A GENTLE BREEZE PASSES AWAY LEAVING BEHIND THE FRAGRANCE FOR EVER – C M DANIEL , DTM

A GENTLE BREEZE PASSES AWAY LEAVING BEHIND THE FRAGRANCE FOR EVER

By TM Neil Antony Gonsalves (District 121 Public Relations Manager)

             A gentle breeze passes away leaving behind the fragrance for ever. On November 5th 2020, the toastmasters fraternity in south asia woke up to the very sad news of  DTM Daniel, fondly called as dear Daniel sir was no more. A Toastmaster for over three decades, who began his toastmastery in the gulf and later upon reaping his harvest had managed to plant the seeds for the toastmasters movement in kerala in 2004. Kochi toastmasters club, founded by Daniel sir and his friends DTM George mathai, DTM Joseph Lukose, TM Paul Manjooran and TM A.O Thomas has since been the flagship toastmasters club in kerala.The club has played an active role in the growth of toastmasters in the region. One of the charter members of the club DTM Dr Sabu Sebastian recalls that the two main pillars who gave Kochi Club its character and strength were DTM Daniel and DTM George Mathai. While DTM Daniel was the benevolent face as the founding President, DTM George Mathai  brought quality into the club as the founding VP Education. Both worked in a complementary manner and with the support of other founders DTM  Joseph Lukose, TM Paul Manjooran and TM AO Thomas attracted new members and laid the foundation of the Toastmasters movement in Kerala.

He was 100% devoted to Toastmasters, he was empathetic, a consesus builder, always with a helpful & positive attitude says DTM Joseph Lukose, Sometimes, I felt he was the most expensive toastmaster in Kerala as it is difficult to fill the void created by his passing away. When I say these things, I have several reasons to support –  For example, we could rely on him when we needed any help, be it in attaching our club to the District during the formative years, or giving an Educational Session, or sorting out club’s administrative issues or even for organizing  a sponsorship.  His advice was always so well thought out and helpful. A firm believer of  Ralph C Smedley’s quote “we learn best in moments of enjoyment” according to DTM Joseph lukose , the toastmasters community in Kerala owes everything that we are today to the ever smiling, charming and truly loveable person DTM Daniel.

I found him to be one of the most gentle, kind, considerate, compassionate human beings that I have ever come across says DTM Deepak Menon, The immediate past International President. Our International Director DTM Sudha Balajee remembers the conversation which she had during a conference with Daniel sir and the story he shared with her. “He met 3 people who were working with bricks and Stones. He went and asked one of them. “What you are doing”. He said “ I am doing this as my livelihood” . He went to the second person. He said “I am just building a wall”. The Third person said “I am working with my team for doing something for the organization for which I serve””. That he could connect directly with Toastmasters. He said “ Some of them come here just to do their bit of learning and go off. Some of them achieve with regard to their educational goals and go off. But there are some who stay back and contribute to this movement.” and DTM Daniel was a leader who stood by the movement till the end.

Daniel sir had been a father figure to many and mentored many toastmasters along his journey in toastmasters, one of his proud mentee and our District 121 Director DTM Nirmala Lilly with deep sorrow recalls her association with Daniel sir for the past twenty years as a dear friend whose vaccum which can never be filled. According to her, He was the reason for what she is today. she states, I am shell-shocked and shattered. The pain that I am going through is so intense like I lost a family member. It was his ardent wish that I must become the District Director. He was a very accommodative person, maintained very close bonds with each and every one. I wonder if anyone had seen him get angry. He was always very cool, calm and composed and ever-smiling. I personally know the people whom he had helped in their studies and employment. A true Philanthropist who never wanted others to know of his acts of kindness, He used to empathize with people beyond their expectations. His passion for Toastmasters had no limits. Even if he was unwell, he used to accept any request for taking up any role with utmost happiness. One of his qualities worth emulating is that whenever he participated in a meeting – whether it is a Toastmasters meeting or a seminar or a workshop, he used to carry a pad, a cross pen and would jot down notes. He was always well dressed in branded attire. I used to make fun of him by calling him the “Brand Ambassador of Raymond”. The guardian of my professional and social endeavors who continuously encouraged me to reach my career pinnacle. with a heavy heart, yes the Song has ended, but the melody lingers on.

All his life,  DTM C M Daniel was quick to embrace all types of engaging experiences, especially when it came to supporting Toastmasters recalls DTM Resha Joseph, a charter member of Kochi Toastmasters club and who was also fortunate enough to be a part of an engaging experience with Daniel sir. DTM Resha fondly remembers a candid incident, after one of the club meetings in which i took my youngest daughter Sreya, we visited the nearest super market.  DTM Daniel also happened to visit the same super market.  After our initial greetings, we parted ways for individual shoppings.  Couple of minutes later I saw him walking up to my child with three big Diary Milk chocloate bars.  He lovingly gifted it to her and asked to share with her two sisters. Sreya was wonderstruck, with eyes wide open she glanced at both of us.  Needless to say, such acts of care and affection were the ones that made toastmasters an extended family of strong emotional bonding.  As my daughters were at home due to the COVID situation, they were lamenting the sudden departure of their favourite toastmaster.

A condolence meeting was conducted by Kochi Toastmasters Club on 9th November 2020 with members and friends who placed on record their deepest condolences to the charter president of the club. As we bid adieu to the charismatic leader and miss his presence in our midst,  his memories would always remain with us, for us to emulate his models, ethics, principles and core values innorder to ensure that they become our guiding lights. Because that would ensure that we pay tribute to this great leader. May God Almighty bless his soul.