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ITC’S IMPRINTS
SEPTEMBER, 2014 EDITION 7
2
Editors’ Desk 3
Division Governor’s Note - Have You Realized Your Next Step? 4
District Webmaster’s Note - Leadership, Power and People 5
Area Governor’s Note - The Next Step 6
President’s Note - A True Leader 7
Note from Saro - Next Step in Leadership 8
Messages 10
In Language of Light 21
Achievers 25
Office Bearers 28
Contents
3
Espirit De Corps – This is the thought that we get when
we have a great fall. When life puts us down, the truth
hits us hard! There is no one to pick us up by offering us
a hand, especially when we have the mud trodden com-
bat shoes.
This is the spirit with which we began with the theme of
this newsletter. It was just a coffee cup idea by our team
that why don’t we theme it as Independence and see
how people relate to it.
And to our team’s astonishment, for every Toastmaster
of ITC the word ‘Independence‘, has a different value in
his/her life. We received motley of articles ranging from
the Country’s independence to self-independence.
Independence is something everyone should possess. It
is also everyone’s duty to ensure that all fellow beings
are bestowed with Independence But each of us have to
venerate the freedom given to us and not abuse it.
The value of independence is understood only when it is
earned. Liberty to express is with all, but to edit and pre-
sent is with a select few. And in this journey, we realized
that with great power comes great responsibility.
We, the editors, exult in the triumph of releasing this
edition of newsletter.
Editors’ Desk
TM Sneha Chamaria
TM Rajshree Nancy, CC,CL
TM Mohammed Feroz
ITC’s Imprints 7
4
Leadership and responsibility go hand in hand not only on the professional
front but also in our daily walk of life. For many it is power and authority where by
one gets to tower over others to get their way of thinking across. However there
are a few, who think otherwise, well these few are the ones that give the word
“LEADERSHIP” credibility.
Early in life as a youngster, I indeed was a part of the majority, who thought
leadership means leading people on
your terms and conditions. Little did I
realize that leadership rests on the
platform of mutual respect and integ-
rity. In the journey of life I did meet
the little few who showed me a com-
plete new dimension as to how an individual evolves as a true and potential leader.
Taking a cue from these learnings, I set foot to redefine my leadership style only to
face many difficulties along the journey of transformation. There were times, I want-
ed to quit so bad that even a snake would suddenly start to hear loud noises and see
images clearly. Well this is what happens when you have a momentary lapse of rea-
soning power but that was laid to rest when I met a young man who showed glimps-
es of brilliance as a young Turk towards leadership. I started moving towards him,
checking out to find whether he can or would he be an able leader who would better
me as a leader. I did give him opportunities to come out of his shell and to hone his
leadership skills. To my utter surprise he over shot my expectations big time and for
once I realized that the joy of leadership is not in leading people but in evolving and
nurturing youngsters as leaders who can add to the flavor of the few who are still
giving credibility to leadership without a doubt.
In a nutshell with my experiences in life all I would say is be a leader who
can lead from the front but make sure you end up evolving better and efficient lead-
ers that you will be proud of one day and that will in turn make the little few of to-
day end up a majority in the days and years to come.
Happy Mentoring Toastmasters!!!
DTM Rajeev ‘Tiger’
Nambiar
Division B Governor Fondly called by many as Tiger,
he has never hesitated to
acknowledge and provide op-
portunities to Infosys Toastmas-
ters, Chennai. He is role model
for every toastmaster as a lead-
er who serves by example.
“The joy of leadership is not in
leading people but in evolving
and nurturing youngsters as
leaders.“
Have You Realized Your Next Step?
ITC’s Imprints 7
5
Lot of people confuse Leadership with Power. When someone moves to a
respectable position in an organization or in a team, they think they have become a
Leader. They have some powers vested in them and they believe, ‘This is the crux of
a real leader!’
But they forget that, title and power doesn’t make someone a leader. It is
the passion to serve their disciples with the power vested in them that makes them
a true leader.
Anyone who has power vest-
ed in them has only two choices.
To be nothing and just boast
around
To be a leader whom people
admire
It was believed that only
people with power can be a leader; until people such as Mahatma Gandhi and Mar-
tin Luther King Jr. disproved the theory. Their lives taught us that, “you don’t need
to have power to become a leader. All that you need is a loyal following, focusing on
one particular goal”. The world then experienced a power shift and even weapons
were powerless in front of ‘People-Power.’
The next step in leadership is all about people. When a normal human cares
so much and works for the interests of people, that person will rise one day, to be-
come one of the greatest leaders that history has ever seen. Time is always precious
and wise men don’t waste it on others. But when someone spends time for the
betterment of others, it means they are not wasting time but rather investing time in
becoming one of the greats.
Leadership is not about boasting your achievements; it’s about letting the
achievement speak for you.
Leadership is not about power, it’s about people.
Leadership is not about you, it’s about us.
Vidiya Prasanth, CL
District 82, Webmaster
Vidiya is the PR Guru for Infosys
Toastmasters, Chennai. He is a
connoisseur when it comes to
Public Relations and marketing.
His very click on Photoshop
brings out posters of unparal-
leled creativity.
“When someone spends time for
the betterment of others, it
means they are not wasting
time but rather investing time
in becoming one of the greats.“
Leadership, Power and People
ITC’s Imprints 7
6
With the acquisition of IBM’s PC division and Google’s Motorola Mobility
unit, Lenovo is experiencing the thrill of becoming the world’s top PC producer. Yet
Lenovo can’t sit back!
It is taking the next step to stay dominant in a sector that’s likely to decline
globally. All the greatest companies, greatest teams and greatest leaders have taken
their next step. Change being the only constant, what got you here will not get you
there.
With increasing camaraderie
in the Toastmaster club, we must take
the next step to transition from a di-
rective leadership style to a lateral
leadership style. Although formal
leadership roles are given to individuals in a Toastmaster club, true leadership
comes from individuals whose suggestions and ideas are listened to and valued for.
So, let’s take the following steps:
When we see few members being disengaged from the rest, let’s take the
next step to find out the root-cause. Although members work towards the
common goal, different things motivate or switch us off. As a leader, let’s
make efforts to leverage individual strengths to ensure that everyone feels
part of the journey.
Often we see individuals losing the sight of their goals and get into their com-
fort zones. That’s when let us, as leaders, take the next step to connect the
dots, help the team realize the big picture and show the significance of every
individual’s contribution.
Acknowledgement is biggest soother. In Maya Angelou’s words “I've learned
that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but
people will never forget how you made them feel.” Let’s take the next step
and say a simple “thank you”, for it has a lasting impact.
Let’s take the next step to embrace lateral leadership, let’s truly lead!
Jaganath Panigrahi,
CL
Area B1, Governor .
Jagan, one of our chartered
members, focus, determination
and time management define
him. If you need a helping hand
in finance, he is the person you
should go to.
“Change being the only constant,
what got you here will not get
you there.“
The Next Step
ITC’s Imprints 7
7
Subhadip Banik,
ACB, ALB
President of Infosys
Toastmasters, Chennai,
Subhadip - A person who
brings out the best in you by
coaching you and pushing you
to be your best! A coach in its
truest essence !
Delegation, Power, Performance, Responsibility. . .
If these are some of the words in your dictionary that define the character
of a leader, then for me there is more to it. This has not been defined in any diction-
ary nor been summarized by a single word.
A true leader is not the golden capstone of the great pyramid – but the with-
ered, battered and shabby cornerstone that sits at the base hidden from sight, sup-
porting the weight of the magnificent
structure.
18 months back when I had
first walked into the ITC meeting, I
was enthralled by the speakers who
took to the stage. That time I knew I would join, and I did. Soon, Arun, the past area
governor, literally hand-held and mentored me in the path of leadership. Starting
from club membership campaign chair, club & area contest chair, to my VPE role, to
being the Division OTP Chair. Stepping aside, he gave me the opportunity to walk
that path of adversities to learn, supporting me when my legs wobbled, patting my
back when I stood strong. The Division OTP chair eventually earned me the High Per-
formance Leadership award too.
Today, I try to give that same opportunity to all my club members.
For me, a leader is one who takes every responsibility for the love of it, one
who grabs every opportunity for his companions before grabbing them for himself,
one who appreciates and has the guts to step down when needed. For me, ‘there is
more than flesh behind the mask’ of a true leader, ‘there is an idea’.
And above all this, a true leader’s greatest character is the will of servitude.
“There is more than flesh behind
the mask of a true leader, ‘there
is an idea’.”
A True Leader
ITC’s Imprints 7
8
DTM Saro Velrajan
A passionate mentor. A differ-
ence maker. He is the one who
shall help you mold yourself in
ways you would have never
thought of ever before .
It was September 2006. I stepped into my first Toastmasters meeting as a
guest, without having any clue about what is destined for me. Looking back, I’ve
gone through a tremendous transformation in the last 8 years due to Toastmasters.
Like most people, I too joined Toastmasters to improve my speaking skills. However,
what was in store for me was much more than that. If you are wondering “What
should be your next step in Toastmasters leadership journey”… don’t worry, the
next steps will automatically start ap-
pearing in front of you. Because,
Toastmasters is the place where
“Leaders are MADE”.
My leadership journey in
Toastmasters started from Jan 2007, when my club President asked me to take up
the role of a Sergeant at Arms (SAA). Since then, there was no looking back. I served
several roles at the club level such as SAA, VP Membership, VP Education and Presi-
dent. Until I became the President of a club (and in fact, even after becoming the
President of the club) I did not know the difference between the Area, Division &
District. I was contended with the skills that I gained by serving several leadership
roles at the club level. I was wondering “What more is there in leadership?”
One fine afternoon in Jan 2011, DTM Lalitha Giridhar called me and asked
me to be her Asst. Area Governor and help in mentoring some of her new clubs such
as Amazon Toastmasters. Till that time, I had never taken time off from work for
Toastmasters activities. With some hesitation, I signed up for the role. I told my boss
that I’ll be leaving early on Thursdays for the next 6 months to mentor a Toastmas-
ters club. He said, “I’m OK with it. But, make sure that it doesn’t affect your work”.
The experience that I gained by mentoring a club was unmatchable. For 6 months in
a row, I religiously attended Amazon Toastmasters Club meetings. I started feeling
that I’m making a difference in others’ journey in communication and leadership.
“Leadership is a never-ending
journey. You don't have to plan
your next steps.”
Next Step in Leadership?
ITC’s Imprints 7
9
DTM Lalitha gave me the freedom to perform and groomed me to become an Area Governor in the follow-
ing year. However, in May 2011, fate decided to make me a Division Governor, instead of an Area Governor. There
were large shoes to fill as a Division Governor, because the role was traditionally played by veteran Toastmasters in
Tamilnadu. With the support of a number of enthusiastic volunteers (with and without titles), my Division Governor-
ship turned out to be a memorable leadership experience for me. It didn’t stop there—Program Chairman for Ovation
2013, District 82 Chief Judge, and the journey continues.
In Toastmasters, “Leadership is a never ending journey”. You don’t have to plan your next steps. If you are
waiting at the station wondering “Which train to board, next”, an arm will pop-up from a high-speed moving train
and pull you into the train. In no time, you’ll be into a remarkable and exciting leadership journey. But, make sure
that you are in the station :)
Next Step in Leadership?(Contd.)
ITC’s Imprints 7
10
Messages
11
Mohammed Safi
Table Topics Champion of Divi-
sion M, Mohammed Safi, a
calm, composed dynamic, who
has enthralled us with his grasp
of the wide range of topics he
has spoken on impromptu.
When I entered the club level contest at ITC, I had no idea that I was
starting on a roller-coaster ride. The challenge in the table topics is that you have to
construe the topic, hit on an opinion and find a fitting way to start your speech. All
this has to be done in a matter of few seconds. For me, the vital part in the prepara-
tion for the table topics was to have an opinion on every possible topic right from
‘smile’ to ‘global warming’ to what not! Brainstorming was one of the most effective
ways of preparation for me. Talking and listening to people on diverse topics helped
me form an opinion.
Speaking at a regular meeting
and a contest are different ball games.
Until I participated in the contests, I
was relishing the comfort zone ITC gave me. I was always swimming on the tried and
tested. All of a sudden, I was let into an ocean which encompassed blue whales. I
also had the opportunity to listen and learn from an array of world class speakers in
the conferences. I had an opportunity to watch 2 world champions, live in action.
Losing in the semifinals of the District contest was heartbreaking, but I have
to admit that I enjoyed and learned during every stage of my journey. I learnt more
about “how not to speak” than “how to speak”. My friends at ITC had more belief in
me than I had on myself. Attributing my success to the team effort and the selfless
hours spent by the members of ITC would be the best way to show my gratitude to
them.
Thank you, ITC.
“I learnt more about ‘how not to
speak’ than ‘how to speak’.”
Danke!
ITC’s Imprints 7
12
Rashmi Ramesh
Table Topics Runner Up of Divi-
sion M, Rashmi Ramesh, an
effervescent lady who gives you
stunning revelations and in-
sights about anything under the
sky or even beyond.
My first ever Table Topic was about getting your idea out to the world be-
fore someone else does it for you. And as soon as I took to the stage, the adrenaline
rushed, my thoughts found a voice and I made a point. That was my first dose of
what a high being in Toasmasters and taking on the challenge of facing a Table Topic
head on and I’ve been on that high ever since.
After that initial attempt I thought I should give it a rest for a while. But
then came an announcement, we were having a Table Topics contest. Now I knew
that I’d only taken part in a single table topics session so far, I knew there were far
more experienced TMs contesting, and I also knew that I’d be damned if I didn’t give
it a try! A week later I was hurrying
from my cubicle, to the contest, hav-
ing paid my fees, become a TM, and
registered, I was now eligible for the
contest. I reached in the nick of time
just as the ISC was about to finish. And
with my second TT that day, I became
the runner up at our Club contest. With a lot of help and training from TMs like
Sandeep, Subhadip and Jagan, I managed to pull off the same feat at the Area and
Division levels as well.
But despite being the unknown face who stormed the stage for the TT con-
test, a war raged inside me, at having lost to the same person TM Mohammed Safi,
at all three levels. That is when I asked myself why I was failing to make the same
impact. When proving he was the champ, Safi reminded me that both of us win be-
cause we present different individual perceptions on the topics given. While I would
always choose the light hearted, interactive approach to TT, he took a philosophical,
deeper approach. My approach wouldn’t work for him or vice versa.
In the end, my TT contest journey, helped me grow manifolds and reminded me that
if you be yourself and give your all to things you are passionate about, you win no
matter what!
“As soon as I took to the stage,
the adrenaline rushed, my
thoughts found a voice and I
made a point.”
TT, TT and TT again
ITC’s Imprints 7
13
Disclaimer: If you think that the following passage has anything to do with our Inde-
pendence struggle, you are definitely going to be disappointed!!!
The parents of the twins - Kanya and Dhanya - were very happy. They gave
their two little girls everything: a good home, nutritious food, healthy lifestyle, quali-
ty education and the most important of all ‘independence’.
Kanya and Dhanya were two very happy kids, carefree and smart. They
weren’t toppers but were average Janes in their academics.
It was the summer of ’05.
Fifteen year olds, Kanya and Dhanya
had befriended Paula. Paula was a
mischief maker, intelligent yet some-
thing was holding her back from
attaining her full potential. She lived
with her uncle and aunt. Her mum and dad were out in foreign lands, minting mon-
ey. They felt that somehow providing a lot of money to Paula would make her for-
give them for not being with her at all times.
Paula got acquainted with a few junkies in her neighborhood. She was ad-
dicted to drugs. Her intelligence saved her from getting caught in school. Now, she
had finally found two girls as mischievous and daring as herself, Kanya and Dhanya.
As days passed, Kanya fell prey to drugs, thanks to Paula. Dhanya, when she realized
what Paula and Kanya were doing to themselves, told her parents.
Present:
Dhanya is a school teacher, happy and contended with her life. She visits
Kanya’s grave every year to pay her respect to her deceased twin. Kanya, failing to
overcome her addition, resorted to suicide!
A sober Paula is now an author of crime novels.
Even if full freedom is given to us (in every way available) what matters is: do we use
it or abuse it? Food for thought!
Archana C. V.
Queen of all trades - A singer, a
dancer, a reader, a writer.
When you are around her, your
IQ level will just sky-rocket.
ITC’s Imprints 7
“Even if full freedom is given to
us (in every way available) what
matters is: do we use it or abuse
it?”
In-dependence
14
Is doing what we want, called independence? Is living the way we like, called independence? Independence is, to an extent, doing what we love, living the way we like. But, True Independence is to live as we like, with the responsibility that we need to respect other's freedom, with the responsibility that our deeds do no harm to others. Are we truly independent? No. We are slaves of money. We are slaves of opportunity. We are slaves of greed. We were given independence not to bribe. We were given independence not to commit a crime. We were given freedom not to segregate people based on castes, religions and status. We were given independence to safeguard freedom. We were given independence to im-prove as a nation, not as an individual. We were given independence to do good for us and others. We were giv-en independence to stand for what is right. When we see crimes being committed, we either "stand and watch" or "turn and run". What is the use of building muscles in the gym when we do not have the guts to stand against crimes? We are not an independent nation, not yet. Here, Money has the independence, not the people. A nation is independ-ent only when every citizen of the country enjoys equal opportunities. It was not only Mahatma, but thousands of others joined him in the battle against slavery. Now, we have the responsibility to stand together against crime, against discrimination, against corruption and to give our children the true inde-pendence. A single man cannot win a war, but an army of strong minded people can win any war. Let's pledge to bring home the true independence. Let's respect independence, enjoy independence, and safeguard independ-ence. Glory be to Mother India.
Jai Hind!!
Arul Joseph
Runner up in the Humorous
Speech contest. Shy though
remarkably talented. Sincerity,
dedication to learn with a comic
sense is what defines Arul.
ITC’s Imprints 7
“True Independence is to live as
we like, with the responsibility
that we need to respect other's
freedom, with the responsibility
that our deeds do no harm to
others.”
What is Independence?
15
15th of August- India’s Independence Day, was long awaited for more than 200 years and it finally led to the spectacular sight of unfurling of our flag
with no restrictions. Undoubtedly, it was the biggest day in the history of our nation. But I have a little different take on this. This day actually embarked complete inde-pendence for years to come and generations to follow. So just don’t wait for this day alone to express homage and choose oblivion for rest of the year. Each day is equally important. In fact, consider this day a means to instill cognizance into our senses about our true strengths, valor, and capabilities.
Walking down the path that one has chosen for oneself is inde-pendence. And if one is still bewil-dered with what one can achieve or stuck up at a wrong place in career, just keep trying because trying is pro-gress. Being able to express and stay-ing true to oneself is independence. One of the greatest scientists that world has ever witnessed, Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had aptly said- “Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of the Mount Everest or to the top of your career.” That’s true independence, be-cause if one doesn’t push oneself to try things in order to be successful by valid means, then what’s the point of being independent? So break the shackles of disbe-lief, rise above the fear of failure, endure obstacles and hardships with a determined approach, and be audacious in your thought process and dare to dream.
Spreading love is a quality but being loved is a gift. So embrace this combi-nation with a smile and help yourself by being ambitious and successful. It’s the least that can be done to complacently call yourself independent. Are you?
Aman Dua
A jovial happy-go-lucky who
takes life as it comes . You never
know what he may roll out from
his sleeves!
ITC’s Imprints 7
“Break the shackles of disbelief,
rise above the fear of failure, en-
dure obstacles and hardships
with a determined approach.”
Independent…..Are You?
16
Mom: “Happy Independence Day to all!!”
Daughter: “Are you sure Mamma, it is for all??”
Mom: “Why not?? It is, Richa!!”
Daughter: “But how ma? What does it mean?”
Mom: “We are freed from the British’s rule and are independent to decide and act
freely!!”
Daughter: “Then what about independence at home? Why are we not able to de-
cide and convert our thoughts into actions without restrictions?”
Mom: “What do you mean?”
Daughter: “Simple ma, let me explain!
Mothers are not allowed to fulfill their
wishes, their dreams, and are made to
sacrifice for their family!
The daughters are not allowed to go
and play with all, after a certain age
and time!
Also, every woman is dependent on their family in some way or the other,
First on their father, next on their husband, finally on their son!!”
Mom: “But Richa…”
Daughter: “Wait Mom, I didn’t complete. We still have the freedom to speak!! Don’t
we?
Why do women after marriage, go to their in-laws house, and are made to leave
their own house?
Why is the girl suppressed on the very first day of her marriage?
Why don’t they stay in a joint family?”
Mom: “No Richa, it’s a custom and we cannot avoid it!”
Daughter: C”ustom?? Who introduced it ma? Did the Britishers’ introduce it? “
Mom: “No, it was introduced by our people.”
Daughter: “Then fine, it’s now clear ma, we not only need this current so called
‘Independence Day’ alone! But a real freedom of thoughts! Freedom of actions! “
Freedom for living!!
Chitra
Subramaniam
Chitra, the chirpy Sergeant at
Arms. Always bouncing here
and there thus justifying her
roles of SAA. You should watch
your steps around her.
ITC’s Imprints 7
“We not only need this current so
called ‘Independence day’ alone!
But a real freedom of thoughts!
Freedom of actions!
Freedom for living!!”
Are We REALLY Independent?
17
Life laughs at you, when you are unhappy
Life smiles at you, when you are happy
But, Life salutes you, when you make others happy…
Independence - this word lies within you. It is you, who has to decide the
meaning of Independence. In this century, everyone needs to be independent.
15Th August, 1947 - India’s Independence Day. The time when we achieved
independence, we were not alive.
Indian freedom fighters fought for
common people like us, so that we
can breathe life of our own rather
than being ruled by Britishers.
I feel people should fight at
the right moment, at the right time to
get what they value the most. Way of
being independent in life is different for different people.
My idea about independence is to have aim in life and to work hard in order
to achieve it. My parents, my friends help me to be independent in work and in my
thoughts .In my understanding, independence help us to make decisions in life.
Your independent thoughts can be an inspiration for others and for yourself in order
to reach new heights.
It’s rightly said that “Charity begins at home”. Being independent or having
independent thoughts and point of view will happen when you try to have it in your-
self. Try to improve yourself and then people will automatically get motivated by
your thoughts and living standards.
A winner should move towards one target, one direction, one intention
and one decision. Jai Hind!
Dhanashree P.
Pophali
A lady with a serene smile who
shall charm you with her
thoughts and indomitable voice.
She is currently serving as the
Secretary of our club.
ITC’s Imprints 7
“Your independent thoughts can
be an inspiration for others and
for yourself in order to reach
new heights.”
Independence Day
18
Everyone around applauded as the mother’s cry of pain slowly faded away and the
child’s scream pierced through the ears of those in the surrounding. The loving
touch of womanhood and the warm sense of care and affection showered on the
little baby saw happiness prevail; but not for long, as chaos and confusion reigned
supreme in raising the little child up.
He grew up to be an angry, arrogant and an adamant little chap. He considered it
cool to mend the rules; he hurt the
innocent and considered it to be not
so significant; he wore an air of pride
as his cloak and never gave up on his
smoke; he drank like a fish and ended
up without even spelling his final wish
as he rode as fast as he could in his
new bike after booze and breathed his last as a speeding bus thrashed him to piec-
es.
Can you imagine the plight of the mother who gave birth to this child? The mother’s
name is India. We are her children. Unfortunately, we are killing ourselves, exposing
us to the whims and fancies of this materialistic world, not realizing the fact that all
is not permanent.
As Mother India gave birth to an Independent nation, the entire nation rejoiced. But
what followed was a complete mess. We have abused and assaulted the freedom
that we have received and the remains of what used to be called a great nation is on
the verge of being fed to the dogs. We are definitely worth more than that. Free-
dom is for all and the greater good of this Independence that we have attained is
Hugh Conan Doyle,
CC
A soft spoken TM with humor
as his comrade, he will leave
you wondering for days.
ITC’s Imprints 7
“Freedom is for all and the greater
good of this Independence that we
have attained is meant to be cher-
ished and not to be misused. “
Mother
19
It’s said that a good start is a sign of good finish, but that might not always
be true. Our independence triggered one of the biggest unfavorable human migra-
tions in world’s history in the name of partitioning of British India, where up to 17
million people were relocated to India and Pakistan with loss of lives of over million
people.
Before the pains of partition healed, a semi-automatic pistol called Beretta Model
1934, came in the wrong hands and did an inconsolable blunder. The New York
Times described it as “GANDHI IS
KILLED; INDIA SHAKEN, WORLD
MOURNS.”
Not a good start for one of the world's
oldest civilizations . But time is the
best healer and we have added a lot
of feathers to our hat.
We are a vibrant democracy where a
tea vendor can aspire and become the PM of this nation. May the god NAMO Nara-
yan bless this country! The nation has 25% women in the cabinet which is a big leap
of improvement.
I am just a chunk of metals and semiconductors, and I am experiencing a novel jour-
ney in a hardly explored passage, where I am cruising at an unimaginable speed for
the last 10 months. After my journey, the real work for me starts where I explore
the planet called MARS. Yes, I am Mangalyaan. In another 20 days, ours will be 4th
country which had successfully completed the mars mission.
Friends, we have everything and anything can be achieved with the talented heads
in this country. Super power by 2020 and veto power are just mile stones and we
are much more capable than that. What my little grey matter suggests is we are lag-
ging in individual discipline and courtesy which is a major ingredient which we need
to add more to our endeavors.
Mahesh Kumar P
A repository of facts—he has
“The Hindu” for breakfast. He
can co-relate north pole and
south pole. He brings in variety
of flavors to the table .
ITC’s Imprints 7
“We are a vibrant democracy
where a tea vendor can aspire and
become the PM of this nation. May
the god NAMO Narayan bless this
country! “
A Bad Start...
20
India, 1947 It was August 15, 1947. Mother India was celebrating independence from
imperialist rule of British colony which existed for almost two centuries. Now her
child is 67 year old, having grown up with many up’s and down’s in her stride.
Celebrating with Pride On August 15 2014, pumped with glory and pride, I was dressing up in an
ethnic attire of saffron shirt and white dhoti with green stripes, representing our
tricolor. I was so immersed in the pride of our Independence Day that when I sang
the national anthem I could feel the goose bumps which left me feeling ecstatic and
patriotic.
Life with no value Post August 15 celebrations, I continued with my usual life.
No discipline for traffic rules, even lesser concern for environmental issues, corrupt
government officials; ignorance
about cleanliness in my vicinity, not
valuing the respect of joint families.
Soon, I found myself pon-
dering, ‘Is celebrating Aug 15 every
year, real patriotism? Is it real inde-
pendence?
No, came the answer within me. And hence came, alternative dimensions
of patriotism!
What independence is to me? Aristotle asserted “A civilized society is one where good people become
good citizen”
‘Who is a good citizen?’ obsessed me. It is more about love you show to
your nation. Many people say love must be expressed; but when I understood what
love really is, I realized it is more about doing.
You have to undertake endeavors and make efforts to fulfill what your na-
tion needs and wants.
Even if you follow simple traffic rules and do not dump wastes in public
places, it is more effective patriotism.
That’s what the real independence is to me as a citizen and individual.
Rammohan Raja
A complete techie with an un-
paralleled enthusiasm towards
speaking and learning. A metic-
ulous planner and a leader to
watch out for.
ITC’s Imprints 7
“You have to undertake endeav-
ors and make efforts to fulfill
what your nation needs and
wants.”
Requisite of a Good Citizen
21
August 19, 2014. My flight was approaching the east coast of United States of Amer-
ica, with the Boston skyline rising on the flights window, flecked with spots of light,
the delightful light of an upcoming life. Quarter century of being at home, under the
care and dependence on parents, the new life was inviting me with open arms like
the outstretched path of the oncoming runway. It was time for me to shed the co-
coon, to shed the overgrown auxiliary roots and to embrace freedom. No more ex-
cuses for sleeping in late, no more excuses for turning up late and no more excuses
for the sloth off late. It was time for me to unfold the wings and stretch the limbs
and smell in freedom.
I disembarked the steel bird to embark on my journey of freedom and here is my
first taste of it. It was unexpected, bewildering and uncomfortable. My eyes scanned
for the representative from Indian
Student Organization, who was to
receive me at the airport and take
me to my temporary accommoda-
tion. It took about 10 minutes to
recognize him. It was during these
10 minutes, my sense of independ-
ence came crushing down on me. From that moment on, I somehow knew my life is
not going to be independent; rather it shall always be dependent on someone or the
other.
Dependent on parents for sustenance, on other Indians for support, seniors for
counsel and roommates for deliverance. It was a total undoing of independence. My
quest for independence has led me to a maze of dependence, coming out of which
will be a spectacular parody of independence in itself.
Now I realize, Independence is a state of mind. As with everything else, we have it
right inside us and we search for it like the rainbow in the sky, it is always in the
horizon but not reachable. It is just out there, just sense it. Don’t try to handle it in
your hands; you will not be able to hold it.
Sandeep Kumar CC,CL
A meticulous planner with an eye
for details, Sandeep is the pillar
who has provided unparalleled
support in the making and uphold-
ing of the brand ‘ITC’.
ITC’s Imprints 7
“As with everything else, we have it
right inside us and we search for it like
the rainbow in the sky, it is always in
the horizon but not reachable.”
Rainbow Parody
22
Many people sacrificed their life to gift an Independent India at the cost of their sweat and blood. It makes me more responsible to do something for my coun-try not by dying but by living. While I was soul searching, I got a fitting call on the month of Independence from our dear Prime minister to do my bit through country's flagship pro-ject "Digital India". IT-Rural is my fa-vorite research topic and my pas-sion. A mission mode project started in the year of 2000 with mission of digitally connecting all panchayats of the country. What is Digital India? Digital India aims to empower a common man by touching all spheres of life. Agriculture is one among them. If India has to become developed it's only possi-ble when we develop our villages by empowering farmers. The ground realities of farming are low productivity, low profitability, and difficulty in doing farming and sprinkled with spate of farming suicide, droughts and obsolete extension system. Through my research with IT-Rural and interacting with around thousand farmers I understood that Information and communication tech-nology got the potential to transform Agriculture sector through ICT driven exten-sion system. The more I think about transforming Agriculture through ICT, the more impassioned I become to see the day when my co-citizens appreciate the piece of Agricultural land not by real estate value but by esteem in doing farming with latest & accurate Information. If nature allows me I'll definitely witness the rare moment with a sense of accomplishment. One thing is for sure I'll ensure that I have carefully placed the right brick in the right place, so my future generations can build a better castle called a better India!
Jai Hind! Vandematharam!
Vishnu Kumar
ACB, ALB
A resilient fighter whose life’s
dream is all about the develop-
ment of the farmers which he
lives through his association
with IT –Rural.
ITC’s Imprints 7
“Digital India aims to empower a
common man by touching all
spheres of life. Agriculture is one
among them.”
My Two Cents
23
In Language of Light
24
25
26
27
Achievers
28
International
Speech contest - Club
level - Feb 2014 winner.
Represented club in area
level International
Speech Contest.
Club Runner Up in Evalu-
ation Contest
International Speech
contest - Club level - Feb
2014 1st runner up
Represented club in area
level International
Speech Contest.
Club , Area, Division
Winner in TT Contest.
Represented division in
the District Semi-finals
Table Topics contest
29
Club, Area, Division Run-
ner Up in TT Contest.
Club Winner in Evalua-
tion Contest.
Club Winner in the Hu-
morous Speech Contest.
Club runner up in the Hu-
morous Speech Contest.
30
Office Bearers
31
President TM Subhadip Banik
Vi c e P r e s i d e n t—
Education
TM Mohammed Feroz
Vice President - Mem-
bership
TM Sudhasarath So-
masundaram
Vice President - Public
Relations
TM Sneha Chamaria
Secretary TM Dhanashree Prashant
Pophali
Sergeant At Arms TM Chitra Sambasubrama-
nian
Treasurer TM Rajarajeshwari K
Immediate Past Presi-
dent
TM Vidiya Prasanth
Editorial Team
Sneha Chamaria
Rajshree Nancy
Mohammed Feroz
Special Thanks to
Jagannath Panigrahi
Sai Venkateshwaran S
Subhadip Banik
Vidiya Prasanth
We meet every Wednesday, between 4:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Piraeus, B5