Beverly Hills, CA — Saahas for Cause hosted its 2025 Donor Engagement Event, “From Prevention to Possibility,” at Spice Affair in Beverly Hills, bringing together 140 guests to celebrate prevention, empowerment, and community well-being for the South Asian diaspora. The program, emceed by Dr. Rohit Kohli and Saahas Board Member Aakriti Kundra, reflected on resilience, compassion, and collective impact.
Founded by Payal Sawhney, Saahas for Cause empowers South Asian immigrants and their families through four pillars—Youth Engagement, Women’s Empowerment, Family Wellness, and Older Adult Well-Being. Its mission focuses on culturally responsive care, prevention, and creating belonging across generations.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Board Chair Dr. Seema Arora, followed by a musical prelude and the ceremonial lamp lighting led by Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, the inaugural Consul General of India in Los Angeles. His presence symbolized growing collaboration between Saahas and the Indian Consulate in addressing community needs.
A heartfelt video showcased stories of clients, volunteers, and partners whose lives have been transformed through Saahas programs.
A key highlight was the presentation of Saahas’s “family model”—wraparound, culturally rooted support that empowers individuals at every stage of life.
A short dramatization portrayed a client’s journey from victim to survivor, emphasizing that prevention is about creating hope before crisis — because truly, “a stitch in time saves nine.”
The event also spotlighted Dhaaga, Saahas’s stitching and rehabilitation initiative that combines creative expression, healing, and mentorship to foster independence among survivors of violence and new immigrants.
Saahas recognized five leaders for their service and philanthropy:
- Dr. Bharat Patel – Bridge Builder of the Year
- Mr. Ghanshyamsinh Zala – Philanthropist of the Year
- Mr. Kevin Parikh – Entrepreneur of the Year
- Dr. Amandeep Bhalla – Physician of the Year
- Mr. Mohan Ananda – Lifetime Achievement Award
Payal Sawhney also acknowledged challenges—from wildfires and immigration fears to funding delays—but reaffirmed that Saahas’s prevention-first approach continues to connect families to safety, resources, and support.
Saahas concluded the event by expressing gratitude to Mr. Navneet Chugh, partners, board members, volunteers, and attendees for their steadfast support. The event served as a reminder that when communities unite with courage and compassion, hope becomes possible for every South Asian family.
Contact Us: (562) 526-2508 Email Us: Info@saahasforcause.org Website: www.Saahasforcause.org
