Once upon a time, there lived a few wise men. They had a vision. A vision to serve humanity. They formed a team, forged a common bond, braved the numerous challenges that seemed to come from everywhere and then eventually, their hard work paid off. Their vision bore the fruit. And what is that? It’s the fruit, which enhances the maximum potential of an individual.

Yes, my friends! I’am talking about a fable (here, I fancy saying anybody who remembers Robert Miles song ‘Tell me a fable’, would only thank me for writing this article, and I write this article listening to that classic on Spotify for an inspiration). But, as fables are generally termed fantasies, this fable too, is nonetheless a fantasy. It’s a journey, one that had its own super heroes and how they rolled in the dust facing their own conflicts (a.k.a dragons within), and came up victorious. Many have learned to overcome and tame their dragons and have progressed, becoming better men and women. In better words, LEADERS.

I speak about a Toastmasters’ journey to success, and about a club, known to carve a niche of its own, The Spice Toastmaster’s club (Spice TMC).

On 6^th August, 2021, we celebrated the 100^th session of the club. It was a cherished milestone and the club decided to celebrate it.

Being a part of this club was always an honor for me. The club changed my life. I remember what I was then (not long ago), when I would just stand in front of the mirror thinking of words (foraging actually) to speak in an event. I would only look at myself, and realize that there were more grey hairs on my beard than the words that I could use in a speech. A shame really? But, I beat the odds and became a good speaker. Thanks to this club.

Well, the club kept its faith in me, and made me the Master of Ceremony (MC) alongside a senior pro. We decided to write a script called 100 Not Out, which matched our celebration. It was a nicely written piece of script (I often called that as the world’s best script) and was well appreciated by our club President, who gave us a ‘go-all-out and conquer’ signal.

And the D-day arrived. Like others, my mindset was that of a centurion. The sight of the crowd usually encourage me, and these were dignitaries; heavy weights, both in size and status. I was thrilled and I began to breath in – breath out (a trick which my wife told me to use in the case of a excitement or catastrophe).

When the stage was set, my memories went to the past (obviously thinking about all I learnt from Spice TMC) and I recollected that hunger in me to perform and I redeemed a few good moments from that thought.

The Sergeant-at-Arms gave us an encouraging start. This best start was followed with the ever calm club President giving a wonderful speech, inviting the dignitaries and guests alike.

Then, came the moment. Our world’s best script started with a cricket commentary, and my co-host gave an exciting start. I followed suite with equal zeal and the beginning was done.

Memories binds us and brings us closer to the self. Our founder members (the charming couple) took us to our yesterday’s; from the club’s formative years till date, its ever growing award cabinet, which only reminded about the milestone’s that we can achieve going forward. And forward is the only road ahead for Spice TMC.

This was followed with a well-crafted prepared speech, the nerve-ticking table topics session, speech by dignitaries, and followed with the entertainment session.

Two of our senior Toastmasters presented their skills; one with his mesmerizing voice, had composed a karaoke. It was a song sung in Bengali and Hindi. The song ‘Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si’ (originally sung by Kishore Kumar from the movie ‘Anamika’, was nostalgic and a heart broken one, sent many to their old memories (if at all they had a Gentleman’s Love story, back in the 70s such stories were popular.)

The second was an equally mind-blowing magic tricks show, which kept me wondering what more is in store by our talented Toastmasters.

The program culminated with a solemn closing ceremony.

The fact that guests enjoyed every moment of our program, was the icing of the cake. And what was the take away? It is the ‘spirit’ of our cherished club. We celebrated as go-getters. Everyone present could witness that. We in unison are a team that is gifted, and in our journey, we have shown the courage to dream-on and go conquer. Attaining 100 was that milestone and on 6^th August, 2021, we took pride to say, ‘Well, we just achieved that!’ (Mind you, no arrogance here).

Toastmasters in general, and this club in particular, had taught me that we may be mortals and might have our limitations, but, the mission (of Toastmasters) to be leaders from deep within, have unearthed brilliant individuals. This realization alone, can set high standards in ourselves, and it is only then, one’s self sails towards immortality.

Truly, there is a meaning why this special session was named as ‘100 Not Out’. It is an epitome of our success, and there is no stoppage here, and we continue to surge ahead in the march towards immortality. So, isn’t it apt to say it was a celebration of immortality?