She has called Calcutta home for the past five years, of which four-and-a-half have been spent as the president of Kolkata International Women’s Club (KIWC). KIWC was founded 17 years ago by a group of expatriate women and the wives of honorary consuls to provide a social network and support for foreign women working and living in Calcutta. It has 90 members and holds various social events throughout the year apart from their monthly meetings. Before handing over the baton to Caroline de Penning, Sarah Sandhu looked back at some of her memories.
You have served as the president of KIWC for the past four-and-a-half years. What has been the biggest milestone?
The biggest milestone was taking over as the president and organising the Monsoon Ball, the biggest event on our social calendar. It’s been in existence ever since the club was formed in 2002.
We had to make sure that everyone got value for money and raised as much money for the charities we support which are small, local organisations with very limited funds that work primarily with women and children with a focus on education and training. So all profits we make from the Monsoon Ball goes into our charity fund and gets distributed throughout the year to the six NGOs. It might be a small amount for everybody else but little things like school books or general health products, go a long way.
Also, representing KIWC and winning the Hyatt Regency Culinary Challenge competition, is quite memorable. It’s nice to know that you are a part of something that makes a difference.
What were your goals when you became the president?
The first thought that had come to my mind was whether I can do it! Even though I am the lady who stands at the meetings but behind me, there was a great support system. My goal was to keep the club going from strength to strength.
What has been your advice to Caroline de Penning?
Caroline is absolutely perfect for the job. She has been living in Calcutta for the past six years and was heavily involved in our charity team and she took over our secretary last year. She is quite the perfect person to take over.
(I would tell her to)... just enjoy working with the lovely ladies and keep it going strong. She is like a mini me! I think she has got a great team of ladies behind her and I think it’s just going to be perfect.
What makes KIWC special for you?
It’s special because of the lovely members we have and the dear friends I have made in the club.
It has challenged me. It is something good for me to think about besides my daily routine.
Where do you go from here?
I will be leaving Calcutta next year. It was just the right time for me to leave after four-and-a-half-years and the AGM (annual general meeting) was the perfect timing for me to step down. I will be on the sidelines and help them out if they need anything. But I will always be a member, even when I leave. This city has a great feel to it.
Nandini Ganguly
