Toastmasters Movement Spreads its Wings: Two new clubs chartered in Bantwal, Shivamogga

Mangaluru, Apr 23: Toastmasters’ movement which began in Coastal Karnataka in 2002 with a single club in Mangalore has grown rapidly to install its 13th and 14th clubs of the Division in Bantwal and Shimoga respectively. The installation of these two new clubs in the hinterland settings indicates the growing popularity of Toastmasters clubs for enhancing one’s potential for success in personal and professional life.

Announcing the formation of the two clubs, Savitha Salian, the Division F Director said: “Toastmasters is an international organization having 357,000 members in 143 countries and its sole purpose is to help its members to develop public speaking and leadership skills. I am proud to say that our movement has now planted its flag in the neighbouring Bantwal region and in the beautiful Western Ghats wherein the first Toastmasters Club of Malnad region has been installed.”

The 13th Toastmasters Club of Division F at Bantwal is called Bantwal Speech Weavers Toastmasters Club. It meets every alternate Friday at Bantwal Rotary Bhavan. Dr. Shashikala Somayaji is the President and the office bearers are: Dr. Bharathi  Shetty (Vice President – Education), Vani Karanth (Vice President – Membership), Dr. Ashwin Nayak Sujir (Vice President – Public Relations), Gowri Shenoy (Secretary), Rithesh Baliga (Treasurer) and Rashma Alva (Sergeant at Arms).

The 14th club, called Shivamogga Toastmasters held its first charter meeting recently. The club had gained its international affiliation – known as the Charter – on 12th March 2019. Sharath, a chartered account, is the President of the new club, while the other office bearers are Piyush Balai (Vice President – Education), Pradeep (Vice President – Membership), Santosh S. S. (Vice President – Public Relations), Girish H. Y. (Secretary), Taj Mohamed Maqsood (Treasurer) and Narendra K. V. (Sergeant at Arms). The meeting venue of Shivamogga Toastmasters is Rotary Blood Bank, 100ft road, Vinayaka Nagar, Shimoga.

Toastmasters clubs host periodical meetings of about one hour duration. The Educom Coordinator of Toastmasters, Malini Hebbar explains: “During the club meetings the members learn effective public speaking and leadership through Toastmasters’ internationally successful learning modules. Toastmasters’ modules are based on self learning, members helping one another and maintaining friendly and encouraging environment.”

Chartering of a new Toastmasters club requires minimum twenty members. Sustained effort of a few months is required to mobilize the required member strength.

The 12 existing clubs of the division have been actively assisting people of different towns to form new clubs and strive for excellence in public speaking and leadership. The new club aspirants are provided guidance and mentoring. Demo meets too are held.

The two new clubs at Bantwal and Shimoga were born with the team work of Division Director Savitha Salian, Area Directors Kiran A. Vasant, Sridhar Kamath, Sujatha Kotian, Educom Coordinator Malini Hebbar, Past Area Director Shivani Baliga and Toastmaster member Oliver D'souza. Those interested in joining Bantwal Speech Weavers or Shivamogga TM club may contact: Shivani Baliga (9845915705), Savitha Salian (9740082814), Malini Hebbar (9845517164)