20 January 2024
By ~ Viji Kishen

Inner Wheel Club of Taiping Triple Celebration

The picturesque town of Taiping witnessed a historic and joyous occasion as Inner Wheel Club of Taiping (IWCT) played host to triple celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Club, 100th Anniversary of Inner Wheel International, and 150th Anniversary of Taiping Town.

The celebration was held on 20th January 2024 at Sekolah Semangat Maju(SSM) was attended by IWCT members, District Chairman Kamala Yeap, Vice District Chairman T.Vimala, District Secretary Jillian Marie Eastrop, SSM Chairman Joseph Lau, SSM Headmistress Jagjit Kaur, SSM committee members, SSM students and parents.

The event started off with a Line Dance by IWCT members and SSM students to the song ‘Stand By Me’. This was followed with welcome speech by Organizing Chairman Karamjeet Kaur, light breakfast, chocolate chip baking demonstration by President Harbajan Kaur.

President Harbajan Kaur in her speech reminisced about the club’s humble beginnings with 13 members to its current 24- women strong membership and its evolution into a dynamic force for positive change, commitment to service with charitable initiatives, educational programs and community developments project. Inner Wheel Club Taiping also donated toys, board games, goody bags with colour pencils and colouring books, iron, ironing board and souvenirs for school staff. The club has been supporting the school since 1995.

District Chairman Kamala Yeap in honoring a Century of Inner Wheel, acknowledged the pivotal role Inner Wheel has played in promoting friendship, empowering women and championing humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Chairman Joseph Yau in his speech explained how SSM, a school for special children was started 33 years ago, solely run on donations ,its challenges in getting funding and thanked the dedicated staff working in the school.

OC Karamjeet Kaur mentioned that as paid tribute to 150 years of Taiping Town, another grand celebration was being held simultaneously in city center where leaders and residents came together to celebrate its rich history, cultural heritage and economic achievements. The Pangkor Treaty was signed on 20th Jan 2024.

IWCT member C.Malini, also shared in her speech on her challenges of being a parent to a special child.

In a surprise agenda, CC/ISO Viji Kishen paid tribute to IWCT long serving member, PIIWBD Rathy Mahendran. For astounding 42 years,

she has been the heartbeat of the organization, embodying the true spirit of service and commitment. IWCT members presented her a with lovely saree as a gift. DC Kamala Yeap also on behalf of district, thanked her for immeasurable contributions, presented her with a shield and beautiful Inner Wheel scarf.

The Triple Celebrations exemplified the values of service, friendship and community, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to cherish.