Toastmasters in Qatar, collectively known as‘Division E’ created history on 25^th and 26^th April when they conducted their annual conference in the most spectacular way to date with over 500 attendees from over 40 clubs across Qatar. Toastmasters Annual Conference Qatar 2014 (TAC-Q 2014) had a unique theme “Communicating Culture” proposed by TAC-Q Chairman TM Nasimudheen Abdul Hameed. Toastmasters clubs across the country had held their annual club contests under four categories, International, Humorous, Evaluation and Table Topics. The club winners proceeded to the next round, known as area level, and the area winners competed in the grand finale at division level, known as TAC-Q. Day 1of TAC-Q 2014 was held at the state of the art Dukhan Recreation Center and Day 2 at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Doha.

Chairman Nasimudheen A Hameed said, “We have more than 1400 toastmasters in Qatar made up of more than 25 different nationalities. Diverse cultures have brought diverse flavors to the Toastmasters movement in Qatar which made the theme “Communicating Culture” apt. In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, we toastmasters focused on the development of nationals this year and successfully conducted the first ever International Arabic Speech Contest in the history of Division E. Division E also successfully launched the first Malayalam toastmasters club (Qatar Malayalam Toastmasters)and the first Arabic community club (Tamim Toastmasters Club).”

On Day 1 the opening act was a spectacular cultural dance by students of DPS-MIS School but what captured everyone’s attention was the music. The theme music was exclusively produced for this event. The catchy 6 minute tune was penned by the TAC-Q 2014 Entertainment Chair DTM Sameer Hasan Moosa, who was instrumental in bringing out the beautiful final product.

The first contest was Table Topics Speech Contest (English). This was followed by Evaluation Speech Contest (English), Humorous Speech Contest (English) and finally Table Topics Speech contest (Arabic). Another attraction of the first day was the cultural fashion show by children showcasing various cultures from around the world. The curtains came down on Day 1 with a mind blowing toastmasters-themed dance by tiny tots who gave a fitting finale to the splendid event.

Day 2 was kick started by a world class keynote speech by the World Champion of Public Speaking 2007 Vikas Jhingran. Mr Jhingran had been flown in from the US to inspire and motivate the attendees. Though the International Speech contest (Arabic)and International Speech contest (English) were the centerpiece of the agenda for the day, the attendees were kept on the edge of their seats throughout the evening with a variety of cultural showsincluding performers from IAID, members of Filipino Dance sport and Social Club and Gaveliers who all illuminated the star studded event.

The chief guests were Mr Hasan Al Sai, Chairman creative Centre, Mr Adel Abdulla Al-Abdulghani-Director Group Legal and Compliance at Barwa Group and Mr Ghanim Abdullah Al Mohannadi- Chairman of Cultural and Social Committee at Al Khor Sports Club. Other dignitaries included Mrs Subha Anupindi- Lieutenant Governor for Education and Training- District 20, Mr. Yasser Suleiman- Lieutenant Governor for Marketing - District 20, DTM Sujit Sukumaran- Divison J Governor, Mrs Sithara Khan- Deputy Chief of Mission of Sri Lanka, Qatar, Mr Harry L. Hexie, official from Platinum Sponsor Huawei, and Bronze Sponsors IDRAK and Teyseer.

The contest results from Day 1 were announced along with contest results of Day 2. All first place winners will compete at the district level in Oman from 15^th -17^th May 2014.

In the English International Speech category TM Koka Prasad from Dukhan Toastmasters was crowned champion, TM Nisha Shivram from Talking Matters was first runner up and TM Jayakumar Menon from Doha Advanced Toastmasters was second runner up. Mrs Fathia Al Muhannadi of Barwa Toastmasters bagged the first place in the Arabic International Speech contest with Ahmed Mamma from Dukhan Toastmasters as the first runner up. TM Singa Raju of CA Toastmasters was the Table Topicscontest champion followed by TM Rukhsana Khan from Qatar Toastmasters and TM MouBera from ICC Eves as the first and second runners up. Mrs Arwa Kheder from Tamim Toastmasters was the Arabic Table Topics contest champion and TM Amr Ahmed from ICC Advanced was the first runner up. TM Nisha Shivram from Talking Matters was the Evaluation Speech champion followed by TM Singa Raju from CA Toastmasters and TM Mou Bera from ICC Eves as the first and second runners up. TM Jithu Koshy from CA Toastmasters won the Humorous Speech contest followed by TM Shaikha Al Nassrfrom Qatar Toastmasters and TM Latha Ramakrishnan from ICC Eves as the first and second runners up.

The event closed with an address by the General Manager of Huawei, the event’s Platinum Sponsor. Devoteam and Bin Ghalib were the gold sponsors. Rumaillah Warehouse Equipment and Venture Gulf Engineering were the silver sponsors. Teyseer, IDRAK, UPS, Intertec Group and Trust Exchange were the bronze sponsors. QDC, Galfar, Mahindra Holidays and Al Balagh were the support sponsors and Al Mohsen Printers &Advertisers and WINK Advertising were the print partners. All Sponsors were acknowledged and thanked for being part of the wonderful event.

- ILQ News -

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