A prominent advocacy organization has named Sravya Tadepalli as its new Executive Director. Additionally, Ria Chakrabarty has been appointed to head the organization’s separately incorporated political arm. Tadepalli has helped shape the organization since joining its Board of Directors in 2020, most recently serving as its deputy executive director. Chakrabarty previously served as the senior policy director, leading advocacy involving democracy, religious freedom, political prisoners, and transnational repression.
Founders Transition to Advisory Roles:
Co-founders Raju Rajagopal and Sunita Viswanath will continue with the organization as founders and strategic advisers. Viswanath will also serve as executive director emeritus and board chair while focusing more closely on Samadarshini, a progressive project she co-founded, a press statement noted. Under the new structure, core human rights advocacy, public education, coalition building, and international organizing will continue. Meanwhile, the political arm will focus on political activity and electoral engagement, and Samadarshini will pursue theological, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural work centered on an anti-caste, feminist, and pluralist understanding.
Recent Campaign Highlights and Global Reach:
The changes come after a year of increased activity. Over the past year, the organization mobilized international support for student-led movements advocating for democracy and accountability, alongside organizing opposition to leadership tours across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The campaign encompassed research, demonstrations, policy advocacy, interfaith organizing, open letters, and a press conference at New York City Hall. Furthermore, its political arm reported that nearly 100 elected officials and candidates across eight states pledged to reject political contributions associated with targeted networks and affiliates. The network maintains chapters and member networks across the United States, as well as affiliated efforts in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
