The South Asian Progressive Action Collective invites you to join us for
.
Voices of Resistance 9: Fair and Lovely
Sunday, September 12, 2010
6:00 – 8:00pm
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
$15 General Public/$13 Old Town School Members/$11 Seniors & Children
In its ninth year, Voices of Resistance (VOR) seeks to create a space for South Asian artists to use their art as a powerful means of social commentary that empowers and transforms.
Our event last year at Old Town School of Folk Music was a great success, with over 300 attendees. This year we look forward to continuing the tradition of politically conscious art with a show that speaks to our VOR9 theme of Fair & Lovely. This year’s theme elicits many images and responses, including complexities of identity; the divisions within us, our families, communities and beyond; historic and contemporary understandings of beauty; privilege within our communities; and the struggles for acceptance and compassion in our lives.
VOR 9: Fair and Lovely promises to be an entertaining, inspiring and informative evening, continuing the tradition of showcasing fine South Asian talent! Spread the word!
What’s your Fair & Lovely IQ?
Q: Which Bollywood star has done an ad for skin lightening cream?
a) Shahrukh Khan
b) John Abraham
c) Shahid Kapur
.
.
.
.
.
.
ANSWER: Trick question…It’s all of the above! Check out these videos to see for yourself:
Join us on Sunday, September 12 @ 6:00 pm
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL
$15 General Public, $13 Old Town School Members, $11 Seniors & Children
Tickets: http://www.oldtownschool.org/concerts/2010/9/12_voices.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138033436237345&ref
SAPAC member Shilpa Bavikatte joins host Demetrio Maguigad for WHPK’s “Chicago is the World” show tonight at 5:00pm to talk about Voices of Resistance 9: Fair and Lovely.
If you’re in Chicago, tune in to 88.5 FM, or listen online at www.whpk.org!
UPDATE: Audio of the interview is now available here.
Chicago is the World's Demetrio Maguigad
About “Chicago is the World”
Mission:
To provide a wide audience to Chicago’s diverse ethnic community and culture through its news outlets, cultural activities, leaders and institutions by providing a rich platform to deliver content and at the same time provide training, resources and other opportunities to ethnic journalists, artists and civic leaders.
Projects:
Chicago is the World Blog and Ethnic Media Project led by veteran and award winning journalist Steve Franklin. Steve provides insights as well as practical resources for ethnic journalists through his blog and on-the-ground programming. The blog features story ideas, tip sheets and resources while providing training, public forums and networking opportunities for ethnic journalists in Chicago.
Chicago is the World Radio Program on WHPK 88.5 FM Directed by Demetrio P. Maguigad with his co-hosts and producers Leo Suarez and Brenda Lee Intengan. The global music radio program showcases traditional & contemporary world music, with special attention given to local world music artists, community activists and cultural workers.
Chicago is the World is a project of the Community Media Workshop and supported by the McCormick Foundation.
SAPAC is honored to host a community conversation with Dr. Subba Rao, a Gandhian activist.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
6:30pm
Hamdard Center
1542 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660
More about Dr. S. N. Subba Rao:
Mahatma Gandhi still lives through the lives of many dedicated soldiers of peace, such as one of the most popular and dynamic youth leaders, Dr. S.N. Subba Rao, a fellow of Gandhi Peace Foundation and founder of National Youth Project. He inspires and lifts up the spirit of youth in the world for building a new society based on love, peace, harmony and social justice.
EARLY LIFE
Shri Salem Nanjundaiah Subba Rao was born in Bangalore, Karnataka, on 7th Feb. 1929. His father Shri Nanjudaiah was an advocate of repute, known for refusing unjust cases. Along with his three brothers, Subba Rao started singing devotional songs at the tender age of ten in the Ramakrishna Vedanta College, Malleshwaram. While studying in the school he was inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He became a Khadi-wearer. His first experience with India’s freedom movement was on the morning of August 9, 1942 when he, along with other school students, boycotted classes. He was writing “Quit India” on Street walls and roads when he was arrested by the British police, but was later released being only 13 years of age. Since then Shri Subba Rao became active in freedom struggle of the country. During student life he actively participated in Student Congress and Rashtra Seva Dal Programmes. Under the banner of a local organization `Gandhi Sahitya Sangha’ he led youths to organize adult education programme in mohallas of labourers. It was his popularity through these programmes and his organising abilities which resulted in his selection for 31 day training camp at Gurlhosur (District Belgaum) in 1946.
POST INDEPENDENCE ERA:
Shri Subba Rao came in contact with his mentor Dr. N.S. Hardiker, in 1948 during Chittradurg Camp. After completing law graduation Sh. S.N. Subba Rao joined the headquarters of Congress Seva Dal on invitation of Dr. Hardiker in 1951. Dr. Hardiker’s invitation was for one year. But he never went back. Shri Subba Rao continued his activities from 7, Jantar Mantar Road, New Delhi till 1970, organizing youth camps all over India with tremendous success and popularity amongst young men and women. His abilities won him the affection of Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru, Shri K. Kamraj and several other national leaders. All were very much impressed by his revolutionary ideas of service to India.
Shri Subba Rao became a life time member of `Gandhi Peace Foundation’ in 1970 on the request of Shri R.R. Diwakar, the Union Minister.
MAHATMA GANDHI SEWA ASHRAM
When in 1954, Shri Subba Rao walked through the terrains of Chambal, he had realized the importance of constructive educational module for the youth of Chambal. It was this concept, which contributed to the organization of ” Shram Camps” in the region. Shri Subba Rao organized a record 10 month long camp at Joura, a town in Chambal valley, in 1964, with the participation of young men and women from all parts of the country. Therefore in 1970, when he thought of serving the whole country rather than one political party. Shri Subba Rao with the money he got as honourarium for working as Director of `Gandhi Darshan Train’, founded Mahatma Gandhi Sewa Ashram in Chambal valley at Joura, district Morena (Madhya Pradesh), on September 27. It was this Ashram, which later on hosted the historic surrender of the most notorious dacoits like Mohar Singh, Madho Singh and others on 14th April, 1972. These efforts were followed by the surrender of dacoits at Bateshwar (U.P.) and Talabshahi (Rajesthan). The Ashram worked for rehabilitation of these dacoits` families and the families of their victims alike.
Here is a link to an article in the national newspaper about a very high award Brother Subba Rao received:
http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/07/stories/2006110716401400.htm
by Rabya, Sabba, and Aparna
A girl floats her brother across flood waters while salvaging valuables from their flood ravaged home on August 7, 2010 in the village of Bux Seelro near Sukkur, Pakistan. (Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)
“When faced with the tsunami, the earthquake in Haiti and other natural disasters, we showed extraordinary humanity. Let us do so again today. Together, let us stand with the people of Pakistan. Let us act so that this natural disaster does not become a man-made catastrophe. Let us give this our all.” — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
The magnitude of the flooding is affecting more individuals than the tsunami, the earthquake in Haiti, and Hurricane Katrina combined, affecting more than 20 million people–unprecedented in Pakistan’s history.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE OR HELP; EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS, WHETHER IT’S $1 OR $100. If you are unable to give a monetary donation, please pass on the information, remember the flood victims in your prayers/thoughts, do your own fundraising (like a flood relief run, jewelry/accessories sale, or bake sale), or do whatever else you can. Below is a list of agencies doing work on the ground for flood relief in Pakistan, and links. Please check their websites for details.
NEWS UPDATES:
Pakistan floods: Before and after photos
Challenges in distributing flood relief aid
Chapati Mystery – Pakistan Flood 2010
Link TV updates and relief guide
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RADIO INTERVIEWS:
Asia Pacific Forum interviews with Dr. Ahmed Muktar of Doctors Without Borders in Pakistan and Saadia Toor of Action for a Progressive Pakistan
WBEZ Chicago interview with Navaid Abidi, Human Development Foundation board member, on their flood relief efforts
___________________________________________________
AGENCIES:
Note: Numerous NGOs are doing important work that may benefit Pakistan flood victims. Use due diligence in giving donations to any unknown group.
Last updated Aug. 30
I’m posting this a few days early to make up for not doing an August entry and to remind you to buy your tickets for VOICES OF RESISTANCE!
Voices of Resistance 9: Fair and Lovely @ Old Town School of Folk Music
Sunday, September 12 @ 6:00pm
Join SAPAC for our 9th annual political/performing arts showcase! This year’s theme, Fair and Lovely, elicits many images and responses, including complexities of identity; the divisions within us, our families, communities and beyond; historic and contemporary understandings of beauty; privilege within our communities; and the struggles for acceptance and compassion in our lives. VOR 9: Fair and Lovely promises to be an entertaining, inspiring and informative evening, continuing the tradition of showcasing fine South Asian talent! Buy your tickets today!
SAPAC presents Dr. Subba Rao @ Hamdard Center ADDED 8/26
Thursday, September 2 @ 6:30pm
Dr. S.N. Subba Rao, a fellow of Gandhi Peace Foundation and founder of National Youth Project, gives a talk at the Devon office of the Hamdard Center.
Anjal Chande @ Harold Washington Library ADDED 8/30
Wednesday, September 1 @ 12:15pm
Bharatanatyam dancer Chande performs and discusses using dance in storytelling.
Jitish Kallat @ Art Institute of Chicago
Saturday, September 11 – January 2, 2011
“September 11–today the date alone refers to the unforgettable events of 2001, the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Yet, 108 years earlier in 1893, this date was marked by a very different occasion, the landmark speech by Swami Vivekananda at the First World Parliament of Religions promoting religious tolerance. Internationally renowned Indian artist Jitish Kallat draws attention to the great chasm between these two events with his site-specific installation, Public Notice 3,” opening September 11.
Kallat gives an introductory lecture on the exhibit at 6:00pm on Friday, September 10. At 9:00pm the same night, the museum hosts an After Dark event featuring tours of its Indian and Southeast Asian art collections, a set by DJ Madrid, and performances by theater collective Collaboraction.
Subcontinental Drift @ Delicious
Thursday, September 16 @ 7:00pm
The 3rd installment of this South Asian open mic moves to River North for the downtown working crowd. Comedian Saurin Choksi emcees, and a desi DJ spins after the show.
"Next Food Network Star" Winner Aarti Sequeira
Today’s blog entry is on a topic of great national importance: “The Next Food Network Star.” When I’m not pondering the supposed anti-U.S. implications of building an Islamic community center near Ground Zero or wondering when a jury might send Blago to the slammer, I’ve been busy rooting for Aarti Sequeira, the bundle-of-nerves Indian contestant on the latest season of NFNS. (Chicago connection: she graduated from Northwestern University’s journalism school in 2000.) I have been following the show this summer with my dear mom, herself a seasoned cook with a few recipes that have reached legendary status among our friends. As avid Food Network viewers, but relative newbies to NFNS, we became so emotionally invested in Aarti’s quest that we got up and cheered upon news of her win.
Sure, there is an Indian chef on the Cooking Channel, but who even gets that station? Padma Lakshmi had an “exotic foods” show on the Food Network a few years ago, but it kind of sucked. Even Madhur Jaffrey enjoyed a brief foray on BBC, but that, too, failed to capture my attention or imagination. What Aarti brings to basic cable (and, therefore, the masses) is a recipe for success: first and foremost, a warm and inviting demeanor that instantly makes you comfortable. I completely agreed when the focus group who watched her pilot clip said they wanted to join her book club and enjoy a glass of wine in her house, regardless of whether she taught them how to cook. Aarti is accessible in the best way; she’s ready to be your best girlfriend.
Second, and especially important for the Food Network, she covers an area of cooking not well represented on the channel.
Check out this new blog that was posted to the SAPAC listserv: http://dharmadeen.com. It aims to counter the misconception that Hinduism and Islam cannot co-exist.
More on the project, from its founders Azeem and Ravi:
WHAT IS DHARMA DEEN ALLIANCE?
The word “dharma” is Sanskrit and “deen” Arabic.
Both loosely defined mean “righteousness” or “path”–specifically the spiritual path. A true devotee’s goal is following this path–not wasting time on petty issues, not rivalry about which religion is superior, not bothering with extremist ideology, or seeking converts. A devout Hindu must follow dharma, while a devout Muslim must follow deen. Dharma-Deen Alliance is a blog run by two aspirants on their respective paths to Higher Truth, and it will explore scriptural law, proper living, and devotional love.
In addition, Dharma Deen Alliance will counter the misconception that Hinduism and Islam can’t co-exist together. Because of our South Asian backgrounds we’re especially bothered by the consistent focus in the news about violence between Hindus and Muslims. We’ll post news stories ignored by the media documenting unity between both communities. Working and living together peacefully with no quarrel, taking care of each other’s temples and mosques, and celebrating holidays and festivals side by side. And we’ll honor the lives of saints and seekers who worked to reconcile both faiths such as Shirdi Sai Baba, Guru Nanak, Kabir, Ramakrishna, and numerous others.
Read the authors’ purpose statements here:
Azeem: http://dharmadeen.com/about/purpose-statement-by-azeem/
Ravi: http://dharmadeen.com/about/purpose-statement-by-ravi/
Okay, it only was for the sake of designing a flyer for the upcoming Voices of Resistance [1], but nevertheless, today, July 27, 2010, I bought myself the smallest tube available of Fair and Lovely in Chicago, Illinois.
Pulling up onto Artesia, I see Devon ahead of me. It’s literally been years since I walked the streets. A life in California, India, and Sri Lanka has separated us, but it’s still recognizable–a part of my previous Chicago existence. I find the last spot in Daley’s still-new-piss-me-off-disaster-deal-with-the-devil-parking-meter-on-side-streets-money-making-money-taking parking. I dig up some quarters. Holding enough to peruse the store in my hand, I walk up to the paying machine. “No payment necessary!” it says. “This is how King Daley makes us passive,” I think. I return the prized quarters to the car coffer and pick up my bag, packed with camera. I am prepared to take photos of the whitening agent on the shelves of Devon.
I exit my car with hoodie on. It’s warm and humid today, so I’m wearing a slim tank I received free for volunteering my services at a beer tent in one of the many neighborhood summer festivals of Chicago. But I rather cover my assets with my grey hoodie as I walk these streets. It’s all part of the performance, a follow up on the phone conversation I had with one of the Patel Brothers supermarket employees earlier, after which my roommate commented on the subtle and surprising South Asian accent in my English. “I don’t need any trouble on this mission,” I think, “nor anymore undesired and uninvited looks.” I’m performing good Indian girl, the one that’s not noticed.
I walk a few blocks, noticing the red paan stains on the sidewalks. People are here, ready to purchase and consume. Each restaurant has customers, at least one table full, smiling and conversing. I’m glad that business continues on these northern streets of Chicago. In spite of the parking, in spite of the heat, in spite of many things that come with life in Daley city, Blagojevich state, BP America.
The marker of the Patel Brothers empire is a new Patel Brothers-named juice stand that coincides with the territory of “Ghandi Marg.” Lime-mint drinks. Mango drinks. And young coconut water. Mmm. But I know these versions don’t come close to the tastes of the homeland, so I resist, instead continuing toward the Patel Brothers supermarket. The mission is ahead of me. As I walk the block, I notice a beautiful, dark complected South Asian woman. I want to ask her if I can take her photo.
Dear SAPAC lovers:
July 31 is the deadline to submit an application to perform/participate in this year’s VOR: FAIR AND LOVELY! Please forward the call to your friends/colleagues who may be interested in participating. We are specifically looking for proposals from visual artists and dancers–so network away, folks, and help this year’s VOR committee!
Please direct your friends/potential applicants/artists extraordinaire to the following address where they can find info and our Call for Artists:
http://www.sapac.org/blog/2010/05/16/are-you-fair-lovely/
Thanks so much for all of your help! We look forward to receiving your submissions!
Best,
SAPAC and the VOR committee
