Courage, Confidence, and Celebration: Highlights from Symphony 4.0

 The warm lights of Hotel The Kingsbury set the evening aglow on July 19, but the real spark was inside. Over 100 guests—including Toastmasters from Damak, Dharan, and Kathmandu, community leaders, and curious first-timers—gathered not for just another event, but for Symphony 4.0, the annual celebration of the Jhapa Toastmasters Club.

The room buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of teacups. For some, it felt like a family reunion; for others, it was their first glimpse into a world where words could change lives.

Finding the Courage to Speak

When Distinguished Toastmaster Suman Shakya, Past District Director of District 41, took the stage, the chatter faded. His keynote, “Speak Without Fear”, emphasized courage over perfect grammar.

“You may have brilliant ideas,” he told the audience, “but if you can’t express them, someone else will lead the conversation.” From teachers to business owners, heads nodded in agreement. Speaking well, he reminded them, is a skill built 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 terrified of public speaking, he now addressed the crowd with confidence.

“In just three years, this club helped me grow, lead, and inspire,” he said. “Symphony 4.0 celebrates not just my journey, but that of every member here.” For Manoj, Toastmasters transformed both his confidence and his communication skills, making him a stronger leader and entrepreneur.

Passing the Baton

The evening also celebrated the future. Division C Director Saroj Tamrakar installed 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. Toastmasters had given Ekta a voice she now uses as a guest lecturer in an interior design institute—something she never imagined when starting her career.

New Faces, New Energy

Applause filled the room as Area Director Anju Pradhan inducted seven new members, four of whom joined on the spot, inspired by the evening’s energy.

Gopal Kumar Adhikari, Chief District Officer of Jhapa, and Sandhya Rathi, Associate Club Growth Director of District 41, also praised the club’s role in shaping leaders and fostering communication at the grassroots level.

Celebrating Growth – The Oscars of Jhapa

Laughter and excitement rose as the club presented the Jhapa Toastmasters Awards, fondly called the “Oscars of Jhapa.” Members were recognized in 11 categories, from Toastmaster of the Year to The Vibe Setter, honoring months of effort, courage, and personal growth.

Beyond Speeches

For outsiders, Toastmasters might seem like just a public speaking club. Inside, it’s much more. Sanket, a bakery owner, shared how his role as Vice President of Public Relations improved his social media skills and boosted sales. Buddhi, a banker, said the program improved his English communication, helping him serve clients better.

Here, homemakers become confident facilitators, students learn to speak up, and professionals lead with clarity. Toastmasters isn’t just about speeches—it’s about friendships, courage, and leadership, with a side of confetti and cake!

Last Note

As the evening ended with hugs, cheers, and promises for the next year, one thought lingered: in a noisy world, Jhapa Toastmasters is helping people speak with truth, courage, and purpose. And perhaps, the next voice to rise in this symphony could be yours.