In a vibrant celebration of linguistic heritage, Academia Toastmasters Club held its third meeting entirely in Nepal Bhasa (Newari language) on the auspicious occasion of Nepal Sambat 1146-an event that has now become an annual tradition for the club. The gathering, held on Saturday, 18th October 2025, at Aksheshwor Mahavihar, Pucho Bahil, Pulchowk, highlighted how local culture and the global ethos of Toastmasters can come together seamlessly. It was a celebration not just of language, but of identity, tradition, and the universal power of communication.

The meeting hall radiated a sense of cultural pride as members and guests took their seats. From the formal call to order to prepared speeches and the lively Table Topics session, the entire program unfolded in Nepal Bhasa. Speakers addressed topics ranging from folklore and Newar customs to contemporary issues facing the community, demonstrating how the local language can carry both tradition and relevance. This meeting underscored a key principle of Toastmasters: language is a means of communication, and meetings can integrate local flavors while maintaining the global standards of the platform.

The Toastmaster of the Day, Prajwol Tamrakar, set the tone with a speech titled 'History of Newar People,' tracing the origins, achievements, and lesser-known stories of the Newar community. His words wove history with reflections on identity, inviting listeners to appreciate both their roots and the role of communication in preserving them. Sudeep Hada, Past President of Academia Toastmasters Club, an engineer by profession and a linguist at heart, delivered the guest address. He shared detailed accounts of historical figures whose sacrifices shaped the Newar community, blending storytelling with insights that resonated with both young and seasoned Toastmasters.

Organizers highlighted the dual significance of the event. 'Toastmasters provides a structured framework for personal and professional growth. By conducting sessions in Nepal Bhasa, we nurture confident communicators while preserving and celebrating our mother tongue,' they noted. 'It is proof that a meeting can resonate locally while contributing to a broader, international Toastmasters mission-where diversity and inclusion are at the core.'

Smreeti Tuladhar, Head of Learning & Development at Worldlink Communications and President of Worldlink Toastmasters Club, reflected on the broader impact: 'Language has the power to connect, inspire, and preserve identity. Toastmasters allows members to express ideas in any language, blending local richness with universal relevance. Listening to members speak in Nepal Bhasa, sharing personal stories and insights, felt like a meaningful step toward uplifting our language and culture while embracing the diversity that defines the Toastmasters community globally.'

The meeting was more than a platform for speeches-it was an interactive sanctuary for the language. The Table Topics session encouraged members to respond impromptu in Nepal Bhasa, fostering creativity, confidence, and quick thinking. Constructive feedback was delivered thoughtfully, helping participants use the language in a contemporary and formal setting. It demonstrated how Toastmasters' framework can flexibly embrace any local context without losing its universal principles, proving that diversity can be celebrated in every meeting.

The evening culminated by celebrating the Newari culinary tradition with Samay Baji, the iconic Newari dish of beaten rice, roasted meat, black lentils, and an array of accompaniments. Sharing this meal symbolized the communal spirit of the gathering, merging culinary heritage with the club's commitment to personal growth and cultural preservation. Members reflected on how the meeting strengthened not just their speaking skills, but also their connection to history, tradition, and community.

The resounding success of this third Nepal Bhasa meeting highlights a growing movement: the convergence of personal development and cultural pride. Academia Toastmasters Club has set a shining example, showing that the journey to confident public speaking can honor local traditions, foster inclusivity, and celebrate linguistic diversity, all while remaining part of a globally recognized platform. In a world increasingly defined by multicultural interactions, this meeting reminds us that language is a bridge-not a barrier-and that every Toastmasters session has the potential to connect the local with the universal.