, harm, lane, main, lone, loom. Exaggerate your lips & jaw movements.

Lightly knead the throat muscles.

Slowly repeat the following: nah, nay, nee, no, noo. Drop your jaw and relax your throat.

i.Exhale & Inhale Deeply four times.

ii. Exhale Comfortable. Then inhale a moderate filling of breath, hold it for 15 seconds, then exhale quietly. Keep increasing the holding time periodically.

iii.Inhale with 5 quick short gaps through open mouth. Thenexhale in 5 quick puffs.

iv.Laugh heartily through complete exhaltion, then inhale deeply and quickly.

v. Close your lips and laugh soundlessly through your nose.

BREATHING EXERCISES TO IMPROVE VOLUME

Page 16: TGIS Talks February 2013

By MTM Sumana Halder

Life is a train journey; God is the driver; We're off to a place called Eternity; 

Train journey…yes, I am sure all of us have loads of memories associated with it. Be it long or short distance, train was the most popular and economic means of communication even few years back.

Its been years I haven’t taken an overnight train journey, but I still have a vivid memory of such train journeys which we often used to take back home in India. Right from entering the platform trying to pay attention to the constant inaudible announcements to settling in the allotted berth once the train reaches the platform- I used to get thrilled during every step of those journeys. The tea stalls, the magazine shops, the fruit corners and then the journey itself. Air conditioned compartments were rare those days. Sitting beside the open window gazing at the beautiful green landscapes, the gorgeous golden paddy or mustard fields, feeling the breeze wafting in as the train clickety -clacks through the country side, sometimes dozing off or sometimes reading a book. People, who were strangers to one another before, become friends for those few hours of journey, chattering, sharing their meals. As the night falls people start spreading sheets on their berths, start inflating their air pillows preparing to go to sleep.

And… how can I forget the inseparable connection between train travel and the tea vendors. It still amazes me how they manage to sell cups and cups of tea in the typical earthen pots to the passengers even if the train stops at a station for only five minutes.

Years later, again a train journey brought forth those memories to my mind. We were traveling in Europe this summer going from Prague towards Berlin with a short stopover in Dresden.

Traveling in a European train is a wonderful experience altogether. Railway platforms are equipped with all modern amenities - automated kiosks for buying tickets, digital train information signboards, restaurants, souvenir shops, tourist assistance centres.

And the train itself, a world away in terms of comfort with spacious ergonomic seats, spic and span air-conditioned compartments and dining cars. As soon as the train crosses the urban borders all you can see through the wide whopping windows is the stunning sceneries along the Elbstanstein Mountains with the beautiful Elbe River flowing through it. This particular region of Germany is called Saxon Switzerland. And it truly bears the name of Switzerland because of its magnificent mesmeric landscapes.

But surprisingly… this wonderful travel pushed me down the memory lane thinking about our good old train journeys. Every step of the journey reminded me of my childhood train travels. I was missing the ever-roving and yelling tea and snack vendors on each station … I was missing the constant sound of chitchatting of the passengers who verbally try to do everything for the country in that short span of journey.

Amidst the serenity of the Czech-German landscapes, I realized that I was missing the overall colour and character of our very own Indian trains.

The world, through a child’s eye, is always mesmerizing and magical. And the innocence of life seen through a child’s eye is treasured in her mind forever which will never be wiped off.

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 1 6

Treasured Memories

Page 17: TGIS Talks February 2013

By MTM Saro Tharyan

On August 10th, when we boarded the plane, there was a great deal of excitement among the three of us (my family and me) as we were on our way to visit USA!

We visited Houston and Dallas in Texas, Freemont and San Francisco in California, New York, Niagara Falls and Washington.

At San Francisco we visited the Golden Gate Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. It’s such a beautiful structure and is one of the most photographed bridges in the world!

New York nicknamed as the Big Apple is the most populous city in the USA. We visited the Times Square which is the brightly illuminated hub of the Broadway theatre district and one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections! How can our visit to New York be complete without visiting the Lady Liberty! The statue is an icon of freedom and of the United States: a welcoming signal to immigrants arriving from abroad.

Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world was next on our list. We were awestruck by the sheer beauty of the falls! From largest to smallest, the three waterfalls are the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Horseshoe Falls lie on the Canadian side and the American Falls on the American side, separated by Goat Island. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls are also located on the American side, separated from the other waterfalls by Luna Island. One can hear the thundering sound of the waterfalls from miles away!

Our last stop was at Washington, DC where we visited the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and many other breathtaking sights.

We had a fun and hectic trip to US, hopping from one state to another and discovering the charm and cultures of each state along the way.

Some helpful tips: Apply for the visa well in advance and plan your itinerary and book the airlines tickets through one of the booking websites to get some good deals!

T G I S T A L K S P A G E 1 7

My Summer in the USA

Monsieur et Madame Tharyan at the Statue of Liberty, NYC

MTM Saro promoting Toastmasters International, Lincoln Memorial, DC

Page 18: TGIS Talks February 2013

By TM DhanushAcharya

In life, sometimes you need to do something to get out of your comfort zone and rediscover yourself. And to do just that, I wanted to do something different for my vacation this year and one of the things, which I always wanted was to do the open water scuba diving course. Looking at all the places, I zeroed on Pondicherry, India for my scuba diving session. I packed my bags and was set for the Pondicherry trip not knowing what to expect. Suddenly, I had butterfly in my stomach, as I was not sure if I was up for the scuba diving. But my nerves were settled when I met my scuba diving instructors who told me that there is one problem with Scuba Diving, once you do scuba diving, you get addicted for life. I smiled at him and then asked him if I had to bring anything with me, and he told me ‘yes, you need to get an important thing, your smile’.

The first day, we practiced the skills in the swimming pool and it was a pretty average performance as I was taking lot of time to learn those skills. Still not sure, whether I was up for it, I just went ahead hoping everything would fall in place.

Finally, the D Day arrived. We got on to the boat surfing to the main sea, my heart started pounding with each moment and I had thoughts of giving up. I thought to myself that I was struggling in the swimming pool, the sea would be even more challenging. And to make matters worse, the sea was rough that day. To calm my nerves, my instructor told me that I had to believe in myself, enjoy the experience and everything would be fine.

I put on my suit, fins, goggles, life jacket and heavy scuba tank cylinder. The moment had arrived, I sat on the edge of the boat, rolled back and ‘DUSH’ splashed into the water. Coming to terms with the rough sea, I was struggling to be stable at the surface of the sea. For some unknown reason I started to panic and felt like I was in a battleground waving my hands and kicking my legs fighting with the sea currents. I saw that even my fellow divers who were with me were struggling in the sea and having thoughts to quit the dive.

Then, our instructor came and told us to just stay calm and assured us that once we get underwater,

everything would be normal. Heeding to the instructor’s words, I just surrendered to the sea and stayed calm. And as we went underwater, everything seemed normal. For the first time, I was conscious of my breathing and could feel the coolness of the water. The water was so blue and heavenly that I forgot all the worldly tension and pressures of life. I felt like I was in the meditative state of thoughtless awareness mode. And to top that experience, I saw incredible underwater life such as cuttlefish, lionfish, jellyfish and schools of blue fish, which made me realize there is so much in this world that we just seem to ignore being busy in our own closed world. With sign language becoming the only source of communication, we went along the underwater doing the skills we learnt and seeing the amazing underwater life. We then came back to our boat having finished a successful dive.

This scuba diving experience was not just an adventurous activity but also a life learning experience. In scuba diving, a buddy always accompanies you and helps you for any mishaps. Same is with life, you always need someone to help you achieve your goals and having trust is an important aspect. And while you are doing a new venture in l i fe and going in an unknown environment, you resist the new change like the way I had panicked on the sea surface but as I went underwater, everything was calm and I started enjoying the experience. Similarly, in life you need to give some time for any change as the time passes, everything will seem peaceful and the change is actually beneficial for you. In scuba diving, you learn the value of breathing. It is not important the number of breath you take but how deep and long you take each breath. With this scuba diving adventure, I found my nemo discovering new things in life and an unforgettable experience, which would etch in my memory forever.

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Finding My Nemo

Page 19: TGIS Talks February 2013

By Dr. TM Sikandar Ali, Burj TMCDr. Sikandar is a Mind Scientist and Psychiatrist

Two men were carrying a VERY heavy sofa to the 10th floor of a building. After two hours of struggle, they asked their person in charge, “Where are we, and how many floors more do we have to go?” He looked out of the window and replied “I have two news , one is good… and the other is bad”. The good news is; we are on the 9th floor… and the bad news is; we are in the wrong building… Dear Toasmasters and Honorable guests… Good Evening, every one of us lives in TWO worlds… one is this material world, made up of soil and water, whereas the other is the world of our imaginat ion, our inner kingdom. One is REAL, and the other is a REFLECTION. Which one do YOU think, is the real, and which one is a reflection?

I also have two news … The good news is; till very recent time, like most of us, I thought, this material world, made up of soil and water, is the REAL world… and the bad news is… that was my biggest mistake… Our REAL world - where we can actually create something, is the world of our imagination. This material world... is just a reflection… of what we have in our mind… And the Quantum Physics proves that:Imagination is more powerful than the will power, and…Visualization is more powerful than the REALITY…

And that, whatever we can visualize, we can achieve… It is, THAT simple… All rel igions and civi l izat ions, delivered this message through their writings and stories.

Now, you must be wondering “if it is that easy, why then, everyone doesn’t apply it, and achieves, what one wants?” Dear friends, he, he, he... again I have a good news and a bad

news… The good news is; yes we DO manifest a lot of things through our imagination everyday… and the bad news is; mostly we manifest what we DO NOT want… Dear friends, just for a moment, close your eyes, all of you… and DO NOT think of an elephant… Now open your eyes… What did you see? Of course AN ELEPHANT, right?

This is how, we ATTRACT all those things, which we DO NOT want in our life… This is the LAW OF ATRRACTION that says “the thing we FOCUS UPON… happens, whether we WANT it, or we DO NOT want i t … We d o n o t wa n t m o n ey PROBLEMS, we do not want BAD relationships, we do not want a BAD health, and we do not want so many BAD THINGS… as a result, we attract so many... BAD things…

What I learned from this is, All success in life, whether material or spiritual, starts with the thoughts… that we put into our mind, every second of every minute of every day. Our outer world reflects the state of our inner world. By controlling our t houghts , we can contro l our destiny… As MK Gandhi says: A man is but, the product of his thoughts…What he thinks, he becomes in simple w o r d s : THOUGHTS… BECOME… THINGS...

Now you must be thinking that, all that I said sounds wonderful, but how to ACTUALLY do it. Again I have two news; the bad news is; if you ask any o t her t ra iner, who i s NOT a Toastmaster, he will say: Pay 10,000 dirhams and attend a 5-day workshop on Creative Visualization and then only you will learn how to do it. And the good news is; if you ask me, I will say: JUST DO IT! As I do it, to achieve goals in my life. This is how I did doctorate in Mind Sciences in only 4 years. This is how I became a

Reiki Master, a Mind Power & NLP Trainer…

In fact, doing visualization is the easiest job in the world. First locate a spot 20 degrees up, on the right side of your forehead about half a meter away from your head. This is your Mental Screen, which has magnetic effects in it. Whatever image you project on it with your eyes closed and keep visualizing it for 4 minutes, it is manifested. It is that easy. Only… remember, to always think positive because, as poet Bennie Johnson says:

If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t,If you like to win, but you think you can’t. It is almost certain, you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost. For out of the world we find,Success begins with a fellow’s will –It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are. You’ve got to think high to rise,You’ve got to be sure of yourself before. You can ever win a prize

Life’s battles do not always go, To the stronger or faster man,But soon or late he who wins, Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!

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The Power of Thoughts

Page 20: TGIS Talks February 2013

Congrats & Thank you

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Merci Division Governor Alok Singh for your unconditional support to the Club. You are the Hotline of TGIS

T G I S B e t a , T M S a n t o s h Venkataram, got hitched!

Congratulations to the new couple!

Thanks to our Club Mentor VP Menon for guiding us and always be available no matter what!

Salute to MTM Akshatha Bala for being a member since the inception of the Club. How do you keep up with us:)

Page 21: TGIS Talks February 2013

T h e f o l l o w i n g p a g e s a r e d e d i c a t e d t o o u r n e w C l u b M e m b e r s !

W e w o u l d n ’ t h a v e o b t a i n e d t h e s e t w o a w a r d s w i t h o u t Y O U !

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Bienvenue to TGIS

Page 22: TGIS Talks February 2013

BALA KUMARAN

Profession: Fashion sales and merchandisingHome Country/Town: India/ChennaiNumber of Years in Dubai: Less than a yearLanguages spoken: Tamil, English, Kannada & HindiPassion: Dancing and FootballSports: FOOTBALL & BOWLINGHobbies: Reading & PhotographyFavorite quote or motto or tagline: Form is temporary  but Class is permanentFavorite cuisine: No Bias! Favorite Author/Movie: Paulo cholleo / Inglorious Bastards

Languages: English, Hindi and basic Arabic

Toastmaster Experience: Member of a Toastmasters Club 7 years back in the NY region. So joining TGIS is like rising back from the ashes.

Passion: Sports anyday. But apart from that reading and discussing business and politics.

Sports: Any racket sport, cricket and football although I do think there is something wrong with the huge mindless endorsement deals signed it shall be the theme of my 2nd speech.

Hobbies: You guessed it....sports....Also, reading and following business & politics.

Favorite quote: "Just do it"..... I believe if you put your mind to it you surely can.

Favorite cuisine: Thai.... really like it.

Favorite Author: Dan Brown

Favorite Movie: God Father. Can watch it any day!

PRASHANT MALHOTRA

Profession: Banker

Hometown: Delhi, India. Interestingly I was born in madras as my dad was working there at the time however we moved 7months after and haven't visited the place since.

Number of years in Dubai: 7 years after returning from the States. I grew up in the gulf (Oman and Dubai)

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Page 23: TGIS Talks February 2013

DHYAN BIDDAPPA

Originally from Karnataka, India, I have lived in Dubai since 1994, except for a year studying in London. I am currently in my final year studying for a BSc. Economics degree from the University of London. This is my first Toastmaster's experience, although I have made forays into public speaking and elocution in school and college. I'm an avid reader; currently reading James Clavell and enjoying his books immensely. Food always gets my interest, especially steakhouses and anything Indo-Chinese. I'm always up for barbecue on a beach when Dubai's winter comes around."

DEEPAK ANTHONY

How did you find out about TGIS?Found out about TGIS through meetup.com. Been wanting to join toastmasters for a while, and the photos on the meetup group gave me the feeling that TGIS was a bunch of warm, friendly people.

Why Toastmasters?I'd heard about toastmasters through friends and family, a few years back.As someone who's had to present quite a bit over the years, I've always felt there was tons of room for improvement. Like many folks, I'm usually mortified by the idea of being put on the spot, and having to speak to large audiences.Also, as a guest, over the past couple of meetings, it's been great interacting with like-minded folks who don't compromise, who're always looking to improve themselves and others.

Work related: Currently spend most of my time on a technology company I co-founded.

Place I feel at home: Dubai. Been here longer than I can remember.

Passions / Hobbies: Exploring/working with technology that isn't mainstream yet (think mind-controlled drones). Alternative/augmented realities. Travelling / exploring other cultures (covered a few places in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia thus far).Literature (Richard Dawkins, Nassim Taleb, Malcolm Gladwell, etc.). Science-Fiction (can’t overstate the impact SF has on moving the human race forward).Human psychology and rationality (still working on wrapping my mind around Jung's Red Book). Writing fiction/fantasy. Conceptual art / Rendering. Weight-training and swimming.

Fav Author: Neal Stephenson. 'Anathem' was a mind-altering read (for an intro to his style, google ‘mother earth mother board’ for a fascinating non-fiction editorial). A close second would be Tim Ferris (the 4-Hour series. check out his google tech talks on youtube), for the sheer amount of impact his material has had on the world, and how much his life's operating system inspires me.

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Page 24: TGIS Talks February 2013

SHALIQ MUHAMMAD

Professional line: Insurance

Nationality: Indian but born and brought up in Dubai 

Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Malayalam

Passion: To be an influential and recognized personality in the society 

Sports: Football

Hobbies: Listening to music, Traveling 

Favorite tagline: "No give-up, No retreat....fight till you die"

Favorite Cuisine: Indian and Arabic

Favorite Author: Chetan Baghat  , "300"

Languages spoken: Russian, Kazakh, English, Italian, Chinese(basic)

Passion: I love to learn about nations of the World, their history, religion and culture.

Sports: Yoga

Hobbies: Reading, singing

Favorite quote or motto or tagline:The best religion is humanity.

Favorite cuisine: Asian, Indian, Italian

Favorite Author, Movie: I love Russian classics: Pushkin, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy.  "New Cinema Paradiso" by Giuseppe Tornatore, "Sanctum" by James Cameron

GULNARA AKHMETKALIYEVA

Profession: I studied to be a Teacher of English, but I never worked as a teacher; instead worked in Oil&Gas Corporate Governance sphere and later in the British Embassy in Kazakhstan as a Community Liaison Officer.

Home Country/Town: Kazakhstan, Alga

Number of Years in Dubai: 8 months

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Page 25: TGIS Talks February 2013

ROBERT DEVOTTA

How did you come to know about TGIS?Through my friend -TM Leo D'Souza

Why Toastmasters?It’s the perfect platform to hone my public speaking & leadership skills which is a major requirement for me to fulfill my life purpose.

What do you do?Ex sailor who sailed for almost 14 years before deciding to anchor permanently

Birth Country: India

In which place do you feel at home?Home is where the heart is - so wherever I have my family with me is home to me

Languages spoken: Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and of course English

Passions:To make people realize how great they already are and how much greater they can be - if they would only believe. Reading about the intricacies of the human mind and how it functions thereby improving on my knowledge about my Self and thus evolving into the best that I can be

Sports: Love to play Table tennis and Badminton whenever I can find the time

Hobbies:Reading on topics such as Mind development, Soul development, Purpose of Human Existence and Motivational literature. Playing games that involve the mind

Favorite quote or motto or tagline:Two. First one:- 'Of whom much is given, much is expected'. I believe that am blessed with the experience of abundance in all aspects of my existence and it is a responsibility to help as many others as I can to also experience this in their lives. Second:- 'All good things come to he who waits'. Patience is a golden virtue and one which is much needed in today's world where the core of popular culture is instant gratification. I  aim to lead by example as to the various blessings that can accrue through the daily practice of patience in our lives.

Favorite Author, MovieMany favourite authors like Dr. Brian Weiss, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra,  Eldon Taylor and many more

Favourite movies: Again many. To name a few - BenHur, Quo Vadis, Sound of Music, Its a Wonderful Life, Mackenna's Gold, Guns of Navarone, An Officer and a Gentleman, Scent of a Woman, Titanic.....ad nauseum ad infinitum.

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Page 26: TGIS Talks February 2013

ABHILASH VARGHESE

How did you come to know about TGIS? Google

Why Toastmasters? I heard about toastmasters during a training session and I was very attracted towards the concept of Toastmasters, where a group of people join together, give  presentations, evaluate each other, motivate each other, with  one  motive and interest, that is to develop  effective communication skills and leadership skills. What do you do? I work  with a Japanese Company in Dubai as Asst. Marketing Manager.

Birth Country : India

LORRAINE TAYLOR

Profession: 12 years as a Secondary School Teacher in 5 countries teaching Maths and Geography, however, currently completing a Masters Degree in Business as I hope to move into a role as a Learning and Development Specialist within an HR Department in Dubai. Home Country/Town: Originally from Colorado, USA but that was 25 years ago.  Currently feel 'home' is Motuoapa, New Zealand as well as Dubai.

Number of Years in Dubai: Although not concurrently, have been in Dubai for 15 years.  Came to Dubai in 1998 and have recently been in New Zealand for the past 6 1/2 only visiting Dubai. 

Toastmasters Experience before TGIS: Currently also a  member of Taupo Club in New Zealand where I am the VP Education.  Have been a member for the past 2 1/2 years.  Enjoy competing in the speech contests.  Last year came 3rd in the New Zealand (District 72) International Speech Contest.

Passion: Learning new things and meeting interesting people.

Sports: Walking, hiking, downhill skiing and swimming.

Hobbies: Quilting, playing piano and flute.

Favorite quote or motto or tagline: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams

Favorite cuisine: Authentic Mexican

Favorite Author, Movie: At the moment, J.R. Tolkein and  The Hobbit as have recently attended the World Premier of the Hobbit in New Zealand.

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Page 27: TGIS Talks February 2013

The Contests Fever!@ t h e C l u b L e v e l F i r s t

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Thank you to our Chief Judge for both the Contests, Division F

Governor TM Kiruba and his panel of judges

Page 28: TGIS Talks February 2013

Serious Stuff at the Area Level

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You did it TGISites, you represented us on February 8th, at the Area Level

THANK YOU! All the best to MTM Akshatha Bala (Evaluation) & TM Razeeth PMK (Humorous) at the Division Level

Evaluation ContestWinner: MTM Akshatha Bala2nd Runner Up: TM RK Raman

Humorous Contest1st Runner Up: TM Razeeth PMK

Table Topic Contest2nd Runner Up: TM Robert Devotta

Evaluation Contest Participants Table Topic Contest Participants

Humorous Contest ParticipantsInternational Contest Participants

Page 29: TGIS Talks February 2013

Divisions B & F Annual Gala Dinner

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Division B Governor TM Alok Singh, MTM Mac Loren Tuplano and TM Dhanush Acharya

Division F Governor TM Kiruba with DTM Lt. Colonel Mohammed Murad,

District Lieutenant Governor Education and Training, Vicky Ferrer awarding TM Dhanush and MTM Emma the H1 award

Our leaders

Divisions B & F, UnitedEnjoying the show

Page 30: TGIS Talks February 2013

Marhaba to Dubai DTAC 2013

I t i s a u n i q u e c h a n c e t o w i t n e s s t h e C r è m e d e l a c r è m e &

m e e t f e l l o w T o a s t m a s t e r s

SEE YOU THERE!

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