CHICAGO (Diya TV) — Pushkar Sharma, co-founder of the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SACRED) organization, has been named a 2024 Soros Equality Fellow by the Open Society Foundations. Sharma is one of 11 fellows selected to work on justice and equity in the United States, and the recognition shines a light on his efforts to combat caste and racial inequities.
Established in 2017, the fellowship program offers funding of $130,000 over 18 months as well as opportunities for networking and professional development. It supports innovators and activists – addressing racial disparities and systemic discrimination – by advancing projects aligned with Open Society’s vision of an inclusive and multiracial democracy.
Sharma, an advocate of caste equity and justice, will work on the expansion of SACRED’s activities. SACRED says his project aims to counter “white supremacist and South Asian supremacist movements” that he believes undermine democratic ideals.
“With South Asian Americans visibly serving the incoming administration and promoting its Project 2025 agenda, SACRED’s work to build our multifaith, multiracial, anti-caste democracy has never been more imperative,” Sharma said in a statement.
SACRED hosted events featuring Rep. Ilhan Omar and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison during the Democratic National Convention.
Courtesy: SACRED
The 2024 Soros Equality Fellows include the fields of film, philanthropy, and research. Projects include attention to reparations in the Black diaspora to inclusivity of marginalized voices in media and governance, among others.
