My maiden visit to Kolkata last Summer was long due on my wishlist. Having heard about previous Oration (District 41’s Annual Conference) experience from fellow Toastmasters held in Delhi, I could feel high-level energy among participants. While I was a new member and also VPM, I didn’t think twice to register for Oration as an early bird. It was the best decision I made at the beginning of the year 2019. 

The preparation and excitement were at a peak. The huge postmasters celebration of ReCitation at Manny’s Ignited the idea of having a dedicated performance from Nepal at Oration, Kolkata. I led the band and performed three songs on opening day – Bengali, Nepali, and Hindi. This was the big message of unity of D41 uniting Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Bhutan. 

My first participation at Oration 2019 was a great learning and networking experience. The keynote speaker Darren and motivational speaker Sam were very aspirational. Also the hospitality of heritage property the Lalit Great Eastern was amazing. The synergy of participants from Nepal was at a high level. We encouraged and motivated our contestants during the contests, did some local sightseeing and local food tasting as well. We even performed a few songs on the second day where the organizer had arranged a special sound system. 

I returned back with tattoos of memories from Oration 2019 on the maiden flight of Buddha Air from Kolkata to Kathmandu. I’m looking forward to more Orations! 

Sarik Bogati, Vice President Membership, Tourism Toastmasters Club 

Published in Inkspire Issue 2. Click here for the full newsletter.

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