2010 GALA PROGRAM

BLOSSOMING INTO A NEW DECADE

PROMOTING THE ROLE OF WOMEN AS DECISION-MAKERS AND LEADERS OF SOCIAL CHANGE Sakhi for South Asian Women exists to end violence against women. We unite survivors, communities, and institutions to eradicate domestic violence as we work together to create strong and healthy communities. Sakhi uses an integrated approach that combines support and empowerment through service delivery, community engagement, media advocacy, and policy initiatives.

1 Board of Directors Tamseela Tayyabkhan, Chair Alpa Tolia, Treasurer Shabnam Mirza, Secretary Monica K. Arora Pallavi Atluri Subadra Panchanadeswaran Neeta Rastogi Singh

Staff Tiloma Jayasinghe, Executive Director Rosaana Conforme, Direct Services Director Payal Hathi Shazia Muhammad Danielle Reydon Bithi Roy Reshmi Sengupta

2010 Interns Nausheen Akhtar Santushi Kuruppu Mandana Ali Faiza Majeed Daina Begum Alika Mathur Rebecca Chowdhury Sonali Rana Cassie Jones Natasha Rizvi Vaidehi Joshi Tara Sarath Namratta Kaushal Rana Sartawi Aruna Krishnakumar Shraddha Prabhu

2 3 October 1, 2010

Dear Friends,

It is with great satisfaction that I congratulate Sakhi for South Asian Women on its 2010 “Blossoming into a New Decade” Gala celebrating 21 years of service to the South Asian community in New York.

Over the past two decades, Sakhi has helped countless survivors of domestic violence, many of whom had no where else to turn. This organization has worked tirelessly to provide language- specific assistance and culturally sensitive advocacy for some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers. The noble and diligent efforts of organizations like Sakhi for South Asian Women are essential to claiming victory over domestic violence in our city.

I want to express my sincere gratitude for all that Sakhi for South Asian Women has contributed over the years and wish everyone a successful evening of celebration on this occasion.

Sincerely,

Scott M. Stringer Manhattan Borough President

4 LEARNING FROM OUR PAST AS WE BUILD OUR FUTURE Dear Sakhi Community, October 1, 2010

Last year, Sakhi looked back and honored its 20 years of transformation, support and advocacy on behalf of survivors of domestic violence from the South Asian Diaspora. This year, we are looking forward to Sakhi’s third decade of continued leadership and cutting-edge approaches to responding to the issue of domestic violence in the South Asian community. We are planning our future with renewed commitment, en- ergy, and innovative programs to both address and prevent violence against women and to promote and protect their human rights. Sakhi itself is renewed - I am its new Executive Director, and we have numerous new faces among our staff. I have always admired Sakhi’s work, and the unique position it holds - it is trusted, valued, and respected in the community as well as amongst its peers and allies. I recognize, now, as I begin my tenure at Sakhi, that this trust and respect is earned through the hard work and commitment of Sakhi’s staff, its Board, its volunteers and interns and the longstanding support it enjoys from community leaders and members like you. It is your participation and support that enables Sakhi to provide services to women who are seeking shelter away from a violent home, who are pursuing their GED while at the same time working, caring for small children, and fighting custody battles in family court and for those who are new to this country and are looking to build a vital support system to help them get through hard, dark times in their lives. With every ticket sold at this event tonight, you have enabled Sakhi to continue to, among other things: • accompany survivors to court and provide emotional support; • hold workshops on computer literacy that will enable women to search for jobs online, create resumes, and use the internet. • develop relationships with community banks to provide credit and savings options to women who are looking for loans to support their entrepreneurial dreams, or to open savings accounts to establish some stability in their lives and not live paycheck to paycheck; • provide reproductive health education and support to survivors and • conduct outreach and education campaigns to underserved South Asian commu- nities throughout the New York area so that they know about Sakhi’s services and options for women who are experiencing family violence. We could not do this critical, life-saving work without your support. Thank you! I am honored to be joining such a community of supporters and allies who are all committed to end violence against women, focusing particularly on responding to the issue of domestic violence in the South Asian community in New York. I look forward to contributing to Sakhi’s future growth and development, and hope to meet each and every one of you soon!

5 Best, Tiloma Jayasinghe, Esq., Executive Director STRENGTHENING AND EXPANDING OUR PROGRAMS

The engine that powers Sakhi’s work and its growth is its unique Direct Service Program, which provides crisis intervention services to survivors of domestic violence, monthly support groups, and case management support. Sakhi’s Direct Service work also includes the Economic Empowerment Program which provides survivors of violence with opportunities to build skills that strengthen their capacity to become financially independent and self-sufficient. These programs are entering an exciting phase of growth and expansion as we respond to the changing needs of the survivors we work with, particularly in light of the global financial crisis, and our underlying ethos that we will give voice to issues which are typically silenced in our community. Accordingly, we are expanding our direct service work as well as some of our policy programs. Sakhi has developed expertise in direct service over its two decades of work, and it is critically important to trans- late that direct service expertise into policy recommendations and analyses that can be broadcast to multiple stakeholders - from legislators to community leaders to related movements for social justice. For example, over the next two years, Sakhi will develop the Economic Empowerment Program to incorporate an economic justice framework that will explore and shed light on the link between violence against women and economic insecurity. Sakhi will also develop methodologies of service, policy and outreach that address this link and provide concrete remedies that empower women’s lives and those of their families. The global financial crisis has made access to credit and savings opportunities hard for many of the women we work with - accordingly, we are building relationships with local banks in order to assist our survivors with 6 banking opportunities. We are also gathering information about the rising problem of financial abuse where abusive partners ruin the credit of the survivors, through defaulting on mortgages that are held in the survivor’s name, running up credit card debt that she cannot pay down and then abandoning her. Once a credit rating is ruined, accessing public housing, establishing good credit, and challenging the credit card charges or defaulted mortgages are nearly impossible for the women we work with. We are working with legal service agencies to gather information on the prevalence of this form of abuse and developing responses that can protect survivors from being manipulated in this way. Another program which is being revitalized is our Women’s Health Initiative, which has been in existence for over a decade. Through this program, Sakhi works to educate and inform survivors as well as healthcare providers and the larger community about the effects of violence on women’s mental, physical, and sexual health. Sakhi has historically focused on providing direct support for the women we work with to access healthcare and learn about health issues through one-on-one assistance, workshops, support groups, and public education materials. We also provide these women with access to a core group of mental health providers and physicians who speak South Asian languages and can serve the needs of survivors through low-cost or free consultations and exams.

Sakhi is now transforming this program to incorporate principles of reproductive health and justice. Sakhi will galvanize the critical work this program does by exploring the link between violence and health – particularly focusing on reproductive decision-making and health. Sakhi will also develop a health education program that links violence to negative health outcomes in order to engage and educate the community to raise awareness about these issues and seek help when necessary. This work is extremely important because the impact of violence on women’s reproductive choices is one that is silenced - in fact, many women do not even recognize their right to body integrity in the marital context. Furthermore, there are hardly any resources or studies that specifically focus on the reproductive health ramifications of domestic violence among the South Asian Diaspora.

As we blossom into a new decade, we will continue to give voice to other silenced struggles faced by the survivors of domestic violence. We are committed to ensuring that our work is led by the needs and demands of the women we work with and we will continuously strive to prevent 7 and address violence against women in our communities. ARTS & EMPOWERMENT At Sakhi, we are aware that women encounter systems and communities that suppress and limit their own agency. We believe in women’s ability to become agents of change and leaders of their lives. Thus, we are invested in helping women find their voices and tap into the power they possess to transform themselves and their communities. Sakhi offers many innovative programs which inspire and facilitate the leadership development of women. Our Arts & Activism group fosters this process of empowerment and allows women to see themselves in decision making roles. Through self reflection, the women in these groups deeply analyze the roles they currently take on and envision taking charge of their lives, having a voice, making decisions and influencing others. As they experience the amplified sounds of their formerly silenced voices, they express themselves through creating inspirational poetry and art in collaboration with each other: Standing in my Power Life is a song’s rhythm, my body dances Freeing my soul, open and divine Sorrow is a state of mind, Love, a state of being, nourishing my soul The person I yearned to be is positive Yet, I was weighed down with negativity When I crossed the bridge, kind and warm, I transformed into a happier person Overcoming bumps on my path, flying high, soaring, I am positive and more confident Knowing power is alive, real, and accessible Power makes me independent in life Finding my center, balancing power over and power with Strength deep within rises free like a flame untamed My life is a celebration, always alive in my mind Mind over matter, my every step transcends obstacles Walking head balanced, shedding dead skin, affirming self I live into the possibility of a renewed me Change is everlasting as I carry on in strength Embracing my butterfly, I become the change I become the change I became the change I am the change Standing in my power, I open pathways For sisters to collectively stand in our power. (Poem is a collaborative work of the Arts and Activism Group) As the women tap into their impending leadership and decision making capabilities, they challenge traditional, subjugated roles and, through art, convey a more power- ful version of themselves. The poem ‘Standing in my Power’ is a paradigm of the power women have to be catalysts of change. Works of art like these reflect each woman’s strength, passion and determination to become influential leaders. The Arts and Activism program highlights the fact that a woman’s individual potential is the most untapped and underutilized resource in our society. We believe that it is a woman’s time to lead. Sakhi is committed to promoting women’s decision-making power and unleashing their leadership potential thereby enabling them to become one 8 of the greatest forces for global transformation GALA CELEBRATION PROGRAM

7:00 - 8:00pm Cocktails 8:15 pm Welcome by Benefit Co-ChairsPallavi Atluri and Reena Mathur 8:30pm Sitar performance by Hidayat Khan accompanied by Dibyarka Chatterjee on tabla 8:50pm Dinner 9:00pm Executive Director Tiloma Jayasinghe speaks to Blossoming Into A New Decade 9:10pm Radhika Coomaraswamy, Honored speaker 9:20pm Auction conducted by Sandhya Jain Patel, Christie’s Auctioneer 9:45pm Aasif Mandvi 9:50pm Performance by Goldspot lead singer Siddhartha Khosla 10:10pm Music by House of Entertainment, with dancing

Radhika Coomaraswamy is an internationally-known human rights advocate who has done outstanding work as Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women (1994-2003). In her reports to the UN Commission on Human Rights, she has written on violence in the family and in the community, violence against women during armed conflict, and international trafficking. A strong -ad vocate of womens’ rights, she has intervened on behalf of countless women throughout the world seeking clarification from Governments in cases involving violence against women. She was appointed Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict in April 2006. Ms. Coomaraswamy is a graduate of the United Nations International School in New York. She received her B.A. from Yale University, her J.D. from Columbia University, an LLM from Harvard University and honorary PhDs from Amherst College, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Essex and the University of Leuven.

Aasif Mandvi stars in ‘Today’s Special’, a feel-good foodie comedy, where a young Manhattan chef Samir rediscovers his heritage and his passion for life through the enchanting art of cooking Indian food. A sparkling romantic comedy that charms the heart as well as the funny bone, ‘Today’s Special’ is a lovingly crafted ode to family, food and New York City. Since 2006, Aasif has been a correspondent on with , and won the for his critically acclaimed one-man show, “Sakina’s Restaurant”. Some of his film and TV credits include The Last Airbend- er, Spiderman 2, Ghost Town, Music and Lyrics, Tanner on Tanner, The Mystic Masseur, The Siege, Analyze This, , Oz, CSI, Law and Order, E.R., Jericho and . 9 Sitar player Hidayat Khan comes from one of the greatest families of musicians - his forefathers have been leaders and innovators of Indian classical music. Hidayat began his formal training of Indian classical vocal music from his father, Ustad Vilayat Khan at the age of four; ten years later, his father formally initiated him into sitar. Hidayat has performed all over the world, and in prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London, , Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Carnegie Hall and Alicetuly Hall at the in New York. He has taken part in musical compositions for films, TV ads, and fashion shows and has performed with artists like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ray Charles and Andy Gabriel. He is accompanied by Dibyarka Chatterjee on tabla.

Imagine the West Coast of California, psychedelia-laced George Harrison, and a 1960’s Indian film, and you’re getting close to the sound of Goldspot’s second album “And the Elephant is Dancing” (2010). Goldspot has lived in the mind of singer/songwriter Siddhartha Khosla since he was a child, growing up in his New Jersey home listening to Bollywood oldies and western rock bands. “Western indie pop/rock sounds together with Bollywood inspired melodies and instrumentation just seems like a natural and wonderful musical partnership to me,” he says. “Mohammed Rafi, Michael Stipe of REM, Kishore Kumar, and The Beatles have inspired me ever since I could sing my first note.” Melanie Kannakoda, actress, dancer and former Miss America, is the host of two national TV series - Pulse, the Desi Beat (IATV) and Destination Bollywod (Star TV) - and the face of Herbal Essences’ national campaign in Glamour Magazine. This year, Melanie has made the jump into the entertainment space full-time, and most recently was named to Anokhi Magazine’s 2010 Sexy and Successful List. In her limited free time, Melanie is building a not-for-profit organization called “Hospital for Hope,” which is dedicated to the construction of hospitals in rural India in areas where basic healthcare is lacking. She received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, and served as Student Body President her final year.

Sandhya Jain Patel is a Specialist of Indian and South- east Asian Art at Christie’s. Prior to joining Christie’s, Ms. Jain Patel spent one year as a Fulbright Scholar in India investigating the materials and techniques for conserving Indian miniature paintings. Ms. Jain Patel holds dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Biology and Art History from Rutgers University, a Master’s in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from University of Medicine and Dentistry, NJ and a Master’s in Art History and in Fine Arts Conservation from the Insti- tute of Fine Arts, New York University. 10 SAKHI’S CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Sakhi thanks our generous community supporters and major donors for their assistance in supporting survivors and building a stronger community.

BLOSSOMING INTO A NEW DECADE

Gala Co-Chairs Pallavi and Anil Atluri Reena and Samir Mathur

Benefit Committee Simmi and Mickey Bhatia Hughie Choe Migna Guzman and Michael Karp Reshma Patel Dr. Padmaja Malladi and Bob Reed Romita Shetty and Nasser Ahmad Hanita and Ruby Walia

GALA SPONSORS

Patron - $10,000 + Chandni and Mukesh Prasad

11 GALA SPONSORS

Sponsors $5,000 + Margaret Abraham and Pradeep Singh Pallavi and Anil Atluri Barclays Capital Bloomberg BRV Sharma Family Foundation Davis & Gilbert LLP Migna Guzman and Michael Karp Reena and Samir Mathur Romita Shetty and Nasser Ahmad

Partner - $2,500 -$4,999 Monica Arora and Raj Goyle Simmi and Mickey Bhatia Hughie Choe Shabnam Hayder Mirza and Mazin Mirza Padmaja Malladi and Bob Reed Reshma Patel Amita Rodman and Viren Mehta Radhika and Mukesh Sehgal Chandra Sunkara Tamseela Tayyabkhan and Sanjeev Khanna Alpa Tolia Hanita and Ruby Walia

12 IN-KIND SPONSORS

We thank the following generous donors to our live and silent auctions:

Anuja Tolia Arch Dental Associates Bob Reed & Kumar Pindiprolu Butterfly Studios Citibabes Citibank Dedicated Indians of America Dinika & Anshul Gandhi Eun Lee Gazala Chinwalla Geeta Tolia Goldie Karpel Hamilton Farm Golf Club Little Ustaads Mansi Shah Margaret Abraham & Pradeep Singh Menus & Music Moksha Arts Nieman Marcus Nutan Punatar Rajul Mehta Rubin Museum Salvatore Giardana Shaban Alam Soho Sanctuary Soigne K Steve Madden Stuti Javeri Sugar Cookies Suma C The Noble Sage Art Gallery, London Van Vliet Xoom.com Zsa Zsa Jewels 13 SPECIAL THANKS

Sakhi gratefully acknowledges the following indi- viduals for their commitment and dedication to ending violence against women.

Neha Surana Chaudhuri Vivia Costalas Sarah Crist Marjeth Cummings Iqbal Hayder Santushi Kuruppu Nita Makhija Alika Mathur Radhika Nayar Sulekha Prasad Moiuri Siddique

Thank you for your vital support! 14 The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed. The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals. - Kahlil Gibran

Sakhi for South Asian Women P.O. Box 20208 Greeley Square Station New York, NY 10001-0006 www.sakhi.org 212.714.9153 Helpline: 212.868.6741

program design and layout by Alika Mathur