Mangaluru resident Savitha Salian is set to make history as she prepares to take the helm as District Director of Toastmasters International’s District 121 on July 1. This appointment marks the first time a Mangaluru club member has ascended to this prestigious role, the pinnacle of the district’s leadership structure.
Savitha, an active participant in multiple local Toastmasters clubs including Winners Club, Port Town Advanced, and Let’s Debate, secured her position through a unanimous vote during the district elections in May. Reflecting on her appointment, she said, “I’m deeply honored by the trust placed in me by the Toastmasters community. I’m committed to giving my all to the organization in this new role.”
District 121, established in 2020, encompasses Kerala and Karnataka, boasting a robust network of 174 clubs across 10 divisions with a membership exceeding 3,600.
Savitha, whose professional background includes homemaking, soft skills training, and English language instruction, brings valuable experience to her new position. Her previous roles within the district, including Club Growth Director and Programme Quality Director, have prepared her for this leadership opportunity.
Her tenure, spanning from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will see her guiding a team of 58 office bearers. This includes an 8-member executive committee, 10 division directors, and 40 area directors, collectively responsible for the district’s operations and growth.
This milestone coincides with Toastmasters International’s centennial celebration. The organization, a global non-profit dedicated to fostering self-confidence and public speaking skills, has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. With an impressive 14,200 clubs spread across 148 countries and a membership of 270,000, Toastmasters continues to provide a nurturing environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds to hone their communication skills and develop into effective leaders.
The organization’s unique blend of in-person and online meetings has created a flexible, accessible platform for personal and professional development, cementing its place as a cornerstone of public speaking and leadership training worldwide.
