Toastmasters International • District 98

Speaking Today,
Leading Tomorrow

From my ice-breaker speech at Mumbai Toastmasters on 1st December 2019 to becoming a Division Director and Distinguished Toastmaster — a fulfilling journey without breaks, fueled by the electric atmosphere that audiences create when you're on stage.

DTM Distinguished Toastmaster
D98 Division D Director
3 Pathways Completed
10+ District Awards
Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) — Division D Director, District 98 — District Toastmaster of the Year — Humorous Speech Champion — Charter President, Airoli Bilingual TM Club — 3 Pathways Completed — All Elite Advanced TM Club — Blog Editorial Manager — Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) — Division D Director, District 98 — District Toastmaster of the Year — Humorous Speech Champion — Charter President, Airoli Bilingual TM Club — 3 Pathways Completed — All Elite Advanced TM Club — Blog Editorial Manager —
Achievements

Milestones of
Growth & Impact

Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)

Achieved the highest educational honor in Toastmasters International — completing three pathways and multiple leadership projects that formed the backbone of real-world impact.

Highest Achievement

Division D Director

Currently serving as Division D Director for District 98 (2024-2025), overseeing multiple areas and clubs across Mumbai at the highest operational level.

Current Role

District Toastmaster of the Year

Won multiple District 98 Hall of Fame Awards across almost all applicable categories, including the prestigious District Toastmaster of the Year.

Hall of Fame

Charter President

Co-founded District 98's first Bilingual Toastmasters Club (English & Hindi) in Airoli, Mumbai. Chartered in August 2020 after 30+ pre-charter meetings, becoming a President Distinguished Club in its maiden year.

Club Builder

Humorous Speech Champion

Won the Humorous Speech Championship at the District level, and First Place at the Expressions Semi-Annual Conference — District 98's flagship event.

Competition Winner

Area Director & Blog Editor

Served as Area M3 Director, Area M2 Director, Area S3 Director, and Blog Editorial Manager for Toastmasters of Mumbai. Also a member of the All Elite Advanced TM Club and mentor at Palava and RIL clubs.

Multiple Roles
Timeline

The Journey

Five years of relentless growth — from first speech to leading at the highest operational level in District 98.

Dec 2019

The Ice-Breaker

Delivered the first ice-breaker speech at Mumbai Toastmasters — the world's largest Toastmasters club with 150+ members. The electric atmosphere the audience creates on stage became something to live for.

Jan 2020

COVID & The Virtual Pivot

Started the intensive speaking journey right as the world went virtual. What seemed like a challenge became a boon — the ability to do worldwide Toastmaster travel from the living room and scale more in less time.

Jul 2020

Area M3 Director & Charter President

Installed as Area M3 Director, beginning the District leadership journey. Simultaneously worked with Santosh Akella to charter the first bilingual (English & Hindi) Toastmasters Club of District 98 in Airoli, Mumbai — after 30+ pre-charter meetings. The club achieved President Distinguished status in its maiden year.

2021

Area M2 Director & Blog Editorial Manager

Took on Area M2 Director duties while also joining the Toastmasters of Mumbai blog as Editorial Manager. Began mentoring speakers at Palava and RIL clubs, and joined the All Elite Advanced TM Club to learn from veteran Toastmasters of District 98.

2021-22

Hall of Fame & Triple Pathways

Won multiple District 98 Hall of Fame Awards in almost all applicable categories, including District Toastmaster of the Year. Served as Area S3 Director while completing three pathways and a post-graduation in Digital Marketing from Purdue University.

2023

Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)

Achieved the highest educational honor in Toastmasters International — the Distinguished Toastmaster designation. The culmination of three completed pathways, multiple leadership projects, and years of sustained impact.

2024-25

Division D Director

Currently serving as Division D Director for District 98, leading at the highest operational level while continuing to mentor and train speakers across Mumbai. Overseeing multiple areas and clubs across the division.

Recognition

Awards & Accolades

Ramanand Bhatt winning First Place at District 98 Expressions Conference
First Place

District 98 Expressions Conference

Winning on the grand stage at the Expressions Semi-Annual Conference — District 98's flagship event celebrating 10 years of Toastmasters excellence in India. A testament to the power of preparation, storytelling, and authentic connection with the audience.

"With each speech and address, you have to persuade the audience and motivate them to take action. These opportunities kept me on my toes — making me more energetic, more responsive, and a better decision-maker."

District Toastmaster of the Year

The most prestigious individual recognition in District 98's Hall of Fame

Humorous Speech Champion

District-level championship winner in the Humorous Speech Contest

Expressions Conference — 1st Place

First Place at District 98's flagship semi-annual conference

President Distinguished Club

Airoli Bilingual TM Club achieved highest club recognition in maiden year

Multiple Hall of Fame Awards

Won in almost all applicable categories across District 98 Hall of Fame

Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)

The highest educational honor in Toastmasters International

Affiliations

Clubs & Roles

A journey built across multiple clubs and leadership roles within District 98.

Mumbai Toastmasters

Home Club

The world's largest Toastmasters club with 150+ members. Where the journey began with the ice-breaker speech on 1st December 2019.

Airoli Bilingual TM Club

Charter President

Co-founded and chartered District 98's first bilingual (English & Hindi) club. President Distinguished in its maiden year.

All Elite Advanced TM Club

Member

A club of veteran Toastmasters from District 98, providing opportunities to learn from the most experienced speakers.

Palava & RIL Clubs

Mentor

Active mentoring role, grooming new Toastmasters and helping them find their voice and leadership style.

District Leadership Roles

2024-25 Division D Director
2021-22 Area S3 Director
2021 Area M2 Director
2020-21 Area M3 Director
2020 Charter President, Airoli Bilingual
Ongoing Blog Editorial Manager, TM of Mumbai
Philosophy

The M.I.L.E.
Framework

Toastmasters is an amazing playground where you learn new tactics, gain insights, and are free to experiment. My approach to growth is built on four pillars refined through years of speaking, leading, and mentoring.

M

Mentors

Access to diverse expertise beyond public speaking — analytics, storytelling, comic timing, finance, spirituality, and fitness. Explore topics to the extremes for optimal results.

I

Independence

Building autonomy through EXCOM roles, event organization, networking, conflict resolution, and negotiation. Own your growth by doing, not watching.

L

Leadership

The best way to learn is on the job. No manual or training video will prepare you as much as doing, failing, learning, and doing it right. Lead through material design, impactful writing, and mentoring newcomers.

E

Energy

Unless you're pumped up and filled with adrenaline, the audience can't feel it. Every speech and address is an opportunity to persuade, motivate, and make you a better decision-maker.

Ramanand Bhatt speaking at a conference
"The electric atmosphere the audience creates when you're on stage is something to live for. That energy is what keeps the journey going."
— Ramanand Bhatt

Want to Start Your Toastmasters Journey?

Whether you're looking for a mentor, want to improve your speaking, or are curious about Toastmasters — let's connect.

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