KATHMANDU, JULY 26
The world's first Toastmasters club conducted in the Nepali language, Sagarmatha Toastmasters Club, successfully held its 100th meeting at the Yellow Pagoda Hotel, in Kathmandu on Friday.
The meeting featured Distinguished Toastmaster Moon Pradhan, Director of Toastmasters International District 41, as the keynote speaker, and actress and club member Niti Shah as a special speaker. The meeting was chaired by club president Adhyatma Subedi, and was conducted by immediate past president Shamir Upadhyay.
In celebration of the 100th meeting, the club also hosted a panel discussion on the importance of the Nepali language. Panelists included the club's founding president Anil Keshari Shah, Nepali language expert Sharachchandra Wasti, journalist and politician Saritashree Gyawali, and Editor-in-Chief of Aarthik Abhiyan Dainik, Madan Lamsal. The discussion was facilitated by the club's Vice President of Public Relations, Kamal KC.
During her address, Distinguished Toastmaster Moon Pradhan emphasized the necessity of knowing the Nepali language to work effectively in Nepal and encouraged membership in Sagarmatha Toastmasters for this purpose.
Similarly, actress Niti Shah shared that after entering the film industry, she recognized the importance of the Nepali language and acknowledged the vital role Sagarmatha Toastmasters Club played in building her confidence to speak Nepali fluently.
In the panel discussion, founding president Anil Keshari Shah remarked that knowing English does not equate to expertise and stressed the need for clubs like Sagarmatha Toastmasters to promote Nepali language and culture from Mechi to Mahakali.
Nepali language expert Sharachchandra Wasti highlighted the importance of preserving the Nepali language to maintain Nepal's culture and identity. Journalist Madan Lamsal described the Nepali language as the language of the heart. Similarly, politician and journalist Saritashree Gyawali pointed out that it is the responsibility of Nepali speakers to preserve the language, and no one else will do it for them.
Sagarmatha Toastmasters Club was established on April 14, 2022, with the aim of developing communication and leadership skills in the Nepali language. The club meets every Wednesday evening at 6 PM at Bluebird Mall, Tripureshwor.
