Exquisite

Random Theorist Designer, Artist, Creative, Loud, Crazy, Stubborn, Listener are maybe a few terms i could describe myself. The rest is open to the floor!

[safraanver]

Overnight Activism

Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason, mastery demands all of a person. Albert Einstein How do we master something when we don’t take the time to get to know the issue? How do we solve the issue without taking the time to build the conversation? Forever, I am slammed with a wall which people perceive is the issue. If you give them vocational training, send their kids to school all their issues will immediately disappear. It hasn’t changed for the last 40 years but why now? What makes today so different? We need to start at the beginning, us! Fighting for a cause is not a publicity stunt of being the next person to represent the country. Kudos if you have, but it should be more than that. Fighting for something should mean you genuinely want to see their lives improve. Their lives making progress should bring a smile to your face. Those moments cannot be etched out of our minds even when we’re old and grey. While I was on a campaign on awareness for disabled children, I had a mother walk up to me with tears in her eyes and say “I had no idea my child was autistic till today. My family denounced her as mad and I have been torturing myself to understand how I could help. Now I know!” That is why I do what I do. That feeling that you helped doesn’t need to be videoed or photographed but etched in your heart cause that’s the reason you began this journey. However, it saddens me that even activism has become like a political race and people have truly forgotten why they started. One day, you had a light bulb moment on someone you could help and you are now a self-professed expert on the subject. We are never experts and that is something my mentor taught me. We are always listening, understanding and giving them the opportunity to fight for what they need. We are the guide but nowhere close to being experts. With all things we need to have experience, we cannot walk into a village and assume we know all the solutions. Sometimes the problem is what could be assumed as simple as obtaining a birth certificate for their child. We also assume these people are helpless and they have no interesting in fighting with you. We always forget the most crucial part of the story who is the victims – they know more about where they stand than we do. Amara is a great witness to this. This has to start with our leaders, how do we enable youth when the leaders we choose have no experience in the matter. Being a good speaker, will enable you to a certain extent but if there is no substance behind it? What is the point? You cannot speak with passion on something when you don’t know what the total picture is. It is sad, for I see these amazing platforms that could at least place a dent in policy. How do we do it when the youth that represent are not fighting for it with conviction? Yes, we need to start somewhere but is such a platform their beginning or should it be a course in their journey.

Change can only be brought out by dialogue and dissemination. If you can’t provision this knowledge with the validation, how do you create the change you place on that beautifully done presentation? 

The feelings on this rant is my own!

[safraanver]

#TEDCrash

The idea of travelling halfway across the world seemed nothing less than a dream! To be able to attend a TED conference was impossible to fathom. When I received the email stating I was accepted as a TEDxChange Scholar; left me speechless (doesn't happen very often).

10 visits to the Brazilian embassy finally gave me the stamp to make a dream a reality. Even planes and airports seemed like an experience when you meet random people who ask you if you are part of the TED Global Conference. Friendships were made even before we had set foot into the conference.

The conference was not merely a set of talks I listened to back to back but an experience in itself. Hikes up the mountain tested my physical inability, the generous amounts of food tested my ability to try out different things, Christ the Redeemer tested my ability to be awed by sculptures, the speakers tested my ability to be humble, the talks tested my ability to keep my mind open to new ideas and the friends I made tested my heart when they made us such a close knit family with a goal. 5 days flew and sleepless nights were soon becoming normal. Our parties every night with people who have built empires and ones who are merely figuring their true selves out. It was a contrast that brought out conversation.

I also understood how curation can really keep you on a precipice. How various talks can pull so very different opinions from the same group of people. I watched how people got mad, danced in glory, cried silent tears and just stood up in awe.

That is TED, the conference which has a little bit of everything that is all put together with a perfectly placed bow. Its how you personally ravel in it that makes the difference!

Dedicated to the #TEDxChange Scholar programme

Images by TED Conferences, Nassim Benali and myself

[safraanver]

Silent Scream

Imagine yourself watching a football match, you engross yourself in the excitement, enjoying exhilarating one and half hours, you leave the esplanade savoring the victory of your team. Did you realize that during the 90 Minutes of the football you enjoyed, somewhere in our own country a woman was raped?

That means during this contest alone 6 women have been raped?

Think about it...

The numbers are so vast, and the subject so painful that we have to stop to remember that… behind each number is someone with a name, a personality, a story, and dreams no different from ours and those of our children.

My name is Mihirini. I am your friend, your next door neighbor, your chiIds playmate. I am the girl who sat in the front row of class. I am your sister. I am your daughter

I had just finished my long day of classes and was rushing back to catch the last bus home. You all know how office traffic keeps you waiting for hours. I was finally settled in my window seat and staring at the road whizz by. I have always loved the window seat where you can forget about the hustle and bustle of the city life and just enjoy the breeze and the imaginary tales you make of characters you see by the road side. During this journey numerous people got on and off the bus but when I was a few halts to my home I suddenly realized I was alone with 5 other men. I didn’t take too much notice of it for it was normal for this to happen during this time. I was yet to realize I was in for the ride that could never be etched out of memory.

In a flash of a second things changed, I screamed for help and no one came to my rescue, I tried to shove but I was pushed to the floor, I tried to wriggle free they held on tighter. The only thing I understood was these men were double my size and seemed like giants. The struggle seemed to last for hours in my mind even though it was only a few minutes. Tears poured down my face and I started to pray for it to end. I chanted God make it stop in my head over and over again. Suddenly, I felt nothing, just my limbs aching from the pain. I thought to myself atleast I can finally feel my body again.

I stumbled off that bus without a clue as to where I was. Time stood still as I inched little by little towards home. I was slowly and surely becoming ashamed of myself. It surely was my fault, if I had gotten off the bus soon as I realized that I was alone with them maybe I would have had a chance.

Mihirini watched 5 men with no names walk out of that bus scot free. To date she has no idea who they are, what are their names or where they are from. They still ride that bus your daughter could be on, your wife could be on your sister could be on, the one I could be on.

If this was the fate of your child, you would have thrown a tantrum, you would have screamed for the world to hear that these men should be caught but its not (pause) yet! We live in our own bubble and automatically assume the next person that walks in would solve these issues but they won’t. It is our decision here today to walk out of this room and make that difference!

I am Sahani. A 13 Year old girl who was raped by my own uncle. I finally left my home at Hakmana and came to Tangalle to escape his threat that he would kill me if I informed my parents about what he had done to me. 

I who had lived with my parents through fear of threats from my uncle ran away from home and  overnight became a young girl loitering in an unknown city. To all those who showed me any sympathy, I was asked to find some sort of employment. They got me a job as a sales girl at Ruwan Textiles, the largest textile shop in Tangalle. Little did I know that to escape from the storm I was walking into a vast ocean. The next day the owners had planned to have an Ice Cream Dansala and thereafter a party at At this party where most of the rich businessmen of Tangalle were present, I became their victim. seven men, three days, one thirteen year old girl.

Let’s not forget that women and children are not the sole victims of rape. It could be anybody. It could be a man, woman, or a child. It could be an older person, an elderly. And often those stories are harder to come by given the circle of stigma and silence around rape. And I think the first step to addressing rape in any culture is to first remove the stigma around the victim of the rape. The honour that was lost is not the victim’s, but the criminal’s and the society that continues to create such individuals.

What is unfortunate, however, is that when Women are  recognized as only victims of violence, the emphasis seems to lie more on protecting them than preventing these heinous acts. Women are policed in more ways than the actual violators of justice. And this situation is sadly ironic indeed.

Women are being advised and forced to act in certain ways for the wrongs committed by men and this continues to curtail the freedom of women. It is time that the authorities focussed on providing justice by penalising those who commit this violence. It is men, of all ages, who should be taught to respect women, their bodies, their rights, and only this can end violence against women. If we think our sons are too young to have this conversation it won’t be long before he is responsible for hurting a child or a woman.

No woman asks for it. In fact nobody asks for it.

Rape is what it is, a heinous act of violence.

I realize that my language is often female-specific, but all survivors regardless of gender or sexual orientation or any other codifying factor should feel free to speak up and be heard, be accepted, be supported, and have justice. I think it is one of the most important things we can do as a society to impact our cultural viewpoint on rape and sexual violence.

[safraanver]

ISV

To fulfill the requirements of planning a 2 and half day visit sounds like something which is not that complicated but when you go down to the nitty gritties you have a lot to consider. Preliminary stages of meeting with BC Staff to finalize locations, budgets and the programme itself are tasks that should be done with great care and consideration. I learnt to look at the learning curve and how they require inspiration and motivation that will leave them with thought provoking experiences they can take to their home countries.

I could not have possibly done it without the support of the British Council Staff during all stages of the visits and of course with my partner from the H3 Foundation Sachinda Dulanjana. We experienced the talents and skills of the disabled children at the Islamic Centre for the Physically Handicapped while also learning the shortcoming of the institution. They suffer greatly with the lack of Braille Resources in all three languages of English, Sinhala and Tamil. I believe the best part of the ISV is that through the bonding we also hear various viewpoints of volunteers from different regions. It allowed me to gain further insight on how an issue such as awareness of disability is carried out in their home countries.

Emotions ran high through the next day with us going to a Elders and Childrens Home. The women in the home immediately took to Aya our participant from Egypt as she called them “amma” (mother). They would not leave her side from that point onwards. We saw children going from notorious to pleasant when a piece of paper and pens were at their disposal. Participants were very happy when a buddy system was brought in where each overseas participant was given their own volunteer translator.

The Third Day allowed a visit to Muslim Aid (Sri Lankan Field Office). They explained to the participants about projects done on various sections of society including livelihood, water, shelter, children, micro finance as well as sanitation. They learnt the struggles of working in such areas and how change is done through local ngos and teams of volunteers across Sri Lanka. Local volunteers from the National Youth Services Council offered their help as the largest network of volunteers to create a greater impact on all regions of Sri Lanka.

I think the toughest part of the whole thing was doing the simplest task of Shopping. Figuring out places where all participants could go and buy whatever they desired from souvenirs to Saree Shopping. It was a battle to be at so many places at once and be in time for their airport pickups.

However, I believe community visits such as this opens doors to people from different cultures to work together on causes, create global connections and make larger impacts. I am aware that during such visits participants reciprocate projects in their own home countries and sincerely hope Love!Care!Inspire made them wish to do the same.

[safraanver]

Acceptance Speech - President 2013/2014

“We have advantages. We have a cushion to fall back on. This is abundance. A luxury of place and time. Something rare and wonderful. It's almost historically unprecedented. We must do extraordinary things. We have to. It would be absurd not to.”  ― Dave Eggers

Good Evening. Fellow Toastmasters, Family and Friends.  I also would like to thank my Immediate Past President Naleef Kitchil and his exco-commitee for their gracious welcome and support.  Naleef has led the Club to new heights and has set the stage for an exciting next chapter.  Indeed, we have seen tremendous growth and change throughout the past year.  This legacy reflects a clear sense of identity and purpose.  I will strive to continue, and build upon, that powerful legacy by Naleef and Dian.

Exco-Commitee, you are entrusted with guiding our fellow members, stretching their minds and preparing them to aspire to new heights and to take on the challenges that our future has in store. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working alongside you, as we further enhance Word Blasters reputation as a club at the forefront of membership engagement.

I believe that my members would proudly embrace the Clubs's theme, "Be the Extraordinary," reflecting how members of the club are being prepared to be better speakers and leaders and thereby agents of change in the world. This club came together to pursue excellence where important ideas and concepts can be discussed and debated by people from diverse backgrounds and points of view.  We Will be Extra Ordinary.

This club is also very open and accessible to individuals of all backgrounds along with senior toastmasters.  I have realized that the principle of diversity provides educational benefits for all our members.  Diversity and excellence go hand in hand, and I look forward to working with colleagues of our toastmaster community here today to build the pipeline of opportunity in all disciplines and to nourish diversity in all its richness. Members, you are very important to this club, to me, and to the future of toastmasters.  I know that you are among the best and brightest.  You are known for your compassion, and for your desire to serve others and to be a part of improving the world around you.  I commend you for your ability to balance the rigors of preparations with your pursuit of knowledge and experience in toastmasters and our community.  You are EXTRAORDINARY.

you are the lifeblood of our institution.  Your investments of time, talent, and finances will help us to achieve our ambitious goals.  I am eager to hear your stories, share in your traditions, and explore your dreams for making an impact at club, area and division level.  Like many of you, I have benefited from the inspiration of my parents, mentors, and toastmasters from across the divisions who encouraged me to follow my dreams, and who instilled in me a strong commitment to public speaking. The TM community is an extended and constantly growing family in which the whole, working together, is much greater than the sum of its individual parts. Speaking of family, it is a special privilege to be here today with my family.  I could not have possible accomplished so much if it was not for their compliance with my forever excuse of toastmaster meetings, contests and conferences. They have always had my back in my pursuit to be extra ordinary and have always been my greatest advisors and proof readers of all my speeches.

The challenges are great, but the opportunities are even greater.  I look forward to working with all of you at the dawn of this next year at WBTMC.  Thank you all very much!

[hirosht]

Galle face green (at Galle Face Green)

[safraanver]

Dedication

Hi! I’m Safra the bride’s best friend for over 7 years. Sam, I have known all my teenage life, from the time she was campaigning for votes for Yes FM Superstar, to the present moment - the beautiful young woman you see before you now. Much has happened in the years between. It would be remiss of me not to comment on a few memorable moments of her life such as in Form 4 when she created names to do with animals for all of us Orangi being hers dancing in the rain while playing run and catchers in her school uniform or when we had pool lessons from the great Sam herself. I still don’t remember if that was a proper game yet. Sam has always been the life of the party, the energetic girl who knows every tune and the right dance move to set the party in motion. She’s also secretly a nerd who has always aced at exams and on random moments you could see her on the roof with a textbook that could be bigger than she is. Overall, She’s the girl you need to know for she will always be the girl for she will always be there for you when u need advice or you need a smile on your face when you’re in the depths of despair. When childhood friends who have been through the ups and downs of each other’s lives come together it is truly a magical moment. I remember the day I was at her home and her family was bugging her to tell me the good news. She practically hid behind the door and blurted it out thinking that we wouldn't approve. I think she’s still shocked by everyone screaming Finally! You said yes! I actually first met Mahinth on this lovely thing called Windows Messenger for he was out on an escapade in India. Throughout the years of getting to know him I realized he was the man who will always be there when you need a friend, who is forever having a cheeky smile on his face and can dance like nobody cares. Most importantly he knows Sam like the back of his hand, he knows exactly how to drive her crazy or keep her sane. Mahinth and Sam in my mind have always been the cutest couple ever. There are the jigsaw puzzle that fit perfectly together. They are both outgoing and have talents that fuse so well together. She sings her heart out while he dances. Everyone who’s heard there story always think of it as a Disney movie. I’m assuming she’s Ariel at the moment and he’s the prince.

I’m so happy for both of you and feel blessed to share this amazing day with you.

[safraanver]

Trust in something

“You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

Steve Jobs

Everyone has an experience where intuition starts to kick in. However, only few know how to use intuition effectively for we tend to talk about intuition as a single ability although there are several levels of intuitive abilities. They however vary and are useful for different reasons. The most common intuitive experience is the common “gut feeling”.  A gut feeling is an intuitive reaction to something either positively or negatively. When we experience a gut feeling it is an indicator that we are on the right track or that something is terribly wrong.

"When you think that you are referring to your intuition, actually you just learn an association between subliminal signals in your context and the outcome of your actions," says Mathias Pessiglione, a neuroscientist at the Centre for Neuroimaging Research  Can You Trust Your Gut?

Learning to trust these instincts, using your intuitive sense to understand what's best for you, is paramount for any lasting success. You have to trust the still, small voice of intuition that will follow you during your entire life. Don’t regret not listening to that tiny voice in your mind and so causing mistakes to happen.  It's really more of a feeling than a voice—a whispery sensation that pulsates just beneath the surface of your being. All animals have it. We're the only creatures that deny and ignore it. 

We need to start realizing our gut feeling is an indicator that something just doesn’t feel right!  As teenagers we always here ourselves say “I should have listened to my heart and the voice inside my mind. I would not have been in this state otherwise.” When something does not feel right it means it is time to step back and take a look at what we are not aware.  What am I not seeing?  What piece of information do I need to find?

Deciding

How many times have you gone against your gut, only to find yourself at odds with the natural flow of things? We all get caught up in the business of doing, and sometimes lose our place in the flow. But the more we can tune in to our intuition, the better off we are.

When you experience a negative gut feeling once you have to decide for or against anything, it is a time to find the missing information.  Firstly, look at the facts and the results to make sure that you are not missing anything important.   Next meditate. It is a an amazing way to gain perspective, clear your mind, find neutrality and open your intuition to solve the problem in a bystanders perspective. Thereby, understand what is really going on around you.

For all the major moves in your life, you have to take in all the information you can gather. You need to listen to all the proposals, ideas, and advice. Finally, go with your gut, in which your heart feels most strongly. 

Remember when you don't know what to do, do nothing. Get quiet so you can hear the still, small voice—your inner GPS guiding you to true North. 

Levels of Intuition

Intuition occurs on several levels: consciousness, subconscious an unconscious and supra-conscious levels of awareness.  Our Gut Feeling is the most basic level of conscious intuition. It takes more experience to access the levels that offer more insightful levels of understanding. Those who only access the conscious levels can make incorrect decisions by not sorting intuition from logical or emotional reactions.

Freud's ideas on the unconscious mind were, in fact, correct and that a lot of our decision-making and a lot of our feelings are based on things that we're not really aware of,' said Moore, who is an assistant professor in the Alberta School of Business.

Intuitive processes happen very quickly and automatically so it is important to be conscious and aware of the level of intuition you are using so that you do not misinterpret your perception.

Making it Effective

Effective use of intuition takes development and understanding of this ability so that emotions, logic, fear, desire don’t interfere.  Reactions such as nervousness, hatred, love, etc. can interfere with clear access to an individual’s intuition.  It is these same emotions that interfere with our rational thoughts as well and thereby creating a situation where we use emotions to make decisions rather than our gut (intuitive) feelings.

According to a study by Canada's University of Alberta, when it comes to working out where the future lies your unconscious mind is both smarter than you think and can be a great motivator.

Alberta School of Business researcher Sarah Moore and colleagues from Duke and Cornell university’s say unconscious feelings about objects in the environment influence the pursuit of long-term goals.

Clear your mind

If you wish to understand your gut feeling and use it in such a way that your success only grows and not falter due to wrong decisions, it is recommended to learn to meditate as a means to quiet the body and clear the mind. This will enable you to open up your mind to what’s going on around you and find your inner center.

[blue-voids]

Hans Namuth - Jackson Pollock in his studio, 1950

[safraanver]

Disability Action Forum

Team Muslim Aid comprises of a group of energetic young individuals who are willing to spend some time off their lives to help make another’s life better; the spirit of volunteering is very active in each and every one of these individuals. This year under the theme ‘Love! Care! Inspire!’ the team decided to work with differently abled children. With the ultimate target to conduct a Disability Awareness Week at the end of the year, the team worked on various activities to activate parents when it comes to Children and their disabilities in which the members took part in with great enthusiasm.

Looking back into why the team chose this theme for the year, they remember how a few of their members were inspired by Dr. Sinniah’s speech, where he mentioned that the greatest help one could do for differently abled children is to spread awareness about them to the society, and help break the barriers the society has put on these children. Dr. Sinniah Thevananthan, Founder of the ‘Osilmo Special Education and Research Center for Autistic Children’ was selected as the “Volunteer of the Year” for his outstanding contributions in the arena of active volunteerism. Dr. Sinniah (Age 40) is tirelessly working towards ensuring the same rights, freedom and opportunities for children with autism that other children enjoy.

This thought became stronger when members of Team Muslim Aid visited the ‘Islamic Center for Physically Handicapped Children’ where the principal of the school too agreed that it was awareness that was necessary. They sat through their normal day to day classes and learnt how these exceptional children were fluent in 4 languages, and how the deaf could read the Quran with such eloquence and Braille with such fervor to gain knowledge. When asked if they would rather be in school or play outside. They firmly stated, “This is our time to learn and thereby succeed. We are what we make of ourselves, so we shall use our time with great use for we shall not regain what we have already spent.”

Team Muslim Aid’s future event in their project involves the Disability Week where they wish to promote all organizations who are currently working on these types of projects through the form of workshops, open days, competitions, speech competitions etc. They also wish to bring the week to an end with a finale on the 3rd of December 2012. This will involve resource persons and a forum to enable them to give out possible ideas where the community can be uplifted to make a difference within their own communities.

This will effectively increase the humanity’s participation in such a way that the companies and organizations will not only be sponsors, but will take a major role in providing human resources for underprivileged human betterment.

  The forum will be addressed by keynote speakers who will indulge in the areas of National Policy, Psychological Attributes, Success Stories, Methodology of Care, etc.  The attendees will then discuss the role of the community and development of this role in managing the issues in context of disability. The forum aims to provide a platform for the community to come up with ideas and create plans and goals to continue the progress of such individuals.

“Every child has an incredible imagination and can believe beyond the depths of any adult’s belief; but the shame in this is that society and those with no faith cloud children’s perceptions and destroy their access to such a magical world.” Taliene

  Want to receive invites to the forum? Call us on 0777667527 – Safra or 0772544133 - Ammar

[safraanver]

WBTMC 2nd Presidential and Ex-Co Installation Ceremony

Royal Colombo Golf Club, Sri Lanka, August 24, 2012 ̶  

Division Governor Mr. Sunil De Silva and Area Governor Mr. Nalin Silva has proclaimed that Word Blasters Toastmasters Club President and his Exco- Committee has officially been installed.  Mr. Nalin Silva inducted the new Ex-Co Council and opened the floor for Word Blasters Toastmasters Club President Mr.  Naleef Kitchil to make his first presentation on the 24th of August at Royal Colombo Golf Club during a Special Installation Ceremony.

The achievement of 6 DCP Goals to earn ‘Distinguished Club’ status and Award, in the first year of activity since being Chartered on 23rd August 2011, is a tribute to the Charter Members of WBTMC and a truly worthy accolade to the new members who joined WBTMC during the year and contributed largely to the progress and stability of Word Blasters Toastmasters Club as it enters its second year under the leadership of Naleef Kitchil.” said Dian Abeyewardene during his welcome address at the meeting. “

Word Blasters Toastmasters Club newly installed President Naleef Kitchil walked down memory lane with us and stated that “As I look back, I am truly delighted about the Toastmaster experience I have enjoyed as a Speech Crafter and subsequently as a Charter Member and as an EX-CO (Executive Committee) member of WBTMC. The friends I have made and the giant strides I have taken as a Toastmaster have taught me many lessons and the experience has encouraged me to ‘grab opportunities’ as they unfold before me. “

Over 50 people attended the ceremony including Charter Members as well as New Members of the Word Blasters Toastmasters Club.   The Club wishes to reach out and invite the community residents and employees from local organizations to attend a club meeting allowing them to better improve their leadership and presentation skills.

“The club can be proud of the fact that during their 1st  year, two new members had the courage to participate and  to earn the 1st  runner up position in the Evaluation Contest & the 2n d runner up position in the Humorous Speech Contest at Area Level & also making Word Blasters a Distinguished Club. “ stated Division Governor Sunil De Silva

“I’m always impressed by WBTMC’s energy and enthusiasm with which they approach each and every event of the year. I believe with this energy they can achieve the President distinguished status by members taking up more leadership roles and helping new members with their first three speeches.” Area Governor Nalin Silva

Humor was rampant that night as Mr. Niranjan De Silva took the podium to give the audience his after dinner speech. He stated that most individuals are so engrossed in technology that they completely forget what is occurring right in front of them. He believes that Toastmasters gives people the ability to give ‘eye ball to eye ball’ connections during conversations and hopes that more people make the most of the opportunities it brings.

“The Word Blasters Toastmasters Club has come a long way in their first year of joining the Toastmaster Fraternity, they have great potential to be a force to be reckoned with in terms of  talent”, was the common sentiment expressed by several Toastmasters and guests present at the simple but elegant Charter Installation held at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Distinguished invitees represented very senior Toastmaster Clubs such as Colombo Toastmasters, Ralph Toastmasters, Serendib Toastmasters, Nations Trust Toastmasters and CIM  Toastmasters among others.

For more information about Word Blasters Toastmasters Club visit www.wordblasterstmc.wordpress.com or email us on [email protected].

  Toastmaster members:

               Learn to communicate more effectively

               Become better speakers and listeners

               Improve their presentation skills

               Increase their leadership potential

               Become more successful in their career

                • Build their ability to motivate and persuade

                • Increase their self-confidence

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 270,000 members in 13,000 clubs in 116 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org.

[safraanver]

Silence

Silence has always proven to speak louder than words. It is this silence that eats you up inside. It leaves you with questions of how, why and what? Things in life are always questionable and sometimes it rips your heart into pieces but sometimes I want to stop and listen to the silence. I want to know the meaning of this silence. Is it that somethings are better left unspoken or is it fear that what you want may not really happen.

Fear can drive you crazy but not knowing if what you dream may not come true and waiting for the sign that proves you are not alone in silence is while a non sensical infatuation it maybe what keeps u going.

[safraanver]

Global Changemakers Speech

I am Safra Anver. Passionate, Creative, Hardworking. I am currently the President of Team Muslim Aid (TMA), managing an active volunteer team of 35. I also helped organize the hugely successful TEDxColombo, was voted as Vice President-Education - Word Blasters Toastmasters Club (2012-2013), facilitator during International Year of Volunteers (IYV) and an Active Citizen.

In 2011, My team and I came together to help create avenues for education throughout the country. This was accomplished by helping to refurbish a school in the heart of Colombo as well as our Book Drive. We donated over 1071 books in 3 different languages to the North & East Regions.

 2012 - I worked to promote awareness on the growing case of mentally and physically handicapped children.what causes such illnesses, how they may be helped, where parents can turn to for guidance and institutions that cater to such children.

These projects have allowed me to see on grassroot level how volunteering and implementation of ideas can change the bigger picture. It was gratifying to witness just by donating books, providing scholorships or by discussing issues to the greater public; change was being made.

However projects come with challenges, during TEDxColombo we lost our venue 3 days before the event but we replanned it and 2 weeks later. sold out event with 5 spectacular speeches. Sometimes things fall through but it’s the lessons I learnt along the way that matter.

I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer in a diverse range of projects. My portfolio includes environment and climate change, women, abuse, children, disabilities and also interfaith dialogue while also working with the United Nations Volunteers to help create statute policy to promote volunteerism. I believe this breadth of experience is a key asset that I can bring to the Summit and am keen to build upon.

Personally, participation in the summit gives me the opportunity to liaise with and learn from many volunteers across the world and form connections. Further, I hope to discuss TMA’s initiatives on grass root levels with other delegates to gather their views. As a Global Changemaker, I also obtain the ability to visit high profile events such as the UN Summits and Youth Conferences to create sustainable solutions which go beyond action projects but also create statutory policy.

[undeadredemption-blog-blog]

[yiin-yangg]

Dead poet’s society!

[surrogateself]

[kiriappeee]

This made me want to get the old game and play it all over again

[safraanver]

Interview by Naveedha Najeem

The first thing that hits me as soon as I see Safra is her friendly smile which wholly fits her bright and bubbly personality. Due to her ever readiness to lend a helping hand and help anyone who wants to help, (Even from guy troubles to getting help to write an article) and her sparkling personality is what that has made her become the president of Team Muslim Aid, as well as an active volunteer in many other movements. Safra was in high spirits (as well as a bit edgy cause it was the first time) to share with us a little bit about herself and her work.

I mentioned earlier, Safra heads a group of volunteers named Team Muslim Aid (TMA), consisting of a number of young and energetic individuals who are willing to accommodate the needy and work under the supervision of the main organization Muslim Aid.

“Just after O' Levels, we have a three month break till the next term starts and I was bored at home whiling away my time online. One day, I complained to a friend of mine that I wish I was putting my time to good use and he introduced me to the world of TMA. Since then I've been hooked on anything volunteer related.”

As one would say people do tend learn a lot from the personalities they associate with. The same Safra too was influenced by her friends and thus far has undergone some remarkable experiences which she says has been beneficial in both her life and social working,

“During my very few years I have met many people who have influenced me in different ways. Husni Mohammed (Global Change Maker/International Climate Champion (British council, UK), for showing me that multitasking is possible, Fadhil Bakeer Marker(UNV) for teaching me that when one door closes another door opens, Ammar Nawaz (former president of TMA) for teaching me that if you believe in something do everything to make it happen, Amjad Saleem (former country director for Muslim Aid) for teaching me to think outside of the box and the list goes on. These maybe lessons I have learnt during my time volunteering but they are just as effective in our day to day lives.”

As a past pupil of Asian International School Safra revealed that she wasn’t the most social while schooling. ‘Even though I was not out going back then, I had my own set of 5 friends and we did everything together from water fights, paint wars, seafood by the sea. We laughed right through our childhood and in reality we are still children. We loved the smaller fancies in life."

Safra used to work in advertising and now after a recent change in jobs she works in selling ERP solutions, speaking about what she liked the most about her field of work she said, “I believe the best thing about doing what I do is the socialization. I love talking and making connections and using the skills of networking that I have gained throughout my years as a volunteer has let me grow by leaps and bounds.”

As the president of TMA Safra is always happy to welcome new faces into the team, as long as they are willing to help, of course there have been moments where people with different aims in their mind tried to sabotage the original vision but Safra was strong willed did not to let that happen and she still makes certain that when a person joins the team he/ she should be of the best behavior. This concern of Safra’s has now brought in a lot of willing and decent individuals who are fun loving but still maintain the decorum of the Team. Speaking about the best experience she went through so far in relation to the team she said, ‘The memories I had during Flood Relief in 2011 when I first became President is indescribable. I had so many volunteers coming in to help that I didn't have the space to keep them all. I had to even go to the extent of telling some of my volunteers to go home. Further the passion that I saw in them to be the change cannot be matched and I am proud and glad that I was there to witness it first stand.’

Like all leaders Safra too has a personal philosophy she follows in life, and she was glad to share it with our readers, ‘I truly believe that everything in life happens for a reason. There is a force which some would say god and some would say fate to create any outcome. so keep your smile on your face and your head held high because there are forces at play that even we don't understand as yet.’

An individual cannot shine without a proper backing and support from their family and friends, when questioned about the support she received from her family and friends she said, ‘What I do cannot be done without my family, my parents giving me permission to attend meetings, seminars, workshops and the endless list of activities and their trust and faith in the work I do is what made it all possible. Also my Team who are what creates the backbone of Team Muslim Aid; in essence they are my friends, my family who will remain with me for as long as i can remember’

Safra who in my eyes seemed like a person who can will herself to do anything admitted that there was one thing she still hasn’t been able to do, ‘I can't whistle.(laughs) I never figured it out and neither do I think i can.’ (well I hope she learns to whistle very soon or her team is going to be teasing her about this for a long time to come)

After personally knowing Safra for the past 6 months (since the day I joined the team), I see her commitment for volunteering and helping, in addition to her office work she is always sought after by most of us in the team so many times a day about things concerning our projects and so on, but she never gets tired and always talks and helps us. I sometimes wonder what she would have done if she hadn’t got involved in volunteering in TMA, and seized this opportunity to ask that, “Well I am actually part of quite a number of organizations, I have worked with Rotaract Club of Colombo Uptown, IYV+10, UNA, Active Citizens (British Council, UK) TEDxColombo and had collaborations in projects with USAID, QatarCares etc so I believe that I would have found my place in any one of these organizations.”

When asked how a person would describe her Safra quoted what her uncle, Adnan Issadeen, who said that she is "persona,self driven, carefree in a good way,intuitive sort..". In addition to that she said that she is usually described as ‘bubbly, friendly, team leader and part time therapist ‘ and I too agreed with that description.

In addition to working, volunteering and leading a team of people, Safra has other interests too, she is an artist and a photographer, who prefers to take pictures of nature than of people. “ One of my main interests would be the arts being a graphic designer is part of allowing my creativity (while also useful in creating posters for my campaigns) to show. I am an avid lover of music and have a tendency of finding the perfect song to match my mood and play the song over and over again.”

Safra also took some time to share with us a small description of the projects she is currently involved in with her team, “ Every Year TMA settles on a theme and this year we have ‘Love! Care! Inspire!’ where we wish to create awareness for children who are differently-abled. Speaking to so many professionals in this area of study we have learnt that most children who are mentally affected are not sent to proper care at the early stages but are only diagnosed at the age of 7 and 8 so therefore we wish to be the eye opener to the public so they may learn how to help their child.”

When questioned about her plans for the future and her ambition, Safra stated, “Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.” That is my true ambition. I love living from day to day and moment to moment but I wish that sometime in my future I create a difference in the world that is substantial.

“ There is nothing like it, the exposure you get, the friends you make, the lessons you learn, the stress you undergo, they make you a better person not only personality wise but in how effective you work. Don’t ever think that volunteering is doing work without pay for the rewards, skills and networking is priceless. Further, the fun we have getting projects done and the moments in between are unforgettable. Why else would my team sit for 4 hours through a meeting if they didn’t believe in what we do and have fun doing so.” Was Safra’s message to all people who are interested in the field of volunteering.

[safraanver]

Heritance

Every day create your history Every path you take you're leaving your legacy Every soldier dies in his glory Every legend tells of conquest and liberty

MICHAEL JACKSON

Sri Lanka’s history spans hundreds of years and world heritage day teaches us to go back in time and enjoy every moment of it. Who we are consists of traditions, culture, people that have been brought down generation to generation. Looking at the heritage sites that our ancestors have left for us to admire is the best way to understand their lives before we came into existence.

Sigiriya

Sri Lankan architectural tradition is well displayed at Sigiriya. It is known to be the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with its combination of buildings and gardens with their trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning.

Sigiriya is a unique witness to the civilization of Ceylon during the years of the reign of Kassapa I. The site of the 'Lion Mountain' was visited from the 6th century AD, by passionate admirers. The frescoes of Sigiriya inaugurated a pictorial style which endured over many centuries. The poems inscribed on the rock are known as the 'Sigiri graffiti,' are among the most ancient texts in the Sinhalese language, and thus show the considerable influence exerted by the abandoned city of Kassapa I on both literature and thought.

In the heart of Ceylon, the extraordinary site of Sigiriya, a lofty rock of reddish gneiss dominating, from a height of some 150 m, the neighbouring plateau, has been inhabited since the 3rd century BC. The fame of the 'Lion Mountain' is due to one single factor: during a short period in the 5th century AD, Kassapa established his capital there in his attempt to seek refuge from his brother.  However, his brother besieged him and King Kassapa killed himself when signs of defeat were evident.

Dambulla

Dambulla is an outstanding example of the religious art and expression of Sri Lanka. The excavated shrine-caves, their painted surfaces and statuary are unique in scale and degree of preservation. The monastery includes significant masterpieces of 18th century art.

The rock of Dambulla is the centre of a Buddhist cave-temple complex established in the 3rd century BC and occupied continuously until today. Its location has marked a transportation node between the Eastern and Western Dry Zones and between the Dry Zones and the central mountains throughout the history of Sri Lanka. The cave-temple complex is established on an isolated hill of importance in the study of the island's geological history. The site also includes evidence of human occupation going back to the prehistoric period, including the megalithic cemetery at Ibbankatuwa.

Polannaruwa

Polonnaruwa bears witness to several civilizations, notably that of the conquering Cholas, disciples of Brahminism, and that of the Sinhalese sovereigns during the 12th and 13th centuries. This immense capital created by the king, Parakramabahu I, in the 12th century, is one of history's most astonishing urban creations, both because of its unusual dimensions and because of the very special relationship of its buildings with the natural setting. It is also a shrine of Buddhism and of Sinhalese history. The tooth of the Lord Buddha, a remarkable relic placed in the Atadage under Vijabayahu, was considered as the talisman of the Sinhalese monarchy: its removal by Bhuvanaikabahu II confirmed the decline of Polonnaruwa.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura attests in a unique and specific way to the Sinhalese civilization. It stands as a permanent example of the culture of Sri Lanka, uninfluenced by outside elements. The sacred city exerted a considerable influence on the development of architecture during several centuries. It includes remarkable monuments, particularly the Dagabas of colossal size, placed on circular foundations and surrounded by a ring of monolithic columns, characteristic of the Sinhalese stupas.

The city is one of the principal shrines of Buddhism. The cutting from the fig tree of Buddha, brought there in the 3rd century BC, has flourished and, today, the Bodhi tree spreads out over the centre of the site from a sanctuary near the Brazen Palace. The relics of Siddharta have shaped the religious landscape of Anuradhapura, where the Dagaba Thuparama was built by King Tissa in the 3rd century BC to store the clavicle of Buddha, an important religious relic presented by Ashoka.

Singharaja Forest

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is situated in the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Most of the area was originally declared a forest reserve on 1875 under the Waste Lands Ordinance and notified in the Ceylon Government, whereas the rest was notified a proposed forest reserve in the early 20th century. Sinharaja Forest Reserve, comprising the existing and proposed forest reserves, was declared a biosphere reserve in 1978. Always remember on your visit to be stocked with plenty of menthol based products to keep the leeches at bay.

Galle Fort

Galle provides an outstanding example of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The most outstanding feature is the use of European models adapted by local manpower to the geological, climatic, historical, and cultural conditions of Sri Lanka. In the structure of the ramparts, coral is frequently used along with granite. In the ground layout all the measures of length, width and height conform to the regional metrology. The wide streets, planted with grass and shaded by suriyas, are lined with houses, each with its own garden and an open veranda supported by columns, another sign of the acculturation of an architecture which is European only in its basic design. The government’s recent paving of all roads in the fort gives you a greater sense of European influences.

Kandy

The monumental ensemble of Kandy, rebuilt in the reign of Keerti Sri Rajasimha, is an outstanding example of a traditional type of construction in which the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth of Buddha are juxtaposed. The Temple of the Tooth, the palatial complex, and the sacred city of Kandy are directly and tangibly associated with the history of the spread of Buddhism, one of humanity's great religions. Built to house the relic of the tooth of Buddha, which had come from Kalinga (Orissa State, India) to Sri Lanka during the reign of Sri Meghavanna (310-28), when it was transferred a final time, the Temple of Kandy bears witness to an ever flourishing cult.

Central Highlands

The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is a serial property comprising three component parts: Peak Wilderness Protected Area, Horton Plains National Park and Knuckles Conservation Forest. Its forests are globally important and provide habitat for an exceptional number of endemic species of flora and fauna. The property includes the largest and least disturbed remaining areas of the submontane and montane rain forests of Sri Lanka, which are a global conservation priority on many accounts. More than half of Sri Lanka’s endemic vertebrates, half of the country’s endemic flowering plants and more than 34% of its endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are restricted to these diverse montane rain forests and adjoining grassland areas.

All historic and factual information is copyrighted to UNESCO