Savitha Salian – Nominated Candidate for the position of District Director
My journey through serving as AD, DVD, DAM, CGD, and now PQD has honed my leadership abilities and made me feel the pulse of our district. I spearheaded initiatives for club membership and program quality. I see challenges but opportunities too and am brimming with ideas for D121.
My Masters degree in English literature supported my competencies to train students in communication skills to enable them to pass the Trinity Grade Exams, which are used to prove levels of English proficiency. Being a member of the Indian Society for Training and Development, as well as Inner Wheel, the largest Women’s Organisation focusing on Social Service, enabled me to appreciate the value of voluntary work. My strength is my admiration for the Toastmasters movement, which inspires me to be diligent, to build and to unify. I believe in leading by example, to cultivate a spirit of collaboration between Clubs, Areas and Divisions. As your District Director, I will be your collaborator and your advocate. I seek to build a brighter future for D121 and plan to expand our reach and knowledge base through online tools available to us.
Gokul P Menon – Nominated Candidate for the position of Program Quality Director
Gokul P Menon is connected with the Toastmasters International platform from as long ago as 2011, and was then introduced to the organization by his father. He is the current Club Growth Director of District 121, and has adorned several leadership positions in the District level including that of an Area Director, Division Director, Administration Manager and Conference Chair. He has served Districts 92 and 121 as a Club Sponsor, Club Mentor and Club Coach of multiple clubs, multiple times President’s Distinguished Club President, and has also taken up most of the club officer roles. He was recognized with the ‘Outstanding Member’ recognition by District 121 in two consecutive years, for his exemplary contributions. He has also been a contestant for various Toastmasters contests, at different levels. In addition to spearheading different initiatives/ programs for the District, Gokul also currently serves the District as the Alignment Committee Chair. Outside of Toastmasters, Gokul works as the Lead of Staffing for Kerala at TATA Consultancy Services.
Nitasha Kumar – Nominated Candidate for the position of Club Growth Director
Nitasha, a seasoned designer by qualification, who finds her true passion in the realm of public speaking. With a Toastmasters journey that started way back in 2001, Nitasha has immersed herself in the world of communication, assuming various roles and spearheading initiatives along the way. She holds the distinction of being the founder and past president of esteemed clubs such as the Smedley Speakers Society D92, Sunday Toastmasters Club D121, and AWEsome Toastmasters Club D121. Nitasha’s dedication to empowering others in communication led her to serve as the Division J Director D121. Recently, she achieved her second Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) recognition, showcasing her unwavering commitment to mastery in her field. Beyond her Toastmasters endeavors, Nitasha is on a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey with ‘WeeTalk,’ a program tailored to hone the public speaking and leadership skills of children aged 6 to 16 years. When she’s not deeply engaged in public speaking or teaching, Nitasha enjoys unwinding with Netflix binges or engaging in late-night conversations with friends scattered across the globe. Nitasha looks forward to connecting with fellow enthusiasts and continuing to explore the boundless opportunities that life presents.
Beena Vas S – Nominated Candidate for the position of Club Growth Director
A member of Toastmasters since 2009. I started my leadership journey by taking up the position of Club Secretary . Took the role of Vice President (Education) for three terms, President for four terms and one term as SAA. I served as the Area G3 Director during 2017-18, Division G Director during 2018-19 , Co – Conference chair the annual conference Crescendo’22 and Administration Manager during 2022-23. I have been actively involved in toastmasters outside the club. I had been a part of the semi Annual conference -Jamboree 2016, Annual conference Coronation 2018 and was the first toastmaster to complete a path in pathways in Kerala. I had been the Division level winner for International Speech Contest in 2020-21. Being a Glitterati Ambassador, Pathways coordinator, extended roles in the CGG, PQD and DDs team had been instrumental in shaping me as a leader. I have been a club coach, started clubs in the city and in areas toastmasters did not exist. I have also been instrumental in reviving clubs which had hit rock bottom. I have sponsored 20 plus members, Conducted YLPs, and has mentored around 50 + toastmasters in their journey. Awards : DTM twice (traditional and in Pathways) Outside Toastmasters I have co founded an NGO Amaara Foundation which imparts life skills for children in Government schools and an active volunteer of JJ Foundation. I am currently pursuing my diploma in Kathak and movement therapy. I hold a Certificate in Story telling from Kathalaya. Travelling, reading writing, trekking, painting are my hobbies. Qualification BTech, MBA Profession : Assistant Commissioner of Customs
Jagdish Nagbushan – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division A Director
Jagdish Nagbushan ! Is a toastmasters since 2002, the Toastmasters journey of 22 years has been a endearing one, Toastmasters has given me much, that it has transformed me to what I am today, I owe a lot to toastmasters. I have been in the industry for the last 36 years, currently CEO of Spectrum Realty India, A property consulting company run by me, my last assignment was with Embassy Group, as General Manager. Am now currently the Vice President of CREA (I) Confederation Real Estate Associates of India, the largest Association in the Country, Am also the incoming President of Rotary Malgudi for the 2024 -25, of District 3192.
Arvind KM – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division B Director
Arvind KM, DTM is A Toastmaster for 4 years, began his journey in 2020. Some of his achievements include. – Founding member of Republic of toastmasters, 2020 – 2 time VPE and 1st elected president of Republic of Toastmasters. – Club mentor of Aurigo India toastmasters 2022 – Club sponsor for Jain University Toastmasters 2022 – First President’s Distinguished Area Director, District 121 2022 – 2023 – Fantastic Foundation Area Director 2022-2023. – Crescendo Evaluation Semifinals Contest Master 2022 – 2023. – Best Table Topic Speaker – 2022 – ROT Leader of the term – 2022 – Toastmaster of the term – 2023 – Public Relations Extended team – District 121, 2021 – 2022 – 2 times Triple Crown Winner. – Pathbreaker – Dynamic Leadership, Programs year 2022. – Pathbreaker – Persuasive Influence, Programs year 2022. Outside of Toastmasters, Arvind works as Senior Lead Consultant, Unilever, Hyper Automation Platform.
Ajay Pallegar – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division B Director
Ajay is a seasoned professional with a rich tapestry of experiences spanning over 15 years in various facets of business. His journey unfolds through pivotal roles in business development, account management, service delivery, and project management. Ajay’s global footprint tells a story of cultural immersion, having lived, and worked in diverse landscapes such as Thailand, England, and the Middle East.
Beyond the boardroom, Ajay finds solace in exploration, fuelled by his love for travel. But it’s not just about traversing geographical boundaries – Ajay is a passionate Toastmaster, immersing himself in the art of public speaking and leadership since 2017. Currently steering the ship as the Area Director of Area I3, Ajay has left an indelible mark in various District officer roles. From his tenure as the Area Director G2 (D92) in 2020-21 to leading the charge as the Club Extension Chair (D92) in 2021-22, Ajay’s commitment to Toastmasters is unwavering.
Venturing into extended District roles, Ajay has taken on responsibilities like Mentorship Chair of D92 in 2022-23, Fun Night Chair of Crescendo in 2022, and Co-Registration Chair for Coronation in 2023. Ajay’s journey is not just a professional saga but a testament to his dedication to personal growth and community building within the Toastmasters family.
Vijay Prabudevan – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division B Director
Vijay Prabudevan is working as ERP Consultant. Lives with wife, son and mother in Bengaluru. Passionate Toastmaster since Nov 2020. Completed pathways Presentation Mastery. Present Area Director in D121, Division B, Area 04. Member of The Impression Club and LA-Nineteen Twenty Four clubs. Served the position like Sergeant At Arms, VP-Membership, VP-Education, President in both the clubs. Avid Traveler-interested to explore the places, food, culture, tradition. Conducts book club called Book Profit in Online. Interested in Non fiction books. Thrilled to see the variety of the toastmasters meeting like reverse meeting, linker’s meeting, pecha kucha.
Ria Dash – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division C Director
Ria Dash lies somewhere between a Panda and a Pegasus. She is loud, lazy, opinionated, aesthetically inclined, perpetually bored, weirdly artistic, outlandishly expressive, and fiercely competitive. She is also a seasoned debater, a storyteller, an artist (well, almost), a musician, a connoisseur, a pop-culture enthusiast, a bookworm, an amateur photographer – and technically, a nerd. She is highly dependent on caffeine on most days and wishes to own a British accent and a library in the future. She believes that there are no disappointments that chocolate or poetry can’t fix, and that all of humanity is a cosmic joke.
Simren Sanjay Iyer – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division C Director
Simren Sanjay Iyer is a Toastmaster member since 2021. She believes that Toastmasters is not just a platform, it is an emotion. In a platform like Toastmasters, sky is the limit. Presently, the Area Director of Area C02.She is a Triple Crown Winner and was declared as the Evaluation Winner of Area C02 in the 2022-23 ISC Contest. She was also declared as the Best Toastmaster of the Year in 2022-23. She has also been a contestant for various toastmasters contests at different districts and levels. She has completed her Motivational Strategies Path and aims to explore all the other pathways too. In terms of her profession, she is an Indian actress, model, beauty pageant, classical and western dancer and singer and aims to be crowned as Miss World. She enjoys practicing meditation and exploring the spiritual reality of life and embracing her surrounding with positivity and compassion. Her biggest motto in life is to believe that success and failures go hand in hand because the full form of FAIL is “First Attempt In Life.”
Sheeba Nandajan – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division D Director
Sheeba Nandajan joined in Enterprising Toastmasters of Palakkad as chartered member in 2016. She is also a chartered member of Toastmasters of Palakkad. She is current Area Director of division D . Three time triple crown winner. She has achieved CC, CL, ACB, ALB in legacy path and DTM in Pathways
Outside Toastmasters Sheeba Nandajan is working as Deputy Director of Prosections of Kerala where she is heading administrative functions of all prosecutors in Kerala
Balaram Sahu – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division E Director
I am Balaram Sahu having 18+ years of IT expereince and working as R&D SW Project Manager for HP. I have joined Toastmasters in June 2021 in RCB Griffin Club and handled different club officer roles in my club before taking up role of Area Director in Area 4 Division E. I have won Triple Crown 3 times and completed 3 Pathways and Pathways Mentor Program. I have Received District Recognition from District Director and Division Director in FY23. I have Participated and won awards in Area and Division Contest in FY22. Last year I have chartered a new club in September and currently mentoring that club.
Jyothika Harsha Shetty – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division F Director
Jyothika Shetty is a MBA Graduate from Alliance Manchester Business School UK and carries with her over 25 years of banking and entrepreneurial experience in Dubai. Currently a Communications Coach and I help Entrepreneurs and Professionals to become confident and impactful speakers. Started my Toastmasters journey in District 105 Dubai and in the last 10 years I have served as Club Secretary, Club President (also Charter President), Area Director, Division Director and District Administration Manager. A certified mentor and coach, speaking is my passion and have been the 2022 District Evaluation Finalist in District 105. I have also mentored 4 clubs and chartered 3 of them including Let’s Debate TMC and Karavali Toastmasters in District 121. Currently a member of both District 121 and 127. Writing is another passion I have and so far published three books. Mother of 3 kids, I believe in being a life-long learner.
Mallika Nair – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division G Director
An extremely positive and goal-oriented Toastmaster, going after set goals with persistence and determination until achieved.
Charter President of Home Club Sparkle V Toastmasters and Amazing Area Director in 2023 . Served as President for 3 terms, VPE, VPPR, and Secretary in two countries. Currently serving as the Assistant Division Director-Program Quality for Division G.
She is also a Division Level winner in International Speech contest 2020.A mathematics and IT educationist by training and profession, a plants and nature enthusiast by passion. Practices and promotes modern farming methods, modern aquaponics in fish rearing. Running a farm for vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, and flowers, together with a fish farm. Consistent upkeep and well-being of my farm is non-negotiable for me. Giving employment directly and indirectly to around 10 people gives me immense pleasure and a sense of accomplishment.
Painting and writing short stories and exploring that universe of art and literature is my hobby and place to go for unwinding.
I believe #we are our choices
Rajat Santhosh – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division H Director
I’m Rajat Santhosh, a CA Final student in his late 20’s, who found his way into Toastmasters three years ago. Ever since, I’ve learned so much and become a better person by making use of all the opportunities I get to serve the district. Starting my journey as charter VPE of my home club, then President, Area Director, then VPPR, along with L.E.A.P 1.0 Co-chair, it has been a rollercoaster ride. The people I met, the roles I undertook, changed my life. I was an active member of SICASA Ernakulam (South Indian CA Students Association) from 2021-2023, where I served as Editor in the first year, and mentored the editorial committee in the second year.
Apart from Toastmasters, I spend my time with studies, classes, and occasional office works. Tea, music, and driving are my happy escapes. I am selectively extroverted, reserved for those special people in my life.
That’s an outline about who I am.
Prashanth TK – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division I Director
Prashanth is an experienced IT professional at Dell Technologies for the last 22 years. Currently serving as a Strategy & Transformation Lead, he is a passionate speaker, visionary leader and an advocate of change. Prashanth believes that “change is the only way forward” and Toastmasters exemplifies this belief perfectly.
From being a novice in 2018 to fulfilling various Club Officer Roles multiple times and District Officer roles in both D92 and D121, his journey has been enriching. A Triple Crown award winner, a Pathbreaker award winner, a Mentor and a Club Coach, he loves to network and empower people.
On a personal note, Prashanth loves to travel, is a wildlife & travel photographer and is an avid Formula 1 & Football fan.
Sangeeth K M – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division J Director
A toastmaster since 2020 and a member of Spicy Toastmasters Club. Presently serving the district as Associate Club Growth Director, Club Retention D121 in 2023-24. Distinguished Area Director K4 of D121 during the program year 2022-23. Successfully served the club as various club officer roles such as President, VPE, VPM and VP-PR. I am an IT professional (MCA) with around 21 years of work experience in India and abroad (Middle East and North Africa). At present working in a French Manufacturing Company named MANE (https://mane.com) as Head of IT for their group of companies in India and Sri Lanka. Earlier worked with organizations such as Kochi Metro, Johnson & Johnson, Span Establishment, Metadata Technologies and Softcats. Born and Brought up in Thrissur District and currently settled at Aluva with wife and two children. Believe in adopting the latest technologies. Passionate about home gardening and have a lot of collections. Regular Cyclist with maximum daily cover of 200 kms. I enjoy Jogging with friends. Used to participate in Chess Competitions and got winner or runner up awards.
Vipin Parthan P – Nominated Candidate for the position of Division J Director
Vipin Parthan, an Automotive Engineer with a Masters in Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology, is not just a professional standout but a dynamic force within the Toastmasters community. In an era dominated by digital interactions, Vipin stands out for his preference for genuine face-to-face connections, over the virtual norm. An enthusiastic Toastmaster, Vipin seamlessly displays his prowess as a leader with his powerful voice and dynamic communication finesse. Beyond the titles of Vice President Education and Sergeant at Arms, he currently dons the hats of Vice President Public Relations for Mathrumalayalam Toastmasters, President of EKM Toastmasters, and Area Director of Area 4, Division J, District 121.Vipin’s journey is one of continuous development and community service. His dedication extends beyond technical aspects and into the realm of effective communication. As a Toastmasters beacon, Vipin inspires members to not only believe in the power of genuine connection, but also to harness the strength of a commanding voice and dynamic communication style, making his story a captivating thread in Toastmasters’ vibrant tapestry.
