Overview

South Asian Nonprofit Maitri celebrated 35 years of community service, drawing a gathering of community allies, leaders, and supporters.

Maitri, a San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to supporting the South Asian diaspora, marked its 35-year milestone by raising more than $1 million at its annual gala held on Saturday, March 28, 2026. According to a press release issued by the organization, the event took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Palo Alto, drawing a gathering of community allies, leaders, and supporters.

The funds raised are intended to reinforce and grow critical resources for survivors of domestic violence while supporting prevention initiatives. These services aim to empower survivors to rebuild their lives and move toward a stable future.

A group of women pose on astage at a gala
Staff at Maitri’s 35th Anniversary gala (image credit: Manjunath Iyengar)

Cultural Performances & Community Impact

The evening featured a musical headline performance by singer Abby V. Additionally, the program included a performance by local opera singer Avantika, who performed two arias focused on the theme of survivor resilience.

During the event, a film produced by Maitri was screened to illustrate the challenges faced by survivors and the specific impact of domestic violence on children. The gala also included silent and live auctions featuring items donated by supporters, alongside displays highlighting the organization’s accomplishments over the past three and a half decades.

A singer onstage next to a man playing the guitar at a gala
Singer Abby V. headlined the event (image credit: Manjunath Iyengar)

A Journey of Three Decades

Founded in 1991, Maitri began as a single kitchen phone line. In a press statement, Executive Director Rama Dharmarajan reflected on this growth.

“Today, we are a trusted community-rooted, culturally responsive institution standing with survivors of domestic violence. This transformation is a direct result of our tireless team, network of collaborators, and the heart of this community,” Dharmarajan said.

Maitri Board President Sameer Ladiwala emphasized the tangible nature of the organization’s work.

“These are not abstract programs. These are lifelines. These are the services that help a survivor move from fear to safety, from uncertainty to stability, from isolation to the beginning of a new life,” Ladiwala stated.

Two presenters onstage at a gala
Maitri Board President and Executive Director at the gala image credit: Manjunath Iyengar)

Recognition of Support

Gala Co-Chair Aarti Johri noted the significant turnout of both longtime donors and first-time attendees.

“I am extremely touched by the outpouring of support from the community. This is a milestone anniversary and the number of longtime supporters as well as the large number of first timers here this evening, encourages me and leads me to believe that the cause is both recognized and the community believes in Maitri’s ability,” Johri said.

The evening included special recognition for the staff, board, volunteers, and founders who have contributed to the organization’s 35-year journey.

About Maitri

Maitri is a free, confidential, nonprofit organization that primarily assists individuals and families from South Asia—including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The organization addresses domestic violence, emotional abuse, cultural alienation, and family conflict through crisis intervention and self-sufficiency services, while also engaging in community outreach to foster healthy relationships.

For more information about Maitri, visit www.maitri.org. The Maitri toll-free helpline
number: is 1-888-862-4874 (1 888 8 MAITRI).

This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by India Currents.