Let’s Debate Toastmasters Club celebrated a significant milestone as it commemorated its 100th meeting at BMS Hotel, Mangaluru, on Friday, January 17, at 6 pm. The event, themed “Centurian Celebration” marked a proud moment in the club’s journey of promoting effective communication, leadership, and structured debate.
The meeting commenced with the welcome address by the Club President, Toastmaster Amy Fonseca, who warmly greeted members, guests, and dignitaries, reflecting on the club’s growth and consistent contribution to the Toastmasters movement. The proceedings were smoothly compeered by the Toastmaster of the Day, Daryl Rodricks, DTM, who guided the Centurian celebration with poise and enthusiasm.
A key highlight of the evening was the Centurian Report, presented by Toastmaster Sarah Monis, Club Secretary. The report offered a reflective and creative account of the club’s journey since its charter, capturing milestones, leadership transitions, member achievements, and the club’s distinctive debate-centric identity.
The programme also featured addresses by Club Mentor Jyothika Shetty, DTM, Charter President Daryl Rodricks, DTM and Division Director Meera Rao, DTM, who commended the club on its journey and for its consistency, strong meeting culture, and contribution to leadership development within District 121.
An engaging debate session was conducted on the motion “Rules Create Order or Creativity”. Thedebate was moderated by Area Director, Bharathi Shetty and evaluated by Jyothika Shetty, DTM. Team Affirmative comprised Daryl Rodricks, DTM, Srivatsa GN, DTM and Robert Vas. Amy Fonseca, Meera Rao, DTM and Sarah Monis formed Team Negative. The teams put on an excellent show and this was the first onsite debate in 100 meetings.
Srivatsa GN, DTM was announced as the Best Debaters and Team Affirmative was adjudged as the Winning Team.
The most coveted “The Outstanding Debater of the Year Award” was won by Srivatsa GN, DTM for his brilliant performance in all the debates throughout the year
Another notable moment was the release of the club newsletter by Daryl Rodricks, DTM, documenting the Centurian milestone and the club’s journey over the years. The evening also included the honouring of achievers, recognising members for their contributions and accomplishments.
It was a moment of honour to witness the performance and to felicitate Ms. Sushravya U, the Golden Girl, who won the Golden Book of World Record for an outstanding achievement of Dance on Skates.
The programme was also marked by the presence of several distinguished leaders and senior Toastmasters whose support added warmth and significance to the celebration. Among those present were Division F Director Meera Rao, DTM, Area Director Bharathi Shetty, Immediate Past District Director Savitha Salian, DTM and past leaders Molly Chaudhari, DTM, Shalini Prabhu, DTM and Chandra Kumar Ballal, DTM. Their participation reflected the strong connections Let’s Debate Toastmasters shares within District 121 and the wider Toastmasters community.
The celebration concluded with closing remarks by President Amy Fonseca, who expressed gratitude to members, mentors, and leaders for their continued support and dedication. The Centurian meeting stood as a testament to Let’s Debate Toastmasters Club’s commitment to nurturing confident debaters and thoughtful leaders.
Let’s Debate Toastmasters Club is a unique, purely online Toastmasters club that focuses on debates along with prepared speeches and Table Topics sessions. The club meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month and has members from Mangalore, Bangalore, Dubai, USA, Canada, and beyond.