Pune: District 125 of Toastmasters to Organise Special Program to Mark 100 Years of Toastmasters International
Pune, 22nd October 2024: District 125 of Toastmasters, part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide non-profit educational organization, is organizing a special program to mark the centenary of Toastmasters International.
The Centenary Celebration Carnival will be held on Sunday, 27th October 2024, at the MES Auditorium, Mayur Colony. The keynote speech will be delivered by IT veteran Dr. Bhooshan Kelkar on the topic “Riding the AI Wave.” This information was shared at a press conference by Milind Patwardhan, DTM – District Director; Sushil Pawar, DTM – Program Quality Director; and Col. Uday Jagavkar, DTM – Club Growth Director. Pune Metro is the mobility partner for the program.
The mission of Toastmasters International is to build confidence and teach public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet both online and in person. From humble beginnings in 1924, Toastmasters has grown into a global organization, uniting more than 14,000 clubs and hundreds of thousands of past and present members across 125 districts spread across over 140 countries, with a presence on every continent.
District 125 comprises about 100 clubs and boasts a strong network of 2,000 members spanning the cities of Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahmednagar, and the state of Goa.
Milind Patwardhan, DTM – District Director, stated that this momentous occasion is more than just a milestone—it’s a celebration of the countless personal stories, transformations, and connections made through the Toastmasters community around the world. “We are confident that the new generation, with their fresh ideas, will carry the glorious journey of Toastmasters into the future.”
Sushil Pawar, DTM – Program Quality Director, mentioned that Toastmasters offers a self-learning, easy-paced, organic, and cost-effective way to improve one’s communication and leadership skills. A Toastmaster membership is affordable for students, homemakers, and professionals alike. The Pathways education program strives to build upon five competencies: Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Strategic Leadership, Management, and Confidence.
Col. Uday Jagavkar, DTM – Club Growth Director, noted that Toastmasters has become extremely popular in District 125, with clubs spread across various corporates, colleges, and communities. Specialized clubs, such as the Marathi Toastmasters Club, Wonders of Women Toastmasters Club, and Rainbow Toastmasters Club, are unique features of District 125.
Toastmasters International is more than just a platform for public speaking—it’s a journey of confidence-building, leadership development, and community engagement. It all began as a simple idea conceived by its founder, Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, who envisioned a space where individuals could not only speak but truly communicate. This idea has blossomed into an international family of support, mentorship, and growth.
To be a part of this event, please connect with the nearest Toastmasters club in your vicinity through the District 125 website, www.district125.org, or have a Toastmaster member extend you an invitation to attend as a guest. This is your opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of Toastmasters, and it will surely inspire you to join a club.
