Sheela Nayak, Mirandra Kennedy to be honored.
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: Asha for Women will host a gala event next month in northern Virginia, to celebrate the 24th anniversary of its inception,
Asha, which means “hope†in many Indian languages, is a US-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for women in the Washington, DC-metropolitan area, specifically those from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. They do not discriminate based on religion or age. Their primary means of service is through volunteers, who run events and act as advocates and advisors for those who have undergone some form of abuse and are looking for ways to cope.
“Because of the incredible generosity of our amazing corps of volunteer advocates, we concentrate all the funds we receive on assisting clients with everything from legal help and educational fees to health care expenses and emergency housing assistance,†said Lakshmi Aiyappa, an executive director for Asha, in a press release announcing the upcoming event.
Honorees at the event will include Sheela Nayak, the renowned philanthropist and “community leader,†as well as journalist and writer Miranda Kennedy, author of the book Sideways on a Scooter: Life and Love in India, which examines how the status and roles of women in India have changed in the face of its rapid growth and rise on the world stage. She currently works for National Public Radio (NPR) as one of their main South Asia correspondents.
Aiyappa added in the press release: “We’re excited to honor Miranda Kennedy and Sheela Nayak this year. Each has made a valuable contribution – through community leadership or personal storytelling – to the women of Asha, both advocates and clients.â€
Also present at the event will be Sheila Murthy of the Murthy Law Firm, who will host a live silent auction, the proceeds of which will go towards funding ASHA programs and initiatives. Murthy – another pillar in the Indian-American community – and her law firm are famous for being the most visited site on the internet when it comes to those seeking advice and representation in legal cases involving immigration.
The event will be held at George Mason University on Saturday, September 14th, from 6pm-10pm. More information can be found at the Asha for Women website.