Lots to see and do this month, so let’s get to it!

As always, I’ll continue to update this post throughout the month. Send your events to info@sapac.org or leave a comment here.

Matthew Hull @ University of Chicago
Thursday, February 2 @ 4:30pm

Hull, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan, discusses “Paper, Databases, and the Ontology of Land Holdings in South Asia” for U of C’s South Asia Seminar series.

Sharmili Majmudar @ Goodman Theatre
Monday, February 6 @ 7:00pm

Majmudar, executive director of Rape Victim Advocates, joins other activists and scholars for a conversation exploring sexual violence and its relation to race, gender, sexuality, poverty, immigration, and community. The special event is part of the theater’s Context series and serves as a companion to its current production of David Mamet’s Race.

SAADA Community Forum @ Roosevelt University
Tuesday, February 7 @ 5:30pm

The South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA) hosts a community forum to discuss how to document, preserve, and provide access to South Asian American history. MasterChef Suzy Singh will also be on hand serving samosas.

Matteo Pistono @ Loyola University Museum of Art
Tuesday, February 7 @ 6:00pm

Author and photographer Pistono presents “Tibetan Pilgrimage: In the Shadow of the Buddha,” an illustrated journey across Tibet.

Intro to SAADA @ University of Chicago
Wednesday, February 8 @ 4:30pm

The South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA) documents and preserves the history of the South Asian American community through an online digital archive. Co-founders Samip Mallick (a SAPAC member) and Michelle Caswell will demonstrate use of the archive and showcase items in the archive that help uncover hidden narratives from South Asian American history.

Joy Brennan @ University of Chicago
Thursday, February 9 @ 4:30pm

Brennan, a PhD candidate in the university’s Divinity School, discusses “Dharmas and Being in Mind-only Buddhist Thought” for the Theory and Practice in South Asia program.

Eboo Patel @ Chicago Cultural Center
Thursday, February 9 @ 6:00pm

Interfaith Youth Core’s Eboo Patel joins author, minister, and scholar Dr. Martin Marty, in a discussion of what faith and literature have to say about the wonder of death while the Richard Harris Collection, Morbid Curiosity, is on display.

Venus @ Greenhouse Theater
Friday, February 10 – Sunday, February 19

The Theatre School at DePaul University presents a production of Venus directed by MFA candidate Reshmi Hazra as part of its New Directors series.

Jassie Gift and Vijay Jacob @ University of Chicago
Monday, February 13 – Friday, February 17

The university’s South Asian Sound Interventions (SASI) series presents a series of events on South Indian film songs with film music director and playback singer Jassie Gift and keyboardist Vijay Jacob. Monday & Tuesday: Two workshops on cinematic song crafting. Wednesday: South Indian film screening. Thursday: Symposium on song and dance in South Indian cinema. Friday: Performance.

Junaid Rana @ Northwestern University
Wednesday, February 15 @ 4:00pm

SAPAC alum Rana, associate professor in Asian American Studies at UIUC and author of Terrifying Muslims: Race and Labor in the South Asian Diaspora, gives a lecture titled “Pakistani Brooklyn: Where You At?” for Northwestern’s Asian American Studies program.

Rajeev Kinra @ University of Chicago
Thursday, February 16 @ 4:30pm

Kinra, assistant professor at Northwestern University, discusses “Civility and its Discontents: The Use and (More Often) Abuse of Mughal Letters” for U of C’s South Asia Seminar series.

“My Asian Mom” Auditions @ Act One Studios
Sunday, February 19 @ 2:00pm

A-Squared Theatre Workshop holds a casting call for its original sketch dramedy show and is especially seeking South Asian actors.

Pierre-Julien Harter @ University of Chicago
Thursday, February 23 @ 4:30pm

Harter, a PhD candidate in the university’s Divinity School, discusses “Epistemological and soteriological considerations about the Path of Vision (darśanamārga) in the Buddhist path as elaborated in the literature of the Abhisamayākāra” for the Theory and Practice in South Asia program.

Dr. Seema Kumbhat @ Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Friday, February 24 @ 7:30am

Kumbhat, Medical Director, Medical Devices, Hospira, and Emerging Leader, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, discusses “Medical Innovation in a World of Rapidly Changing Markets” at a breakfast hosted by the Council.

In 1901, Princess Sophia Bamba Dhuleep Singh, daughter of the late Maharajah Dhuleep Singh of India, entered the Woman’s Medical College of Northwestern University in Chicago to pursue her long cherished dream of becoming a physician.  An article in the Chicago Daily Tribune of the time featured the Princess and her quaint habits and dress:

“In her own apartments the Princess wears rich and beautiful gowns and little jewelry.  She will not burn the gas, but has provided herself with a number of kerosene lamps, and last evening, as she sat down with a big medical book to study her first lessons at the college, the gown she wore was of the thinnest muslin made in her own India.”

Stories like that of Princess Bamba stretch and challenge our understanding of the history of South Asians in the United States. And it is to document relatively unknown stories just like these that led us to establish the South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA) in 2008.

Princess Sophia (right) and her sisters

We started SAADA because we realized that the history of the South Asian American community had been overlooked by traditional archives and felt that unless an intervention was made to preserve our community’s history, it was in danger of being lost.  SAADA’s mission is to document, preserve, and provide access to the history of the South Asian American community through a digital archive. Our organization’s innovative digital-only approach to archives presents a major reconceptualization of traditional archival functions, wherein original archival documents remain with the communities, institutions, or individuals from which they originate, while digital access copies are available for use online.

The digital archive now includes over 250 unique items related to both the early and more recent history of the South Asian American community, ranging from our earliest item from 1892 to materials created just this year.  Each of these archival items, we believe, contributes toward telling the diverse story of what it has meant to be South Asian in the United States.

As someone born and raised in Michigan, I’ve been particularly excited by the materials we’ve documented uncovering the early history of South Asians in the Midwest.  The story of Princess Bamba Sophia is one such story, but there are many others. Our hope is that you will explore the archive online and find a new story that you may not have known before.  Let us know what you find! We welcome all comments and questions at info@saadigitalarchive.org.

***

The South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA) is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization based in Chicago.  SAADA’s mission is to document, preserve, and provide access to the history of the South Asian American community through a digital archive, available online at http://www.saadigitalarchive.org. For SAADA news and updates, “like” them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

The mission of the IAC is to mission is to promote the well-being of South Asian immigrants through services that facilitate their adjustment, integration, and friendship with the wider society, nurture their sense of community, and foster appreciation for their culture and heritage

As you go about your holiday merriment and cheer and your gift shopping, please consider supporting the Indo-American Center (IAC), one of SAPAC’s partners, as it conduct its annual holiday toy drive.

Every year, the IAC staff host a holiday party for the approximately 120 youth served by the Center’s youth programs. Each young person receives a toy and their family is served a delicious meal.

Many of the families served by the IAC are recent immigrants and just getting adjusted to life in a new country. This holiday party is a time to come together as a community and celebrate the families’ achievements.  In the past, the IAC was able to access funding to help buy gifts for the toy drive. This year, like many other organizations, the IAC is calling upon us, its community, to help make this another memorable holiday party for their families.

The IAC is trying to raise $1,200 and will accept monetary donations or unused toy donations (unwrapped) until Monday, December 12.

IAC youth participate in a puppet making workshop

Please contact Rachael Bruketta, Development Associate, at rbruketta@indoamerican.org, or Jay Luthra, Executive Director, at jluthra@indoamerican.org for more information.

Unwrapped new toys can be dropped off at

Indo-American Center
6328 N. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 973-4444

Last updated Dec. 15

Well, it had to happen eventually: Winter is finally, officially upon us here in Chicago. Why not make the best of it by checking out some of the great events happening this month?

As always, I’ll continue to update this post throughout the month. Send your events to info@sapac.org or leave a comment here.

Robert Young @ University of Chicago
Thursday, December 1 @ 4:30pm

Young, a professor of English and Comparative Literature at NYU, discusses “Theorizing Cultural Translation” for U of C’s South Asia Seminar Series.

Faisal Alam @ Columbia College Chicago
Thursday, December 1 @ 6:00pm

The Pakistani-American, queer Muslim activist joins Columbia’s One Tribe multicultural student organization for an event commemorating World AIDS Day.

Sandip Burman @ University of Chicago
Friday, December 2 @ 12:00pm

The accomplished tabla player performs for U of C’s South Asian Sound Interventions Series.

Natya Dance Theatre @ Indo-American Center
Sunday, December 4 @ 2:30pm

The first in a series of seven live performances featuring renowned local and international artists that bring the music and dance of India to Chicago audiences. This kickoff event will include Kathak dance by the Anila Sinha Foundation, and dance by the Bollywood Rhythm Dancers. Presented by Natya Dance Theatre and the Indo-American Heritage Museum, with generous support from The Chicago Community Trust. Performances continue throughout 2012, at various Chicagoland venues.

SAPAC General Meeting @ Barnes & Noble, DePaul Center UPDATED 12/5
Monday, December 5 @ 6:00pm

Join us for our next general meeting where we’ll discuss our plans for winter and spring!

Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields @ Facets ADDED 12/5
Monday, December 5 @ 7:00pm

Facets Cinematheque hosts a screening of this harrowing documentary that exposes shocking new evidence of war crimes committed during the closing days of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009. There will be a reception at 6:00pm, and Amnesty International USA’s Sri Lanka Country Specialist Jim McDonald leads a discussion following the screening.

Yasmin Nair @ Big Chicks ADDED 12/5
Tuesday, December 6 @ 7:30pm

Writer and activist Nair joins Kathie Bergquist and Nadine Warner for a Windy City Queer Reading hosted by Homolatte, a free twice-a-month, all-ages, queer music and spoken word series in Chicago.

Vijay Prashad & Amisha Patel @ Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
Saturday, December 10 @ 3:00pm

Prashad and Patel join Nathan Brown, Bernardine Dohrn, Adam Green, Kevin Coval, and FM Supreme for an event honoring Jane Addams Day and reflecting on the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Indian American Medical Association Gala @ Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows
Saturday, December 10 @ 6:00pm

A variety of musicians, singers, and dancers honor A.R. Rahman’s music at the IAMA’s annual banquet.

Trikone Ladies’ Night Out @ (Click through for details) ADDED 12/5
Sunday, December 11 @ 5:00pm

Trikone-Chicago hosts a potluck ladies’ night for its members. This is a women-only (trans-inclusive) event.

Dr. Muhammad Arshad @ American Islamic College
Thursday, December 15 @ 6:00pm

The professor of Islamic Studies, editor of the Encyclopedia of Islam at Punjab University in Lahore, and fellow at UPenn discusses “The Ulama’s Repsonse to English and Western Education in South Asia from 1805-2002.”

That Girl in Yellow Boots @ Facets ADDED 12/15
Friday, December 16 – Thursday, December 22

The Chicago South Asian Film Festival and Facets Cinémathèque present a week of screenings of this Anurag Kashyap film.

Karttikeya, God of War Express Talk @ Art Institute
Tuesday, December 20 @ 12:00pm

The museum presents a series of half-hour talks on its most iconic artworks, today featuring Karttikeya, God of War, Seated on a Peacock (Ganga Period, c. 12^th century).

Pranita Jain @ Art Institute
Tuesday, December 27 – Friday, December 30

Kalapriya artistic director Pranita Jain leads a children’s storytelling program exploring movement, rhythm, and yoga for the museum’s holiday program.

Bhangratheque NYE Bash @ Cactus
Saturday, December 31 @ 9:00pm

DJ Jimmy Singh throws his annual New Year’s Eve party featuring DJ Krush and DJ Rice.

Bollywood NYE Chicago @ Rivers Lounge
Saturday, December 31 @ 9:00pm

Bollywood Chicago and the South Asian Professionals Alliance host their own themed New Year’s Eve party featuring DJs Aladdin, Skyy, J-Kon, and D-Stylz.

Apologies for not posting this earlier, dear readers. Sometimes life just gets in the way. I missed telling you about a good number of events in the first half of the month, but there’s still plenty to see and do in the next couple weeks.

As always, I’ll continue to update this post throughout the month. Send your events to info@sapac.org or leave a comment here.

Amar Kanwar @ School of the Art Insitute
Wednesday, November 16 – Thursday, November 17

The School and the Gene Siskel Film Center host Kanwar for a talk and screening of his films, which explore the politics of power, violence, sexuality, and justice.

Thibaut d’Hubert @ University of Chicago
Thursday, November 17 @ 4:30pm

The Assistant Professor of South Asian Languages and Civilizations at U of C discusses “Editing the Nūrnāmā of Md Shafi’: New Lights on Bengali Manuscripts in the Arabic Scripts” for the school’s South Asia Seminar program.

Rama Vaidyanatham & Chandrika Marla @ Skokie Public Library
Thursday, November 17 @ 7:00pm

Bharatanatyam dancer Vaidyanatham and Chicago-based visual artist Marla team up for a show and reception in Skokie.

Compassionate Care Banquet @ Monty’s Banquets, Bensenville
Friday, November 18 @ 6:00pm

Supporters come together to raise funds for this organization that conducts free health screenings around the Chicagoland area and offers reduced cost access to health care for the poor and uninsured.

Hamdard Center Benefit @ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont
Saturday, November 19 @ 6:00pm

ABC7’s Ravi Baichwal serves as MC for this annual event supporting Hamdard’s social service programs.

Last updated Sept. 15

Anyone else looking forward to autumn? Just me? Well, hopefully some of these events will help you miss summer a little less.

As always, we’ll continue to update this post throughout the month. Send your events to info@sapac.org or leave a comment here.

Purusha: Male Moves @ Fairview School, Skokie
Saturday, September 3 @ 3:00pm

Kalapriya presents the first U.S. tour of this group of male soloists specializing in bharatanatyam, kathak, and Orissi dance.

Raghuram Rajan @ Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Wednesday, September 7 @ 7:30am

Rajan, a finance professor at the University of Chicago Booth School, joins Eugene Ludwig of Promontory Financial Group and Michael Moskow of CCGA for a morning discussion of global economic recovery.

Religion and Ideology in the Attacks on New York, Mumbai, and Oslo @ Fourth Presbyterian Church
Wednesday, September 7 @ 7:00pm

Michael Sells, Professor of Islamic History and Literature in the Divinity School at the University of Chicago, leads a forum on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Homi K. Bhabha @ Art Institute
Thursday, September 8 @ 6:00pm

Author and humanities expert Bhabha addresses culture and security in a lecture for the School of the Art Institute’s Visiting Artists Program.

Azhar Usman @ The Joynt
Thursday, September 8 – Saturday, October 1

Local stand-up comedian Usman presents his new show, Citizen of the World, during a run at The Joynt.

Homi K. Bhabha @ Art Institute
Friday, September 9 @ 9:45am

Bhabha continues his Chicago visit with a conversation at SAIC’s Symposium for Social Difference and Artistic Practices.

Ameya Pawar 100 Days Event @ Centro Chicago
Friday, September 9 @ 7:00pm

47^th Ward Alderman Pawar hosts a free event reviewing his first 100 days in office and his new public school initiative, GROW47.

Euphoria @ Vic Theater
Friday, September 9 @ 8:00pm

The New Delhi-based Hindi rock band brings its Item Tour to the States.

Vivan Sundaram & Ravinder Reddy @ Walsh Gallery
Friday, September 9 – Saturday, September 24

For its final show in its West Loop space, Walsh Gallery presents In Beauty, a collaboration between Sundaram, Reddy, and Jongbum Choi that “playfully looks at the basis of our perception of beauty.”  Walsh was one of the few (the only?) Chicago galleries that regularly featured artists of South Asian descent, so I’m sad to see it go. (Julie Walsh is closing shop to stage exhibitions and art events around the world.) The opening night features a one-time visual performance to accompany the show.

Mumbai: A Laundry Field @ Art Institute
Friday, September 9 – Saturday, October 8

South Korean artist Kimsooja’s four-channel video installation explores Mumbai’s alleyways, laundry districts, commuter trains, and slum streets. Opening reception Friday, Sept. 9. Gallery talk Monday, Sept. 26.

Narayanan Krishnan @ Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago ADDED 9/9
Saturday, September 10 @ 11:30am

The top 10 CNN hero of 2010 visits Chicago for a fundraiser for Akshaya Trust, the organization he founded to provide food, love, rehabilitation, and dignity to Madurai’s homeless citizens.

Closing of Public Notice 3 @ Art Institute
Sunday, September 11

“Over the past year, Jitish Kallat’s Public Notice 3 has stopped hundreds of thousands of museum visitors in their tracks as they pause and contemplate the two very different events of September 11 that inspired the site-specific installation—Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the First World Parliament of Religions in 1893 and the terrorist attacks of 2001. Extended twice, Public Notice 3 will have its final day this September 11 on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. On this day of remembrance, the museum will also offer Fullerton Hall as a space for reflection with ‘A Call to Contemplation.’ A series of images from the museum’s permanent collection, specially selected for the occasion by curators, will be shown throughout the day. Six of those works will also be featured for visitors in a gallery guide for that day.” At 3:00pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, youth from Louder Than a Bomb and Young Chicago Authors will perform Ekphrasis: A Response to Jitish Kallat’s Public Notice 3.

A Day of Remembrance and Solidarity @ St. Rita of Cascia Church ADDED 9/9
Sunday, September 11 @ 9:15am

The Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) and other organizations host an interfaith commemoration event.

Swami Vivekananda Celebration @ Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
Sunday, September 11 @ 2:00pm

This celebration of the Swami’s 150th birthday features readings and discussions of 3 short speeches he gave at the 1893 Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. This sounds like a great companion outing to the Kallat event above.

Eboo Patel @ UIC ADDED 9/8
Wednesday, September 14 @ 4:00pm

The founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core gives a lecture titled “On Religious Particularity and American Pluralism: Jews and Muslims Building Community and Country.” Free and open to the public.

Save A Mother Benefit @ Drake Hotel ADDED 9/8
Friday, September 16 @ 8:00pm

Proceeds from Monte Carlo Masquerade: A Black & White Casino Night will benefit the organization’s efforts to develop healthcare solutions for the poor, starting with maternal mortality and infant mortality reduction.

Munni Begum @ Waterford Banquet, Elmhurst ADDED 9/9
Friday, September 16 @ 8:00pm

Pakistan News and Sahiba Boutique present a dinner concert featuring the Chicago-based Pakistani ghazal singer.

Kutumba @ University of Chicago
Saturday, September 17 @ 6:00pm

The Nepali folk instrumental ensemble participates in a workshop at U of C’s International House as part of the World Music Festival.

Arooj Aftab @ University of Chicago
Saturday, September 17 @ 7:00pm

Influenced by American jazz and Sufi classical artists, Pakistani singer Aftab presents her original sound at U of C’s International House as part of World Music Festival Chicago.

Satinder Sartaaj @ Pickwick Theatre
Saturday, September 17 @ 7:00pm

Desi Junction presents the Sufi singer in a live performance.

A Tribute to Mehdi Hasan @ Gateway Theater
Saturday, September 17 @ 7:30pm

Talat Aziz pays tribute to his ustad, the legendary gazal singer Mehdi Hasan.

Funkadesi @ Edgwater GRalley Festival ADDED 9/15
Saturday, September 17 @ 8:30pm

Funkadesi headlines the main stage at this annual festival at Granville and Glenwood.

CRY Walk for Child Rights @ Deer Forest Preserve, Palatine
Sunday, September 18 @ 9:30am

CRY (Child Rights and You) holds its annual 5K walk to benefit underprivileged children in India.

Kutumba @ Navy Pier
Sunday, September 18 @ 3:00pm

The six-person Kathmandu-based folk group gives a free all-ages performance for the World Music Festival.

Kabulitis @ Josephinum Academy ADDED 9/15
Tuesday, September 20 – Sunday, October 30

Polarity Ensemble Theatre, in association with Rasaka Theatre Company, presents the world premiere of this play that “gives an intimate look into the life of an American woman married to an Afghan and living in Kabul, Afghanistan. The story was inspired by the lives and stories of the playwright’s parents and family. It gives an insider’s perspective into life, politics and religion in Afghanistan. But most of all it is the story of an elderly American woman in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease who is haunted by her memories.”

Jugalbandhi @ Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago ADDED 9/9
Friday, September 23 @ 7:30pm

The Lemont temple hosts an evening of classical music with the Gundecha Brothers and Malladi Brothers.

Indian Ocean @ Mayne Stage ADDED 9/8
Friday, September 23 @ 8:30pm

The Delhi-based fusion rock band play a show to benefit Association for India’s Development (AID) and Mission India Foundation (MIF).

The Conference on Islam in America @ DePaul University ADDED 9/9
Friday, September 23 – Friday, September 24

The first annual conference purports to “explore Islam through various lenses such as anthropology, sociology, political science, along with American and world history…a logical and desirable process given the wide spectrum of thoughts, ideas, and individuals who have made positive contributions to Islam in America today.” Free and open to the public.

Tribute to RD Burman @ Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows ADDED 9/8
Saturday, September 24 @ 6:00pm

Drishti presents Pancham, a live musical and visual tribute to composer the famous Indian composer.

Fareed Haque @ University of Chicago
Saturday, September 24 @ 7:00pm

Haque and his trio perform at U of C’s International House for the Hyde Park Jazz Festival.

Homestay Hosts Needed for South Asian Delegates
September 29 – October 17

World Chicago seeks hosts for 4 legislative aides who will be completing fellowships at state and local government offices and nonprofits in Chicago. If interested, please contact John Baum at (312) 254-1800 x100 or jbaum@worldchicago.org.

Chicago South Asian Film Festival @ Chicago Cultural Center & Columbia College Chicago
Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 2

Programs for this year’s eclectic festival include film screenings, artist Q&A sessions, industry panel discussions, filmmaking workshops, a film marketplace and cultural performances. Check out the impressive lineup, which includes one of my favorite pieces from Trikone-Chicago’s queer film festival earlier this year, I Am by Sonali Gulati.

Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION Visual Art Exhibition @ Marwen
Friday, September 30 – Friday, October 21

This year marks the 10th anniversary of SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance (VOR), an annual arts and activism festival dedicated to raising diverse artistic perspectives on South Asian issues. VOR10 coincides with the 10th anniversary of 9/11, an event that drastically impacted the South Asian community and was the impetus for the very first VOR.

VOR10 highlights Chicago based visual and performance artists whose work addresses themes of nationalism/belonging in America, war/conflict in South Asia, Islamaphobia/xenophobia in the U.S., community resilience, and personal hopes for creating a more just and accepting society.

Exhibiting artists include Sabba Syal Elahi, Savera Iftikhar, Nazafarin Lofti, Hilesh Patel, Murassa Qazi, and Niema Qureshi. SAPAC will present the performance part of VOR10 at Marwen on the evening of October 15, 2011.

Last updated May 25.

Lots to see and do this May! Let’s get to it…

As always, we’ll continue to update this post throughout the month. Send your events to info@sapac.org or leave a comment here.

Parag Khanna @ Hotel Sofitel Chicago-Water Tower
Monday, May 2 @ 5:30pm

Khanna, Director of the Global Governance Initiative, and Senior Research Fellow in the American Strategy Program at the New America Foundation, addresses “How to Run the Twenty-First Century” for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs Young Professionals.

Tickets on Sale for Dalai Lama’s July Visit
Wednesday, May 4

The Theosophical Society in America hosts the Dalai Lama on July 17 and 18 at the UIC Pavilion and Harris Theater as part of its Summer National Gathering.

Meal Hosts for Visiting Pakistani Leaders Needed
Wednesday, May 4 – Sunday, May 8

World Chicago (formerly International Visitors Center of Chicago) is looking for people interested in meeting with visiting Pakistani leaders in government accountability in a professional and/or social capacity for meals in their home. Contact John Baum for more info.

D’Lo @ University of Chicago
Wednesday, May 4 @ 6:00pm

Our favorite queer Tamil Sri L.A.nkan-American, political theatre artist/writer, director, comedian, and music producer performs for the school’s APA Heritage Month celebration.

John & Jane Screening @ Chicago Cultural Center
Wednesday, May 4 @ 6:30pm

Cinema/Chicago, in collaboration with the Chicago Cultural Center and international and cultural partners throughout the city, hosts free public film screenings at the 8th Annual International Summer Screenings Program. Directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, John & Jane “follows six ambitious young Indians answering calls from American customers in a Mumbai call center.”

Allison Busch @ University of Chicago
Thursday, May 5 @ 4:30pm

Busch, Assistant Professor of Hindi-Urdu Language and Literature at Columbia University, speaks as part of the university’s South Asia Seminar series.

Engaging Youth in Conflict Zones @ Blackstone Hotel
Thursday, May 5 @ 5:30pm

Rye Barcott, Cofounder of Carolina for Kibera, and Ronan Farrow, Special Adviser on Humanitarian and NGO Affairs – Afghanistan and Pakistan for the U.S. Department of State, discuss “the challenges of rebuilding civil society in both active and post-conflict zones and the vital role that programs targeting youth serve in creating long term stability and prosperity” for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Chandrika Marla @ Black Cloud Gallery
Friday, May 6 @ 7pm

New Delhi-born artist Marla shows her work in a group show called “She” at Pilsen’s Black Cloud Gallery. May 6 is the opening reception.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan @ Odeum Center
Saturday, May 7 @ 8:30pm

Vocalist Khan, nephew of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, performs his many beloved songs in suburban Villa Park.

A Jihad for Love Screening @ DePaul University
Monday, May 9 @ 7:00pm

LGBT Change’s “The Faith Project” has partnered this spring with the Queer Intercollegiate Alliance, a network of local LGBTQ university groups, for “Queering the Faith,” a film series exploring the intersection of religion and the LGBTQ community. The last screening is this documentary exploring the lives of LGBT Muslims.

Muslims in Love Screening @ Jane Addams Hull-House Museum ADDED 5/9
Tuesday, May 10 @ 7:00pm

The Sex Positive Documentary Film Series screens this short film about American Muslim young people pursuing love and searching for alternatives to arranged marriages common to traditional Muslim culture.

Operation ASHA Evening of Hope @ Quartino
Wednesday, May 11 @ 6:00pm

The New-Delhi- and Chicago-based organization hosts a benefit to fight tuberculosis worldwide.

“Queering the Faith” Townhall Discussion @ Adler School of Professional Psychology
Wednesday, May 11 @ 7:00pm

LGBT Change, the Queer Intercollegiate Alliance, and Congregation Or Chadash end a two-month film series, “Queering the Faith,” which looks at issues of faith from an LGBT perspective, with a panel discussion featuring

• Parvez Sharma – Director, A Jihad for Love
• Fr. James Halstead – Religious Studies Chair, DePaul University
• Kayla Higgins – Interfaith Organizer, One Chicago One Nation
• Nick Liebman – Program Director, DePaul Hillel

Nile Green @ University of Chicago
Thursday, May 12 @ 4:30pm

Green, Professor of History at UCLA, speaks as part of the university’s South Asia Seminar.

Kalapriya Dancers @ Chicago Children’s Museum ADDED 5/9
Thursday, May 12 @ 6:00pm

Kalapriya student dancers give a free performance as part of Navy Pier’s Passport to the World Festival.

BRIC in 2020 Conference @ University of Chicago ADDED 5/10
Friday, May 13 – Saturday, May 14

The goal of this conference is to bring together experts on Brazil, Russia, India, and China (collectively known as “BRIC”) to discuss social and economic issues facing these emerging economies and how these challenges will affect their political development.

Shehzad Roy, Bushra Ansari, and Aron Kader @ Belvedere Banquets
Friday, May 13 @ 6:30pm

Actress Ansari and comedian Kader join musician and philanthropist Roy for a benefit for Zindagi Trust, his effort to educate underprivileged children in Pakistan.

Huma Bhabha @ Rhona Hoffman Gallery
Through May 14, 2011

The Karachi-born Bhabha’s “sculptures and photo-drawings address universal themes of colonialism, war, displacement, and memories of home. Made from discarded materials such as clay, chicken wire, leaves, Styrofoam, metal chains, paint and wood, the work in this exhibition evokes a sense of suspended creation and decomposition, as if salvaged from wreckage.”

Kalapriya Dancers @ Chicago Children’s Museum ADDED 5/9
Saturday, May 14 @ 1:00pm

Kalapriya student dancers perform as part of Navy Pier’s Passport to the World Festival. $10 admission.

Dr. Dilgeet Singh @ McCormick Place ADDED 5/12
Saturday, May 14 @ 3:30pm

Dr. Singh of the Sinai Urban Health Institute joins several medical experts for a discussion of health care injustice in Chicago at the annual Green Festival Chicago.

Ann Kalayil @ Kluczynski Federal Building ADDED 5/15
Monday, May 16 @ 2:00pm

Kalayil, the newly appointed Great Lakes Regional Administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, joins Patricia A. Shiu, Director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, for a Midwest Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Leaders’ Roundtable hosted by the DOL. The discussion will include “important steps DOL is taking to improve data collection and outreach, to increase employment and access and to protect the civil rights of nearly 16 million” AAPIs as well as time for Q&A. For more information, please call (312) 353-4591.

Inaugural Fundraiser for Ameya Pawar @ Industrial Ballroom ADDED 5/12
Monday, May 16 @ 6:00pm

The newly elected 47th Ward alderman is feted at a fundraiser for constituent services (specifically, “to either hire additional staff, fund community programs and projects, and/or offset office expenses”).

Meal Hosts for South Asian Leaders Needed
Tuesday, May 17 – Saturday, May 21

World Chicago (formerly International Visitors Center of Chicago) is looking for people interested in meeting with visiting South and Central Asian leaders in HIV awareness and prevention in a professional and/or social capacity for meals in their home. Contact John Baum for more info.

Amisha Patel & Harishi Patel @ Heartland Cafe ADDED 5/12
Tuesday, May 17 @ 7:00pm

Organizer-activists Amisha Patel and Harishi Patel join a host of fellow activists, spoken word artists, and musicians to celebrate the relaunch of Mayoral Tutorial, a website created by Don Washington to keep the public “dangerously informed” of Chicago politics.

Kim Barker @ After-Words ADDED 5/16
Tuesday, May 17 @ 7:00pm

The Chicago Tribune‘s South Asia bureau chief from 2004 to 2009 discusses and signs The Taliban ?Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Holi Discussion @ Loyola University Museum of Art ADDED 5/16
Wednesday, May 18 @ 11:30am

Dr. Yarina Liston of Loyola’s theology department discusses the Hindu religious festival Holi.

Meenakshi Ganguly @ Loyola University Museum of Art ADDED 5/16
Wednesday, May 18 @ 5:30pm

The Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International and the Chicago Committee of Human Rights Watch present an evening with Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia Director at Human Rights Watch. RSVP to Linda Miller at delhisistercity@spaantech.com or (312) 277-8816.

Meenakshi Ganguly @ The Chicago Club
Thursday, May 19 @ 7:30am

Ganguly, South Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, discusses “Human Rights in India and the Challenge for Global Leadership” for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee and Esther Duflo @ Drake Hotel
Thursday, May 19 @ 12:00pm

Banerjee, Ford Foundation International Professor of Economics, and Duflo, Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics, both Cofounders and Directors of the Jameel Poverty Action Lab at MIT, discuss “Revolutionizing Development Economies” for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Roy Fischel @ University of Chicago
Thursday, May 19 @ 4:30pm

Fischel, of the U of C’s Department of South Asian Languages & Civilizations, speaks as part of its Theory and Practice in South Asia graduate program.

SAPAC May General Meeting @ Roosevelt University UPDATED 5/18
Thursday, May 19 @ 5:30pm

Join us for a discussion of political developments in the 50th Ward, the DREAM Act, our annual arts showcase Voices of Resistance, and more! We’ll be on the 2nd floor of Roosevelt, 430 S. Michigan.

A Culinary Journey to India @ Hema’s Kitchen on Devon
Thursday, May 19 @ 6:30pm

The West Ridge Chamber of Commerce hosts an introduction to Indian cuisine in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Rummana Hussain and Noreen Ahmed-Ullah @ Pompeii Oakbrook Terrace ADDED 5/11
Thursday, May 19 @ 6:30pm

Muslim Women’s Alliance hosts the two journalists for a discussion of what it takes to succeed in journalism and current challenges facing Muslims in the media.

Subcontinental Drift @ The Joynt ADDED 5/12
Thursday, May 19 @ 7:00pm

The popular free South Asian open mic returns for another evening of professional and amateur performers, this time to benefit Save a Mother, whose mission is to “develop health care solutions for the poor, beginning with reducing maternal mortality.”

After the Flood: Eklavya Prasad’s Photographs of Life in North Bihar, India @ LUMA ADDED 5/16
Friday, May 20 @ 5:30pm

The Loyola University Museum of Art hosts an opening reception for Prasad, who also leads a grassroots campaign, Megh Pyne Abhiyan (Cloud Water Campaign), to supply safe and secure drinking water to the flood-prone areas in North Bihar.

Wedding Album @ North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, May 20 @ 8:30pm

Vachikam, Chicago South Asian Art Council, and Rasaka Theatre Company present Girish Karnad’s comic play, directed by Lillete Dubey.

Inner-City Muslim Action Network Training @ Catholic Theological Union ADDED 5/12
Saturday, May 21 – Sunday, May 22

IMAN hosts a 2-day training on social justice and community organizing.

Shri K. Mohanan @ Bollywood Rhythms Dance Studio ADDED 5/12
Saturday, May 21 – Sunday, May 22

The Samskriti Foundation hosts a dance-intensive workshop in Bharatanatyam for beginners and advanced-level practitioners, led by Chennai-based lecturer Mohanan.

Dr. Hussein Rashid @ LUMA ADDED 5/16
Saturday, May 21 @ 3:00pm

Academic and activist Rashid discusses “Everyday Art: The Islamic Impact on American Arts” at the Loyola University Museum of Art.

Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers @ Metro ADDED 5/6
Tuesday, May 24 @ 9:00pm

The Brooklyn-based blues/punk/garage rockers open for Man Man at Metro.

Eklavya Prasad & Shweta Singh @ LUMA ADDED 5/16
Wednesday, May 25 @ 5:30pm

Artist Prasad and social work researcher Singh discuss development work and the role of grassroots organizations that focus on women and rural communities in Bihar, India.

Apna Ghar Benefit @ River East Art Center
Wednesday, May 25 @ 6:00pm

Apna Ghar, a comprehensive domestic violence agency providing culturally appropriate, multi-lingual social services, including shelter, to all victims and survivors of domestic violence, primarily in the South Asian and other immigrant communities, hosts its annual Taste for Life benefit featuring a number of Chicago’s most celebrated South Asian chefs.

Sharmistha Gooptu @ University of Chicago
Thursday, May 26 @ 4:30pm

Gooptu, Founding trustee of the South Asia Research Foundation, as part of the university’s South Asia Seminar.

Ameya Pawar @ ICIRR ADDED 5/25
Friday, May 27 @ 12:00pm

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) hosts a lunch discussion with the newly elected 47th Ward alderman.

Ahalya Satkunaratnam @ praxis place ADDED 5/16
Friday, May 27 @ 8:30pm

SAPAC member Satkunaratnam presents two dance works in progress for “bloom #10,” part of a series of informal and improvisatory group shows.

DJ Rekha @ Darkroom
Sunday, May 29 @ 9:00pm

Bhangratheque presents a night of music and dance featuring DJ Rekha, DJ Jimmy Singh, and a special dance performance by Hareepa! Chicago.

Anindita Dutta @ Robert Bills Contemporary
Through May 31, 2011

The West Loop gallery presents Wrest in Peace, a solo exhibition of Dutta’s recent sculptural work, performance documentation, and video installation.

City of Chicago Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Calendar
Through May 31, 2011

Though there aren’t many South-Asian-focused events listed, I encourage you to check out the city’s annual Heritage Month calendar and support our many APA community organizations.

The Illinois DREAM Act has the power to make a real difference in the lives of undocumented young people throughout Illinois
and moves the immigration debate forward.

ACT NOW!!

Speak up for accurate information, access to education and a voice for all undocumented youth! There are too many stories of young people being caught in a broken immigration system.

The Illinois DREAM Act (SB 2185) is scheduled to be voted on in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday, May 3rd, and this is your opportunity to right a wrong.

Click here to get your legislator’s contact information and take a few minutes to call or email your legislator and make sure that she or he is supporting Illinois DREAM Act (SB 2185). Every little bit counts!

South Asians for Immigration Reform

Children of our undocumented community grow up in the U.S, and become like other “American kids.” But they cannot work or pursue their dreams because they don’t have legal status. Every year, roughly 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school, but many don’t apply for college. HOW CAN YOU CHANGE THIS ?

Some of the SAPACers got to meet Prerna Lal in D.C. last month when she received the Changemakers award from South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (SAALT). Prerna is a Co-Founder and Online Coordinator of DreamActivist , a online immigrant youth community  that has mobilized thousands to action. Last month, Prerna received notice to appear in court for removal proceedings and could face deportation to her native Fiji despite having parents who are legal permanent residents. Prerna is an example of how our immigration system is broken.

What is the Illinois DREAM Act? Here are the 3 things you need to know about the proposed bill!

ACCURATE INFORMATION: DREAM youth too often get incorrect information from high school counselors and college admissions officers regarding their college options. This bill will encourage these counselors and officers receive regular training regarding educational opportunities for immigrant youths. Having accurate information would give DREAM youths the hope they need to continue their educations and help reduce the rates of high school dropouts.

ACCESS TO EDUCATION: Many qualified DREAM students do not have the financial resources to pursue college.  The Illinois DREAM Act would establish a privately-funded Illinois DREAM Fund, administered by a volunteer state commission, to make scholarships available to undocumented students at no cost to taxpayers. The bill would also open up college savings programs and prepaid tuition programs to all Illinois residents, so that the families of DREAM students will be better able to pay for tuition. Not one penny comes from tax dollars.

A VOICE: In addition to administering and fundraising for the Illinois DREAM Fund, an Illinois DREAM Commission could monitor implementation of other parts of this law and research the needs of DREAM youth as they make their way through college.

MAKE THE CALL, PEOPLE, &

HELP ILLINOIS

DREAM BIG!!!

BEING BROWN IS NOT A CRIME!

SAPAC is delighted that one of our early leaders, Sonia Mathew, was selected as a recipient of this year’s Breaking Barriers awards by Chicago Foundation for Women. Sonia exemplifies what it is to be a leader in the field of education as well as in the South Asian community. Sonia was a founding member of the South Asian Progressive Action Collective. In SAPAC’s early days, in the wake of the September 11 attacks, Sonia took on a leadership role to ensure the success and progress of SAPAC as a social justice group in a politically charged atmosphere. Please join us as we celebrate Sonia’s award!

Every year, the Asian American Leadership Council housed at Chicago Foundation for Women hosts its annual Breaking Barriers awards ceremony. The awards honor Asian and Asian American women leaders in the metropolitan Chicago area who have made an outstanding and lasting impact in their fields. This year, the Council has selected some really impressive women in the field of education. All of the honorees have had an impact on education in numerous ways, from teaching to policy advocacy to mentoring–and much more. All event proceeds will benefit the council’s Silk Fund.

Sonia is currently working to support the development of urban teacher residency programs across the country to transform the way teachers are prepared to work in urban communities.  Recently, Sonia completed her Master’s thesis on “Civic Engagement of South Asian Youth” and was a social studies teacher for three years at North Lawndale College Preparatory High School, where she was awarded “Teacher of the Year” in 2006-2007. Sonia has a long history of being engaged with young people that includes directing the civic education program for high school students at Mikva Challenge and facilitating young adult leadership through Public Allies Chicago.

Throughout her work, Sonia has balanced family life with her commitment to community and her students. Clearly, Sonia is dedicated to helping others and serving those communities most in need. We are inspired by Sonia’s persistence, fortitude, and insight as she transforms the lives of many young men and women, both students and teachers.

We are so proud, as fellow SAPAC members, to call Sonia a friend and now a recipient of the Breaking Barriers award for Asian American Women in Education. Congratulations, Sonia!

Mark the date in your calendars and support this first-of-its-kind forum. The organizers have been working hard and expect 700-1000 members of our community to show up and you should be one of them!

The South Asian Progressive Action Collective
and community organizations throughout Chicago present the