The Division A conference ‘Citation 2019’ planning meeting in July went very well but not without many question marks, doubts, and concerns; targeting 300 participants, inviting the International President Deepak Menon, DTM to Nepal and chartering at least 10 clubs by Dec 07, 2019.
Winners never quit and quitters never win. As the event date drew nearer, the activities started to generate momentum with group messages increasing by the day as more members joined the team. Some sensing the intensity of the program thought it wise to step aside and quit mid-way. New leaders emerged who were willing to bet on a collective dream to make Citation bigger and better.
Kindly, Deepak Menon reconfirmed his participation. This provided the much needed shot in the arm. District Trio were very cooperative in our bid to make Citation successful. District Director Jennifer Ghosh agreed to attend, providing us with her guidance and support.
Citation 2019 became much bigger as there were 8 other events that took place back to back that Deepak Menon and Jennifer Ghosh attended. Dec 6 had media interviews in the afternoon and a Joint meeting of 4 clubs in the evening. Dec 7 saw 320 enthusiastic participants. Dec 8 started with a mountain flight and interview at 25,000 feet, joint installation of 9 new clubs at Dhulikhel, lunch meeting at the historic city of Bhaktapur, ribbon cutting at Kathmandu College of Management of a meeting hall dedicated to Toastmasters, and corporate PR event in the evening. Live TV interview on the morning of Dec 9 wrapped up the four-day extravaganza.
When I reflect on the success of the events, I am indebted to the opportunity of leadership learning offered by Toastmasters and to the many leaders and members who selflessly got involved, worked together, and believed in the common dream.
Suman Shakya, DTM
Division A Director