Friendship with IWC Hiyas NG Silangan
Inner Wheel Club of Alor Setar
16 October 2021
Saturday, 16 October 2021, will remain etched in the memory of members of two Inner Wheel Clubs, i.e., the Inner Wheel Club of Alor Setar (IWCAS) and the Inner Wheel Club of Hiyas NG Silangan from D381 in the Philippines. On this day, the two Clubs, recognising the need to shift from physical to virtual meetings under the new normal, entered into a friendship exchange, hence continuing the tradition of fostering international understanding as enshrined in one of the primary objectives of Inner Wheel.
Members bore witness to a beautiful and exhilarating virtual ceremony to signal the start of a life-long friendship. Both Clubs share similar ideals in working towards PINK FIRST and STRONG WOMEN STRONGER WORLD, and this virtual bond would be the stepping stone towards collaborating in joint projects that focus on Health, Education, Opportunity and Empowerment.
The programme began at 3 pm, and among the members from both Clubs who graced the occasion were the District Chairmen Datin Shamini Nair and Maria Lourdes Yambao, National Representatives Ambika Menon and Belen Go, Deputy National Representatives Parimala and Ditas, IIWBD Datin Seetha Lakshmi, Club Presidents Pavitratha and Cristina (Karen), as well as Club ExCo and members.
Emcee Patricia, ISO from IWCAS, in her usual relaxed and affable manner, informed the participants that although today’s event was to formalise a friendship with IWC of Hiyas NG Silangan, IWCAS had already responded to a plea from President Karen to help their fellow member who has been stricken with COVID and stroke by donating RM1,000 to help ease her mounting medical bills.
The speeches and presentations made by President Pavitratha of IWCAS and President Karen of IWC of Hiyas NG Silangan set the ball rolling. Then, the Chairmen of both Districts delivered their respective addresses and applauded the Clubs for setting this virtual friendship in motion. DISO of D330, Datin Pathma, was then given the honour of reading out the Friendship Agreement, after which it was digitally signed and banners exchanged.
With the formalities over, everyone sat back to enjoy a virtual tour of the state of Kedah and of the Philippines, with members quickly deciding that it was certainly time for a holiday in each other’s state. A cooking demonstration of two lip-smacking dishes then ensued, with Secretary Shantha from IWCAS churning out a chicken curry dish, followed by Secretary Chona from IWC of Hiyas NG Silangan with chicken adobo.
Both Clubs were in total agreement that the friendship that had been sealed was a very good beginning to a long-term relationship between two Clubs that share so many things in common. The incessant expressions of gratitude and appreciation ended the ceremony, but certainly did not end the feeling of euphoria and anticipation of working together to bring hope into the lives of many, specifically women and children in both countries.
~ Shantha Pillai