JUBAIL, 2 June 2007 — Saudi Arabia’s first ever Toastmasters club exclusively for Keralites, called Periyar Toastmasters Club, has been formed in Jubail, according to its President P.J.J. Antony.
The Association of Malayalee Professionals in Saudi Arabia (AMPS) took the lead by convening a meeting of interested people, which was attended by a large number of Malayalees from all walks of life. P.G.R. Nair delivered a presentation entitled “Why You Need Toastmasters.”
Toastmasters clubs provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which members are given the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills aimed at building self-confidence personal growth. Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization spread over 80 countries. “Nearly one hundred toastmasters clubs are spread around GCC countries,” said Antony. Faizal Zahrani is the current divisional governor for clubs in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.
During the meeting, Antony was elected founder president of the club. Other office bearers are: K.K. James, Issam Jaffer, P.Biju (vice presidents), Siju Davis (secretary), Paul Alappat (treasurer), Syed Muhammed and Girish Varma (sergeants). Suresh Kumar and P.G.R. Nair have been named club sponsors and Jacob Kuriyakose and Ramanathan Nenmara mentors.