How a small-town club is helping voices rise with courage, clarity, and connection.
The lights at Hotel The Kingsbury glowed warm against the evening sky, but the real spark was inside. More than 100 people, Toastmasters from Damak, Dharan, Kathmandu, community leaders, and curious first-time guests had gathered on a pleasant July 19 evening. They didn't come for just another event. They came to witness Symphony 4.0, the annual celebration of Jhapa Toastmasters Club.
The room buzzed with laughter, handshakes, and the clink of teacups. For some, it was a familiar family reunion; for others, a first peek into a world where words could transform lives.
Finding the Courage to Speak
When Distinguished Toastmaster Suman Shakya, Past District Director of District 41, took the stage, the chatter softened into expectant silence. His keynote, "Speak Without Fear", wasn't about lofty speeches or perfect grammar. It was about courage.
"You may have brilliant ideas," he told the audience, "but if you can't articulate them, someone else will lead the conversation." Heads nodded from teachers in the back row to business owners in the front. In that moment, the truth was clear: speaking well isn't a gift you're born with; it's a skill you build, one bold step at a time.
A Journey Shared
One of those bold steps belonged to Manoj Goyal, the club's Immediate Past President. Once an introvert who dreaded public speaking, he now stood at the podium, his voice steady.
"In just three years, this club helped me grow, lead, and inspire," he said. "Symphony 4.0 was the celebration of that journey, not just mine, but of every member here." For Manoj, Toastmasters had not only transformed his confidence but reshaped the way he communicated with his business clients, making him a stronger leader and entrepreneur.
Passing the Baton
The evening wasn't just about looking back; it was about looking forward. Division C Director Saroj Tamrakar stepped up to install the new Executive Committee for 2025–26. As the gavel passed, Ekta Bansal, the new President, took the stage.
"Lead with Compassion, stand tall with Confidence, and inspire with Charisma," she said, her voice carrying both warmth and determination. For Ekta, Toastmasters had been more than leadership training, it had given her a voice she now uses as a Guest Lecturer in an Interior Designing Institute, something she had never imagined when starting her design career.
New Faces, New Energy
The applause grew louder when Area Director Anju Pradhan inducted seven new members, four of whom decided to join on the spot after feeling the energy in the room. It was proof that transformation could begin in a single evening.
Adding to the moment's weight were Gopal Kumar Adhikari, Chief District Officer of Jhapa, and Sandhya Rathi, Associate Club Growth Director of District 41. Both praised the club's role in shaping leaders and fostering communication at the grassroots level.
Celebrating Growth - The Oscars of Jhapa
Laughter and anticipation filled the hall as the club presented the Jhapa Toastmasters Awards, affectionately called the Oscars of Jhapa. Members were recognized across 11 categories; from Toastmaster of the Year to The Vibe Setter. Each trophy wasn't just an award; it was a standing ovation for months of effort, courage, and growth.
Beyond Speeches
For an outsider, Toastmasters might look like a club for public speaking. But inside, it's something much more. Toastmaster Sanket, a bakery owner, shared how his role as Vice President Public Relations boosted his social media skills, which in turn boosted his sales. Toastmaster Buddhi, a banker, said the program improved his English communication, helping him better serve his clients.
It's here that homemakers become confident facilitators, students learn to speak up, and professionals lead with clarity.
For those who think Toastmasters is only public speaking, think again. It's where friendships parade, fears fade, and leaders are made; with a side of confetti and cake!
Last Note
As the evening ended with confetti, hugs, and the promise of another year, one thought lingered in the air: in a noisy world, Jhapa Toastmasters is helping people speak with truth, courage, and purpose.
And maybe, just maybe, the next voice to rise in this symphony could be yours.
Jhapa Toastasters Club meets every Thursday, 6:00 pm, at Hotel Heaven Grand.
