32nd session

We started our session today with our new Sergeant-at-Arms welcoming us all to the gathering, with a suitable quote.

President Aji Bhaskar, with his usual smiling demeanor, recounted to us the inspirational story of Sylvester Stallone's breakthrough movie "Rocky", how he persisted through adverse circumstances and found success.

TMOD for the day TM Chaitanya Khimji had chosen as his theme HEART AND MIND. He introduced every role-player with a critical decision that the person concerned had taken, with both head and heart, that had turned his life in a better direction.

Time-keeper MTM Rita Khimji familiarised us with the timing rules.

TM Ramalingam as Wordmaster introduced the word CONFLUENCE. Even TMOD's theme represented a confluence between head and heart, so the word was very apt for today.

Jokemaster TM Nagesh recounted a single humorous story but it was a good one and was appreciated by all and sundry.

There were two P2 speeches scheduled and TM Venkatesh described the evaluation criteria for both the speeches. Being P2 speeches, they were supposed to be structured, with clear opening, body and conclusion, and clear transitions.

The first P2 speech was delivered by TM Mathen "THINKING OUT OF THE BOX". He described instances of lateral thinking in practical situations and went on the comment how modern education was not in line with nurturing this skill. He further mentioned three specific ways in which this skill can be developed. A good speech overall.

The second P2 speech was delivered by TM Karthik "HOW THAT SUCCESS HAS CHANGED US." It talked about how the historic cricket win of India over West Indies pushed India into the international scene and popularised the game in India, with its good and bad fallouts. It was a nice speech.

Table Topics were hosted by TM Raja. He did an excellent job in coming up with topics related to the theme of head and heart, and the speakers had something to talk about confidently. Good topics, Raja.

TM Venkat and TM Rajat gave evaluation feedback respectively to the above two speeches.

The Harkmaster MTM Panna, quizzed everyone on the details mentioned in their speeches and I think the audience scored 8/10 in her test. Not bad for the audience.

General evaluator TM Kamil gave an excellent overall feedback, followed by President's closing speech. The group then broke for tea and snacks.

Awards for the day were:

Best Table speaker:       TM Rhea

Best Evaluator:             TM Rajat

Best Speaker:                TM Mathen

See you all again on 28.5.16