Does It Again!! – 3rd hat-trick in Coimbatore, India

Skål International Kuala Lumpur Club No. 179, represented by P.R. & Communications Director Rowena Hawkins, recently attended the Skål India National Congress (SINC) 2026 in Coimbatore, India, held from August 12th to 14th.   Building on its previous charitable drives in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Manila, Philippines, the Club donated another 40 kg of used clothing and household items, all of which were donated by its own Members, for distribution to the respectable poor, in a joint charitable effort supported by Skål International Coimbatore Club No. 730.

Skål International Kuala Lumpur Club No. 179 thus achieved a hat-trick by completing three charitable donations in support of the respectable poor and needy across the Asian Area Region.

The SINC 2026 hosts Skål International Coimbatore Club No. 730, led by Club President Sk. Ramesh A Chandrakumar, energetic Club Secretary Sk. Nijo Augustin, a hands-on Executive Committee, and its 76 members, delivered an exceptional Congress. Their efforts made SINC 2026 one of the best Skål gatherings in recent memory, comparable with World, Asian Area, and Indian National Congresses. Kudos to President Chandrakumar and his outstanding Team.

Against Coimbatore's entrepreneurial backdrop, the dynamic team brought together Skål International’s core values of tourism and hospitality in one meaningful, elegant, culturally rich, and memorable event. Its significance was further heightened by coinciding with Mother India’s Independence Day, marked by an emotional national flag-raising ceremony attended by Skålleagues, friends, and patriots alike.

The SINC 2026 event concluded with a show-stopping Gala Dinner featuring an impressive buffet, fashion shows, live bands, performers, and the signature Skål International Gala Fundraising Auction, with donated items from sponsors and fellow Skålleagues.   Skål International Kuala Lumpur Club No. 179 once again supported the charitable initiative by donating two branded designer ladies’ handbags, valued at US$120 each, to Skål International Coimbatore Club No. 730 for auction, with proceeds directed toward the Club’s charitable causes.

More than 500 delegates from across India were joined by visiting Skålleagues from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Colombo, including Ms Dushyanti Jayaweera, Director of Region 11; NSN Mohan, Skål International incumbent President-Elect; and Jose Luis Quintero, a Skål International Executive Board Director. Set against Coimbatore’s vibrant backdrop, the Event offered meaningful connections, engaging sessions, and memorable Skål camaraderie. Skålleagues, industry leaders, and partners came together for this flagship National gathering to connect, collaborate, and celebrate Skål as One.

Each day of the Congress featured a memorable highlight. The most unforgettable was the extraordinary excursion to “the Village,” an ecological jewel in Coimbatore’s crown, where all 500 delegates, dressed in traditional Indian attire provided by the Event’s Organisers, enjoyed an evening rich in local culture, traditional music, dance, rural cuisine, activities, and hospitality. The experience offered a vivid contrast between the city’s commercial energy juxtaposed with its ancient traditions and heritage.

It was a near-perfect occasion for the Skål International Kuala Lumpur Club to join with another thriving Asian Area Club, Skål International Coimbatore Club, in a charity drive that shared friendship, donations, goodwill, and charitable support across their respective regions.