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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 10, 2024 | The Indian Eye 30

Sakhi for South Asian Survivors Raises Over $1 Million

at 35th Anniversary Gala and Unveils a New Identity

OUR BUREAU

New York, NY

akhi for South Asian Survivors, formerly
known as Sakhi for South Asian Women, a
Spioneering nonprofit committed to survivors
of gender-based violence within the South Asian
and Indo-Caribbean diaspora in New York City,
commemorated its 35th Anniversary Gala at The
Glasshouse on April 26th. This milestone honored
thirty-five years of impactful work with survivors
and also marked a significant moment as Sakhi
revealed its new identity as Sakhi for South Asian
Survivors. The evening raised over $1Million for
the organization through ticket sales, donations
and a live auction.
Kavita Mehra, executive director and Beesh-
am A. Seecharan, board chair of Sakhi shared: “As
we embark on this exciting new chapter as Sakhi for
South Asian Survivors, we are filled with optimism
for the journey ahead. Our new identity makes our Poorna Jagannathan shared her thoughts, say-
commitment abundantly clear: survivors are at the ing, “I’ve always been deeply drawn to Sakhi’s mis-
center of our work. We can think of no more fitting sion and work. As a survivor myself, I know Sakhi
way to commemorate this landmark moment than is a lifeline to so many. Being honored at their 35th
by honoring three leaders who have demonstrated anniversary gala was not just an acknowledgment;
a commitment to gender justice throughout their it was a chance to shed light on the inherent power
professional life.” of survivors and transform the narrative.”
The gala, themed “Threads of Transformation: Mohamed Amin expressed his gratitude to
Resist. Reclaim. Rise.,” paid tribute to individuals Sakhi, stating, “Thank you, Sakhi, for acknowledg-
who have demonstrated unwavering commitment ing me – all facets of me as a Queer, Indo-Carib-
to gender justice. This year’s honorees included Ac- bean, Muslim immigrant, and leader in New York.
tress & Producer Poorna Jagannathan, Immigrant Your tireless efforts not only protect women and
Rights Activist Mohamed Q. Amin, and Oscar and gender-expansive individuals but also honor the
Emmy Nominated Filmmaker Nisha Pahuja. Over legacy, struggles, and resilience of thousands of
600 guests, including Sendhil Ramamurthy, Aasif South Asian immigrants.”
Mandvi, Sarita Choudhary, Prabal Gurung and Ali Nisha Pahuja said: “As a filmmaker dedicated
Sethi attended the milestone event. Also featured to leveraging my craft to drive change in disman-
were mesmerizing performances by Grammy-nom- tling gender norms, I’m deeply inspired by Sakhi
inated singer and songwriter Raja Kumari, along and their unwavering commitment and pioneering
with other esteemed artists, adding to the vibrancy role in this arena, particularly within the South
of the celebration. Asian community.”

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