things happen when u least expect them to

A few months back i was desperately looking for a coffee mug...any shopping mall i visit this was the first thing i would search for...but i didn't find any mug for which my heart says "yes, this is what i was looking for"

one fine morning, Abdurrahman, my colleague came to me and said "this is for you"...i looked at him with my eyes wide open and with a surprising smile on my face...he was standing in front of me offering a cool coffee mug...thank you, dear Abdurrahman for your wonderful gift!



Filled with hot coffee!


And when it is empty!

News letter article

A very Happy Independence day to all our members.

Dear Members,

Freedom of any kind is only possible when we struggle towards achieving it. Struggle here means fighting back against the forces which are denying our own freedom. And many a times we see that the true struggle is not against the external forces, it is actually against our own self – yes, against our own beliefs, perceptions, and self ego. A country might get the freedom due to the struggle of their freedom fighters, but what if the citizens are still under the control of their self ego? To be called as a good citizen of our nation and the world as a whole one should be free from the control of his self ego. It is then we can give our best and be a valuable asset to the nation.

In Toastmasters, we learn the same concept of freedom. Getting freedom, over our fear of public speaking, which is considered to be the next to death. Now, this doesn’t mean that just by joining Toastmasters we become a better speaker. Imagine a person who wants to be the best Salsa dancer and just by joining Salsa classes will he become a dancer he wants to be? No, obviously not. He has got to practice it and dance as often as he could. Never leaves an opportunity to shake his legs. Same thing applies to Toastmasters! We joined Toastmasters to be a better speaker, and then what, if, we do not speak at the meetings, do not present the projects, and do not take up the roles? It will just be a mere wastage of time and money – vital and scarce resources. Toastmasters, fight against our own fear of speaking, take up roles, do projects, come forward and face it. Someone rightly said that “avoid it and it grows; face it and it goes.” Believe in this concept and march ahead, coz what you believe in can certainly be made possible.

Wish you all good luck along your journey to be a better speaker!

Best Regards,
Abdul Lateef
VP – Education

(Published in the monthly newsletter of Millennium Toastmasters "The Mirror")

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

“Once you learn, you will remember”

Mom once said, there are three skills which if you learn will never forget in your life time – riding a bicycle, climbing a tree and swimming.

And yesterday was one such day to practically experience this. We were in the pool after about 10 month’s gap and I was really surprised to notice that I am able to swim to the extent I was taught.

But yesterday’s session wasn’t much about training/practice as we were for the entire time playing hand ball. It was a real fun, enjoyed it!

Well, at the end it was pretty clear that, once you learn it, you will remember!

my first paid writing for an MBA applicant

This is my first paid writing for an applicant who was applying for an Executive MBA program at a University here. Well, got paid a considerably good amount as a fresher!

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The features of Executive MBA program offered by XYZ University are a need for people of this fast developing country. And particularly as an accountant I would say that they best suit me in enhancing my professional and leadership skills and would enable me to serve my organization and my country in a more efficient manner.

In my five long years of experience with The Company as an accountant it helped me in effectively utilizing the skills that I already have and also served as a platform to know the skills that needs some attention. And therefore, I am looking forward to do this Executive MBA program from XYZ University to sharpen those unattended skills and to discover the true hidden potential that I already have.

Some of the key features of this program that would help me in this regard and to climb up the ladder of career and to effectively bridge my life between family and profession are

• Entrepreneurial and leadership skills
• To be a better team player and a motivated individual
• Managerial skills
• Learning global economical, financial and business procedures and ethics
• Analytical and practical problem solving skills etc.
  

Thus, I believe that through this course I will be able to achieve my goals and share a better contribution in organization success and the country as a whole. And I also, strongly believe in the saying of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan that “The highest achievement of a nation is measured by the level and extent of its education.” And I want to be a part of that achievement by enrolling to and successfully completing this course.

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Vizag - A must visit place

After postponing it for more than 2 years, it finally happened during my last vacation in july. Everytime I went on vacation I had this plan in mind that, (did someone say marriage!? - oh, no!) I will visit Vizag. But that never really happend untill that very special date 07/07/07 when we(two friends, azeem and liaquath and myself) reached Vizag in the morning at around 11 by bus.

After getting fresh and having biryani at the lodge(Shymala paradise) we headed towards the first location in Vizag, Kailashgiri Hills. I could not believe myself when i saw that one of my dream is soon gng to be a reality - having a cabin rope ride. Well, lil i knew that it was just the begining...Now, let the pictures do the talking!








Ticket counter for the rope riding.



Liaquath, waiting for us to get into the cabin.



Vizag, as seen from the cabin while going up the hill.



So beautiful!



Its now time for the return trip.
(from left - myself, azeem and liaquath)



At RK beach, trying to test the wave!?



Surfing the bazaar in the night.



How much for this?



At a station somewhere on the hill while going to Arukur.



Nature at its best!



Here is the place where we stayed in Arukur.



Hut, that we booked for our stay.



Good restaurant to have a veg thali. Try to be a lil early for lunch or else you might have to wait outside for a table.



What shall we order? (veg thali :) )



Don't worry its wooden made!



Be careful!



Warning: Do not try this yourself. Kids shown in the picture are highly professional.



Hey, wait...!



Mine is on target!



Top of the world



Its nature all around.



Foundation stone - Borra Caves



A brief history



A brief history cont'd.



Entering the Borra Caves



Inside view



Another view



One more



Note of Caution



River Gosthani



On our way to waterfalls



Driver who dropped us to the waterfalls



Few miles of walking before we reach those waterfalls



Long way to go dude!



Tired!!!?



We are going theeeerrrrrrreeeee.



We are so close now.



Well, it's all in here!
Can someone help in retrieving the stored pictures from the card?
Updated: August 19, 2007 15:24PM
A big thanks to Syed Habeeb for retrieving the pictures. Thank you so much! Next 5 pictures are dedicated to you :)



The Waterfalls!



Isn't it beautiful!?



All praise be to God!!!







Our guide



Returning from waterfalls after spending a splendid time in water.



We are tired. (gng back to Vizag from Arukur)



Azeen and liaquath in front of the sub marine at RK beach.



I am a Complan boy!



Inside view of sub marine, in the last compartment no. 7



The men who made it happen



Salute to the Indian navy



Water proof suit



Its loaded! ready to fire!?



In train, gng back to Hyderabad