First Advanced Toastmasters Club in Tamil Nadu

Where Speakers Become Keynote Ready

An elite community of seasoned Toastmasters pushing boundaries, mastering stagecraft, and transforming into professional speakers.

"To do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself into your work."

Register for a Meeting Discover Meraki
Our Story

The Birth of Meraki

In 2017, during Ovation 2017 — the annual conference of the then District 82 — a group of like-minded Toastmasters envisioned something extraordinary: an advanced club that would challenge seasoned speakers and leaders.

Thus was born Meraki — officially chartered on July 1, 2017. The name comes from the Greek word meaning "to do something with soul, creativity, or love" — and that essence infuses every speech, every role, and every interaction at our club.

At Meraki, we don't just practice speaking. We craft keynotes. We dissect world-champion speeches. We push each other toward professional excellence.

8+
Years of Excellence
26
Active Members
239+
Meetings Conducted
6
DTMs in Club
What Sets Us Apart

The Meraki Edge

🎯

Advanced Membership

Only Toastmasters with Pathways Level 2+, district/club officer experience, or ExCom approval are admitted. This keeps the talent high and learning steep.

📚

Book Reviews

5-7 minute briefings on current leadership and communication titles, linking ideas to real-world speaking applications.

🏆

Champion Speech Analysis

Guided deconstruction of World Championship winning speeches to extract transferable techniques and strategies.

🎤

Master Evaluations

Seasoned evaluators deliver deep, actionable feedback that pushes speakers toward keynote-level quality.

🎭

Deep-Dive Workshops

Hands-on sessions in voice modulation, storytelling, humor, stagecraft, and thought-leadership positioning.

☕

Breakfast Evaluation

Post-meeting reflections at a nearby café — candid, collegial discussions on what excelled and what can be elevated.

Innovation in Practice

Creative Meeting Formats

PowerPoint Karaoke

Present an unseen slide deck on the spot — perfect for calm improvisation and humor.

Pecha Kucha (20×20)

Twenty slides, twenty seconds each — honing crisp, timed storytelling.

Round-Robin Evaluation

Multiple evaluators each add one distinct point, giving speakers a 360° view.

Keynote Simulation

15-20 minute conference-style addresses mirroring professional assignments.

Debate Night

Team arguments and rebuttals for sharpening logic and persuasive fire.

Elevator Pitch Rounds

60-second pitches that demand absolute clarity and impact.

Story Circle

Each speaker continues a shared narrative, improving listening and flow.

Role-Reversal Meetings

Members swap unfamiliar roles to build empathy and flexibility.

Meet Our Leaders

Executive Committee 2025-2026

DTM Sundararaman Chintamani
PRESIDENT
DTM Sundararaman Chintamani
TM Hemalatha Punithavelu
VP EDUCATION
TM Hemalatha Punithavelu
TM Narasimharaju Perumal
VP MEMBERSHIP
TM Narasimharaju Perumal
TM Anirudh Sundararaman
VP PUBLIC RELATIONS
TM Anirudh Sundararaman
TM Madhumita S.
SECRETARY
TM Madhumita Sivaramakrishnan
DTM Sateeshkumar S.
TREASURER
DTM Sateesh Kumar S
TM Bharath Swaminathan
SERGEANT AT ARMS
TM Bharath Swaminathan
TM Chellakannan T.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
TM Chellakannan T
Our Merakis

Members Directory

26 members sorted by seniority

Pattabi L. Raman

Pattabi L. Raman, DTM

People Skill Trainer

D T M District TT first runner up

🎯 Vocabulary Building & Studying People!!!

Sundararaman Chintamani

Sundararaman Chintamani, DTM in

Corporate Trainer, Keynote Speaker, Consulatant

Club President

Sergeant At Arms, VPM, VPE, President Twice, Area Governor, Club Coach Chair, District Quiz Master, Speaker Bureau Ch...

🎯 Public Speaking, Authoring, Singing, Quizzing, Blogging, Painting, Reviewing ...

Ashok Kumar Kannan

Ashok Kumar Kannan, IP5 in

IT Engineer

ACB and CL in old curriculum, 1 path completed in new Pathways, played all excom roles, been part of corporate, commu...

🎯 Reading books, learning new technology

Karthick Mohandoss

Karthick Mohandoss, DTM

Engineering Manager

Division Director, Area Governor, District Humorous Champion 2016, District ISC 1st Runner Up

🎯 Cooking

Vijayalakshmi Soundararajan

Vijayalakshmi Soundararajan, DTM

Home Maker

Two-time recipient of the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award. Winner District Evaluation Contest Past District C...

🎯 Public speaking , Travelling

Sateeshkumar Subramaniam

Sateeshkumar Subramaniam, DTM in

Heading Quality & EHS at Envision Energy / 23 years exper...

Club Treasurer

Gavel Club Counselor Since 2019 / President Distinguished Division K Director / District 82 Finance Manager / Served ...

🎯 Passion for Public Speaking & interested in long distance cycling

JR

Jaichitra Ramakrishnan, DTM

Member since Sep 2011

Velavan Kuppuvijayan

Velavan Kuppuvijayan, DL2 in

SERVICE DELIVERY MANAGER

GRAMMARIAM

🎯 READING BOOKS, VOLLEYBALL, CARROM, MUSIC, TRAVELLING

Chellakannan Thiruchitrambalam

Chellakannan Thiruchitrambalam, DL3 in

Project Management

Have played VPPR, VPM, VPE (twice), President roles. Other roles: Mentor Pool Chair, Club Mentor role

🎯 Science activist part of Tamilnadu Science Forum, love reading books and wat...

Gopinath Paramasivam

Gopinath Paramasivam, EC5 in

Manager - United India insurance co Ltd - Now Retired

SAA/VPM/VPE/President/Area Director

🎯 Passion for Public speaking. Hobbies - playing the guitar, reading, gardening

Aravind Kathiresa Raja S

Aravind Kathiresa Raja S, PM5 in

Finance Professional

Completed Presentation Mastery Pathway. Now, at Level 3 of Persuasive Influence pathway

🎯 Capital Markets, Gym Strengthening and Running

Anirudh Sundararaman

Anirudh Sundararaman, VC5 in

CTO

Club VP PR

Secretary, VPPR, VPM, VPE, Division conference Zoom Master, District conference Chief SAA, District conference Table ...

🎯 Learning about Startups, Building software side projects, Live streaming, Car...

Priya Damodaran

Priya Damodaran, PM5 in

Software Engineer - Manager

Served 12 times in all Club Officer Ex Com positions, Served as Registration chair, Area Contest Chair and in all rol...

🎯 Public speaking and coaching are my passion. Reading books, Learning Piano an...

MK

Mahalingam Kumaresan

Member since Sep 2018

Snegabharathi Ca

Snegabharathi Ca, PM4 in

Law student

VPM, Speak to Lead Toastmasters Club (July 2022 - Dec 2022) and VPPR, Speak to Lead Toastmasters Club (July 2023 - De...

🎯 Dancing, reading and doing anything artistic

Srividhya H

Srividhya H, MS5 in

AVP - Senior Business Analyst

Triple Crown Award Winner, Completed 3 pathways, Award winner for Outstanding Leadership for D125 Div F PQD - 2024 A...

🎯 Reading, Storytelling, Writing, Photography

Sureshkumar Babu

Sureshkumar Babu in

Engineer

🎯 Fitness and cooking

Vinnavan Aravazhi

Vinnavan Aravazhi, DL2 in

Embedded engineer

Served as secretary in chennai communicators club

🎯 Passion is electronics and hobbies planting and pencil sketching

Hemalatha Punithavelu

Hemalatha Punithavelu, LD3 in

Project Manager

Club VP Education

🎯 Spend time with family

Madhumita Sivaramakrishnan

Madhumita Sivaramakrishnan, PM1 in

Software engineer at Zoho

Club Secretary

Played the role of SAA for one term (2024-2025)

🎯 Travel, Reading

Bharath Swaminathan

Bharath Swaminathan in

Investment Banker

Club Sergeant at Arms

SAA (Jul25 to Dec25); no achievements

🎯 Ultimate Frisbee, Card Magic, Nature and wildlife, Ultramarathon (hopefully b...

Durga Devi R

Durga Devi R in

HR Specialist

🎯 Reading books - fiction, self help, management, psychology, health or culture...

Suganya Sundaramurthy

Suganya Sundaramurthy, PM1 in

HR Professional

🎯 Dancing, Swimming, Gardening, Exploring new places

Narasimharaju Perumal

Narasimharaju Perumal, PM2 in

Certified Master Health Coach | Former IT Director

Club VP Membership

VP – Membership Elect of Meraki Advanced Toastmasters Club (2025–26). Served as ISC Contest Master at the club level,...

🎯 Helping IT professionals and doctors improve health through simple, sustainab...

Srividya Ravichandran

Srividya Ravichandran

Software Engineer

Madhumitha Ashok

Madhumitha Ashok in

Account Management

🎯 Reading and writing

Join Us

Meeting Schedule

2nd & 4th Saturday

7:00 - 9:00 AM

In-Person Meeting

3rd Saturday

7:00 - 9:00 AM

Online Meeting

Guest Fee

₹100

Free for Toastmasters

📍 Our Venue

Utopia World
#5/2, 1st Street, Abiramapuram
Chennai - 600 018
Get Directions
Get in Touch

Connect With Meraki

Ready to Elevate Your Speaking?

Whether you're a seasoned Toastmaster looking for the next challenge or an experienced speaker seeking a community of excellence, Meraki welcomes you.

📞 VP Membership: TM Narasimharaju - 98410 10142
📍 Abiramapuram, Chennai
🌐 District 120, Area E3

Membership Eligibility

Meraki maintains high standards to ensure transformational learning:

  • Completed Pathways Level 2 or above
  • Served as Area/District/Club Officer
  • Or approved by Executive Committee
  • Guests: Attend 3 meetings before applying
  • Transfer members: Attend 2 meetings
Register to Visit

📜 Our Legacy & Heritage

Celebrating 8 years of excellence since 2017

Our Pride

Club Achievements

🏆

Smedley Distinguished Club

2025

Achieved all 10 DCP goals and maintained 25+ members. This is the highest possible recognition under the Distinguished Club Program.

🥇

President's Distinguished Club

2024, 2021, 2020, 2019

Met membership prerequisite and achieved at least 9 of 10 DCP goals — four times!

🥈

Distinguished Club

2018

Met membership prerequisite and achieved 5-6 of 10 DCP goals in our founding year.

🌟

Online Ovation Education Award Gold

2020

Recognized for active online attendance and completing six education awards during Jan-Jun 2020.

💪

Membership Resiliency Award

2020

Achieved net member gain between July 2019 and June 2020 despite pandemic challenges.

Our Journey

Memories from the Past

25th Milestone Meeting
Meeting #25
50th Milestone Meeting
Meeting #50
75th Milestone Meeting
Meeting #75
175th Milestone Meeting
Meeting #175
225th Milestone Meeting
Meeting #225
1st Outdoor Meeting
1st Outdoor Meeting
2nd Outdoor Meeting
2nd Outdoor Meeting
Champions

Contest Winners

Merakis who conquered Division & District stages

🏆 District Level Winners

DTM Vijayalakshmi S — Winner, Evaluation (D120, 2020-21)
DTM Vijayalakshmi S — 2nd Place, Evaluation (D120, 2018-19)
DTM Karthick Mohandoss — 2nd Place, International Speech (D120, 2022-23)

🥇 Division Level Winners

DTM Karthick Mohandoss — Winner, International Speech (Div E, 2024-25)
DTM Sateesh Kumar S — Winner, Evaluation (Div E, 2024-25)
DTM Karthick Mohandoss — Winner, International Speech (Div F, 2022-23)
TM Anirudh Sundararaman — Winner, Humorous Speech (Div F, 2022-23)
DTM Sateesh Kumar S — Winner, Evaluation (Div F, 2021-22)
DTM Vijayalakshmi S — Winner, Evaluation (Div F, 2020-21)
DTM Vijayalakshmi S — Winner, Evaluation (Div F, 2019-20)
TM Shankarnarayanan — Winner, International Speech (Div N, 2018-19)
DTM Vijayalakshmi S — Winner, Evaluation (Div N, 2018-19)
DTM Jayanthi Sundararaman — Winner, Table Topics (Div G, 2017-18)

🥈 Division Runners-Up

DTM Sateesh Kumar S — 2nd Place, Table Topics (Div F, 2021-22)
DTM Sateesh Kumar S — 2nd Place, Evaluation (Div F, 2022-23)
DTM Vijayalakshmi S — 2nd Place, International Speech (Div N, 2018-19)
TM Srinivasan — 3rd Place, Table Topics (Div N, 2018-19)
Beyond the Club

Merakis in District Leadership

DTM Arthi Mangalam Jayaraj — District Director (2022-23)
DTM Sateeshkumar Subramaniam — District Finance Manager (2022-23)
DTM Vijayalakshmi Soundararajan — District Admin Manager (2023-24)
DTM Vijayalakshmi Soundararajan — District Finance Manager (2024-25)
DTM Jayan Narayanan — District PR Manager
DTM Ramalingam K — District Top 7 Officer
DTM Vidhya Boopalan — District Top 7 Officer
DTM Subhadip Banik — District Top 7 Officer
DTM Sateeshkumar Subramaniam — Division K Director (President Distinguished)
DTM Jayanthi Sundararaman — Area Director
TM Priya Ganesh — Area Director
TM Gopinath Paramasivam — Area Director
Our Founders

Charter Members of Meraki

The 20 visionaries who founded Meraki in July 2017

Jayan Narayanan
Sastharam Ravendran
Mala Martina
Shyamraj Ashokmuthappan
Karthick Mohandoss
Sarathy Srinivas
Vijayalakshmi Soundararajan
Sateeshkumar Subramaniam
Jaichitra Ramakrishnan
Badhrinath Soundararajan
Kalyan S.
Ramalingam K.
Saravana Kumar P.S.
Subhadip Banik
Noorain Nadim
Satish Menon
Hugh C. Doyle
Samuel Whitefield
Aishwarya Anantharaman
Hemamalini G.N.R.
Our Legacy

Past Executive Committees

8 years of dedicated leadership

2024-25

President TM Chellakannan T.

VPE DTM Sundararaman C.

VPM DTM Sateeshkumar S.

VPPR DTM Karthick M.

Secretary TM Rembert V.

Treasurer TM Velavan K.

SAA TM Madhumita S.

IPP TM Gopinath P.

2023-24

President TM Gopinath P.

VPE TM Chellakannan T.

VPM DTM Vijayalakshmi S.

VPPR TM Ashok Kumar K.

Secretary DTM Subhadip B.

Treasurer DTM Sateeshkumar S.

SAA DTM Karthick M.

IPP TM S Poothathan

2022-23

President TM S Poothathan

VPE TM Gopinath P.

VPM TM Chellakannan T.

VPPR DTM Vidhya B.

Secretary DTM Sateeshkumar S.

Treasurer DTM Karthick M.

SAA TM Priya Ganesh

IPP TM Ashok Kumar K.

2021-22

President TM Ashok Kumar K.

VPE TM S Poothathan

VPM TM Gopinath P.

VPPR TM Priya Ganesh

Secretary TM Jayanthi M.S.

Treasurer DTM Karthick M.

SAA TM Shankarnarayanan B.

IPP DTM Sateeshkumar S.

2020-21

President DTM Sateeshkumar S.

VPE TM Ashok Kumar K.

VPM TM S Poothathan

VPPR TM Krupa Ranjani R.

Secretary DTM Arthi M.J.

Treasurer TM Shankarnarayanan B.

SAA TM Gopinath P.

IPP DTM Ramalingam K.

2019-20

President DTM Ramalingam K.

VPE DTM Subhadip B.

VPM DTM Sateeshkumar S.

VPPR TM S Poothathan

Secretary TM Ashok Kumar K.

Treasurer DTM Jaichitra R.

SAA TM Muki V.S.

IPP DTM Vijayalakshmi S.

2018-19

President DTM Vijayalakshmi S.

VPE DTM Ramalingam K.

VPM DTM Jaichitra R.

VPPR DTM Sateeshkumar S.

Secretary TM Srinivasan S.

Treasurer DTM Subhadip B.

SAA TM Ashok Kumar K.

IPP DTM Jayan N.

2017-18 Founding Year

President DTM Jayan Narayanan

VPE DTM Vijayalakshmi S.

VPM DTM Ramalingam K.

VPPR DTM Sarathy Srinivas

Secretary TM Samuel Whitefield

Treasurer DTM Sateeshkumar S.

SAA DTM Sastharam R.

🎉

Meraki was chartered on
July 1, 2017

First Advanced Toastmasters Club in Tamil Nadu

📚 Resources & Guidelines

Everything you need to know about meeting roles, terminology, and club governance

Our Commitment

Meraki Member Aspirations

The 10 commitments every Merakli embraces

1 To challenge myself with advanced speaking formats, longer speeches and original content that pushes my limits.
2 To support fellow members in their journey toward professional speaking through thoughtful mentoring and collaboration.
3 To treat every role as an opportunity to innovate, inspire and elevate the club experience.
4 To offer high-quality, structured evaluations that go beyond encouragement to include deep, actionable insights.
5 To stay open to feedback from peers and use it to refine my speaking, storytelling and leadership style.
6 To actively contribute to special formats, workshops and experiments that foster creativity and spontaneity.
7 To build stage readiness and aspire toward delivering keynote-level talks beyond the club environment.
8 To uphold the spirit of camaraderie by engaging in post-meeting reflections, including breakfast evaluations and informal mentoring.
9 To be a visible ambassador of Meraki — sharing our ethos and encouraging other Toastmasters to raise their game.
10 To embody the Meraki spirit — doing everything with heart, soul, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our Vision

Building Professional Speakers

Meraki aims to take its members beyond the realm of club meetings and Toastmasters contests. The long-term vision is to equip every member to deliver a confident, compelling 30 to 45-minute keynote address at external, non-Toastmasters platforms — including professional conferences, industry events, seminars, and public forums.

The focus is not only on enhancing speaking skills but also on building stage presence, audience connection, content structuring, and storytelling finesse — all essential attributes of a professional speaker.

The ultimate goal is to see Meraki members become sought-after speakers, capable of commanding the stage and, where possible, commanding a professional fee as well.

Every speech, every role, and every workshop at Meraki serves as a stepping stone in this transformation.

Meeting Roles

Role Explanations

Every role is a canvas. Paint it with insight, intent and imagination.

🧭

Toastmaster of the Day (TMOD)

You are the director of the show. Choose a creative theme, prepare personalized speaker introductions, and maintain tight time control while encouraging spontaneity.

💡 Add flavor with anecdotes, quotes, or a recurring metaphor throughout the meeting.

🕵️

General Evaluator (GE)

You are the quality auditor. Provide detailed, structured feedback on the entire meeting — not just what went wrong, but what could be reimagined.

💡 Use a 3-layer approach: Observation → Insight → Recommendation.

🧠

Evaluator

You are a thought partner. Go beyond what was good or lacking — suggest what could elevate the speech for a TEDx stage. Give at least one bold suggestion.

💡 Relate your evaluation to the Pathways project objective.

📚

Book Reviewer Meraki Exclusive

You are the knowledge curator. Pick a leadership or communication book, share 1-2 powerful takeaways, and relate them to professional speaking. Keep it tight (5-7 mins).

💡 Pose a provocative question to the audience based on the book.

🎯

Table Topics Master (TTM)

You are the spark of spontaneity. Use abstract visuals, song lyrics, props, or debates. Frame questions that push creativity, logic, humor, or persuasive skills.

💡 Announce your format ahead of time to build excitement.

🎙️

Ah-Counter / Grammarian / Timer

Grammarian: Introduce an advanced word with meaningful context. Appreciate elegant language and stylistic risks.
Ah-Counter: Share patterns where fillers disrupted impact. Offer tips to reduce them.
Timer: Stay assertive. Accuracy is critical in contests.

💡 Track rhetorical devices like alliteration, chiasmus, or metaphors.

🕯️

Sergeant at Arms (SAA)

You are the atmosphere architect. Set up not just physically, but emotionally — greet with energy, organize roles, and ensure readiness. Be crisp, confident, and welcoming.

🤝

Guest Master

You are the first impression. Treat every guest as a future Merakli. Give a warm, informative, and confident welcome. Explain the advanced nature of the club while keeping it inclusive.

Quick Reference

Glossary of Terms

Toastmasters International (TI) — A global non-profit organization helping individuals improve public speaking and leadership skills.
Pathways — The TI education program with 6 learning paths tailored to different communication and leadership goals.
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) — The highest educational designation achieved by completing multiple pathways and leadership roles.
ExCom (Executive Committee) — The governing body of the club made up of all elected officers.
TMOD (Toastmaster of the Day) — The anchor who introduces speakers, coordinates the agenda, and ensures smooth flow.
GE (General Evaluator) — Evaluates the entire meeting including speech evaluators and role players.
TTM (Table Topics Master) — Conducts impromptu speaking by giving spontaneous topics for participants.
Ah-Counter — Tracks filler words like "ah," "um," and "you know" used during the meeting.
Grammarian — Introduces Word of the Day and provides feedback on grammar and vocabulary.
Timer — Tracks time using green, yellow, and red signals to indicate timing status.
SAA (Sergeant-at-Arms) — Opens the meeting, sets up the venue, and maintains meeting discipline.
Mentor — An experienced Toastmaster who guides another member in their journey.
Governance

Club Bylaws

📋 Section 1: Membership

+
  • 1.1 Only Toastmasters who have completed Level 2 or above in any Pathways path, or served in an Area/District/Club Officer role, or demonstrated substantial speaking experience and are approved by the Executive Committee are eligible to apply.
  • 1.2 Guests (non-Toastmasters) need to attend a minimum of 3 meetings before applying.
  • 1.3 Dual/Reinstated/Transfer members must attend at least 2 meetings before applying.
  • 1.4 The VPM shall formally propose membership to the Executive Committee. Membership is granted through a majority vote.
  • 1.5 If not accepted, the President shall communicate regret in writing.
  • 1.6 A formal welcome post shall be made on the club WhatsApp group and social platforms after confirmation.
  • 1.7 A new member induction ceremony shall be conducted at least once a month if there are new joiners.
  • 1.8 A one-time Meraki registration fee of Rs. 2000 shall be collected from new members.
  • 1.9 Guest Fees: Guests Rs. 100; Toastmasters from other clubs: Free.

📍 Section 2: Venue

+
  • 2.1 The official venue: Utopia World, #5/2, 1st Street, Abiramapuram, Chennai – 600 018
  • 2.2 Any permanent venue change must be proposed by ExCom, communicated 7 days in advance, and approved in a Special Business Meeting.

📅 Section 3: Club Meetings

+
  • 3.1 Regular meetings: 2nd & 4th Saturdays (In-person) 7-9 AM; 3rd Saturday (Online) 7-9 AM
  • 3.2 A monthly planner should be published by the 1st of each month.
  • 3.3 Speech slots must be published before the 15th of the previous month.
  • 3.4 Members missing two confirmed slots with less than 7 days notice may be deprioritized.

🗳️ Section 4: Elections

+
  • 4.1 Club Officer elections must be held before June 15th for the next term.
  • 4.2 Process follows TI guidelines: Nomination Committee, 1 week for candidacy, slate published 7 days before.
  • 4.3 Mid-term vacancies filled via floor nominations and majority vote.

🎓 Section 5: Orientation

+
  • 5.1 Outgoing committee shall provide structured orientation on club policies, bylaws, and tools before June 30th.

💰 Section 6: Finance

+
  • 6.1 All expenses must be pre-approved by the President or VPE.
  • 6.2 Guest fee details reported by Treasurer to ExCom by Monday after each meeting.
  • 6.3 Treasurer must present monthly statements and maintain up to Rs. 1000 petty cash.
  • 6.4 Budget for the term must be presented by the 3rd meeting of July.
  • 6.5 Internal audit by a 3-member committee appointed by the President.
  • 6.6 Financial reports presented in Special Business Meeting by 2nd meeting of August.

📝 Section 7: Modifications to Bylaws

+
  • 7.1 Bylaws can be amended by a proposal from the Executive Committee or a special committee.
  • 7.2 Amendments must be shared with all members 7 days in advance and approved with 51% quorum or simple majority.