By Abu Chulliyode
JEDDAH — Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) Talkmasters Club celebrated this year its outstanding achievement “the President’s Distinguished Club” award dubbed “the Perfect 10” along with their families. This is the highest ranking given to a club every year by Toastmasters International. It was first of its kind in ALJ Talkmasters history to honor achievers along with their families.
The gathering was held at Bombay D’Lites Hotel. Family members were agog to witness how their spouses were performing before the audience. Some speakers used the platform to impress on their wives the difficulty they had traversed and the transformation they had in terms of speaking and leadership skills. Whereas some speakers shared their spouses’ uneasiness when they were late in reporting back home by attending the Toastmasters meetings that triggered applause from the audience.
Club President Abu Kunnathadathil presided over the meeting. In his address, he expressed his profound gratitude to the management of Abdul Latif Jameel Company for its unflinching support towards ALJ Talkmasters Club. He also thanked members of the executive committee for their staunch support that stimulated his confidence to spearhead the club by conducting special functions and meetings with the participation of both Abdul Latif Jameel and Toastmasters dignitaries.
“We are proud to have attained this rarest ranking — the President’s Distinguished Club award with Perfect 10. It’s because of your commitment and untiring efforts, we have achieved this special citation from Toastmasters International,” he added. The president sought the continued support and cooperation of members and requested senior members to extend their expertise to newly joined toastmasters to meet their expectations.
The cake decorated by embossing ‘the Perfect 10 Celebration’ was formally cut by senior most member of the club DTM Rashid Ali along with club president and past presidents. “This evening is for us to cheer, cherish and celebrate with our educational achievers. I am proud to be part of this team,” Rashid Ali said while cutting the cake.
Immediate past Division G Director Muhammed Kunhi presented an overview of the major accomplishments of the present committee (2016-2017) and displayed the recognition received from the District 79.
He gave a detailed exposition of the educational goal set for achieving the highest ranking to members especially to families to know the extraordinary efforts played by members to achieve their goal. Complimenting the contributions of club members, he said, “It’s the true manifestation of our members’ dedication and hard work that resulted in attaining this highest ranking.”
Area 7 Director Basheer Ambalavan addressed the gathering and praised the efforts of the executive committee led by Toastmaster Abu for achieving the pinnacle of perfection i.e. the Perfect Ten well in advance! He thanked the committee for organizing such gathering that would cement the camaraderie and friendship among club members as well as their families.
Toastmaster Ken Kusunoki, vice president education, introduced all educational achievers before the audience and called on them to receive the gifts sponsored by the club for fulfilling the promise they made in completing the required speech and leadership projects in time.
Mohammed Kunhi was awarded for his triple-crown achievement. The president gave away prizes to all members who attained the recognition from Toastmasters International. Mentors of “Competitive Communicator” achievers were also honored with a gift at the event.
Each family was called to the stage and was given special gifts.
Felicitation speeches were given by DTM Rashid Ali, DTM Mohammed Haneef, Taher Afzal, Riyaz Sarang, Mohammed Sameer, Cijo Mathew, Abuzar Abul Qais, Suresh Parepalli and Shabnam Basheer.
Sergeant at Arms Lais Chalithodi welcomed the audience while Club Secretary Thameem Ansar proposed a vote of thanks.
