South Asian Youth Action (SAYA)

Community means having a space where you feel seen, where your culture is embraced, and where you can fully celebrate who you are, surrounded by people who understand and uplift you. For the Asian American community, these spaces are vital not just for honoring our many cultures, but for finding joy, connection, and belonging. Together with South Asian Youth Action (SAYA), we created a space — For the Culture — where we can uplift our Asian American identities and increase our impact collectively. From trying kimbap or samosas for the first time to getting henna or watching Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance, For the Culture was all about cultural discovery and shared experiences. Events like these remind us how important it is to highlight the diversity within the Asian American community and to keep building spaces where our identities are not only welcomed, but celebrated. 🎥 : Des LaFave #ApexForYouth #SAYA #CelebrateAAPI #Youth #AAPI #ForTheCulture #Community

It’s been a week, but we’re still riding the thrill of the evening! Thank you to everyone who joined us for SAYA’s Annual Gala on Saturday May 10 — over 400 community members came together to celebrate 29 incredible years of South Asian Youth Action! 💫 Because of YOU, we raised critical funds to support programs, mentorship, and safe spaces where our youth can belong, grow, and thrive. 🙌🏽 We’re deeply grateful to our inspiring honorees, Beesham A. Seecharan and Anurima Bhargava, for reminding us what’s possible when community, imagination, and resilience come together. ✨ “SAYA is a space where our youth can say their dreams out loud... a space of refuge, of discovery, of community.” – Anurima ✨ “For decades to come, I want to collaborate with good people like you to realize the world we’ve all been dreaming of.” – Beesham Big love to our incredible hosts @sheetalsheth & @sendhil_rama, and unforgettable performers @paramsinghmusic, @solesofduende, and @biks408 for bringing the energy and joy. And a special thank you to our generous in-kind donors @esteelauder and @aavrani! Let’s keep building, together. 💛

Grateful to reconnect at South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) Charity Gala—a place that has been a cornerstone of my journey since 2013. SAYA’s guidance and mentorship shaped who I am today, and it was inspiring to see the next generation of youth benefiting from the same community that once uplifted me. Honored to support such a meaningful cause while reconnecting with old friends and mentors. Every moment was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go together. Belong. Grow. Thrive. #SAYA #GivingBack #CommunityMentorship #YouthEmpowerment

🌟 Last weekend we honored our dear friend and sister Anurima Bhargava at the South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) 2025 Gala! Anurima was honored for her impact over the years in education, civil rights, international religious freedom, advancing democracy, and more. She is also an award-winning documentary film producer. We are so proud! 👏🏽 ⭐️ Congratulations to Beesham A. Seecharan, who was also honored - for his work with Sakhi for South Asian Survivors. ✨ For 29 years, #SAYA has empowered young people across New York City through culturally responsive and affirming programs that honor their identities and lived experiences. Thanks to the SAYA team for serving over 4,000 young people annually across Queens and Brooklyn. 💥 And, it is always special to have a mini-reunion of the International Youth Foundation - this time with Annetta Seecharran, who was the longtime Executive Director of SAYA, following her #IYF days! ☢️ Sheetal Sheth and Sendhil Ramamurthy were fantastic hosts for the gala. It was wonderful to hear from a young alumna of SAYA programs, and see a dance performance by Soles of Duende, as well as a musical performance by Param Singh.

I recently had the privilege of attending the South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗬𝗖, a powerful evening celebrating community, leadership, and youth empowerment. For nearly 30 years, SAYA has supported over 4,000 young people annually across Queens and Brooklyn with free, culturally responsive programs that help them grow with confidence, purpose, and pride in their identities. This year’s gala honored two inspiring leaders of the South Asian community: ✨ Anurima Bhargava, Founder & CEO of Anthem of Us, for her work in civil rights, education, democracy, and storytelling. ✨ Beesham A. Seecharan, COO & General Counsel at Matthews South, for his advocacy supporting survivors through Sakhi for South Asian Survivors. Got to experience some fantastic performances from 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵, a talented SAYA alum who shared how the organization helped him recognize his passion for music. Sheetal Sheth and Sendhil Ramamurthy, you were fantastic hosts for the gala. 'Never Have I Ever' had so much fun playing this game! 🤩 Learn more or get involved: saya.org #SAYA #YouthEmpowerment #SouthAsianVoices #CommunityLeadership #NYCNonprofits

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Guha PLLC Founding Partner and South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) Board Chair Samidh Guha celebrated SAYA's 29th Anniversary Gala at Chelsea Piers with an inspired evening of community and purpose. SAYA has supported tens of thousands of young people in reaching their potential and thriving in their educational and personal pursuits, providing very impactful in-person engagement and mentoring. The Firm proudly supports SAYA's almost three decades of connecting underserved NYC youth to opportunities and championing solutions that foster educational equity.

Incredible evening at the South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) Gala last night—filled with inspiration, connection, and purpose. Spending time with the SAYA team and seeing firsthand the impact they’re making across youth development programs was truly moving. Proud to be part of an organization that’s opening doors and building brighter futures for young people. Looking forward to deepening my involvement and helping even more youth unlock their potential. Grateful to PwC for their support in empowering SAYA youth through financial literacy, mentorship, and college and job application assistance. Thanks to Nadirah Ibrahim Musarrat "Musi" Qureshi Sarah Tunku Mu'tamir Nabeel Alam Anika H. Ayan Choudhury Kazi Sajid Kabir Mak Sami Shradha Sharma Abhishek Gupta #YouthEmpowerment #Mentorship #FinancialLiteracy #CommunityImpact #PwCProud #PwC

Had a fabulous Mother’s Day weekend, including celebrating the impact and accomplishments of Anurima Bhargava and Beesham A. Seecharan at the South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) gala. Congratulations to the honorees! It was a wonderful evening of community and culture!

I valued the experience of attending South Asian Youth Action (SAYA)’s Annual Gala, celebrating 29 years of empowering and mentoring thousands of talented South Asian youth in New York. Congratulations to their honorees Anurima Bhargava and Beesham A. Seecharan, who shared powerful reflections about courage, authenticity, and advocacy. Special thanks to Rippi Karda and Samidh Guha for introducing me to this remarkable organization. Every state with a significant South Asian community deserves a #SAYA. #SouthAsianYouthAction #CommunityImpact