Making | Magical | Memories
Making | Magical | Memories
Life is simple, it is us humans who love complicating it; sometimes with our expectations and sometimes with our aspirations. Life is beautiful 
A year back [7 May 23], I was officially elected as the District 98 Director and a week from now, the District Council shall elect my successor. This is gentle nudge to start planning my retirement from Toastmasters leadership. Am I supposed to be sad that my District leadership journey is coming to an end or be happy about the fact that I was given an opportunity to lead this amazing District and impact the lives of several individuals.
During the course of the last 30-odd days, I had an opportunity to attend the Division conferences across Jamnagar, Jaipur, Mumbai and Indore and meet so many of you in person. I had known many of you for several years but this was the first opportunity I had to interact with all of you in person. I appreciate the warm welcome I received at all these locations and how this amazing platform has brought our community closer.
The District Leadership Team does try its best to serve you; but sometimes we may miss the mark – which of course isn’t intentional. I apologize that during the program year, if at any point you believe you got an experience anything lesser than what you deserved. We always intend that you go back making great memories at all District events be it Power Up or the conferences and remember the magical moments you spent with fellow Toastmasters. Sometimes we don’t need photographs, because the experience is enough to take back with us.
The next big moment for us in this centennial toastmaster’s year is Eloquence happening less than a week from now and trust me, the experience will be nothing short of magical. When I reflect on this program year and my journey as the District Director, I want us to remember how we celebrated each other and helped each other ‘stretch’ beyond our comfort zones.
I am also happy to share the District Magical moments with all of you:
No. 6 in the world amongst Distinguished Clubs [No. 3 in Region 13]
No. 11 in membership payments [No. 2 in Region 13]
No. 7 in the world in paid clubs [No. 3 in Region 13]
No. 4 in the world in clubs with 20+ members [No. 2 in Region 13]
As a District, we have crossed the milestone for President Distinguished in terms of membership payments and Select Distinguished for Distinguished Clubs. We are collectively inching higher and higher on the charts. Every club, every DCP point, and every member brings us closer to the next success story. Remember to value the stem more than the flower.
The month of May had another personal moment for me when I was able to buy my own house and I want to share that with all of you. For a middle-class Indian, purchasing a place which they can call home is nothing short of magical and I was able to live this moment earlier this month. Maybe, I can make this my Toastmasters leadership retirement abode; just maybe.
What is the magical moment this year you wish to share with us?
#BeyondTheDashboard
Hardik Shah
District Director | District 98 | Toastmasters International