Movies are an integral part of an individual’s life. Movie is a media of expressing thought, talent and creativity. This may be true for people who form the caste in a movie but what about the other side of it? Movie goers, I mean people who watch movies. One is either a watcher or being watched, especially when you are a fresher or an amateur. This happens everywhere. Schools, colleges, offices, homes, playgrounds etc.
Year 2009 marked my debut in Toastmasters. I was totally engaged into it, leisure hours were for Toastmasters only. Announcement of any event would raise my curiosity. I would think about new faces I would be meeting at the event. Come year 2010 and there was the announcement of Division conference. In other parts of the Toastmastering Fraternity the Division conference happens to be a simple one day event whereas here in Jubail it is otherwise. It is a glamorous affair lasting for two days. The world champion of public speaking would be present, eye catching venue, sumptuous food, education workshop and array of trophies glitteringly decorated. Luckily I was a team members of the stage management team headed by Toastmaster Surendra Chari. The recipient of the trophies may feel proud of their achievement but managing such big a number ranging over eight to nine category was an equally challenging job. I learned a lot, handling them. Why is it said? “A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step” Is it to initiate walking? Is to motivate a person to start working? May be, because, with action accumulates experience and experience is all that matters.
Laminar flow of river in the plains goes unnoticed but the turbulent flow in the rocky terrain catches attention. Likewise a breaking news makes one realizes the gravity of time passed. The chairman for the division conference 2011 was announced. He was DTM Jagadeesan Kumar. I had seen him on stage and at a few gatherings but was never very close to him. Few days later I received a mail from him asking me if I can shoulder the responsibility of Chairman of Awards and Certificate Committee?
Having accepted the assignment, after attending two to three preparatory meeting I started sensing the level of commitment required. Collecting the information (category and numbers) about the awardees from the chairman of twelve committees, selecting the trophies and plaques, preparing a budget getting its approval from the Finance Committee chairman as well as the Division Conference chairman, placing the order, making the payment, receiving the consignment, engraving them flawlessly, shifting to the venue, arranging them appealingly and producing them when the awardee’s name is announced. A high level of teamwork would only cater to such conditions. My team had to stretch beyond its boundaries of comfort. “All is well that ends well”, the team was happy for all expectations were met.
Few days later after the conference, I gave DTM Jagadeesan Kumar a call, asking him what made him offer me the assignment?
He replied “I was watchful about your activities and assignments”. His watchfulness has helped me raise my bar, discover my potential and feel confident about myself. I consider myself lucky enough to be watched and spotted by him.
That year he had sponsored the "Petrokemya Toastmasters Club", fortunately it belonged to my area. I happened to be the Assistant Area-17 Governor (Education and Training). I never missed a meeting. Visiting his club brought us more closer and redefined our relations. Next year when I ran for the Area Governor election I was elected uncontested. We did not have any exchange of words, but behind the silent scene was his strong presence and over powering personality. Working with him has been a memorable experience and has helped me inculcate the trait of being watchful and offering the right role to the rightful person. Next time I will be there with the concluding part of the sequel.
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