NEW DELHI, MAY 19

A Nepali woman has been elected the position of District Director of the Toastmasters International's District 41 covering Nepal and Northern India, becoming the first female from Nepal to head the position.

Moon Pradhan was installed onto the position during the district conference held over the weekend in New Delhi, India, attended by members from all over the region. She will be leading the District 41 for the next one year.

During the conference, speech contests were held wherein all the top three positions of the International Speech Contest were won by Nepali contestants. Saheel Baral, who won the contest is moving forward to the regional contest with the prospective to contest in the World Championship of Public Speaking. The first runner-up was Dipesh Chalise, and the second runner-up was Vaishali Pradhan.

'District 41 encompasses parts of North India and Nepal, a region rich in diversity and potential. As we embark on this journey together, I am mindful of the challenges that lie ahead,' Pradhan said.

Toastmasters International has approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.

Pradhan is a Knowledge Management and Communications Specialist at an international development organization. She is also responsible for leading the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in the project and the career guidance component. She is also working for a better world for women and children through her involvement in various rights organizations.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback.

It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organization is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.