ITC’S IMPRINTS

SEPTEMBER, 2014 EDITION 7

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Editors’ Desk 3

Division Governor’s Note - Have You Realized Your Next Step? 4

District Webmaster’s Note - Leadership, Power and People 5

Area Governor’s Note - The Next Step 6

President’s Note - A True Leader 7

Note from Saro - Next Step in Leadership 8

Messages 10

In Language of Light 21

Achievers 25

Office Bearers 28

Contents

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Espirit De Corps – This is the thought that we get when

we have a great fall. When life puts us down, the truth

hits us hard! There is no one to pick us up by offering us

a hand, especially when we have the mud trodden com-

bat shoes.

This is the spirit with which we began with the theme of

this newsletter. It was just a coffee cup idea by our team

that why don’t we theme it as Independence and see

how people relate to it.

And to our team’s astonishment, for every Toastmaster

of ITC the word ‘Independence‘, has a different value in

his/her life. We received motley of articles ranging from

the Country’s independence to self-independence.

Independence is something everyone should possess. It

is also everyone’s duty to ensure that all fellow beings

are bestowed with Independence But each of us have to

venerate the freedom given to us and not abuse it.

The value of independence is understood only when it is

earned. Liberty to express is with all, but to edit and pre-

sent is with a select few. And in this journey, we realized

that with great power comes great responsibility.

We, the editors, exult in the triumph of releasing this

edition of newsletter.

Editors’ Desk

TM Sneha Chamaria

TM Rajshree Nancy, CC,CL

TM Mohammed Feroz

ITC’s Imprints 7

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Leadership and responsibility go hand in hand not only on the professional

front but also in our daily walk of life. For many it is power and authority where by

one gets to tower over others to get their way of thinking across. However there

are a few, who think otherwise, well these few are the ones that give the word

“LEADERSHIP” credibility.

Early in life as a youngster, I indeed was a part of the majority, who thought

leadership means leading people on

your terms and conditions. Little did I

realize that leadership rests on the

platform of mutual respect and integ-

rity. In the journey of life I did meet

the little few who showed me a com-

plete new dimension as to how an individual evolves as a true and potential leader.

Taking a cue from these learnings, I set foot to redefine my leadership style only to

face many difficulties along the journey of transformation. There were times, I want-

ed to quit so bad that even a snake would suddenly start to hear loud noises and see

images clearly. Well this is what happens when you have a momentary lapse of rea-

soning power but that was laid to rest when I met a young man who showed glimps-

es of brilliance as a young Turk towards leadership. I started moving towards him,

checking out to find whether he can or would he be an able leader who would better

me as a leader. I did give him opportunities to come out of his shell and to hone his

leadership skills. To my utter surprise he over shot my expectations big time and for

once I realized that the joy of leadership is not in leading people but in evolving and

nurturing youngsters as leaders who can add to the flavor of the few who are still

giving credibility to leadership without a doubt.

In a nutshell with my experiences in life all I would say is be a leader who

can lead from the front but make sure you end up evolving better and efficient lead-

ers that you will be proud of one day and that will in turn make the little few of to-

day end up a majority in the days and years to come.

Happy Mentoring Toastmasters!!!

DTM Rajeev ‘Tiger’

Nambiar

Division B Governor Fondly called by many as Tiger,

he has never hesitated to

acknowledge and provide op-

portunities to Infosys Toastmas-

ters, Chennai. He is role model

for every toastmaster as a lead-

er who serves by example.

“The joy of leadership is not in

leading people but in evolving

and nurturing youngsters as

leaders.“

Have You Realized Your Next Step?

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Lot of people confuse Leadership with Power. When someone moves to a

respectable position in an organization or in a team, they think they have become a

Leader. They have some powers vested in them and they believe, ‘This is the crux of

a real leader!’

But they forget that, title and power doesn’t make someone a leader. It is

the passion to serve their disciples with the power vested in them that makes them

a true leader.

Anyone who has power vest-

ed in them has only two choices.

To be nothing and just boast

around

To be a leader whom people

admire

It was believed that only

people with power can be a leader; until people such as Mahatma Gandhi and Mar-

tin Luther King Jr. disproved the theory. Their lives taught us that, “you don’t need

to have power to become a leader. All that you need is a loyal following, focusing on

one particular goal”. The world then experienced a power shift and even weapons

were powerless in front of ‘People-Power.’

The next step in leadership is all about people. When a normal human cares

so much and works for the interests of people, that person will rise one day, to be-

come one of the greatest leaders that history has ever seen. Time is always precious

and wise men don’t waste it on others. But when someone spends time for the

betterment of others, it means they are not wasting time but rather investing time in

becoming one of the greats.

Leadership is not about boasting your achievements; it’s about letting the

achievement speak for you.

Leadership is not about power, it’s about people.

Leadership is not about you, it’s about us.

Vidiya Prasanth, CL

District 82, Webmaster

Vidiya is the PR Guru for Infosys

Toastmasters, Chennai. He is a

connoisseur when it comes to

Public Relations and marketing.

His very click on Photoshop

brings out posters of unparal-

leled creativity.

“When someone spends time for

the betterment of others, it

means they are not wasting

time but rather investing time

in becoming one of the greats.“

Leadership, Power and People

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With the acquisition of IBM’s PC division and Google’s Motorola Mobility

unit, Lenovo is experiencing the thrill of becoming the world’s top PC producer. Yet

Lenovo can’t sit back!

It is taking the next step to stay dominant in a sector that’s likely to decline

globally. All the greatest companies, greatest teams and greatest leaders have taken

their next step. Change being the only constant, what got you here will not get you

there.

With increasing camaraderie

in the Toastmaster club, we must take

the next step to transition from a di-

rective leadership style to a lateral

leadership style. Although formal

leadership roles are given to individuals in a Toastmaster club, true leadership

comes from individuals whose suggestions and ideas are listened to and valued for.

So, let’s take the following steps:

When we see few members being disengaged from the rest, let’s take the

next step to find out the root-cause. Although members work towards the

common goal, different things motivate or switch us off. As a leader, let’s

make efforts to leverage individual strengths to ensure that everyone feels

part of the journey.

Often we see individuals losing the sight of their goals and get into their com-

fort zones. That’s when let us, as leaders, take the next step to connect the

dots, help the team realize the big picture and show the significance of every

individual’s contribution.

Acknowledgement is biggest soother. In Maya Angelou’s words “I've learned

that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but

people will never forget how you made them feel.” Let’s take the next step

and say a simple “thank you”, for it has a lasting impact.

Let’s take the next step to embrace lateral leadership, let’s truly lead!

Jaganath Panigrahi,

CL

Area B1, Governor .

Jagan, one of our chartered

members, focus, determination

and time management define

him. If you need a helping hand

in finance, he is the person you

should go to.

“Change being the only constant,

what got you here will not get

you there.“

The Next Step

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Subhadip Banik,

ACB, ALB

President of Infosys

Toastmasters, Chennai,

Subhadip - A person who

brings out the best in you by

coaching you and pushing you

to be your best! A coach in its

truest essence !

Delegation, Power, Performance, Responsibility. . .

If these are some of the words in your dictionary that define the character

of a leader, then for me there is more to it. This has not been defined in any diction-

ary nor been summarized by a single word.

A true leader is not the golden capstone of the great pyramid – but the with-

ered, battered and shabby cornerstone that sits at the base hidden from sight, sup-

porting the weight of the magnificent

structure.

18 months back when I had

first walked into the ITC meeting, I

was enthralled by the speakers who

took to the stage. That time I knew I would join, and I did. Soon, Arun, the past area

governor, literally hand-held and mentored me in the path of leadership. Starting

from club membership campaign chair, club & area contest chair, to my VPE role, to

being the Division OTP Chair. Stepping aside, he gave me the opportunity to walk

that path of adversities to learn, supporting me when my legs wobbled, patting my

back when I stood strong. The Division OTP chair eventually earned me the High Per-

formance Leadership award too.

Today, I try to give that same opportunity to all my club members.

For me, a leader is one who takes every responsibility for the love of it, one

who grabs every opportunity for his companions before grabbing them for himself,

one who appreciates and has the guts to step down when needed. For me, ‘there is

more than flesh behind the mask’ of a true leader, ‘there is an idea’.

And above all this, a true leader’s greatest character is the will of servitude.

“There is more than flesh behind

the mask of a true leader, ‘there

is an idea’.”

A True Leader

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DTM Saro Velrajan

A passionate mentor. A differ-

ence maker. He is the one who

shall help you mold yourself in

ways you would have never

thought of ever before .

It was September 2006. I stepped into my first Toastmasters meeting as a

guest, without having any clue about what is destined for me. Looking back, I’ve

gone through a tremendous transformation in the last 8 years due to Toastmasters.

Like most people, I too joined Toastmasters to improve my speaking skills. However,

what was in store for me was much more than that. If you are wondering “What

should be your next step in Toastmasters leadership journey”… don’t worry, the

next steps will automatically start ap-

pearing in front of you. Because,

Toastmasters is the place where

“Leaders are MADE”.

My leadership journey in

Toastmasters started from Jan 2007, when my club President asked me to take up

the role of a Sergeant at Arms (SAA). Since then, there was no looking back. I served

several roles at the club level such as SAA, VP Membership, VP Education and Presi-

dent. Until I became the President of a club (and in fact, even after becoming the

President of the club) I did not know the difference between the Area, Division &

District. I was contended with the skills that I gained by serving several leadership

roles at the club level. I was wondering “What more is there in leadership?”

One fine afternoon in Jan 2011, DTM Lalitha Giridhar called me and asked

me to be her Asst. Area Governor and help in mentoring some of her new clubs such

as Amazon Toastmasters. Till that time, I had never taken time off from work for

Toastmasters activities. With some hesitation, I signed up for the role. I told my boss

that I’ll be leaving early on Thursdays for the next 6 months to mentor a Toastmas-

ters club. He said, “I’m OK with it. But, make sure that it doesn’t affect your work”.

The experience that I gained by mentoring a club was unmatchable. For 6 months in

a row, I religiously attended Amazon Toastmasters Club meetings. I started feeling

that I’m making a difference in others’ journey in communication and leadership.

“Leadership is a never-ending

journey. You don't have to plan

your next steps.”

Next Step in Leadership?

ITC’s Imprints 7

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DTM Lalitha gave me the freedom to perform and groomed me to become an Area Governor in the follow-

ing year. However, in May 2011, fate decided to make me a Division Governor, instead of an Area Governor. There

were large shoes to fill as a Division Governor, because the role was traditionally played by veteran Toastmasters in

Tamilnadu. With the support of a number of enthusiastic volunteers (with and without titles), my Division Governor-

ship turned out to be a memorable leadership experience for me. It didn’t stop there—Program Chairman for Ovation

2013, District 82 Chief Judge, and the journey continues.

In Toastmasters, “Leadership is a never ending journey”. You don’t have to plan your next steps. If you are

waiting at the station wondering “Which train to board, next”, an arm will pop-up from a high-speed moving train

and pull you into the train. In no time, you’ll be into a remarkable and exciting leadership journey. But, make sure

that you are in the station :)

Next Step in Leadership?(Contd.)

ITC’s Imprints 7

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Messages

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Mohammed Safi

Table Topics Champion of Divi-

sion M, Mohammed Safi, a

calm, composed dynamic, who

has enthralled us with his grasp

of the wide range of topics he

has spoken on impromptu.

When I entered the club level contest at ITC, I had no idea that I was

starting on a roller-coaster ride. The challenge in the table topics is that you have to

construe the topic, hit on an opinion and find a fitting way to start your speech. All

this has to be done in a matter of few seconds. For me, the vital part in the prepara-

tion for the table topics was to have an opinion on every possible topic right from

‘smile’ to ‘global warming’ to what not! Brainstorming was one of the most effective

ways of preparation for me. Talking and listening to people on diverse topics helped

me form an opinion.

Speaking at a regular meeting

and a contest are different ball games.

Until I participated in the contests, I

was relishing the comfort zone ITC gave me. I was always swimming on the tried and

tested. All of a sudden, I was let into an ocean which encompassed blue whales. I

also had the opportunity to listen and learn from an array of world class speakers in

the conferences. I had an opportunity to watch 2 world champions, live in action.

Losing in the semifinals of the District contest was heartbreaking, but I have

to admit that I enjoyed and learned during every stage of my journey. I learnt more

about “how not to speak” than “how to speak”. My friends at ITC had more belief in

me than I had on myself. Attributing my success to the team effort and the selfless

hours spent by the members of ITC would be the best way to show my gratitude to

them.

Thank you, ITC.

“I learnt more about ‘how not to

speak’ than ‘how to speak’.”

Danke!

ITC’s Imprints 7

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Rashmi Ramesh

Table Topics Runner Up of Divi-

sion M, Rashmi Ramesh, an

effervescent lady who gives you

stunning revelations and in-

sights about anything under the

sky or even beyond.

My first ever Table Topic was about getting your idea out to the world be-

fore someone else does it for you. And as soon as I took to the stage, the adrenaline

rushed, my thoughts found a voice and I made a point. That was my first dose of

what a high being in Toasmasters and taking on the challenge of facing a Table Topic

head on and I’ve been on that high ever since.

After that initial attempt I thought I should give it a rest for a while. But

then came an announcement, we were having a Table Topics contest. Now I knew

that I’d only taken part in a single table topics session so far, I knew there were far

more experienced TMs contesting, and I also knew that I’d be damned if I didn’t give

it a try! A week later I was hurrying

from my cubicle, to the contest, hav-

ing paid my fees, become a TM, and

registered, I was now eligible for the

contest. I reached in the nick of time

just as the ISC was about to finish. And

with my second TT that day, I became

the runner up at our Club contest. With a lot of help and training from TMs like

Sandeep, Subhadip and Jagan, I managed to pull off the same feat at the Area and

Division levels as well.

But despite being the unknown face who stormed the stage for the TT con-

test, a war raged inside me, at having lost to the same person TM Mohammed Safi,

at all three levels. That is when I asked myself why I was failing to make the same

impact. When proving he was the champ, Safi reminded me that both of us win be-

cause we present different individual perceptions on the topics given. While I would

always choose the light hearted, interactive approach to TT, he took a philosophical,

deeper approach. My approach wouldn’t work for him or vice versa.

In the end, my TT contest journey, helped me grow manifolds and reminded me that

if you be yourself and give your all to things you are passionate about, you win no

matter what!

“As soon as I took to the stage,

the adrenaline rushed, my

thoughts found a voice and I

made a point.”

TT, TT and TT again

ITC’s Imprints 7

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Disclaimer: If you think that the following passage has anything to do with our Inde-

pendence struggle, you are definitely going to be disappointed!!!

The parents of the twins - Kanya and Dhanya - were very happy. They gave

their two little girls everything: a good home, nutritious food, healthy lifestyle, quali-

ty education and the most important of all ‘independence’.

Kanya and Dhanya were two very happy kids, carefree and smart. They

weren’t toppers but were average Janes in their academics.

It was the summer of ’05.

Fifteen year olds, Kanya and Dhanya

had befriended Paula. Paula was a

mischief maker, intelligent yet some-

thing was holding her back from

attaining her full potential. She lived

with her uncle and aunt. Her mum and dad were out in foreign lands, minting mon-

ey. They felt that somehow providing a lot of money to Paula would make her for-

give them for not being with her at all times.

Paula got acquainted with a few junkies in her neighborhood. She was ad-

dicted to drugs. Her intelligence saved her from getting caught in school. Now, she

had finally found two girls as mischievous and daring as herself, Kanya and Dhanya.

As days passed, Kanya fell prey to drugs, thanks to Paula. Dhanya, when she realized

what Paula and Kanya were doing to themselves, told her parents.

Present:

Dhanya is a school teacher, happy and contended with her life. She visits

Kanya’s grave every year to pay her respect to her deceased twin. Kanya, failing to

overcome her addition, resorted to suicide!

A sober Paula is now an author of crime novels.

Even if full freedom is given to us (in every way available) what matters is: do we use

it or abuse it? Food for thought!

Archana C. V.

Queen of all trades - A singer, a

dancer, a reader, a writer.

When you are around her, your

IQ level will just sky-rocket.

ITC’s Imprints 7

“Even if full freedom is given to

us (in every way available) what

matters is: do we use it or abuse

it?”

In-dependence

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Is doing what we want, called independence? Is living the way we like, called independence? Independence is, to an extent, doing what we love, living the way we like. But, True Independence is to live as we like, with the responsibility that we need to respect other's freedom, with the responsibility that our deeds do no harm to others. Are we truly independent? No. We are slaves of money. We are slaves of opportunity. We are slaves of greed. We were given independence not to bribe. We were given independence not to commit a crime. We were given freedom not to segregate people based on castes, religions and status. We were given independence to safeguard freedom. We were given independence to im-prove as a nation, not as an individual. We were given independence to do good for us and others. We were giv-en independence to stand for what is right. When we see crimes being committed, we either "stand and watch" or "turn and run". What is the use of building muscles in the gym when we do not have the guts to stand against crimes? We are not an independent nation, not yet. Here, Money has the independence, not the people. A nation is independ-ent only when every citizen of the country enjoys equal opportunities. It was not only Mahatma, but thousands of others joined him in the battle against slavery. Now, we have the responsibility to stand together against crime, against discrimination, against corruption and to give our children the true inde-pendence. A single man cannot win a war, but an army of strong minded people can win any war. Let's pledge to bring home the true independence. Let's respect independence, enjoy independence, and safeguard independ-ence. Glory be to Mother India.

Jai Hind!!

Arul Joseph

Runner up in the Humorous

Speech contest. Shy though

remarkably talented. Sincerity,

dedication to learn with a comic

sense is what defines Arul.

ITC’s Imprints 7

“True Independence is to live as

we like, with the responsibility

that we need to respect other's

freedom, with the responsibility

that our deeds do no harm to

others.”

What is Independence?

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15th of August- India’s Independence Day, was long awaited for more than 200 years and it finally led to the spectacular sight of unfurling of our flag

with no restrictions. Undoubtedly, it was the biggest day in the history of our nation. But I have a little different take on this. This day actually embarked complete inde-pendence for years to come and generations to follow. So just don’t wait for this day alone to express homage and choose oblivion for rest of the year. Each day is equally important. In fact, consider this day a means to instill cognizance into our senses about our true strengths, valor, and capabilities.

Walking down the path that one has chosen for oneself is inde-pendence. And if one is still bewil-dered with what one can achieve or stuck up at a wrong place in career, just keep trying because trying is pro-gress. Being able to express and stay-ing true to oneself is independence. One of the greatest scientists that world has ever witnessed, Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had aptly said- “Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of the Mount Everest or to the top of your career.” That’s true independence, be-cause if one doesn’t push oneself to try things in order to be successful by valid means, then what’s the point of being independent? So break the shackles of disbe-lief, rise above the fear of failure, endure obstacles and hardships with a determined approach, and be audacious in your thought process and dare to dream.

Spreading love is a quality but being loved is a gift. So embrace this combi-nation with a smile and help yourself by being ambitious and successful. It’s the least that can be done to complacently call yourself independent. Are you?

Aman Dua

A jovial happy-go-lucky who

takes life as it comes . You never

know what he may roll out from

his sleeves!

ITC’s Imprints 7

“Break the shackles of disbelief,

rise above the fear of failure, en-

dure obstacles and hardships

with a determined approach.”

Independent…..Are You?

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Mom: “Happy Independence Day to all!!”

Daughter: “Are you sure Mamma, it is for all??”

Mom: “Why not?? It is, Richa!!”

Daughter: “But how ma? What does it mean?”

Mom: “We are freed from the British’s rule and are independent to decide and act

freely!!”

Daughter: “Then what about independence at home? Why are we not able to de-

cide and convert our thoughts into actions without restrictions?”

Mom: “What do you mean?”

Daughter: “Simple ma, let me explain!

Mothers are not allowed to fulfill their

wishes, their dreams, and are made to

sacrifice for their family!

The daughters are not allowed to go

and play with all, after a certain age

and time!

Also, every woman is dependent on their family in some way or the other,

First on their father, next on their husband, finally on their son!!”

Mom: “But Richa…”

Daughter: “Wait Mom, I didn’t complete. We still have the freedom to speak!! Don’t

we?

Why do women after marriage, go to their in-laws house, and are made to leave

their own house?

Why is the girl suppressed on the very first day of her marriage?

Why don’t they stay in a joint family?”

Mom: “No Richa, it’s a custom and we cannot avoid it!”

Daughter: C”ustom?? Who introduced it ma? Did the Britishers’ introduce it? “

Mom: “No, it was introduced by our people.”

Daughter: “Then fine, it’s now clear ma, we not only need this current so called

‘Independence Day’ alone! But a real freedom of thoughts! Freedom of actions! “

Freedom for living!!

Chitra

Subramaniam

Chitra, the chirpy Sergeant at

Arms. Always bouncing here

and there thus justifying her

roles of SAA. You should watch

your steps around her.

ITC’s Imprints 7

“We not only need this current so

called ‘Independence day’ alone!

But a real freedom of thoughts!

Freedom of actions!

Freedom for living!!”

Are We REALLY Independent?

17

Life laughs at you, when you are unhappy

Life smiles at you, when you are happy

But, Life salutes you, when you make others happy…

Independence - this word lies within you. It is you, who has to decide the

meaning of Independence. In this century, everyone needs to be independent.

15Th August, 1947 - India’s Independence Day. The time when we achieved

independence, we were not alive.

Indian freedom fighters fought for

common people like us, so that we

can breathe life of our own rather

than being ruled by Britishers.

I feel people should fight at

the right moment, at the right time to

get what they value the most. Way of

being independent in life is different for different people.

My idea about independence is to have aim in life and to work hard in order

to achieve it. My parents, my friends help me to be independent in work and in my

thoughts .In my understanding, independence help us to make decisions in life.

Your independent thoughts can be an inspiration for others and for yourself in order

to reach new heights.

It’s rightly said that “Charity begins at home”. Being independent or having

independent thoughts and point of view will happen when you try to have it in your-

self. Try to improve yourself and then people will automatically get motivated by

your thoughts and living standards.

A winner should move towards one target, one direction, one intention

and one decision. Jai Hind!

Dhanashree P.

Pophali

A lady with a serene smile who

shall charm you with her

thoughts and indomitable voice.

She is currently serving as the

Secretary of our club.

ITC’s Imprints 7

“Your independent thoughts can

be an inspiration for others and

for yourself in order to reach

new heights.”

Independence Day

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Everyone around applauded as the mother’s cry of pain slowly faded away and the

child’s scream pierced through the ears of those in the surrounding. The loving

touch of womanhood and the warm sense of care and affection showered on the

little baby saw happiness prevail; but not for long, as chaos and confusion reigned

supreme in raising the little child up.

He grew up to be an angry, arrogant and an adamant little chap. He considered it

cool to mend the rules; he hurt the

innocent and considered it to be not

so significant; he wore an air of pride

as his cloak and never gave up on his

smoke; he drank like a fish and ended

up without even spelling his final wish

as he rode as fast as he could in his

new bike after booze and breathed his last as a speeding bus thrashed him to piec-

es.

Can you imagine the plight of the mother who gave birth to this child? The mother’s

name is India. We are her children. Unfortunately, we are killing ourselves, exposing

us to the whims and fancies of this materialistic world, not realizing the fact that all

is not permanent.

As Mother India gave birth to an Independent nation, the entire nation rejoiced. But

what followed was a complete mess. We have abused and assaulted the freedom

that we have received and the remains of what used to be called a great nation is on

the verge of being fed to the dogs. We are definitely worth more than that. Free-

dom is for all and the greater good of this Independence that we have attained is

Hugh Conan Doyle,

CC

A soft spoken TM with humor

as his comrade, he will leave

you wondering for days.

ITC’s Imprints 7

“Freedom is for all and the greater

good of this Independence that we

have attained is meant to be cher-

ished and not to be misused. “

Mother

19

It’s said that a good start is a sign of good finish, but that might not always

be true. Our independence triggered one of the biggest unfavorable human migra-

tions in world’s history in the name of partitioning of British India, where up to 17

million people were relocated to India and Pakistan with loss of lives of over million

people.

Before the pains of partition healed, a semi-automatic pistol called Beretta Model

1934, came in the wrong hands and did an inconsolable blunder. The New York

Times described it as “GANDHI IS

KILLED; INDIA SHAKEN, WORLD

MOURNS.”

Not a good start for one of the world's

oldest civilizations . But time is the

best healer and we have added a lot

of feathers to our hat.

We are a vibrant democracy where a

tea vendor can aspire and become the PM of this nation. May the god NAMO Nara-

yan bless this country! The nation has 25% women in the cabinet which is a big leap

of improvement.

I am just a chunk of metals and semiconductors, and I am experiencing a novel jour-

ney in a hardly explored passage, where I am cruising at an unimaginable speed for

the last 10 months. After my journey, the real work for me starts where I explore

the planet called MARS. Yes, I am Mangalyaan. In another 20 days, ours will be 4th

country which had successfully completed the mars mission.

Friends, we have everything and anything can be achieved with the talented heads

in this country. Super power by 2020 and veto power are just mile stones and we

are much more capable than that. What my little grey matter suggests is we are lag-

ging in individual discipline and courtesy which is a major ingredient which we need

to add more to our endeavors.

Mahesh Kumar P

A repository of facts—he has

“The Hindu” for breakfast. He

can co-relate north pole and

south pole. He brings in variety

of flavors to the table .

ITC’s Imprints 7

“We are a vibrant democracy

where a tea vendor can aspire and

become the PM of this nation. May

the god NAMO Narayan bless this

country! “

A Bad Start...

20

India, 1947 It was August 15, 1947. Mother India was celebrating independence from

imperialist rule of British colony which existed for almost two centuries. Now her

child is 67 year old, having grown up with many up’s and down’s in her stride.

Celebrating with Pride On August 15 2014, pumped with glory and pride, I was dressing up in an

ethnic attire of saffron shirt and white dhoti with green stripes, representing our

tricolor. I was so immersed in the pride of our Independence Day that when I sang

the national anthem I could feel the goose bumps which left me feeling ecstatic and

patriotic.

Life with no value Post August 15 celebrations, I continued with my usual life.

No discipline for traffic rules, even lesser concern for environmental issues, corrupt

government officials; ignorance

about cleanliness in my vicinity, not

valuing the respect of joint families.

Soon, I found myself pon-

dering, ‘Is celebrating Aug 15 every

year, real patriotism? Is it real inde-

pendence?

No, came the answer within me. And hence came, alternative dimensions

of patriotism!

What independence is to me? Aristotle asserted “A civilized society is one where good people become

good citizen”

‘Who is a good citizen?’ obsessed me. It is more about love you show to

your nation. Many people say love must be expressed; but when I understood what

love really is, I realized it is more about doing.

You have to undertake endeavors and make efforts to fulfill what your na-

tion needs and wants.

Even if you follow simple traffic rules and do not dump wastes in public

places, it is more effective patriotism.

That’s what the real independence is to me as a citizen and individual.

Rammohan Raja

A complete techie with an un-

paralleled enthusiasm towards

speaking and learning. A metic-

ulous planner and a leader to

watch out for.

ITC’s Imprints 7

“You have to undertake endeav-

ors and make efforts to fulfill

what your nation needs and

wants.”

Requisite of a Good Citizen

21

August 19, 2014. My flight was approaching the east coast of United States of Amer-

ica, with the Boston skyline rising on the flights window, flecked with spots of light,

the delightful light of an upcoming life. Quarter century of being at home, under the

care and dependence on parents, the new life was inviting me with open arms like

the outstretched path of the oncoming runway. It was time for me to shed the co-

coon, to shed the overgrown auxiliary roots and to embrace freedom. No more ex-

cuses for sleeping in late, no more excuses for turning up late and no more excuses

for the sloth off late. It was time for me to unfold the wings and stretch the limbs

and smell in freedom.

I disembarked the steel bird to embark on my journey of freedom and here is my

first taste of it. It was unexpected, bewildering and uncomfortable. My eyes scanned

for the representative from Indian

Student Organization, who was to

receive me at the airport and take

me to my temporary accommoda-

tion. It took about 10 minutes to

recognize him. It was during these

10 minutes, my sense of independ-

ence came crushing down on me. From that moment on, I somehow knew my life is

not going to be independent; rather it shall always be dependent on someone or the

other.

Dependent on parents for sustenance, on other Indians for support, seniors for

counsel and roommates for deliverance. It was a total undoing of independence. My

quest for independence has led me to a maze of dependence, coming out of which

will be a spectacular parody of independence in itself.

Now I realize, Independence is a state of mind. As with everything else, we have it

right inside us and we search for it like the rainbow in the sky, it is always in the

horizon but not reachable. It is just out there, just sense it. Don’t try to handle it in

your hands; you will not be able to hold it.

Sandeep Kumar CC,CL

A meticulous planner with an eye

for details, Sandeep is the pillar

who has provided unparalleled

support in the making and uphold-

ing of the brand ‘ITC’.

ITC’s Imprints 7

“As with everything else, we have it

right inside us and we search for it like

the rainbow in the sky, it is always in

the horizon but not reachable.”

Rainbow Parody

22

Many people sacrificed their life to gift an Independent India at the cost of their sweat and blood. It makes me more responsible to do something for my coun-try not by dying but by living. While I was soul searching, I got a fitting call on the month of Independence from our dear Prime minister to do my bit through country's flagship pro-ject "Digital India". IT-Rural is my fa-vorite research topic and my pas-sion. A mission mode project started in the year of 2000 with mission of digitally connecting all panchayats of the country. What is Digital India? Digital India aims to empower a common man by touching all spheres of life. Agriculture is one among them. If India has to become developed it's only possi-ble when we develop our villages by empowering farmers. The ground realities of farming are low productivity, low profitability, and difficulty in doing farming and sprinkled with spate of farming suicide, droughts and obsolete extension system. Through my research with IT-Rural and interacting with around thousand farmers I understood that Information and communication tech-nology got the potential to transform Agriculture sector through ICT driven exten-sion system. The more I think about transforming Agriculture through ICT, the more impassioned I become to see the day when my co-citizens appreciate the piece of Agricultural land not by real estate value but by esteem in doing farming with latest & accurate Information. If nature allows me I'll definitely witness the rare moment with a sense of accomplishment. One thing is for sure I'll ensure that I have carefully placed the right brick in the right place, so my future generations can build a better castle called a better India!

Jai Hind! Vandematharam!

Vishnu Kumar

ACB, ALB

A resilient fighter whose life’s

dream is all about the develop-

ment of the farmers which he

lives through his association

with IT –Rural.

ITC’s Imprints 7

“Digital India aims to empower a

common man by touching all

spheres of life. Agriculture is one

among them.”

My Two Cents

23

In Language of Light

24

25

26

27

Achievers

28

International

Speech contest - Club

level - Feb 2014 winner.

Represented club in area

level International

Speech Contest.

Club Runner Up in Evalu-

ation Contest

International Speech

contest - Club level - Feb

2014 1st runner up

Represented club in area

level International

Speech Contest.

Club , Area, Division

Winner in TT Contest.

Represented division in

the District Semi-finals

Table Topics contest

29

Club, Area, Division Run-

ner Up in TT Contest.

Club Winner in Evalua-

tion Contest.

Club Winner in the Hu-

morous Speech Contest.

Club runner up in the Hu-

morous Speech Contest.

30

Office Bearers

31

President TM Subhadip Banik

Vi c e P r e s i d e n t—

Education

TM Mohammed Feroz

Vice President - Mem-

bership

TM Sudhasarath So-

masundaram

Vice President - Public

Relations

TM Sneha Chamaria

Secretary TM Dhanashree Prashant

Pophali

Sergeant At Arms TM Chitra Sambasubrama-

nian

Treasurer TM Rajarajeshwari K

Immediate Past Presi-

dent

TM Vidiya Prasanth

Editorial Team

Sneha Chamaria

Rajshree Nancy

Mohammed Feroz

Special Thanks to

Jagannath Panigrahi

Sai Venkateshwaran S

Subhadip Banik

Vidiya Prasanth

We meet every Wednesday, between 4:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Piraeus, B5