THE STORY OF HAREESH SUMATHY BHARGAVAN

Manoj Renadive and few others had just started their Toastmastering Career, they had just started moving and were trying to catch up the speed required before take-off.  There were no meetings conducted. Four meeting didn’t happen because of the absence of the club officers who had left Kayan. These budding toastmasters approached me and asked “Would the club open again? Would the meeting be conducted?”

I was requested by the former president TM Shabib Al-Sudairi to take the charge and move things. I started regrouping people. It was hard time. I was looking for someone who would really assist me in my efforts to reinstate the club. I approached Hareesh I asked him “I want you to help me.” He was quick but polite in replying “I will think over it”. I expected him to understand me but now the situation was reverse. I had to understand him. I went on approaching others slowly and slowly I was able to gather members. We started conducting meeting, it would be thinly attended. Sometimes I would redo my speeches and sometimes it would be Jamaan Al-Ghamdi. Sometimes it would entirely comprise of table topics. Few weeks later Manohar Rao went on exit. There was a void to be filled in soon. I requested Hareesh this is the time I need you badly. There is no time to think I want you to act, come and join me.

His gentle nod not only relieved me of my worries but also provided relief. Soon he was on to his job as the Vice president membership. Apart from membership he actively started assisting me on all fronts. In each and every meeting in whatever role I wanted him, he was there. Apart from being actively engaged in meeting roles. He was active in communication with Toastmasters International. Whether it was paying the club does, inquires about the non-receipt of manuals or dealing with the area committee.

He was quick on his communication and leadership track too. He was a man of planning, patience and perseverance. I still remember his speech on OIL SEAL DIAGRAM which sent the audience in to bouts of laughter. Having set the club on the track he preferred to give chance to the others. However he did not relax on his communication track. He continued his journey. Within a given target he completed his Advance Communication Bronze and helped the club get the President’s Distinguished Awards.

The club decided to conduct a Toastmasters Day to showcase Toastmastering to the Senior Management in Saudi Kayan. The ex-com chose Hareesh to take the lead, he was the Master of Ceremonies. DTM Khaled Matlagaitu’s speech was all and all about Hareesh. Like Jamaan he too added to the beauty of the program, which went on to be the talk of the town. He remains one of the strong pillars of Saudi Kayan Toastmasters Club who contributed in laying the foundation and in bringing success. Unknowingly I became his mentor and he, my mentee.

Only when one is lucky enough, he comes across a friend and colleague like Hareesh. I always say, I am lucky. Next time see you with another story. The story of Dr. Javed Ansari.