Lead in Heels, a Bay Area nonprofit founded in 2018 by radio host and TV producer Papiha Nandy, raised over $60,000 from its annual fundraising gala on 3rd December at the University of Silicon Andhra, in Milpitas, CA.
The primary beneficiaries of the organization are survivors of acid attacks, domestic violence, human trafficking, and children from distressed circumstances who may have faced abuse.
Supports other nonprofits
Lead in Heels supports other nonprofits in India whose goals align with its overarching mission of empowering women. It builds a support system for survivors of domestic violence, providing women and children access to educational and health benefits, and thereby financial independence, and by supporting activists committed to social justice.
Organizations that benefit
In a heartfelt speech, Papiha Nandy, founder and chairperson, Lead in Heels, gave an overview of the many beneficiaries of the organization, which include Rescue Foundation in Mumbai, Goranbose Gram Bikash Kendra in Canning, West Bengal, STPN Trust near Kolkata, Sheroes in Delhi, Prajwala Prajwala in Hyderabad, and Godavari Nilayam, near Hyderabad.
Speaking to India Currents, Papiha said, “Lead in Heels today provides resources to uplift the lives of destitute women who are able to support themselves and perhaps even help uplift others like them. If all women raise their voices against the abuse they face and take action, and if men are taught what is considered abuse and violence towards women from a young age then gender violence will reduce greatly.”
Three new projects
Papiha also announced three new projects by the organization. These are:
- The Million Pad Project where Leed in Heels will provide sanitary pads to one million women attending a health camp, where they will gain knowledge regarding menstruation and period hygiene.
- The Shobha Rani Nandy scholarship which will be awarded to meritorious students from financially constrained backgrounds to complete their medical or engineering degrees.
- The Kakoli Nandy Health and Wellness Center which will provide trauma therapy, counseling, and mental health and wellness services for survivors of human trafficking and domestic abuse.
In her welcome address, Aditi Pal Karandikar, president, Lead in Heels, said that while Lead in Heels currently sponsors various nonprofits in India, in the future it hopes to expand its scope to empower them in the United States as well.
The humor factor
At the gala, the humor factor was provided by comedian and emcee, Dan Nainan; accompanying him was Bay Area’s Shalini Ramachandran who also regaled audiences with her jokes.
Fremont Council Member Raj Salwan served as chief, while guests of honor included Saratoga Vice Mayor Yan Zha and Milpitas commissioner Ms. Jinky Peralta, who recognized Lead in Heels’ efforts with Letters of Commendation and Recognition from the city of Fremont and Milpitas respectively.
Bollywood fusion and classical dance come together
Hollywood choreographer and dancer, Joya Nandy Kazi of ‘Never Have I Ever’ fame wowed audiences with her Bollywood fusion dance performance.
Odissi exponent Gayatri Mishra Joshi’s performance was soulful and sensuous, as was the mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance by dancer Shraddha Joglekar with her students. Last but not the least, was the lively and energetic singing of Deepti Venkat that had the audience dancing to her tunes.
