Sakhi for South Asian Survivors raises more than $1 Million at 35th Anniversary Gala

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Sakhi for South Asian Survivors (sakhi.org), formerly known as Sakhi for South Asian Women, a pioneering nonprofit, commemorated its 35th Anniversary Gala at The Glasshouse in New York City on April 26. 2024. It celebrated the organization’s impact and announced its new identity.

The evening raised over $1Million for the organization through ticket sales, donations and a live auction, Sakhi said in a press release.

Kavita Mehra, executive director and Beesham A. Seecharan, board chair of Sakhi, in a shared statement, said they were excited about the new chapter with its new name. “Our new identity makes our commitment abundantly clear: survivors are at the center of our work.”

Three leaders “who have demonstrated a commitment to gender justice throughout their professional life,” were honored at the event —   Actress & Producer Poorna Jagannathan, Immigrant Rights Activist Mohamed Q. Amin, and Oscar and Emmy Nominated Filmmaker Nisha Pahuja.

The gala, themed “Threads of Transformation: Resist. Reclaim. Rise.,” paid tribute to individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to gender justice.

More than 600 guests attended the landmark event, including high profile indivivuals Sendhil Ramamurthy, Aasif Mandvi, Sarita Choudhary, Prabal Gurung and Ali Sethi. Also featured were performances by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Raja Kumari, along with other artists.

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.”

Amin expressed his gratitude to the organization, saying, “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.”

Pahuja said, “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.”

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.