Dharan is one of the most beautiful and clean cities in the eastern region of Nepal. Situated at the foothills of the Mahabharat Range in the north with its southern tip touching the edge of the Terai region, it is a melting pot of many cultures and gateway to remote tourist attractions. On 24th December 2017 Toastmasters showered its blessings to this magnificent city with its first orientation meeting in the academic block of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) conducted by Toastmaster (TM) Subrath Poudel.
Most of the participants were health professionals comprising of students and academic faculty. The need for this club was felt to enhance communication, public speaking and leadership skills in the region. Health professionals need these skills as much as any other profession. The irony is, these skills are minimally taught in the formal program. Realizing these lacunae, some dedicated faculty started working towards establishing a club in Dharan. Prof. Dr. Bikram Prasad Shrestha, the former Rector, has been a huge inspiration behind it. Toastmasters enthusiasts outside the institute mainly entrepreneurs, suggested having a community club than a corporate one. It was promptly embraced, as this was an opportunity for BPKIHS fraternity to connect with the locals. After series of orientation meetings, finally on 18th Feb, 2019, the first demonstration meeting was conducted with the support of our sponsor Club Baneshwor Toastmasters, club sponsor TM Bhanu Dabadi and dedicated members Toastmasters Subrath Poudel, Bhumibol Shakya, Bijay Ranabhat, Shabyata Neupane, Pritam Mehta, Aniket Khanal, Mridul Basnet and Shivani Rai Dewan. Dharan Toastmasters will always be indebted to them for the inspiration.
With 28 Toastmasters enthusiasts, Dharan Toastmasters was born on 1st March 2019. The club has not just been a platform to hone communication and public speaking skills, but its members also see it as an extended family. Culturally, we express ourselves only during a crisis. Toastmasters have made us comfortable expressing our voices, views, and opinions in any given instance. Each meeting makes the members’ bond stronger, richer and sturdier. Toastmasters has been an integral part of our lives. The fraternity practices integrity, respect, service, and excellence in its true sense. Very fortunate and proud to be a ‘Toastmaster’.
Jyotsna Rimal, President at Dharan Toastmasters