TM Manmohan Sreedhar
Past President
Right after the ISC Toastmasters Club was chartered in mid-2009; there was a constant refrain from many to start an ISC Gavel Club as well. But then the members of the ISC Toastmasters Club had themselves not found their feet and the idea remained a dream. It was our founder President TM Jayaram Rai who was constantly reminding me about launching the ISC Gavel Club.
By early 2010, we at the ISC Toastmasters had found our feet and learned the ropes in the wonderful world of communications and leadership that the Toastmasters is all about. The time was ripe for the Gavel Club. We had no problems whatsoever organizing this as we were blessed with a wonderful club mentor in MTM Omana Kallarackal who also had a way with children. A great leader, with a penchant for organizing, she put together the club with practiced ease.
When later MTM Omana left the UAE for good, we did not have to look far as by then one of our own toastmasters MTM Hemaprabha Vinceley had fast evolved into a competent toastmaster in her own right and was more than willing to take up the mantle of Gavel club Coordinator. She was often helped along by many senior Toastmasters, particularly MTM Sujatha Parthasarathy, DTM Sunil Kottarathil and lately TM Alok Tuteja and many others who would drop by to help with the club activities.
It has been such a splendid experience and a great inspiration to work with the ISC Gaveliers. Most of the Gaveliers could easily give seasoned toastmasters a run for their money in all departments of public speaking. Such is the prowess that they have developed in all aspects of communication and leadership. In fact, I am personally witness to so many pre-teens metamorphosing from hesitant, shy and often terrified speakers into confident orators in the span of less than a year! I personally have drawn great inspiration from our Gaveliers and in fact, have learnt from them in so many ways.
My association with ISC Gavel club and their ebullient coordinator MTM Hemaprabha has been a wonderful and enriching experience. My heartfelt appreciation for all their efforts and wish them well with their maiden magazine that they have put together for the 100th meeting of the ISC Toastmasters.
Good Luck!
Past President's Message