On Saturday, October 12, Saheli held its 2020 Annual Meeting. The meeting was organized as a virtual event and was well-attended by many community members, supporters, volunteers, and donors. Tanushree Debashri Basu, a long time Saheli volunteer and new Board Member, moderated the event. State Rep. Tram Nguyen was a Special Guest and was interviewed by Ms. Basu. She spoke about her experience in helping immigrant domestic violence survivors during her time as a lawyer at Greater Boston Legal Services as well as her experience growing up as an immigrant in the US. She also expressed her opinion on why it is important to vote and to make everyone’s voice heard. 

Mr. Puran Dang, a Saheli supporter since its inception, was invited to speak a few words. He emphasized the importance of making women feel empowered and expressed his deep commitment for Saheli’s work and mission. The event also featured a poem specially written for Saheli by Ms. Poppy Charnalia and a poem depicting hope and support written and performed by Saheli’s staff. The program featured a unique rendition of Yoga set to an empowering music depicting the strengths of women as well as a very personal and heartfelt poem by Ms. Basu. 

The event was very well-received and Saheli received many plaudits from supporters for a well-run and thoughtful program that highlighted the challenges that survivors of domestic violence face as well as the hope and support that is available to them from Saheli.