FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newark, California | July 1, 2026
Guru Nanak Global Foundation (GNGF), in partnership with Roar 4 Change, proudly announced the official launch of SAHELI : Protecting Our Daughters, a landmark community initiative dedicated to empowering women and girls through education, advocacy, support services, and community collaboration.
The inaugural event brought together elected officials, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, educators, healthcare professionals, community representatives, and residents from across the Bay Area to celebrate the beginning of a movement focused on creating safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities.
SAHELI, meaning “a trusted friend,” aims to provide women and girls with access to mentorship, legal guidance, crisis support, educational programs, leadership development, mental wellness resources, and community partnerships. The initiative seeks to foster an environment where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive with dignity, confidence, and equal opportunity.
The Honorable Mayor Michael Hannon attended the inaugural event as Chief Guest and applauded the vision behind the initiative.
“SAHELI represents the very best of community leadership; people coming together to ensure that every woman and every girl has the opportunity to live safely, pursue her dreams, and reach her full potential. Initiatives like this strengthen our city by building compassion, resilience, and opportunity for all. I commend Guru Nanak Global Foundation and Roar 4 Change for their vision and commitment to serving our community.”
— Mayor Michael Hannon
Baljit Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Global Foundation and Roar 4 Change, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful launch.
“The launch of SAHELI is not simply the beginning of another program; it is the beginning of a movement built on compassion, service, and collective responsibility. I sincerely thank Mayor Michael Hannon for honoring us with his presence and unwavering support, along with our distinguished Guest of Honor, community leaders, partner organizations, volunteers, sponsors, and every individual who believes that empowering women strengthens families and transforms communities. Together, we can create lasting change.”
— Baljit Singh, Chairman, Guru Nanak Global Foundation & Roar 4 Change
Sukhdev Singh, Program Director for SAHELI, highlighted the organization’s long-term vision.
“SAHELI is designed to become a trusted support system for women and girls at every stage of life. Through education, mentorship, advocacy, and partnerships, we will work hand in hand with our communities to create opportunities, raise awareness, and ensure that no woman or girl ever feels alone. This is only the beginning of a journey that we hope will inspire communities across California and beyond.”
— Sukhdev Singh, Program Director, SAHELI
We are thankful to the community and our Guest of Honors and Supporters:
- Harkesh Sandhu, Sahaita Inc.
- Mohan Singh, Sikh Awareness Society, UK
- Navraj Rai, Kern County’s First Sikh Judge
- Preet Didbal, First Sikh Women, Former Yuba City Mayor
- Raj Singh Badesha Fresno County’s First Sikh Judge
- Tut Brothers, California
- SP Singh Oberai, Sarbat da Bhala Trust Dubai
- Sandhu Brothers, California
- Om Parkash Bailey Pittsburg
The launch featured keynote remarks, community engagement and discussions on strengthening partnerships between public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local communities. Attendees reaffirmed their shared commitment to addressing issues affecting women and girls through education, prevention, advocacy, and collaborative action.
Looking ahead, Guru Nanak Global Foundation and Roar 4 Change plan to expand SAHELI through educational workshops, youth leadership programs, community awareness campaigns, professional mentoring, resource referral networks, emergency assistance initiatives, and strategic partnerships with civic, educational, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations.
SAHELI reflects the Sikh principle of “Sarbat da Bhala;” the welfare of all; and aspires to build communities where every daughter is valued, every woman is respected, and every family has the support needed to flourish.
Contacts:
Baljit Singh
Chairman, Guru Nanak Global Foundation (India)
Email: bsingh@gndgu.com
Mobile: +1-972-800-6305
Era Verma
Press Administration Lead, Guru Nanak Global Foundation (India)
Mobile: +91-9702000022
press@gndgu.com
About Guru Nanak Global Foundation
Guru Nanak Global Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education, sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development. Inspired by the universal teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Foundation works to create transformative initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
About Guru Nanak Dev Global University
GNDGU is a pioneering, values-driven global university rooted in the universal teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, dedicated to transforming students into enlightened leaders through inspired learning, holistic development, and full alignment with all 17 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Vision:
To transform students into global leaders through the power of inspired learning and self-development for positive social impact.
Mission:
Our mission is to deliver a world-class education that fosters excellence in science, technology, and the liberal arts, with a sharp focus on application-oriented research and results-driven innovation for the holistic development of students.
- To build characters of unshakeable integrity who stand fearlessly for Truth, guided by the eternal teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the principles of compassion, justice and Chardi Kala.
- To develop globally relevant, future-ready skills through inspired, interdisciplinary, application-oriented learning fully aligned with UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
- To create a vibrant, seva-driven ecosystem that guarantees 100% employability, empowering every graduate to secure meaningful careers, drive ethical innovation, and contribute selflessly to sustainable and equitable societies worldwide.