June has been such a beautiful month. My quest to be the best anchor in the country could not have had a better start. The love and support offered by friends and family is something that I will cherish to no ends. There were two main highlights in this month- started off with a 2 day event of anchoring and moderating panel discussions for The Times of India in Delhi and ended with hosting a magnificent show at The Bombay Bronx (The picture above might give you an idea of how magnificent!!) The turnout for both these events was phenomenal which made it all the more special. Apart from the highlights, I cannot simply ignore the other engagements because all of them put together is what makes this entire experience so thrilling.
Personally, I have always loved quizzing. Now that I have gotten onto the other side of the microphone, being a quiz master is actually even more invigorating. Arguably one of the most followed “pub quiz” master, it fills my heart to see the same faces at different venues. In the month of June, I got chances to host pub quizzes at two new venues- D’OH and Woodside Inn. To see the thirst for knowledge as well as the thirst for the rewards in the audience makes me want to go on even after the quiz is over. New venues put along with the old favorites such as Doolally and The Den, combined to make an extraordinary inaugural month for me.
So far, in my humble opinion, the best part about this field of business is the inessential nature of me needing to go out and approaching people for telling them about my profession. A good event leads to instant positive feedback from the audience present there. That brings me to the month of July- It starts off with a very elite yet exclusive gathering for celebrating the marriage of two of my colleagues. When I started out a few months back, anchoring marriages was not really my POA but when it is a personal acquaintance and they are not willing to take “No” for an answer, I guess I do not have much of a choice.
July also marks the start of 2 brand new venues for me on a “full time basis.” – The Bombay Bronx and Kaitlyn’s Beer Garden. The inaugural session was an absolute HIT as you may have heard and now we have put pen to paper for a 2 month agreement. Four shows for the Bombay Bronx and 3 shows scheduled for Kaitlyn’s make this month seem SO much more engaging already. I have been very fortunate to get into this pub engagement scenario as it is DEFINITELY on the rise, even as we speak.
The main time to execute these engagements is during the week when footfalls are generally lower as compared to the weekend. (Effectively, I am talking about Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.) As a quiz master with only these 3 days as a chance to go out there, I am filled with glee to realize that the three of these days have all been occupied. (Kaitlyn’s on Tuesdays, Doolally on Wednesdays & Bronx on Thursdays). The quiz calendar for me is satiated.
That brings me to the other exciting opportunities coming my way in July. I graduated from Jai Hind College in April, 2016. My first instance of a lecturer begins on the 21st of July, 2017. I will have the privilege of molding young 18 year old students for 4 hours a week, every Friday. Mumbai University has changed a few rules since last year. Earlier only Third Year students were to appear for Board Exams set by the University. Now, it is from the very beginning, from the First Year itself, that the students have to appear for their Board Exams. This leaves a huge window for colleges to bring in experiential learning for the students apart from what is required by the University which is easily available in text books. I am so eager to exploit this window and help these young adults realize their maximum potential.
On the 9th of this month is a very interesting and unique engagement- Community Health Talks by Taal Inc. Taal Inc’s core strength is positively influencing measurable change in human potential and human resources. Based on extensive academic research by their team of published researchers & psychologists they have designed a range of services to enhance workplace efficiency. They study interventions such as music, rhythm, movement, fine arts, yoga and physical exercises and analyze – even measure where possible – their positive effects on certain behavioral parameters. The goal is to better understand how the arts can be used to improve our health and well-being and to apply this at various place. I will be anchoring this event at Jio Garden at BKC, to communicate to the audience, to make them understand in words of what healing they underwent through various activities that will be conducted on the day.
All in all, the month of July looks absolutely FABULOUS. I had a total of 9 engagements in a 30 day month of June. July sees a big jump to 13 engagements so far. To build on to this momentum, I have signed an agreement for an office space at Churchgate which I will occupy from the 1st of August onwards! This is WITHOUT A DOUBT the biggest bit of an announcement I had to make. To have my own work space will allow me to further increase my productivity. There will also be a training center where I will conduct workshops focused on enhancing public speaking skills, developing leadership skills, building confidence and catering to personal requirements of individuals. The office is a 2 minute walk from Churchgate Station or a 10 minute walk from VT Station & within a 2KM radius of this space- there are a total of 12 colleges!!
I am so thankful to everyone who has intentionally or unintentionally helped me get here. I am ever so grateful to my well wishers and the Almighty. Thank you for all your support in words, thoughts and/or actions. I am certain the month of July is going to be just as favorable and desirable for all of my acquaintances too.
Until next time- Be Kind To One Another.