All of us have been created as powerful persons. We have unique talents that no other human being has. With such a powerful disposition, we need to look inside and ask ourselves "Am I truly becoming the powerful person that I was created to be?"

Success as we know is the perfect amalgam of opportunity and preparation. It is the end result of doing things better each time, every time. Are we doing enough during our lifetime to become successful?

As leaders, when do we say that we are successful? The answer is quite simple. Look around to see the number of leaders that you have helped to create. See their joyful faces and experience their cheer. Remember, each of them will have an amazing story to say.

After a glorious year of 'daringly different' achievements, Periyar is poised for the big leap now. As the founder President TM P.J.J. Antony remarks, "The time for change has arrived and it is up to us how we adopt and adapt. We need to embrace this change and make toast mastering relevant and meaningful to the modern day so that, we create good leaders, exemplary citizens and caring human beings!"

This year Periyar shall continue to focus on youth development through the Periyar Gavel Club which has had spectacular success and will explore innovative methods by which we can help in the development of youth power.

Our dear members are our priceless assets and their success hinges on how fast they realize their dreams. We shall continue to devote our attention to the communication and leadership programmes for our members and endeavour to 'galvanize them to glory.'

With the aim of spreading the message of toastmasters and developing communication skills, we hereby announce the institution of the 'PERIYAR EXCELLENCE AWARD' which will be given to the best communicator in the Eastern province and this would provide a platform for non-toastmasters as well to 'unleash the champions within' them.

You will observe that there is a common message that runs across the three initiatives highlighted above. It involves investing time in people and positioning them for maximum success. It entails reaching out to the community and helping them realize that that they are bigger, more powerful and more valuable that they ever could imagine! This requires a catalyst, a medium or a vehicle to carry this message forward. It beckons us at Periyar and demands us, to 'Ignite the Power!'