Join us at Nirbhaya and support Saheli’s mission of empowering women

Saheli, a local organization that works on empowering women, is getting ready for its annual fund raising gala. This year’s event is named “Nirbhaya”, which means without fear.  The name was chosen to symbolize a life without fear for all women. The event will be held at the Westin, Waltham on Friday, September 20^th and will start at 6.30pm.

Funds raised from Nirbhaya will be used to send several women to vocational training courses that will put them on the path to independence.  Needed mentoring will also be provided to ensure the women are successful in completing these courses and finding employment upon completion.  While a few programs, like paralegal training and medical assistant training have been identified, Saheli wil put together a portfolio of course options that women can pick from based on their skills and interest. Our goal is to raise somewhere north of $40K.

This year Saheli is collaborating with IMANE (Indian Medical Association of New England). Dr.Manju Sheth, President of IMANE, co-chair of the 2010 Saheli gala and a great believer in Saheli’s cause says, “As physicians, we treat the physical and emotional injuries and scars of domestic violence, but I have always felt that our job was somehow incomplete till the victims became not just survivors but were also empowered to take care of themselves and their families. Saheli helps complete that by providing them support, friendship, guidance and education.”

Volunteers from all walks of life have come together to support a cause they believe in.  The gala committee consisting of Dr. Sapna Aggarwal, Sumana Bhat, Dr. Deepa Jhaveri,  Dr. Sumi Manwani, Dr. Meera Subramaniam, Rekha Singh, Eshani Shah and Neelam Wali, are working tirelessly to make sure the event is close to perfection.

In keeping with the theme of the event we have picked short entertainment pieces that elegantly bring out the message of the evening. One of the highlights of the event is having Meghna Chakraborti from WBUR serve as our anchor for the evening. The items include a candlelight dance by Maya Delity, Harshini Joshi, Madhu Nene, Anu Saxena, Rhea Manwani, Sumi Manwani; a soul-stirring dance piece by Mouli Pal; songs by Shraddha Agrawal, Sankar Gangaikondan, Sudha Rao, Uma Sankar, Mohan Subramaniam and Meena Sundaram accompanied by Tarun Bangalore, Pranav Ghatraju & Sahana Srinivasan. A special treat for all is the fact that renowned musician Tara Anand has provided guidance and expertise with the music arrangement!

 Another exciting part of the program is the launch of the Saheli Men’s Initiative, led by Ramesh Advani. Details will be shared at the event.

 We are very lucky to live in a city like Boston, where the vibrant Indian diaspora supports various causes.  So many businesses have stepped forward offering their services complimentary for the event. Shobha Shastry is adding her magic touch with her decorations; Vinod Kapoor of Masala Art is sponsoring the food; DJ Yogz is offering his services to liven up the evening; Neelam Wali is printing flyers, invitations, brochures; Bollywood Delights is bringing delicious Kulfi and a large audience is coming to support this important cause.

 As Chair of Nirbhaya, nothing gives me greater pleasure than to announce that we have sold over 300 seats already with a week to go for the event!

 We all dream of the day when Saheli’s services will no longer be needed. That would be the day when there are no more cases of domestic violence and women are living their lives to the fullest with no fear.  While we wait for that day, we all need to join hands and help Saheli as it helps women build their futures, one step at a time.  Please join us and help us achieve this dream.

Buy your tickets now at www.lokvani.com/l/nirbhaya

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