Inner Wheel Club of Singapore Central - Installation Dinner

The Inner Wheel Club Singapore Central (IWCSC) hosted a graceful evening celebrating the installation of its new board in true Audrey Hepburn fashion — elegant, purposeful, and unforgettable.

We were deeply honoured by the presence of Her Excellency, Ambassador of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Singapore, Jessica Lopez Piña and her husband, Mr. Jorge Luis Pucci Boliver who graced the evening as our esteemed Guests of Honour. Their warmth and presence added depth and beauty to the occasion. We were privileged to have Mrs Pooja Tillu, Deputy High Commissioner of India to grace the occasion. 

We were delighted to begin the evening in the company of Cultural Medallion recipient Mr. Louis Soliano - a towering figure in Singapore’s music history and one of Southeast Asia’s most respected jazz artists.

The evening proceedings were hosted by our two amazing ladies, Neeta and Nandini. Both of them guided the program with warmth and professionalism.

Ms. Neelam Singh opened the occasion with a heartfelt reading of the poem Candle of friendship, delivering each line with warmth and sincerity allowing the poems deep message of connection and camaraderie to truly resonate with the audience.

Then it was time for the toasts. The first toast, delivered by Ms. Chua Kha Lin was dedicated to the President and the Republic of Singapore. This was followed by Dr. Lucy Ooi’s toast to International Wheel Club and concluded with Ms Puja Surtani toasts to our esteemed guests.

 

Then outgoing President, Mrs Lipika Bhattacharya, took the stage. Over the last year she led the club with grace, dedication and unwavering commitment. In her reflections she shared inspiring insights into the club impactful works and its role in bring change to the communities we serve.

The evening paid tribute not only to the legendary Audrey Hepburn’s style but also to her unwavering commitment to humanitarian work, mirroring the core values of IWCSC. The presence of Ambassador Jessica Maria Lopez Pina of Venezuela added to the spirit of global connection and sisterhood.

The highlight of the night was the installation of our new President, Natasha Karanjia (2025–2026), who received the regalia from outgoing President Dr. Lipika Bhattacharya (2024-2025). She expressed her dedication to leading with both heart and vision, building upon the club’s impactful work with CPAS and SCWO.

Following her address, President Natasha Karanjia inducted new member, Ms.Rupina into the club, reminding her of the commitment to the objects of friendship, service and international understanding. The citation was read as part of the induction.

After the induction Guest of Honour, Ms. Jessica Lopez Piña addressed the members offering insights and words of encouragement that were deeply appreciated and resonated with all the guests making the moment both memorable and uplifting.

Dr. Lucy Ooi presented Ms. Jessica Lopez Piña with a Bouquet of flowers symbolizing the club's heartfelt thanks for her presence and inspiring message.

Ms. Jessica had the honour of announcing the Best dressed guest for the evening. The award was presented to a guest who had put in remarkable effort to embrace and reflect the Audrey Hepburn theme.

With hearts full and spirits lifted, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this elegant celebration a memorable one.

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Swastika Ghosh. In her gratitude to esteemed guests, the inspiring speakers the generous sponsors and those whose support and contributions made the event a memorable success.

Congratulations to our new President, Natasha, as she leads IWCSC into another year of impact and connection.

#TimelessElegance #WomenOfPurpose.

By Punit Chhatwal

IWCSC 

Club Correspondent