Saturdays are always special but not all Saturdays are meant for rejoicing to felicitate our own International President. Balraj Arunasalam, DTM is an exceptional communicator, servant, leader and the First Sri Lankan born International President for an organization empowering leaders worldwide.
Fourteen Awakeners had taken immerse pleasure in participating for the National Felicitation Ceremony organized by the District on Saturday, 16th September 2017 to greet Balraj, DTM with warm wishes for being appointed as the International President and for all the hardship taken in forming the District we belong to.
A dedicated Toastmaster, Balraj has held numerous positions in Toastmasters. He is a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) – the highest level of achievement in the Toastmasters movement. Furthermore, he was presented the President’s Distinguished District Award in 2009 for leading District 82 to the number one position in performance in the Toastmasters world. He has received several other honours including the President’s Extension Award for Outstanding Achievement in Club Extension and Retention, the 20+ membership Award for membership growth and retention as well as a Presidential citation for his outstanding contribution in Asia at the International Convention in Washington DC in 2006.
The prominent leaders in Sri Lanka and delegates from India addressed the gathering in recognizing his effort and it was emotional situation when his two daughters exposed the concealed humbleness of the leader. Further, there was a special souvenir launched at the event comprising messages from leaders around the world. The elegantly conducted felicitation concluded with sumptuous meal.
By
Zameel Amjed, CC, CL
