2025 Ek Shaam Raksha Ke Naam

GRATITUDE & EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

On November 16th, we hosted our annual signature event, the 27th Ek Shaam Raksha Ke Naam, meaning “An Evening in the Name of Raksha,” with the theme A Leap of Faith. This theme paid tribute to the leaps of faith survivors take every day. This also acknowledges the leap of faith, Raksha’s founder took in starting Raksha 30 years ago and the leaps of faith that many in our community take every day. This year’s event was especially vital as it enabled us to raise the necessary funds to continue providing life-changing services, including legal advocacy, housing assistance, and emotional support to survivors, especially in a time when many safety nets are being taken away.

From volunteers to vendors, youth leaders to long-time supporters, Ek Shaam Raksha Ke Naam was filled with reminders that Raksha’s story has always been a collective one and that our 30 year old journey could not have been possible without our community’s support.

We are so thankful for our SPONSORS whose support made this celebration possible! Your partnership makes it possible for Raksha to continue showing up for survivors, especially during a period of unprecedented funding challenges in Georgia and nationwide. See our list of amazing sponsors below.

Special thanks to our raffle sponsors – Nisha Agarwal, Franchise Owner Tanishq – Atlanta for contributing gold coins, to Chaibox contributing their signature teas, and HKT Custom Clothiers for the gorgeous custom pocket squares (for purchase on our shop link below!)

To all our VOLUNTEERS, we are so grateful to have you. Raksha’s work is stronger when we’re supported by volunteers like you.

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Event Highlights

Welcome and Anniversary Highlights

Guests were welcomed with lovely decor created by Nova Events Co., food and drinks by Walia Hospitality Group, a 30-year anniversary slideshow, and a photo booth experience by The Little Memories Shop, complete with live photo magnets to take home! 

Program Highlights

The program opened with Raksha’s history, an introduction to the Leap of Faith theme, and a tribute honoring those lost this year. Laughter followed with a comedy set by Kanchana Raman, before the Seeds of Change Award was presented to Mahendra Patel, recognizing his extraordinary resilience and commitment to transforming personal injustice into community impact.

Awardees & Speakers

The Ramesh and Vijaya Bakshi Community Change Award was presented to The Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States, Raksha’s first faith-based partner and a steadfast ally for three decades.
The Himmat (Courage) Awards was presented to survivor-advocate Sewa Fields and Tahirih Justice Center’s Managing Attorney Collin Mickle. The program also featured closing reflections from award-winning author and journalist Anju Gattani, whose storytelling spoke deeply to resilience and the courage it takes to leap forward.

Performances, Youth Highlights

Additional highlights included a powerful performance by NachAtlanta and an entertaining Bollywood dance mix performance by Raksha Youth. Sana Verma was highlighted for self-publishing a book on trauma and victimization as part of her Girl Scout project, followed by a vibrant Bollywood dance performance.

Marketplace, Raffles, and Gratitude

The celebration also featured a vendor marketplace and raffles from Tanishq, ChaiBox, and HKT Custom Clothiers—designers of Raksha’s custom 30th anniversary pocket squares (purchase on our shop link above). From volunteers and youth leaders to longtime supporters and sponsors, the evening was a powerful reminder that Raksha’s 30-year journey has always been a collective one—and that our community’s support and love makes it possible to continue showing up for survivors!