Rice South Asian Society Supports DAYA

It was a dazzling night of Bollywood music alluring a whopping crowd of 600 plus Houstonians at the Rice Memorial Center in Rice Campus on Saturday November 19, 2011. The event started with popular Bollywood dance songs followed by classical and contemporary dances. The main focus of the event was on dances and fashion show, a musical evening where Rice students organized a South Asian cultural event. The Rice SAS Team consisting of Vinita, Onkur, Punya and others worked together to raise $2000 to donate to Daya, a nonprofit organization that provides free services to those in the South Asian community who are victimized by domestic violence and sexual assault. “We had 229 clients in 2010 and this year it has increased to 240 already, there are a lot of families in Houston needing help,” informs Abhilasha who works for the organization.

Daya promotes healthy family relationships in the South Asian community by providing services that include counseling, referrals, legal advocacy, and financial support to women and children. The organization also promotes awareness on topics relevant to the welfare of South Asian families through educational seminars, publications, and outreach programs.

The event was well attended by students and their parents and the event was made a success with generous sponsors like The Wadhawan Law Firm, Rice University, and Masala Radio. The main purpose of this South Asian cultural event was to raise awareness and funds for Daya. Overall a very successful event with satisfying goals.