NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Sakhi for South Asian Survivors rang the closing bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite on March 10, bringing national attention to the nonprofit’s work supporting survivors of gender-based violence in the South Asian diaspora. The bell-ringing ceremony took place during Women’s History Month and just days after International Women’s Day. Leaders said the moment highlighted the organization’s decades of advocacy, survivor support, and community empowerment.
Founded more than 37 years ago, Sakhi is one of the oldest organizations in the United States that supports Indian, South Asian, and Indo-Caribbean survivors of domestic violence. The group provides counseling, legal support, advocacy, and community programs. Sakhi leaders said the closing bell ceremony carried deep meaning. It showed the growing visibility of gender justice efforts within South Asian communities.
“This moment marked an extraordinary milestone for Sakhi,” the organization said in a press release. “Ringing the Nasdaq Closing Bell brought national visibility to our mission and the communities we serve.”
The event celebrated the resilience of survivors and the people who advocate for them. It also highlighted the organization’s long fight to ensure that survivors receive support and recognition.
Kavita Mehra, the organization’s executive director, stood on the Nasdaq stage and rang the bell in honor of Sakhi’s work. Mehra said the moment they recognized the voices of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean survivors everywhere.
“Standing on the Nasdaq stage to ring the Closing Bell was a powerful affirmation of the movement for gender justice,” Mehra said.
She also spoke about the emotional impact of the milestone for survivors and community members who have supported the organization for decades.
“This is a milestone not only for our community, but for our board, our team, and every survivor in this room,” Mehra said during her speech. “For anyone who has ever felt unseen or unheard, this moment is for you.”
She added that moments of celebration also play an important role in healing.
“This is our moment of joy, because without joy, we do not have healing,” she said.
Representatives from Nasdaq also attended the ceremony and praised Sakhi’s work. David Wicks said the bell-ringing offered an opportunity to recognize organizations that create meaningful social change.
“Today’s bell ringing offers an opportunity to spotlight the vital role community-based organizations like Sakhi play in advancing equity, awareness, and lasting social change,” Wicks said.
He said Sakhi’s work reflects the leadership and resilience honored during Women’s History Month.
Several leaders and supporters attended the event to celebrate the organization’s achievements. Among those present were Beesham A. Seecharan, Andrew Hibshman, and Neha Desai Shah. Shah also serves as a board member at First Bank.
The ceremony also brought together Sakhi founders, survivors, staff members, volunteers, and past and present board members. The organization said these individuals have helped expand its impact across the community. According to Sakhi, its programs and services have supported more than 18,000 people over the years. These services include crisis intervention, legal advocacy, housing support, and culturally sensitive counseling.
Sakhi leaders said the Nasdaq ceremony represented more than a symbolic moment. They said it highlighted the strength of a movement built by survivors and advocates. The organization noted that many people in the South Asian diaspora still face barriers when seeking help for domestic violence. Language challenges, immigration concerns, and cultural stigma often prevent survivors from reaching out for support. Sakhi continues to work with community partners to raise awareness and expand access to resources.
The organization also invited supporters to its upcoming annual gala, titled “In Our Power,” scheduled for May 1, 2026. The event will celebrate survivors and raise funds to support programs that assist victims of gender-based violence. For many who attended the Nasdaq ceremony, the closing bell symbolized both progress and hope.
