64th session

64th session.

Sent a shiver down my spine because my father developed a heart problem at the age of 64.

To top it all, theme for today was "How to break hearts".

I was very apprehensive, but I need not have worried. Trust RTC to come up with the youngest and fittest session ever. We started on time, sprinted down the track, and skidded to a stop at 4.55 pm, on the dot. We weren't even panting.

We had a brand new SAA today, TM Vishwa, who opened the session with a suitable quote and a lot of vigor.

President Aji Baskar delivered the welcome address with a cute story from Michigan where he described how a couple, in spite of terrible adversities, overcame them all came out shining in a sphere they had not foreseen earlier. Very inspiring, as usual; thank you Aji for that.

TMOD Ananth, the suave and smiling buccaneer, had announced the mysterious theme of "How to break hearts" with a build up of infatuations and scarlet gossip. Although he started in a proper hectoring tone like a priest about to sermonise, we soon realised that the subject was not really the heart but six inches lower - the stomach. Instead of blood, he was after our cooking oil, exhorting all of us to reduce or even forego oil in our food. An inspiring theme, TMOD, but next time, let's have some blood, shall we?

Timekeeper TM Alma introduced us to the timing rules, wishing all speakers the best. Sweet of you, TM Alma.

Wordmaster TM Mathen released the word STUPENDOUS for the day, and it scampered around the hall, jumping from lip to lip, lighting up sentences with its superlative sense. Thank you TM Mathen for an easy-to-use word that everyone, including the role players, found easy to incorporate.

Jokemaster TM Saleem was spaced out today as his humorous story unfolded in the cockpit of a jet. Very nice use of language, TM Saleem, and very smoothly delivered.

P-6 criteria were described by TM Panna, readying the audience for a demonstration of Vocal Variety. 

P-6 speech was delivered by TM Venkat, titled "6 bags". Based on his travails in the local gym as he toiled to convert his 6 bags to 6 packs, his speech was content-rich, humorous and ended with a health message. TM Venkat has a powerful voice and he did justice to the project criteria.

P-7 criteria were described by TM Aji, explaining the approach of a speech based on Research.

P-7 speech was delivered by TM Ramalingam, titled "Keep calm and drive green". Based on the inevitable movement of the mobile world towards non-fuel locomotion, TM Ramalingam painted a complete picture of current issues and future prospects supported by data. A good speech indeed, TM.

Table topics conducted by TM Raja found the speakers embroiled in matters of the heart, since the topics were in line with the theme. Doubtlessly, everyone had something to say on the subject, so it was a good basket to pick from, TM Raja.

Evaluations delivered by TM Panna and TM Aji were precise, to the point and motivating.

Harkmster TM Kavita was gentle on all, asking questions that could be answered fairly easily.

Grammarian TM Kaviya wielded her red pen with a fine but firm hand, covering as many issues as possible.

General Evaluator TM Rajat gave a glowing feedback. Time adherence had been impressive. TMOD had run the session beautifully. All role players had played like pros. What more could a GE want?

President Aji's closing smile was also beatific. What more can a President also want, except a session well-run? Let's move on to tea and snacks, he cried.

The awards were:

• Best Topic speaker:        TM Joy Mukherjee
• Best Evaluator:               TM Panna
• Best Speaker:                 TM Venkat

Next week's session on 4.2.17 is a club contest on Table Topics.

So please do come, as participant or audience.