HR 1934: Raksha, Inc.; celebration of its 30th anniversary; recognize

House Resolution 1934

By: Representatives Tran of the 80th, Au of the 50th, Miller of the 62nd, Draper of the 90th, Ali of the 106th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Raksha Inc. upon the celebration of its 30th anniversary; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, for three decades, Raksha Inc. has provided services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, strangulation, and other forms of violence, ensuring that individuals and families are treated with dignity while working toward their healing, empowerment, and justice; and

WHEREAS, since its founding, Raksha Inc. has remained steadfast in its mission to promote a stronger and healthier South Asian community through confidential, culturally responsive, and linguistically accessible support services, education, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Raksha Inc. proudly serves individuals and families throughout the entire State of Georgia, extending its reach across urban, suburban, and rural communities to ensure that no survivor is without access to support and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, the organization has served thousands of survivors and their families across Georgia through crisis intervention, legal and systems advocacy, counseling referrals, prevention education, and community outreach; and

WHEREAS, Raksha's youth engagement activities have helped create a new generation of leaders; and

WHEREAS, under the steadfast and visionary leadership of Executive Director Aparna Bhattacharyya, who began her service with Raksha Inc. as a volunteer at its founding in 1995 and has served as executive director since 1998, the organization has grown from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized model for culturally specific, survivor-centered services; and

WHEREAS, through her decades of leadership, Ms. Bhattacharyya has strengthened Georgia's coordinated response to gender-based violence and has elevated the experiences and needs of immigrant and underserved communities in state and national policy conversations; and

WHEREAS, these resources have enhanced awareness among first responders and service providers, contributed to improved documentation and intervention practices, and supported broader public safety efforts across Georgia and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Raksha Inc. has had a meaningful national impact by contributing to the development of best practices in culturally specific advocacy, informing federal and state policy initiatives related to crime victim rights, language access, and violence prevention and providing training and technical assistance to governmental agencies, national coalitions, and service providers across the United States; and

WHEREAS, the dedication of Raksha's staff, board members, volunteers, community partners, and supporters has sustained the organization's work for 30 years and has contributed meaningfully to the well-being and resilience of families throughout this state; and

WHEREAS, the 30th anniversary of Raksha Inc. marks a significant milestone worthy of recognition for its enduring commitment to service, advocacy, innovation, and community empowerment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and commend Raksha Inc. upon the celebration of its 30th anniversary and express their profound appreciation for three decades of dedicated service to the people of Georgia and the nation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Raksha Inc.