BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
LOS ANGELES, CA- California Chief Justice, top judges and attorneys of Southern California came together to mark the 14th Annual South Asian Bar Association of Public Interest Foundation Banquet on March 16 at the Double Tree Hilton here. The event was not just limited to black coats and legal talk, but saw a traditional string...
LOS ANGELES, CA- California Chief Justice, top judges and attorneys of Southern California came together to mark the 14th Annual South Asian Bar Association of Public Interest Foundation Banquet on March 16 at the Double Tree Hilton here. The event was not just limited to black coats and legal talk, but saw a traditional string...
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of colors and ethnic ensemble. The program was channeled and co-hosted by Henna Pithia,Co-President for SABA and Vikas Bhargava, Immediate Past President SABA-SC who congratulated the attendees for raising over $60,000 in grants.
Introducing guests to the event’s mission, Bhargava said, “These are tough times for our community. To bring more help, many organizations were contacted and in the process we learnt that SABA can play a vital role in connecting attorneys with pro bono or community engagement activities. And, today the response is great and wholesome.”
Adding to his comments, Pithia said “The welcomed support allows us to take another step towards building a community that is tolerant of all individuals, no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or gender identity. This night’s sponsorships, donations, and ticket purchases will continue to fund organizations, law students, and activists who fight for these important rights for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Later, while introducing the honorees, Pithia mentioned, “Mentoring is a great task and Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, Bhupinder Kaur Malik, and Kalpana Srinivasan have all devoted themselves to life outside the law firm, to promoting justice, and to training the next generation of lawyers. They serve as excellent examples to all of us here to challenge ourselves to provide mentorship to young lawyers and law students.”
Thanking SABA, Chief Justice of California Sakauye said, “Judicial appreciation award is for all of us who raise our voice for others. Judges toil in the room of law as we endeavor to be fair in times of greatest drama and turmoil. Independence of the judiciary is strong and I congratulate SABA for how they have been culturally involved and served the community. Let us continue to power a voice that says truth and advocate; remember, if i don’t say who will.”
Honoree Malik asked the attorneys to use their voice as lawyers to create change. “ Let’s stand up against discrimination and hate crimes together. If we see someone being verbally attacked because of their skin color, religion, etc., say something. Work towards creating a future where her children and our children are valued because of what they think and who they are, not by their religion or skin color.” Senior Ninth circuit Judge, Raymond Corley Fisher, praised SABA for doing great service and laid emphasis on how the society needs more attorneys like Srinivasan. He talked about her role as a trailblazer and how she worked on cases that are in the limelight. One was an immigration case where an individual had been deported or was scheduled to be deported without a hearing, violating his due process rights. Following this cue, Srinivasan said that we have come a long way as a South Asian community, but we have a way to go. Let’s keep pushing. “The path that has been created for us South Asians needs to be maintained and watched closely so that it maintains its existence.” She said she was motivated by her parents and family members to continue doing what she does. A highlight of the evening was the swearing in ceremony by Justice Elwood Lui’s for next year’s SABA SC and SABA PIF board.
Answering to ‘the role of SABA till date’, team member Janani Rana gave a quick synopsis by stating, “We’ve spent the past year clarifying our role with members, our community and sister bar organizations. We expanded our national involvement last September, when we were selected to host the national association’s annual leadership retreat where we honored Firdaus Dordi who was later appointed to the judiciary. In September we intend to host another mentor of the year award ceremony and hope the turnout will be just as fantastic.” The night also saw an enthralling performance of Bollywood hits by none other than the Karmagraphy couple who danced on many songs including ‘Balam Pichkari’.
Later, there was a big round of applause to thank the members of the judiciary who gave their time and effort to mentor the young South Asian American lawyers to achieve the law and support in the community. Those attending the event included members of the US Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit, US District Court, US Bankruptcy Court, California Supreme Court, California Courts of Appeal, Superior Court of California. The bench members were also recognized and received a round of applause.
Introducing guests to the event’s mission, Bhargava said, “These are tough times for our community. To bring more help, many organizations were contacted and in the process we learnt that SABA can play a vital role in connecting attorneys with pro bono or community engagement activities. And, today the response is great and wholesome.”
Adding to his comments, Pithia said “The welcomed support allows us to take another step towards building a community that is tolerant of all individuals, no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or gender identity. This night’s sponsorships, donations, and ticket purchases will continue to fund organizations, law students, and activists who fight for these important rights for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Later, while introducing the honorees, Pithia mentioned, “Mentoring is a great task and Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, Bhupinder Kaur Malik, and Kalpana Srinivasan have all devoted themselves to life outside the law firm, to promoting justice, and to training the next generation of lawyers. They serve as excellent examples to all of us here to challenge ourselves to provide mentorship to young lawyers and law students.”
Thanking SABA, Chief Justice of California Sakauye said, “Judicial appreciation award is for all of us who raise our voice for others. Judges toil in the room of law as we endeavor to be fair in times of greatest drama and turmoil. Independence of the judiciary is strong and I congratulate SABA for how they have been culturally involved and served the community. Let us continue to power a voice that says truth and advocate; remember, if i don’t say who will.”
Honoree Malik asked the attorneys to use their voice as lawyers to create change. “ Let’s stand up against discrimination and hate crimes together. If we see someone being verbally attacked because of their skin color, religion, etc., say something. Work towards creating a future where her children and our children are valued because of what they think and who they are, not by their religion or skin color.” Senior Ninth circuit Judge, Raymond Corley Fisher, praised SABA for doing great service and laid emphasis on how the society needs more attorneys like Srinivasan. He talked about her role as a trailblazer and how she worked on cases that are in the limelight. One was an immigration case where an individual had been deported or was scheduled to be deported without a hearing, violating his due process rights. Following this cue, Srinivasan said that we have come a long way as a South Asian community, but we have a way to go. Let’s keep pushing. “The path that has been created for us South Asians needs to be maintained and watched closely so that it maintains its existence.” She said she was motivated by her parents and family members to continue doing what she does. A highlight of the evening was the swearing in ceremony by Justice Elwood Lui’s for next year’s SABA SC and SABA PIF board.
Answering to ‘the role of SABA till date’, team member Janani Rana gave a quick synopsis by stating, “We’ve spent the past year clarifying our role with members, our community and sister bar organizations. We expanded our national involvement last September, when we were selected to host the national association’s annual leadership retreat where we honored Firdaus Dordi who was later appointed to the judiciary. In September we intend to host another mentor of the year award ceremony and hope the turnout will be just as fantastic.” The night also saw an enthralling performance of Bollywood hits by none other than the Karmagraphy couple who danced on many songs including ‘Balam Pichkari’.
Later, there was a big round of applause to thank the members of the judiciary who gave their time and effort to mentor the young South Asian American lawyers to achieve the law and support in the community. Those attending the event included members of the US Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit, US District Court, US Bankruptcy Court, California Supreme Court, California Courts of Appeal, Superior Court of California. The bench members were also recognized and received a round of applause.
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