New York – April 29, 2024: Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, formerly known as Sakhi for South Asian Women, a pioneering 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 $ 1 million for the organization through ticket sales, donations and a live auction.
Kavita Mehra, executive director and Beesham 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 commitment abundantly clear: survivors are at the center of our work. We can think of no more fitting way to commemorate this landmark moment than by honoring three leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to gender justice throughout their professional life.”
The gala, themed “Threads of Transformation: Resist. Reclaim. Rise.,” paid tribute to individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to gender justice. This year’s honorees included Actress & Producer Poorna Jagannathan, Immigrant Rights Activist Mohamed Q. Amin, and Oscar and Emmy Nominated Filmmaker Nisha Pahuja. Over 600 guests, including Sendhil Ramamurthy, Aasif Mandvi, Sarita Choudhary, Prabal Gurung and Ali Sethi attended the milestone event. Also featured were mesmerizing performances by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Raja Kumari, along with other esteemed artists, adding to the vibrancy of the celebration.
Poorna Jagannathan shared her thoughts, saying, “I’ve always been deeply drawn to Sakhi’s mission and work. As a survivor myself, I know Sakhi is a lifeline to so many. Being honored at their 35th-anniversary gala was not just an acknowledgment; it was a chance to shed light on the inherent power of survivors and transform the narrative.”
Mohamed Amin expressed his gratitude to Sakhi, stating, “Thank you, Sakhi, for acknowledging me – all facets of me as a Queer, Indo-Caribbean, Muslim immigrant, and leader in New York. Your tireless efforts not only protect women and gender-expansive individuals but also honor the legacy, struggles, and resilience of thousands of South Asian immigrants.”
Nisha Pahuja shared, “As a filmmaker dedicated to leveraging my craft to drive change in dismantling gender norms, I’m deeply inspired by Sakhi and their unwavering commitment and pioneering role in this arena, particularly within the South Asian community.”
Sakhi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean diaspora in a survivor-led movement for gender justice. Since its establishment in 1989, Sakhi has been dedicated to working with survivors of gender-based violence through a multifaceted approach encompassing direct services, advocacy and organizing, technical assistance, and community outreach.
