Zenaida Y. Farcon, or Zeny, as she is fondly called, is a dedicated and committed Servant Leader of Inner Wheel. At a very young age of 28, she joined the Inner Wheel Club of Marikina in 1988. She was recruited by her mother-in-law, Past National Treasurer Lourdes Farcon. With barely two years’ experience as a club member, she served as President in 1990. In 1994-1995, she was elected as Chairman of District 380. As District Chairman, she sat on the Board of Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. She concurrently served as National Secretary and Chairman of the National Leadership Training Seminar.

She served again as President of her club when her husband became President of the Rotary Club of Marikina in 1996. It was to honor the tradition of her husband’s Rotary Club, where both husband and wife shall serve as President of the Rotary Club and the Inner Wheel Club as a team. Both clubs became the Most Outstanding Clubs of IWCPI District 380 and RI District 3800.

Zeny Farcon has high Organizational Sensitivity, exhibiting respect for the diversity of members, clubs, and districts while preserving systems thinking and big picture image. Her passion and love for Inner Wheel moved her to serve in higher positions and important committees. Her engagements in these activities showed her Competency in Project and Events Management.

Her entry into the National Board of Trustees of Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines, Inc, was progressive and developmental, serving as Deputy National Representative in 1995, First Vice President for two terms in 2000-2002, Internal Auditor in 2002-2003, National Representative in 2003-2004.

Given her sincerity, dedication, generosity, hard work, leadership management competencies, and experience, Zeny, at age 47, was ready to sit as National President in 2007-2008.

Her competency in “Managing Change and Transitions” made her a significant Contributor to the historic First, Second, and Third Leadership Summits. She was a Discussant, Team Leader, and Process Owner of identified concerns affecting IWCPI’s Assets and Finances

Zeny was a member of the National Learning and Development Committee (NLDC) and a Subject Matter Expert (SME), and served as Resource Speaker in National and District Leadership Training Seminars. She is well-remembered for her poignant presentations on topics like Revisiting the IWCPI Vision, Mission and Core Values, the Heart of a Servant Leader, Communications, Inner Wheel Branding, IWCPI History and Structure, Duties of Club and District Officers, and many more.

Zeny is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by profession. She graduated Cum Laude and landed top 20 among 10,500 examinees in the 1981 CPA Board examination. She is currently managing her accounting and auditing firm. She is married to a Lawyer-CPA, Past District Governor Virgilio “Jun” Farcon, Jr, Rotary International’s Endowment and Major Gifts Adviser for Zone 10A for Rotary Year 2022-2025.

They have three children

• JAYJAY, eldest, is a CPA and a Juris Doctor Law graduate and recently passed the BAR exams
• their second JOJO is a practicing lawyer and newly married to MACRI, who is also a lawyer
• their youngest ZARAH, is a former TV scriptwriter, graduated Second Honors from Law School with a degree of Juris Doctor and recently passed the BAR exams together with her brother Jayjay

Zeny is celebrating her 34 years of friendship and service in Inner Wheel. She served as IIW Board Director for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. She was nominated and elected as IIW Vice-President for 2021-2022. Zeny is very much prepared to serve as IIW President for 2022-2023, where her dedication and competence shall contribute to the continual improvement of the management system of Inner Wheel, the organization she loves most.

A doctor whose life’s mission is to heal the sick and ailing,to give Hope where all seems hopeless ,to bring new life into the world and happiness to many, describes in a few short sentences , our Incoming Association President for 2022-23 Dr Surjit Kaur.

Her early years were spent in Jammu & Kashmir where her father who was in the Armed forces was stationed .She did her Senior Cambridge from Carmel Convent Chandigarh .Even as a young girl her deep desire was to care for the sick . Her inspiration was Dr Mary Poonen Lukose ,from Kerala who was an Indian gynaecologist and obstetrician and the first female Surgeon General in India .Dr Surjit went on to do her MBBS from Jammu & Kashmir, followed by her post-graduation in Anesthesia, Obstetrics & Gynaecology. She had found her calling – Care of women and girls She worked in the Punjab Civil Medical services for 25 years, offering her dedicated services to the state at the grass root level.

The Multi Speciality Hospital in Kapurthala ,stands testimony to the dedication of Dr Surjit and her family, who are also doctors , to serve the community with love and compassion for the past 28 years.

Her IW journey began in 1999 when she became the Charter member of the newly formed Inner Wheel Club of Kapurthala. She was declared the “Best Member” in 2001-2002

She took over as President of her club in 2005. Bubbling with energy and enthusiasm she took part in all club projects and served with dedication on all the executive posts. She was declared the “Best President “and her club also received the “Best Club “award during her President ship

Her work in Breast Feeding promotion was awarded the “Best Project “in the District. The club received a cash prize on Rain Water Harvesting at the National level along with “Best Medical Project” of the year.

She entered the District in 2006 and served at all the district posts with distinction. As District Chairman in 2011-2012, she increased membership by 100. She organized Zonal Meets on Membership Development and Image Building, District Past Presidents Meet , and PDC Meet during her tenure.. She was the first to compile, publish and print a District Souvenir in her District. The hallmark of her Chairmanship was the frequent medical camps held and the follow up , and till today she provides free medical help to the underprivileged . “Her mantra is Health for all”

She was also the Chairman of the very successful Multi District Rally held at Amritsar.

She was elected National Editor in 2018-2019 and won many accolades from International IW Editor for her excellent reporting and coverage of all IW projects and events in India. She compiled,published ,printed , and released “Empower & Evolve “ a book highlighting the projects done by the Chairmen of all the 27 Inner Wheel Districts in India ,which received great acclaim

She has attended the National PDC Meet, several Triennial Conferences, South Asia Rallies, and IIW Conventions. She was a scribe at the Triennial Conference 2019 at Pune and the Co-Convenor of the North Zone Meet held at Jammu in 2019 as well .

In 2021 -2022 she was elected as Association Vice president /Deputy NR .. She will be the 47th President of the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in India -2022-2023.

A busy doctor, a dedicated member of Inner Wheel, she is an active Rotarian too. She was the charter member of Rotary Club Kapurthala Elite and served as Club President. She has also served as Assistant Governor, District Secretary and District Co-Editor of RI District 3070. She is a Major Donor.

In her chosen medical field, Dr.Surjit serves devotedly on various forums and associations sharing her medical expertise and skill

She is a life member of the Indian Medical Association and Executive member of IMA Kapurthala. She was the Indian Medical Association President for 2 years She is also the Vice-chairman of Prevention of Female Feticide Committee, life member of Indian Red Cross Society ; Secretary of the Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Society India – Kapurthala branch, Treasurer of Indian Menopause Society – Jalandar Region and life member NARCHI (National Association of Reproductive and Child Health in India)

She has also worked extensively for the Eradication of Polio.

She has been holding free camps for menopausal women, as well as frequent thyroid and bone density camps in her hospital for the past 20 years.

Adult education in villages and micro financing for village women are issues close to her heart and she is actively involved in working for both, Dr. Surjit Kaur is happily married to PDG Rtn. Dr. Sarbjeet Singh who is an E.N.T. specialist from P.G.I. Chandigarh. They are blessed with 3 children- 2 sons and a daughter and like the parents they believe in bringing healing and wellness to the sick .All of them are doctors. She is blessed with one grandson – Kabir, who follows the family tradition of helping the underprivileged, even at the very young age of Four.

She strongly advocates empowerment of women and deeply concerned about other women related issues. Positive health for women is her major focus. She believes that women must be healthy as a first step towards Empowerment. She believes that Inner Wheel is the vehicle through which our vision of an Empowered Woman can be transformed into reality .If all the Inner Wheel members join hands to support and encourage women , it will build stronger communities. Together we can help women and girls lift themselves and their families out of extreme backwardness and penury, live healthier lives, and reach their full potential. When girls and women are empowered, everyone wins. And, when her potential is unleashed, she is a powerhouse of strength and energy that cannot be crushed.

Dr. Surjit Kaur loves reading, writing short stories, watching musical concerts and theatre plays. She is a good dancer too. The warmth of her

As a successful hotelier for over 30 years, I would describe myself as a people person with a caring attitude. My 34 years membership of Inner Wheel have taught me how important these qualities are. Ilead from the front yet firmly believe in teamwork in Inner Wheel as in business. Inner Wheel has given me many positive experiences, especially through my involvement in International Service - my absolute passion. I was delighted to be invited to join the Committee organising the new IIW Covid 19 Charity. If I had the honour of serving as your Vice President, I would use all this experience for the advancement of Inner Wheel. The unprecedented worldwide pandemic with its many restrictions has only served to underline how important our ideals of personal service are. Working together in friendship and with International Understanding we have, through the dedication, kindness and generosity of members proved that Together We Can. Indeed, our first virtual International Inner Wheel Convention demonstrated our commitment to Lead the Change, encouraging us to embrace the three-year social project for the empowerment of women and girls everywhere, Strong Women, Stronger World. In 1924, 27 forward thinking, determined, dedicated ladies wishing to serve, were inspired to found our great organisation. With that same determination, dedication and ambition I will be inspired to pick up the baton and move resolutely towards an inviting new century of Inner Wheel. Present Office N/A Past Offices Held in Inner Wheel Club President 1997/98, 2007/08 Club Vice President 1996/97, 2006/07 Club International Overseas Service Organiser 1995/96 District Chairman 2003/04 District Vice Chairman 2002/03 District 2nd Vice Chairman 2001/02 Extension Chairman or Organiser 2004/05 Chairman International Overseas Committee 1997/98,1998/99,1999/00 National Association President 2015/16 National Association Vice President 2014/15 National Association Council Member 2008/09,2009/10, 2010/11 National Association International Service Chairman/Organiser 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14 National Representative 2016/17 International Inner Wheel Board Director 2018/19, 2020/21

My Dear Friends, It is with a great sense of honour that I take over the role of International Inner Wheel President for our Centennial Year, a year in which, with your help, we can ‘Shine a Light’ on all the amazing work that we do in the name of Inner Wheel around the world. I chose ‘Shine a Light’ because sometimes the light does not ‘Shine’ on all the marvellous projects we are involved in, this past year we have been asked to ‘Work Wonders’ now we have to ‘Shine a Light’ on all the work wonders we have done and will be doing in this very special year ahead.

An action goal for ‘Shine a Light’ - Support mental health and well being. The action goal is to raise awareness about mental health, provide support and resources for those struggling with mental health issues and promote a culture of self-care, empathy and compassion. ‘Project Brighten Lives’ - A centenary project to celebrate 100 years of Inner Wheel. An environmental project to fit with the resources of clubs or districts - ‘Shine a Light’ on improving public areas for community enjoyment; raising money to refresh or rebuild community facilities (money can be raised by clubs and districts to fund larger projects such as these)

Simple projects to ‘Shine a Light’ on providing and maintaining gardens for public use or for enjoyment of residents in retirement homes, I’m sure all of us have a retirement home in our town, or a YMCA garden that needs refreshed, let us all ‘Brighten Lives’. In some countries Inner Wheel could ‘Shine a Light’ on school projects, ie planting trees , this helps our environment as our climate is changing rapidly- from unseasonal heatwaves and torrential rain to extreme floods, storms, wildfires and prolonged droughts. My dear fellow members I wish you all well in this our Centennial Year, I know that you will all ‘Shine a Light’ throughout the world in the name of our wonderful organisation - Inner Wheel!

My love to you all,
Trish

Preeti Gugnani is an educationist, entrepreneur and social service worker. She started and successfully runs the Scholars Rosary Group of Schools in Rohtak, Haryana.

Preeti was born and brought up in Delhi and holds a B.Sc. (Hons.), B.Ed. and an M.A. in Sociology. Just a few years after her marriage, her husband passed away in a tragic accident leaving behind one 5-year old daughter. Despite this deep setback, she felt very strongly about focusing her energy on being able to provide quality education with holistic development for young children in smaller cities of India. Keeping this in mind, she established Scholars Rosary school in Rohtak, Haryana. The school was built with the mission of transforming the current educational system and providing life skills required to build citizens with the highest moral values for the country. In 2003, the school began with only 100 kindergarten and primary school children. Today, Scholars Rosary Senior Secondary School has four branches with over 5,000 children and more than 200 teachers.

Throughout her journey, the strongest pillars have been her daughter Ishita, she is a lawyer certified by the Delhi Bar Council & also has a doctorate in law (J.D.) from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, U.S.A. Her son-in-law, Shaurya Saran, hails from a well reputed exporter family from Moradabad. Shaurya is actively managing the metal and handicrafts export business.

She served as the District Chairman of Inner Wheel for 2018-19 and conceptualized a signature project, titled “Asmita- The Empowered” wherein she reached out to over 5,000 girls in over 50 village schools for a talk on a importance of menstrual hygiene and installed over 500 sanitary napkin vending machines, built 10 Asmita Vocational Centres for women in Delhi NCR. Built multimedia centre “Chiraag” for blind children at the National Association for Blind, R.K. Puram & residential block “Anuraag” for specially and differently-abled children at Muskaan NGO, Vasant Kunj Delhi.

Preeti has been a recipient of countless awards. She has received numerous awards in Inner Wheel; In the District Assembly – BEST ISO in 2002, BEST TREASURER in 2003, BEST SECRETARY in 2004 & Outstanding President. She won the BEST TREASURER award by Association Treasurer in 2015 when she was the District Treasurer.

In the world outside, She has been awarded;

• The Renowned Educationist award by Dainik Bhaskar consecutively for 3 years
• The Best Woman Entrepreneur by KalpTaru women’s organization 2008
• The Rotary Service Award for exemplary community service 2017.
• The Elite woman of the year 2018-19 by Elite Magazine India
• The Best Woman Entrepreneur Award 2018 by Brij Kala Kendra, the oldest cultural organisation.
• The Tejaswini Award 2018-19 by National President Of Association Of Inner Wheel in India
• ASSOCHAM – Women Achievers Award Awarded at the ceremony by Union Minister Mrs. Smriti Irani. Inspiring Women Achiever of the year (Education & Social Sector).
• She was also featured in Dainik Bhaskar’s publication list of 10 revolutionary educationists of Haryana titled “Changing the World Through Education”.
• Times Excellence 2021 honor for outstanding achievements in the field of education& Service by Times Group India
• CV Radhakrishnan “Drona” award by Doctors Association Haryana Harobgyn on 5th sep 21 Teachers Day.
• For being Exemplary Covid- 19 Pandemic Eduleader by Education World & Fliplearn in School of Eminence awards.
• Life Time Achievement Award for Social Service Endeavors by Rotary International District 3011.
• IMT's Excellence in Education Award for The Educationist of the Year in 2022

Preeti is also a stalwart member of Rotary International and a Paul Harris Fellow since 2016-17 and Major Donor Level I.

In 2022-23 she served as the Association Vice President and attended all the Association Executive & Council Meetings plus all the zonal meets and national events.

Her irrevocable commitment to Inner Wheel and to societal change have seen her rise through the ranks over the years to become the Association President & National Representative today where she has a chance to make a greater impact in society.

She continues working undeterred and tirelessly on Women & Girl Empowerment, Adult & Child Education, Environment Protection & Sanitation, Senior Citizen, All India Literacy Mission, Digital Development and providing counselling to other women. She has always found peace in service above self. She rejoices the overwhelming feeling of serving the community and believes in spreading happiness through her earnest endeavour

307 308 309 310 311 312 325 324 329 305 306 304 303 314 326 313 315 302 317 316 318 319 323 320 298 321 301