World Inner Wheel Day with President Ebe Martines
District 330
9 January 2022
The International Service Organisers (ISOs) of District 330 led by District ISO (DISO) Datin Pathma Ramanathan staged an exuberant celebration of World Inner Wheel Day. The theme was ‘International Tea Party’. About 130 participants met virtually over Zoom on Sunday, 9th January 2022. The guest of honour was none other than International Inner Wheel (IIW) President Ebe Martines herself.
The programme started with greetings from the Organising Chair (OC) Vicky Changi, followed by the formal Inner Wheel protocols such as the playing of the National Anthem and the Loyal toasts to His Majesty the King of Malaysia, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong which was led by Immediate Past District Chairman Shanti Menon; and to IIW led by National Representative (NR) for Districts 330 and 331, Ambika Menon. The lighting of the Candle of Friendship was done by IIW Editor/ Media Manager Cheng Yeok San whilst the Friendship Poem was recited by ISO Meeta Chahal.
DISO Datin Pathma then gave her Opening speech followed by the Welcome address by District Chairman Datin Shamini Nair of District 330 who greeted everyone warmly and praised the ISOs for their commendable effort. Also attending the meet in true Inner Wheel sisterhood were glitterati from other Inner Wheel Districts including neighbouring District 331. NR Ambika then introduced the International President and all attendees listened enthralled as she spoke of IIW President Ebe Martines’ Inner Wheel Journey.
President Ebe in her role as the keynote speaker, graciously greeted everyone, gave a brief background of the celebration of Inner Wheel Day on 10th January 1970 which was initiated by Helen Foster, the IIW President then. She encouraged all present to take a ‘pilgrimage’ to Manchester where Inner Wheel started 98 years ago. This was a nostalgic journey she herself undertook some years back and thoroughly enjoyed. She suggested that IW members could make use of the opportunity of the Centenary Celebrations of Inner Wheel in 2024 to make the trip.
She reminisced about the formation of the organisation which started when a few Rotary wives got together and formed what is now the largest women’s organisation in the world with its three main aims of (a) promoting true Friendship, (b) encouraging the ideals of personal Service and (c) fostering international Understanding. She reminded all present that it was important for women to come together to help women and hence her theme for her term 2021-2022, ‘PINK FIRST’.
The IIW President’s speech was followed by a vote of thanks to her, from IIW Board Director Datin Seetha Lakshmi. Next on the agenda was the "Virtual Tea Break" with snacks which included a segment on the quintessential Malaysian favourite ‘nasi lemak’, a savoury rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with accompaniments such as half of a hard-boiled egg, crispy fried anchovies, crunchy fried groundnuts, slices of cucumber and to top it all, a delicious sambal made of chilli, coconut cream and shrimp paste.
This was followed by video clips of dances from some of the ethnic groups in Malaysia namely Malay, Chinese, Indian and one each from the Iban and Kadazan races of the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. It was a showcase of the distinct dance forms prevalent in multicultural Malaysia, an embodiment of unity in diversity and a celebration of unique styles and expressions in movement.
Then came a video presentation of some of the stellar projects by Clubs in District 330 which is a feat in itself given the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions the clubs had to contend with. Next on the agenda was a cookery demonstration by a famous personality showcasing the popular stir-fried flat rice noodle dish, Char Koay Tiaw.
The final segment was a video compilation of popular Malay traditional dances and a joyous sing-along session to the popular Malaysian folk song, ‘Rasa Sayang’. OC Vicky Changi then came on once again to conclude the programme.
Many members stayed on to interact with the International President who came across as charming yet down to earth. She listened with empathy as they spoke of the recent floods which wreaked havoc in parts of Malaysia, the effects of which still linger on, as the rains relentlessly continue in some places. It was noted with pride that Inner Wheel Clubs in the District have been busy doing their part to help the flood victims.
There were also discussions on issues relating to women’s health particularly cervical cancer. President Ebe has taken on this as an important cause aligned to the PINK FIRST priority on HEALTH, to highlight and bring awareness about its prevention. There were calls by members present to turn it into an ongoing project to be adopted by IIW, for the betterment of women’s health the world over.
After a good half an hour, everyone bid one another goodbye in true Inner Wheel friendship as they signed off . The ISOs certainly did a remarkable endeavour in hosting the IW Day celebrations. It was truly a memorable experience of Inner Wheel sisterhood and a source of satisfaction for those who took time off to be a part of it.
~ Lucy Barrock, District Webmaster