Club no. 2888, Area 45, Div. C, District 20

BAHRAIN Est.: October 2001

“KALIEDOSCOPE” Official Newsletter of Karnataka Club Toastmasters

“Journey Towards Excellence”

July – September 2011; KCT SKYBIZ NEWS Vol. X – No.1 (For KCT member’s private circulation only)

THIS ISSUE FEATURES:

Presidential Message…………………………………………………………..….....2 “KCT- Down Memory’s Lane” ………………………………….…………………....3 Journey from KCT to DTAC’2011……………….…………………………………...4 From Past President’s Desk…….…………………………………………………...5 Women’s LIB………………….…………………………………………………….....5 Why we call a Ship “A SHE”………….…………………………………………….. 6 Experience the Difference…….………………………………………….................7 Editor’s Corner…………………………………………………………………………7 Photo Session………………………………………………………………………... 8

Executive Committee 2011-2012

• President TM Abraham Jacob Ph: 36383707 • VP Education TM Zeshan Beg Ph: 39451493 • VP Membership TM Ashok Kumar Ph: 39601257 • VP Public Relations TM Shahjahan K.K. Ph: 36254237 • Secretary TM Sanjay S.P Ph: 36410753 • Treasurer TM Joseph Andrade Ph: 39063953 • Sergeant-at-Arms TM Shenoy Antony Ph:39027492

Chief Editor TM Shahjahan.K.K. Ph: 36254237

Presidential Message Most people are mirrors, reflecting the moods and emotions of the times; few are windows, bringing light to bear on the dark corners where troubles fester. The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. -Sydney J. Harris Dear Fellow Toastmasters,

It gives me an immense pleasure to address our club members through this years’

very first issue of our ‘KALEIDOSCOPE’. As you all know, we the Karnataka Club Toastmasters have made a landmark both in its existence and its performance; we will be celebrating our 10th year of chartering in October 2011. At this juncture, amidst joy and jubilation, it is my pride and privilege to announce the celebration of the ‘DECENNIUM’ of our club on 20th October 2011. It is a time that we made known to world the success story of the Karnataka Club Toastmasters.

Looking back at the decade past, it is all too obvious that the Karnataka Club

Toastmasters has created not only many leaders but also good speakers; who have become adept in the art of communication and have excelled from club level to area, division and district and proved a success in their respective careers too! These skills radiate its light and direct not just Toastmasters but those who are closely associated with these members. Let us carry on this rich legacy in the coming days, months and years of quality education in communication and leadership training.

‘Journey towards excellence’ is the motto for the term 2011-2012. Let us strive to

reach excellence in whatever we do through toastmasters’ quality educational programmes.

Best wishes, Yours, TM Abraham Jacob President – Karnataka Club Toastmasters

Try not to become a man of success but a man of value. Albert Einstein

KCT – DOWN MEMORY’S LANE!! Karnataka Social Club, Bahrain, a widely acclaimed ‘family’ Club, at the turn of the millennium, was the first expat Club to plan and construct a building of its own for leisure and social activities. To run this Club efficiently, it needed responsible leaders. Some senior Club members felt this need would be met by starting a Toastmasters Club since Toastmasters are trained not only to be confident communicators but also in leadership skills through various administration roles and assignments. At that time in 2001, there were few Toastmasters Clubs and they could be counted on our fingers. In fact the first ever Toastmasters Contest in Bahrain was organized at Karnataka Social Club’s new premises. Since the Club had an ideal place on the top floor (“Skybiz”) for conducting such Toastmasters business meetings, Senior members of the Club gathered about 40 members from the Club’s faculty to put their heads and hands together to take-off with a Toastmasters Club. With due clearance from the then Managing Committee of K.S.C, an announcement was made for those who were interested in becoming members. A couple of meetings were held to brief prospective members and Karnataka Club Toastmasters was born at the premises with much funfare, chartered on 16th October, 2001, with TM Clarence Saldanha as the President. The Sponsoring Club for K.C.T. was the Indian Club Toastmasters. The Founder-Members of the Club were TM Ronald D’Souza (then President of KSC), TM Clarence Saldanha, TM Philip D’Mello and TM Rehna Pinto all of whom have contributed a good share in the formation of the Club and its continued success from inception – we had initial meetings at the “Skybiz” packed with a total of 40 Toastmasters then including 3 Toastmaster couples – such was the family touch at K.C.T.!! There was a trial Table Topics Session in the Hall on the inaugural day for the benefit of all guests and well-wishers present, when TM Felix Miranda, as the Table Topics Master had set the stables with some choice topics to some of the Charter members on inaugural Charter Day. TM Felix was happily on the podium putting forth a “hot” topic on “love” to yours truly, his first victim as the Table-Topics commentator! I gave it the best response I could in comments although I do not remember how I responded but in particular I remember the thunderous applause in encouragement at the end of it!! My mentor told me, I spoke well no doubt, but got carried away from the topic!!! Well, who wouldn’t go out of our boundaries for the first time and that too when you talk on a hot topic called ‘love’!! TM Felix and yours truly are the only two Charter members of the Club still active at KCT today. And so began my journey in Toastmasters in 2001 that has been an experience beyond my own imagination in different leadership roles and even beyond the past decade. My first experience in the Area level is as Secretary to Area Governor Mohamed Iqbal Butt, one of the oldest and charming veteran Toastmasters in Bahrain, during my first year as Toastmaster. Hence I had hands-on exposure to Toastmaster members of other Clubs right from the beginning, expanding my horizon further. From then on it has never been looking back. Being a Toastmaster has been a great pastime and a constant learning opportunity which has credited me with many friends from a cross-section of Society and helped me immensely in sharpening my communication skills. As TM Rufus Pinto once put it candidly in his introduction: “TM Joe eats Toastmasters, drinks Toastmasters and lives Toastmasters! Who wouldn’t when the benefits are there for all to behold! For sure, Toastmasters International is one organization which will take us miles and miles…… in our quest of confident communication. I would recommend all to make best use of any Toastmasters opportunity at their behest. Let’s walk together in that wonderful journey. TM Joseph Andrade

Journey from KCT to DTAC’2011

Speaking of the Jordan Experience my thoughts race back up and down the hills. The roads of Jordan gave me a roller coaster experience and the topography of hills and slopes filled me with breath taking views --- it’s unforgettable! On arriving at about 12.00 noon, we heard fighter jets screaming a deafening welcome and soon learnt it was the national day celebration. The roads were teeming with life and jubilation filled the air. I was bowled over at the Toledo Hotel when I parted the curtain to find an Al Baraka Hoarding on the opposite side of a busy street …. Fellow Toastmasters teased me saying ‘My work followed me to Jordan‘. I begged to differ saying ‘It welcomes me as an indispensable part anywhere I go.’ The Annual Contest of District 79 at the Landmark Hotel was a hive of activity. Representing KCT – Division C, I was full of energy and I must say the first round earned me applause, admiration and a place with the other contenders. I am happy to have carried the KCT banner all the way. I marched with it, danced with it and didn’t get tired posing for pictures holding it high. I have made my mark at Landmark, Amman Jordan and I am poised to be a contender who will keep the fire glowing and I am proud to say KCT – my Cradle Club will be proud of me for what I am. Among the several quotes that have come to my aid when I have had to convey my thoughts effectively. Dr Seuss’ quote “ Be who you are , do what you do, say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” has stood me good stance and I go by it any day any time and all the time. Three cheers to KCT on its 10th Anniversary. TM Jothi Ruben

You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind.

Author Unknown

From Past President’s Desk Dear Fellow Toastmasters,

It is indeed a great privilege to write in the 1st issue of Kaleidoscope for the new term 2011-2012. It is also our club’s 10th anniversary which will be celebrated on 20th October 2011.

I joined Karnataka Club Toastmasters “KCT” in 2006 and I can say without fear of contradiction that I have grown and developed as a person as a direct result of my involvement with KCT. I think we should never underestimate the power and influence which Toastmasters has on our lives even when we least expect it. The skills and confidence that you learn at Toastmasters stays with you always. That is the power of Toastmasters and that is something to treasure!

The new Executive Committee is a fantastic blend of youth and experience. I have full confidence in them and I congratulate them in advance for a job well done knowing fully that they will discharge their duties as club officers in an exemplary manner.

Happy 10th Anniversary KCT!

TM Lionel Mendonca Immediate Past President Karnataka Club Toastmasters

WOMEN'S LIB A woman has a man in it. A female has a male in it . A lady has a lad in it. Mrs. has a Mr. in it . She will always have a he in it, Whether she likes it or not TM Britto Rodrigo

First say to yourself what you would be;

and then do what you have to do. Epictetus

WHY WE CALL A SHIP A ‘SHE’ We always call a ship a ‘she’ and not without reason, She displays a well-shaped stern, regardless of the Season, And like a girl she needs the paint, to keep her looking pretty. There is always a great deal of Bustle around her There is usually a gang of men about; She has a Waist and Stays; It takes an experienced man to Handle her correctly,

And without a man at the Helm she is uncontrollable. She shows her Topsides, hides her Bottom, And when coming into Port always heads for the Buoys!

It is not the Initial expense that breaks you, it is the Upkeep;

She is greatly admired when freshly painted

and all decked out to emphasize her cardinal points.

A ship costs a lot to dress, Sometimes blows a bit of smoke, She requires periodic overhauls, to extend her useful life. Some have a cute fantail; others are heavy in the stern, All have double-bottoms which demand constant attention. When meeting head-on, sound a recognition signal; Whistle! If she does not answer up, come about and start laying alongside, But watch to see if she is slowing . . . Perhaps her slip is showing? Then proceed with caution until danger of collision is over, You can then fathom how much latitude she will allow. For love, she’ll brace the vast ocean, be she a tramp ship or liner, But if you fail to tie her fast, you sure that you will lose her, Be firm with her and she’ll behave, when clouds are dark above you, And let her take the water wave, praise her and she’ll love you. She scorns the man whose heart is faint and does not give him pity, She will take the roughest seas, and angry waves that crowd her, And in a brand new coat of paint, no girl looks any prouder, The ship is like a girl at that, she’s feminine and swanky, You’ll find the one that’s broad and fat, is never mean and cranky. On ships and girls we pin our hopes, we fondle and love them, And every man must know his ropes or else he cannot handle them, Yes, ships are lady like indeed, for take them all together, The ones that show a lot of speed, can’t stand the roughest weather.

That’s why we call a ship a ‘she’ !!!

TM Joseph Andrade

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

Science and Technology has evolved and surged ahead by leaps and bounds. With the emergence of new innovations you get almost everything at a touch of a button. There is no need to get out of the house or a 6x6 ft office cubicle. As a result, the need for speaking/talking has diminished. Presently SMS, emails, chat, and web browsing/networking are the common or ONLY ways of communicating. As a result physically & mentally one is in a shell. What a contrast to our great great grandparents who loved to roam meet people anywhere & everywhere. Instead of restricting or confining ourselves why not make use of these technologies to develop ourselves. Networking (building contacts) on the Web/Net is very very easy, but building contacts with people is very very tough. Toastmasters provides us a perfect platform to use technology and build a bond with people all around us, by developing communication / leadership skills and building a perfect camaraderie. It helps to break the psychological barrier that holds one from communicating confidently. The metamorphosis from a shy introvert to a confident communicator will begin once you have: 1} confidence – A true belief in oneself, as displayed by a young village boy who came with an umbrella, when all people decided and gathered to pray for rain. 2} trust – have faith in the club and its members, just as a one year old baby who when thrown in the air, laughs……because he knows you will catch him. 3} Hope – Yes I will succeed. Just as, in the night we go to bed with no assurance of getting up alive the next morning, but yet have made many plans for the coming day Be Confident, Trust others and Never lose Hope. George Bernard Shaw once said “The Illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read or write. The Illiterate will be those who cannot learn, Unlearn and relearn”. Technology will provide new vistas for communicating. But…….Speaking or Public speaking will always remain the best way of communication and for excellent camaraderie. TM Rufus Pinto ACS ALB

Editor’s Corner Fellow Toastmasters, it’s a pleasure for me to release the magazine for our first quarter. My sincere thanks to all those who have contributed for the success of the same. Let us keep this practice in future as well. TM Shahjahan K.K VP- Public Relations

Dear All, The members and the Ex-Com of Karnataka Club Toastmasters request the pleasure of your company to celebrate:

10th Anniversary of Karnataka Club Toastmasters On Thursday 20th October 2011 at the ‘Awtar Hall’ of Majestic Hotel, Juffair from 7.30 p. m onwards.

Together, let us make it a memorable day!

KCT Execom Induction & Group Photo