Dance Benefit to Aid Asian Indian Women

The recent case involving Narinder Virk, an Indian immigrant accused of trying to drown her two children, inspired Sulekha Patel to action.

Patel, of Thousand Oaks, helped create the Society for Battered Asian Indian Women, after she heard about Virk, whom police said was a victim of domestic violence.

Virk, of Port Hueneme, who speaks no English, was isolated in a different culture and had nowhere to turn, Patel said. Society members volunteer to help victims of domestic violence navigate the legal system by providing translation assistance.

The society also seeks to help the Asian Indian community recognize the gravity of domestic violence and its effects, said Amarjit Marwah of Los Angeles, one of 30 Asian Indian American women who volunteer with the organization.

Toward that end, the group hopes to raise $15,000 with a benefit dance performance at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. The Shakti Dance Company will feature traditional Indian dances that focus on women’s issues.

Tickets for the performance range from $30 to $50. For more information, call 492-8080 or 650-0553.