Tribune News Network
Doha
Balraj Arunasalam, DTM, only the third man of Asian origin to have been the International President of the 95-years old Toastmasters International, has urged people not to use their position as a source of power, but rather as opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people, especially in a service-oriented organisation as Toastmasters.
The eminent Sri Lankan entrepreneur was recently in Qatar to deliver a series of training sessions and keynote speeches. The highlight of his visit was his keynote speech ‘Position is not the Pinnacle’ delivered to an audience of more than 200 people, comprising both Toastmasters and non-toastmasters.
Arunasalam said a leader should be mindful of purpose. "Don’t lose sight of the purpose; the purpose is the starting point of your position,” he stated. Another point of emphasis was on humility. Humility is the key to humanity. He narrated an instance of an officer who had to perform his duty that demanded his presence despite serious circumstances back home.
Balraj said, "The first responsibility for a leader is to know duty over position” Another area of leadership was spotting and nurturing the potential of the next generation of leaders. "Identifying potentials of people is a priceless treasure,” he said.
District Director Rajeswar relinquished his term as district director. In his farewell address, he expressed gratitude for a great year of growth. "Our District’s first-year success story is unique; it is unprecedented. We, the toastmasters of Qatar, have indeed, created history.” In the very first year of inception, Qatar was the first ever and only Smedley Distinguished District in the world, and as of today, amongst the top.
Rajeswar attributed the entire success to members, who were his source of goodness, resilience, and hope. The leadership team imbibed with boundless optimism, and positivity was determined to succeed. "Throughout the term, many suggestions influenced me, guided me, and I remained as a student. This leadership role made me a better leader and more importantly, a better human being. I realize that becoming the District Director was a blessing in my life. My abundant gratitude to all,” Rajeswar said.
With more than 1,800 members in 74 clubs, besides more than 500 youngsters in 15 gavel clubs, Qatar is now a force to reckon with.
Taking the opportunity of Balraj’s visit, District 116 organised a leadership training for the newly elected district leaders. DTM Balraj engaged the audience with his sparkling sense of humor and rare counter-intuitive wisdom.
Balraj also visited several Toastmasters club in Qatar, including a couple of surprise visits. He touched the hearts of the toastmaster’s fraternity with his humility, down-to-earth approach, and patient response to all the queries posed to him. He gave individual feedback and inspirational advice to all those who had a personal interaction with him.
Doha
Balraj Arunasalam, DTM, only the third man of Asian origin to have been the International President of the 95-years old Toastmasters International, has urged people not to use their position as a source of power, but rather as opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people, especially in a service-oriented organisation as Toastmasters.
The eminent Sri Lankan entrepreneur was recently in Qatar to deliver a series of training sessions and keynote speeches. The highlight of his visit was his keynote speech ‘Position is not the Pinnacle’ delivered to an audience of more than 200 people, comprising both Toastmasters and non-toastmasters.
Arunasalam said a leader should be mindful of purpose. "Don’t lose sight of the purpose; the purpose is the starting point of your position,” he stated. Another point of emphasis was on humility. Humility is the key to humanity. He narrated an instance of an officer who had to perform his duty that demanded his presence despite serious circumstances back home.
Balraj said, "The first responsibility for a leader is to know duty over position” Another area of leadership was spotting and nurturing the potential of the next generation of leaders. "Identifying potentials of people is a priceless treasure,” he said.
District Director Rajeswar relinquished his term as district director. In his farewell address, he expressed gratitude for a great year of growth. "Our District’s first-year success story is unique; it is unprecedented. We, the toastmasters of Qatar, have indeed, created history.” In the very first year of inception, Qatar was the first ever and only Smedley Distinguished District in the world, and as of today, amongst the top.
Rajeswar attributed the entire success to members, who were his source of goodness, resilience, and hope. The leadership team imbibed with boundless optimism, and positivity was determined to succeed. "Throughout the term, many suggestions influenced me, guided me, and I remained as a student. This leadership role made me a better leader and more importantly, a better human being. I realize that becoming the District Director was a blessing in my life. My abundant gratitude to all,” Rajeswar said.
With more than 1,800 members in 74 clubs, besides more than 500 youngsters in 15 gavel clubs, Qatar is now a force to reckon with.
Taking the opportunity of Balraj’s visit, District 116 organised a leadership training for the newly elected district leaders. DTM Balraj engaged the audience with his sparkling sense of humor and rare counter-intuitive wisdom.
Balraj also visited several Toastmasters club in Qatar, including a couple of surprise visits. He touched the hearts of the toastmaster’s fraternity with his humility, down-to-earth approach, and patient response to all the queries posed to him. He gave individual feedback and inspirational advice to all those who had a personal interaction with him.