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.

Last updated January 20.

Happy New Year, friends! All of us at SAPAC wish you the very best for 2012. Let’s kick the year off with some desi events around town!

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

Pakistan: A Rare View @ Noyes Cultural Art Center ADDED 1/4
Tuesday, January 3 – Sunday, January 15

The art center presents “An Introduction to Pakistani Art” featuring work by resident artist Zafar Malik. Free events associated with the exhibit, including poetry reading, music videos, a children’s painting project and gallery talks, will take place Jan. 14 and 15.

Rajorshi Ghosh @ Arc Gallery ADDED 1/17
Sunday, January 4 – Saturday, January 28

The River North gallery presents an exhibition of photography and video by Ghosh and Ray Klimek. “The works in the show explore the historical and imaginative elements of residual landscapes. The images observe ‘landscapes’ focusing on the complex historical traditions and cultural assumptions that shape their perception. While Klimek’s photographs examine former mining sites of N.E. Pennsylvania, Ghosh’s videos and installations reconsider familiar landscapes as sites that blur the complex history of a ‘place’ with its multi-layered present.”

Velcheru Narayana Rao @ University of Chicago
Thursday, January 5 @ 4:30pm

The Emory University professor of South Asian Studies is the first speaker of the year for U of C’s South Asia Seminar Series. He taught Telugu and Indian literature for 38 years at University of Wisconsin-Madison and has written more than 15 books on these topics.

Monica Ringer @ University of Chicago ADDED 1/4
Friday, January 6 @ 4:30pm

The university’s Middle East History and Theory Workshop presents Monica Ringer, Associate Professor of History and Asian Languages and Civilizations at Amherst College, for a talk called “Pious Citizens: theological origins of modernity in India and Iran.”

Chandrika Marla @ Mars Gallery ADDED 1/4
Friday, January 6 – Wednesday, February 1

The West Loop gallery hosts an opening reception the evening of Jan. 6 for Marla’s new show “Social Skin.” From the artist: “My paintings discuss relationships, where fabric bodices represent people. The human form is redundant, and the collaged fabrics can talk and think. Through these forms I portray our outer personas leading their superficial lives. I grew up in New Delhi, surrounded by old buildings and monuments from centuries ago. You see them here in the backgrounds I create, the scribbled-upon walls of my ancient playgrounds.”

NAPAWF Reproductive Justice Community Conversation @ UIC
Saturday, January 7 @ 2:30pm

The Chicago chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum hosts a community forum on reproductive rights for APIA women and girls. Open to all. Co-sponsored by Chicago Foundation for Women’s Asian American Leadership Council and Invisible to Invincible: API Pride of Chicago.

SaunJuhi Verma @ University of Chicago
Thursday, January 12 @ 4:30pm

The U of C sociology PhD candidate specializing in migration/labor studies, sociology of law, and social theory speaks as part of the school’s Theory and Practice in South Asia series.

Works by Sonali Gulati @ Chicago Filmmakers ADDED 1/14
Saturday, January 14 @ 8:00pm

Chicago Filmmakers’ Dyke Delicious Season 9 kicks off with an evening of shorts by South Asian, lesbian, feminist filmmaker Sonali Gulati. Most recently known for her outstanding documentary I Am, Gulati will screen a collection of shorts and join the event via Skype for a virtual Q&A.

Today Like a Kind of Shivering @ Prop Thtr ADDED 1/17
Saturday, January 14 – Sunday, February 12

Written by Curious Theatre Branch’s Jayita Bhattacharya, this Rhinofest piece is billed as “a fairy tale of corrosive unacceptability for two women. And man.”

Stephen P. Cohen @ Chicago Club
Tuesday, January 17 @ 12:00pm

The Brookings Institution senior fellow (and my former South Asia politics professor at the University of Illinois) discusses “Pakistan: A Continuing Crisis, An Uncertain Future” for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

The Paintings of Rabindranath Tagore @ Art Institute ADDED 1/3
Saturday, January 18 – Sunday, April 15

The Art Institute celebrates Tagore’s 150th birthday by bringing “The Last Harvest: The Paintings of Rabindranath Tagore” to Chicago. Co-organized by the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, and the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India, this is the first major traveling exhibition from India to be exhibited at the Art Institute.

Arupjyoti Saikia @ University of Chicago
Thursday, January 19 @ 4:30pm

Saikia, a visiting scholar in Agrarian Studies at Yale, speaks in the school’s South Asia Seminar Series. He is an associate professor of History at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, and is the author of the forthcoming A History of Rural Politics: Assam 1940-1980.

South Asians for Justice Meeting @ Panera UPDATED 1/20
Friday, January 20 @ 6:00pm

The radical grassroots organization hosts an information session for a new Chicago chapter.

Roy Fischel @ University of Chicago
Thursday, January 26 @ 4:30pm

U of C’s Theory and Practice in South Asia graduate student workshop presents Fischel, a PhD candidate in its South Asian Languages and Civilizations program, for its speaker series.

Subcontinental Drift @ The Joynt ADDED 1/17
Thursday, January 26 @ 7:30pm

Celebrate India’s Republic Day at the city’s only regular South Asian open mic.

Jai Ho Retro! @ Big Chicks ADDED 1/17
Friday, January 27 @ 10:00pm

Trikone-Chicago’s bimonthly fundraiser is back with a groovy retro theme! Get your groove on while DJ Erik Roldan spins the sexiest Bollywood sounds.

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.

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 Oct. 18

I’m sitting on the couch with a cup of chai in one hand, a taffy apple in the other, and a fuzzy blanket covering me. Autumn is officially here. Enjoy my favorite season with some of these intriguing events…

• SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION @ Marwen
  Saturday, October 15 @ 7:00pm

Be sure to come to the performance night of our 10th annual VOR, featuring new works by some amazing, talented local artists!

Be the Change @ Indo-American Center
Saturday, October 1 @ 9:00am

South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), one of our partner organizations, hosts its annual National Day of Service across the U.S. In Chicago volunteers will meet at the Indo-American Center and then branch off to volunteer sites around the city. This year’s keynote speakers include Amisha Patel, Ann Kalayil, Ameya Pawar, and Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Stride Against Violence @ Lincoln Park
Sunday, October 2 @ 8:00am

Apna Ghar hosts its 5th annual fun run/walk in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Mahatma Gandhi Birthday Celebration @ Lions Park, Hanover Park
Sunday, October 2 @ 1:30pm

The Gandhi-King Peace Center hosts a celebration honoring Gandhi’s 143rd birthday.

Hindustani Violin Concert @ University of Chicago
Sunday, October 2 @ 6:30pm

U of C’s Department of Music and Committee on Southern Asian Studies present violinist Vidya Dengle and tabla artist Manpreet Bedi in a concert for their South Asian Sound Interventions series. Dengle also leads a violin master class on Monday, October 3.

Journey to Healing Through the Arts @ Chicago Public Library, Budlong Woods Branch
Sunday, October 2 – Friday, October 21

Apna Ghar presents its annual exhibit of work created through its art therapy program for survivors of domestic abuse. AG hosts an opening reception Wednesday, October 5, 5-7:30pm.

Dwaipayan Sen @ University of Chicago
Monday, October 3 @ 8:00pm

U of C’s Social Theory Workshop presents the history PhD candidate in a talk titled “Representation, Education and Agrarian Reform: Jogendranath Mandal and the Nature of Scheduled Caste politics, 1937-1943.”

M. Salahuddin Khan @ American Islamic College ADDED 10/4
Tuesday, October 4 @ 6:00pm

The expert on U.S. relations with Afghanistan and Pakistan speaks and signs copies of his novel Sikander.

Mara Hvistendahl @ InterContinental Chicago
Wednesday, October 5 @ 7:30am

The correspondent for Science magazine discusses imbalanced sex-at-birth ratios in Asian countries including India for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Thom Shanker & Peter Tomsen @ The Chicago Club
Wednesday, October 5 @ 5:30pm

Shanker, a correspondent for The New York Times, covering the Pentagon, the military, and national security, and Tomsen, former Ambassador and U.S. Special Envoy on Afghanistan, discuss the effects of the 9/11 attacks on U.S. national security for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Gyan Prakash @ UIC ADDED 10/6
Thursday, October 6 @ 3:00pm

The Princeton University history professor and “urban archaeologist” discusses his journey writing Mumbai Fables.

Mrinalini Sinha @ University of Chicago
Thursday, October 6 @ 4:30pm

Sinha, a history and women’s studies professor at University of Michigan, presents a lecture titled “The Strange Death of an Imperial Ideal: The Case of Civis Britannicus” for the U of C’s Committee on Southern Asian Studies, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Culture Workshop, and Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality. The following day she leads a workshop called “Power: Empires, Colonies, and World History.”

Chicago International Film Festival @ AMC River East
Thursday, October 6 – Thursday, October 20

This year’s festival features a number of films from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, including a gala presentation of Indian film Mausam, with director Pankaj Kapoor in attendance, to launch the fest’s Spotlight South Asia program.

The Flowering Tree @ Harris Theater
Saturday, October 8 @ 7:30pm

Natya Dance Theatre presents the world premiere of its new show about respect for nature.

Anita Chandwaney @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theater
Sunday, October 9 @ 7:00pm

WBEZ hosts a program called “The Art of the Political: Can the Stage Be More Than Entertainment?” featuring local artists in a discussion of theater’s role in weaving politics and art together. The evening includes a showcase of new works by 3 playwrights of color, including Chandwaney’s Helpline.

Rohina Malik @ School of the Art Institute ADDED 10/11
Wednesday, October 12 @ 6:00pm

The Chicago-based playwright, actress, and solo performance artist presents a piece about 5 Muslim women in a post-9/11 world.

One Book One Chicago Reading @ Chicago Cultural Center ADDED 10/11
Thursday, October 13 @ 12:15pm

Every Thursday in October, actors from Lookingglass Theatre present thematically-linked readings from the last ten years of  “One Book, One Chicago,” celebrating the program’s 10-year anniversary. Today’s program includes readings from Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies and James Baldwin’s Go Tell It On The Mountain.

Nitasha Sharma @ Northwestern University ADDED 10/10
Thursday, October 13 @ 3:30pm

The professor of African American Studies and Asian American Studies celebrates the publication of her new book Hip Hop Desis: South Asian Americans, Blackness and Global Race Consciousness at the school’s main library in Evanston.

Sekhar Bandyopadhyay @ University of Chicago
Thursday, October 13 @ 4:30pm

The professor of Asian history at Victoria University of Wellington presents a lecture titled “Situating Dalit in the long history of Partition in Bengal 1946-2011″ for U of C’s South Asia Seminar Series.

NAPAWF Fall Mixer @ BIN 36 ADDED 10/4
Thursday, October 13 @ 6:30pm

The Chicago chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum invites all to learn more about its work toward social justice and human rights for API women and girls. It’s a great group with some very active members from our API community.

Subcontinental Drift @ Penthouse above Quartino ADDED 10/4
Thursday, October 13 @ 7:30pm

Chicago’s South Asian open mic, as always, is free and open to all, including amateurs and professionals artists (as well as non-South-Asians!).

MC Chee Malabar & DJ Ali @ Northwestern University ADDED 10/4
Friday, October 14 @ 8:00pm

L.A.-based rapper Malabar and New York’s DJ Ali bring their Post-9/11 Brown Hip Hop Show to Evanston. Party with Chee on Friday, then check him out Saturday at our Voices of Resistance show!

Trikone-Chicago Ladies Night @ Joie De Vine ADDED 10/4
Friday, October 14 @ 8:00pm

Trikone hosts a ladies’ night out. Note that this is a women-only (trans inclusive) event.

SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION @ Marwen
Saturday, October 15 @ 7:00pm

Join us for the performance night of our 10th annual VOR, featuring original works that address the impact of 9/11 both locally and globally.

Sur Sandhya @ McAninch Arts Center
Saturday, October 15 @ 7:00pm

Anila Sinha Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Chicago’s International House, presents a sarod concert with Ustad Aashish Khan.

India Development Coalition of America Conference @ IIT ADDED 10/15
Saturday, October 15 – Sunday, October 16

The two-day conference, focusing on how to eradicate poverty and mitigate climate change in India, features a number of speakers from India and the U.S.

Dalai Lama Documentary @ Loyola University ADDED 10/12
Monday, October 17 @ 6:15pm

The Tibet Center hosts a screening of a film on the Dalai Lama to commemorate the anniversary of his receiving the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. The Center will also provide some information on his upcoming Chicago visit on Thursday, April 26, 2012. At Quinlan Life Science Building, room 412 on Loyola’s Lake Shore campus (near Sheridan/Devon). Call (847) 492-0809 for more info.

Sharmili Majmudar @ Chicago Cultural Center ADDED 10/18
Wednesday, October 19 @ 1:00pm

The executive director of Rape Victim Advocates joins fellow activist Rachel Caidor for a Cafe Society talk titled “Slutwalk and the Face of Feminism in the 21st Century.”

Inshallah, Football Screening @ University of Chicago
Wednesday, October 19 @ 6:00pm

U of C’s Committee on Southern Asian Studies presents a screening of Inshallah, Football (which also plays at the Chicago International Film Festival) with director Ashwin Kumar at the International House.

Yasmin Nair @ DePaul University ADDED 10/12
Wednesday, October 19 @ 7:00pm

The scholar, writer, and activist joins Owen Daniel-McCarter, founding collective member and project attorney at Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois, and Traci Schlesinger, sociology professor and activist, for a panel discussion called “Perspectives: Broadening the Conversation about Gendered Violence.”

Women’s Health Community Forum @ Zeenat Banquet Hall ADDED 10/12
Thursday, October 20 @ 11:00am

The Pink Pashmina Project, a partnership between Asian Health Coalition, Metropolitan Asian Family Services, and Muslim Women’s Resource Center, “is an innovative program to increase breast health awareness and encourage more South Asian and Muslim women to get mammograms.” Join them for this free event that includes info on free screenings and demonstrations in English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati.

Siddhartha Deb & Aatish Taseer @ Blackstone Hotel ADDED 10/12
Thursday, October 20 @ 5:30pm

Deb, an author and professor at The New School, and Taseer, an author and journalist, present “A New India, Old Problems?” for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. They will discuss “how instability in the region, economic concerns, and growing problems with corruption, among other challenges, impact India and its neighbor, Pakistan, as a newly activated political class emerges.”

Ami Saraiya & The Outcome @ Logan Square Auditorium ADDED 10/4
Thursday, October 20 @ 8:00pm

Local artist Saraiya joins Chicago’s favorite “circus-punk marching band” Mucca Pazza and Fandanguero for a Halloween Shakedown to support the Logan Square Neighborhood Association.

Diwali Celebration @ Art Institute
Friday, October 21 @ 7:30pm

The museum hosts this benefit to support its programming and outreach associated with Indian art.

Takeover Tour @ Copernicus Theater
Friday, October 21 @ 8:30pm

Hip-hop/dance artists Imran Khan, Hard Kaur, Culture Shock, Sunny Brown, Lomaticc, Baba Khan, H-Dhami, and DJ Kamran perform on the far northwest side of Chicago.

Aakash Mittal @ Elastic Arts ADDED 10/9
Friday, October 21 @ 9:00pm

The 16th annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival brings Mittal to town for a show with Tatsu Aoki’s Shamisen Jazz Venture featuring Francis Wong.

How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Citizenship Applications @ Indo-American Center
Saturday, October 22

Immigration attorney Dhenu Savla presents a free seminar at IAC.

Prashant Bhushan @ Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood ADDED 10/11
Saturday, October 22 @ 10:00am

Lawyer and social activist Bhushan gives a talk titled “Reshaping India’s Future: an Anti-Corruption Jan Lokpal Bill,” first at Loyola, and then at Roosevelt University’s Chicago campus at 2:00pm.

Go Garba with Devang Patel Vinod Rathod @ Bolingbrook High School UPDATED 10/18
Saturday, October 22 @ 7:00pm

Vaishnav Samaj Midwest presents a garba with live singers and orchestra and prizes for the best dancers.

Bhangratheque Diwali Night @ Dragonfly ADDED 10/4
Saturday, October 22 @ 9:00pm

DJs Jimmy Singh, RAV-E, and KRUSH provide the music for Bhangratheque’s latest club night.

Aneek & Anwesha @ Elgin High School ADDED 10/18
Sunday, October 23 @ 3:30pm

The winners of Indian TV singing competition “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” perform in Elgin.

Amitav Ghosh @ University of Chicago ADDED 10/12
Sunday, October 23 @ 4:00pm

Ghosh discusses the process of writing his new novel River of Smoke with journalist Victoria Lautman for the Chicago Humanities Festival.

Trikone-Chicago Book Club Meeting @ TBD ADDED 10/4
Sunday, October 23 @ 5:00pm

Join book club members in a discussion of Shyam Selvadurai’s Funny Boy, winner of the Lambda Literary Award and Books in Canada First Novel Award.

Indian Classical Music Concert @ Chinmaya Mission
Sunday, October 23 @ 5:30pm

Chinmaya Mission Chicago presents a concert of North and South Indian classical music featuring Padma Vibhushan Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna & Grammy nominee Pandit Ronu Majumdar.

Kalapriya Dance @ Hamdard Center
Tuesday, October 25

The company’s dancers give a Diwali performance at Hamdard.

IACS Job Fair @ Navy Pier
Thursday, October 27 @ 10:00am

Indo-American Community Services hosts its 2nd annual job fair for students and professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.

The Many Worlds of Rabindranath Tagore @ University of Chicago
Thursday, October 27 – Friday, October 28

This 2-day conference “brings together leading scholars from around the world to discuss the different aspects of this extraordinary writer’s life and works.”

Husain Haqqani @ The Chicago Club
Friday, October 28 @ 12:00pm

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States discusses Pakistan’s future and his vision for U.S.-Pakistan relations for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Tibetan Art Talk @ Art Institute
Friday, October 28 @ 2:00pm

Follow a museum education lecturer on an introductory tour through the museum’s collection in this gallery talk.

Friends of Abid Ali Dinner @ Ashyana Banquets, Downers Grove ADDED 10/18
Friday, October 28 @ 8:00pm

Indian singer Poonam Bhatia performs at this gala honoring cricket legend Ali. For more info, call Ariff Ahmed at (630) 737-0298.

Jai Ho(rror)! @ Big Chicks ADDED 10/4
Friday, October 28 @ 10:00pm

Trikone-Chicago’s bimonthly dance party/fundraiser is back with its annual Halloween bash and, once again, an incomparable poster:

Building Bridges of Peace Conference @ Hilton Chicago
Friday, October 28 – Saturday, October 29

The Central Asia Institute’s conference features notable speakers including writer Bapsi Sidhwa and actor/activist Faran Tahir.

Diwali Family Celebration @ Art Institute
Saturday, October 29 @ 10:30am

The museum hosts a family festival that includes activities inspired by Indian traditions and workshops led by Kalapriya Dance.

Occupy Chicago Teach-Ins
Throughout October

Though it’s not specifically desi-related, I thought I’d include the numerous teach-ins and discussion groups occurring at the Occupy Chicago demonstrations. They sound like a great opportunity to learn about social and economic justice from local activists and scholars.

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.

We’re back with a bunch of events happening throughout the month of August! (Sorry for not posting a July edition of Desispotting, but we hope you took advantage of some of the many amazing events that happened around town last month, including the expansive Eye on India festival and the Dalai Lama’s visit.)

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

Watershed Organization Trust Fundraiser @ Wells on Wells ADDED 8/1
Wednesday, August 3 @ 5:30pm

Enjoy an evening of networking and education supporting American Friends of Watershed Organization Trust, which conducts educational and study abroad international travel programs for American graduate students and helps to promote and fund the WOTR in Pune, India.

Homestay Hosts Needed for London Youth
Friday, August 5 – Sunday, August 14

World Chicago seeks hosts for 3 high school boys—Anam, Killian, and Joshi—participating in a youth leadership program in early August. If interested, please contact John Baum at (312) 254-1800 x100 or jbaum@worldchicago.org.

Trikone-Chicago Summer Picnic @ Hollywood Beach
Saturday, August 6 @ 2:00pm

Trikone hosts a fun day of grilling, volleyball, and general beach merriment.

SAPAC General Meeting @ Barnes & Noble DePaul
Monday, August 8 @ 6:00pm

Join us for our next meeting where we’ll discuss our upcoming Voices of Resistance show and our new SAALT Fellow!

Trikone-Chicago & I2I Dinner @ Tank Noodle
Tuesday, August 9 @ 6:30pm

Trikone joins I2I: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago for its August social.

A Tribute to Ifti Nasim @ Gerbert/Hart Library ADDED 8/1
Wednesday, August 10 @ 6:30pm

Trikone-Chicago hosts this public memorial for the late poet and community activist, our friend Ifti Nasim.

Subcontinental Drift @ 630 N. State St.
Thursday, August 11 @ 8:00pm

Join Chicago’s South Asian open mic in bidding farewell to co-organizer Vyjayanthi Vadrevu before she heads to a new adventure in Austin, Texas.

Meet and Greet with IADO & NetIP @ Theory Chicago
Friday, August 12 @ 5:30pm

The Indo-American Democratic Organization and Network of Indian Professionals host a happy hour featuring the Honorable Judge Ketki Steffan of the 13th Subcircuit and Ameya Pawar, Alderman of the 47th Ward.

Sexual Identity, Health and Stigma in India @ University of Chicago
Saturday, August 13 @ 9:30am

The University of Chicago Global Health Initiative presents Sexual Identity, Health and Stigma in India: Traditional Statuses and Western Influences. “During the past decade, a collision of indigenous and foreign influences has rendered salient changes to what it means to be a man who has sex with other men (MSM) in India. The repeal of Penal Code 377 and the first male to male ‘Bollywood kiss’ are tangible manifestations of a shift in social and sexual mores. Through a lively discussion featuring international and multidisciplinary scholars, this roundtable will explore the critical influences relevant to male sexual identity and health in India today.” The live webcast is open to the public.

Story of My Pride @ Asian Human Services
Saturday, August 13 @ 7:00pm

I2I: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago invites members of our diverse LGBTQ pan-Asian communities to share unique stories and pride epiphanies.

Jai Ho! @ Big Chicks
Friday, August 19 @ 10:00pm

Trikone-Chicago’s bimonthly fundraiser returns with a “Bollywood Beach Party.” You can’t look at this poster and not want to go.

Anjal Chande & Aakash Mittal Quartet @ Vittum Theater
Friday, August 19 – Sunday, August 21

Dancer Chande and jazz musician Aakash Mittal present the culmination of a year-long collaboration called Joining Hands.

India Independence Day Parade @ Devon Avenue
Saturday, August 20 @ 12:00pm

Chicago’s annual celebration of India’s Independence Day kicks off at noon at Devon and Western. (The Pakistan Parade will be held September 18.)

Bollywood Flash Mob @ It’s a secret!
Sunday, August 21 @ 2:30pm

Trikone’s Kareem Khubchandani is organizing a Bollywood flash mob to be unleashed at an undisclosed location. Click the link above if you want to get involved!

The Boy Mir: Ten Years in Afghanistan @ Siskel Film Center
Sunday, August 21 & Tuesday, August 23

Filmmaker Phil Grabsky returns to the subject of his documentary The Boy Who Plays on the Buddhas of Bamiyan (2004), Afghan boy Mir and his refugee family. The irrepressible Mir was an irresistible subject, and Grabsky returned to follow his life over a ten-year period, during which he matures into young manhood and faces a difficult decision: whether to go to work (as his father wishes) or stay in school.

Saahab @ Illinois Institute of Technology
Saturday, August 27 @ 7:30pm

Pratham Chicago, a children’s education organization, presents Shekhar Sen’s “musical mono act in Hindi,” Saahab, “the emotional story of a boy’s journey through life.” Call (630) 915-6176 for more info.

Last updated June 10.

This is just the tip of the summer iceberg. Keep checking back because you know we’ll be adding a lot more events throughout the month!

(Have something to add? Send your events to info@sapac.org or leave a comment here.)

Animals Out of Paper @ Steppenwolf Theatre
Now through June 19

Playwright Rajiv Joseph’s show is presented as part of Next Up, three productions showcasing Chicago’s next generation of artists, in collaboration with Northwestern University’s MFA programs in Direction and Design.

Restrepo & Sebastian Junger @ Spertus Institute
Wednesday, June 1 @ 5:15pm

Documentarian, journalist, and author Junger joins the Chicago Council on Global Affairs for a screening of his Academy-Award-nominated war documentary Restrepo and a discussion of his experiences reporting from Afghanistan.

Meal Hosts for Visiting South Asian Leaders Needed
See dates below

World Chicago (formerly International Visitors Center of Chicago) is looking for people interested in meeting with visitors from South Asia professionally and/or socially for meals in your home. Contact John Baum for more info.

June 1-4: Pakistani leaders in community policing

June 18-22: Indian leaders in drug administration

Zakir Hussain @ Symphony Center ADDED 6/2
Friday, June 3 @ 8:00pm

Tabla virtuoso Hussain joins saxophonist Charles Lloyd for a night of jazz at the Symphony Center.

Fuad Ahmad @ Millennium Park
Saturdays in June @ 8:00am

SAPACer Fuad Ahmad provides musical accompaniment (“live PA, with percussion, guitar, singing bowls, electric mBira, balinese jew’s harp, etc.”) for Millennium Park’s Saturday morning yoga and pilates workout sessions.

KalaKranti 2011 @ Columbia College Chicago
Saturday, June 4 @ 12:00pm

Trikone-Chicago and the Center for Asian Arts and Media at Columbia College Chicago present this festival of queer South Asian short film, a first-of-its-kind event in Chicago. I helped organize it, so come—you know it’ll be awesome.

Ithihasam Puranam – Are Our Epics Outdated? @ Balaji Temple
Saturday, June 4 @ 4:00pm

Choreographer Hema Rajagopalan and the Natya Dance Theatre School explore “the relevance of timeless values in our lives today” in their presentation of nine excerpts from the Ramayana. Part of the temple’s 25^th anniversary celebrations.

Camp Victory, Afghanistan @ Facets Cinematheque
Saturday, June 4 @ 5:00pm

Screening as part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival, this documentary explores the reality of building a functioning Afghan military. Filmmaker Carol Dysinger and Colonel (R) Michael Shute (subject of the film) will hold a Q&A after the June 4 screening. Also showing Thursday, June 9 at 8:45pm.

Rangla Punjab Concert Nite @ Holiday Inn Rolling Meadows
Saturday, June 4 @ 8:00pm

Purewal Enterprises presents a night of music and dancing featuring Sarbit Cheema of Apni Boli Apna Des and Welcome to Punjab fame.

Anupy Singla @ Printers Row Lit Fest ADDED 6/5
Sunday, June 5 @ 11:00am

The Chicago chef/author presents a demo of recipes from her recent cookbook The Indian Slow Cooker.

Sunil Iyengar @ University of Chicago ADDED 6/7
Tuesday, June 7 @ 9:15am

The Director of the Office of Research & Analysis of the National Endowment for the Arts moderates a panel on “Valuing Culture in the Global City” at U of C’s Future of the City arts symposium.

Jaspreet Chowdhary @ Planned Parenthood of Illinois
Tuesday, June 7 @ 5:30pm

Chowdhary, Reproductive Justice Fellow and Legal Expert at the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), facilitates a discussion of the nuances of the heated race and sex selection abortion bans and the complexity of son preference practices within API communities.

Padavali @ Harold Washington Library Center
Thursday, June 9 @ 12:15pm

The Center for Odissi Dance presents Padavali, a work choreographed by artistic director Ipsita Mahapatra and based on Rabindranath Tagore’s poem in celebration of his 150th birthday.

Asian Giving Circle Award Ceremony @ PepsiCo Sustainability Center
Thursday, June 9 @ 5:30pm

The AGC hosts its 8th annual award ceremony, this year presenting grants to 4 organizations including the South Asian American Digital Archive (SAADA) and the Silk Road Theatre Project. Several SAPAC members are involved with the AGC and SAADA, so come out and show your support!

Aparna Krishen & Ragini Krishnamoorthy @ Boocoo Cultural Center ADDED 6/5
Thursday, June 9 @ 6:00pm

The artists join Susan Cua and Hope Salmanoff for a group show of acrylic, pastel, oil and prints opening Thursday night at this center in Evanston.

Kavita Krishnamurthy & Suresh Wadkar @ Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
Friday, June 10 @ 7:00pm

The temple presents a cultural program and music night featuring the singers with Hitesh Master and Orchestra SaReGaMa.

Jai Ho! Jungal @ Big Chicks
Friday, June 10 @ 10:00pm

Trikone-Chicago’s queer desi dance party returns for its first bash of the summer. Donations will support KalaKranti, (see June 4 entry above) and the org’s participation in the annual Chicago Pride parade.

A Little Betrayal Among Friends @ Greenhouse Theater Center ADDED 6/10
Saturday, June 11 – Saturday, July 9

Lavina Jadhwani directs this new adaptation by playwright Caridad Svich for Halcyon Theatre’s annual Alcyone Festival. For this year’s fest, the company asked “five contemporary women to rework/adapt/sample/remix plays written by classical women, celebrating over a thousand years of writing by women.”

Ami Saraiya @ Skokie Public Library ADDED 6/7
Saturday, June 11 @ 2:00pm

Saraiya performs traditional and contemporary freedom songs for the Illinois Humanities Council’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Freedom Rides. The event also features performance pieces by Neighborhood Writing Alliance, Congo Square Theatre, and Young Chicago Authors.

Divya Chethana @ Rama Temple
Sunday, June 12 @ 5:00pm

The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago presents Natya Dance Theatre as part of the temple’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations. Choreographed by Hema and Krithika Rajagopalan, Divya Chethana show how the six evils–Greed, Lust, Desire, Jealousy, Anger, and Pride–are impediments to our spiritual evolution.

Kiran Bedi @ Peninsula Chicago
Thursday, June 16 @ 12:00pm

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs hosts Bedi, the first and highest ranking female officer, Indian Police Service (ret.), and founder, Navjyoti and India Vision Foundation, for a discussion about “Restoring Public Confidence in a Democratic India.”

Desi Comedians @ Just for Laughs Chicago
Thursday, June 16 – Saturday, June 18

Several comedians of South Asian descent will be in town for this year’s Just for Laughs Festival:

• Kumail Nanjiani @ Chicago Theatre – June 16, 7:30pm
• Khaleel Farooqui @ Jokes and Notes – June 17, 8:30pm
• Fahim Anwar @ Red Bar Comedy Club – June 17-18
• Russell Peters @ Rosemont Theatre – June 18, 8:00pm

Anjal Chande @ praxis place
Friday, June 17 @ 7:00pm

Chande joins several dance artists for Women’s Choreographic Voices: Women’s Work, a program examining their efforts as female cultural producers living and working in Chicago.

Ek Surilee Shaam @ College of DuPage ADDED 6/7
Friday, June 17 @ 7:30pm

Orchestra Saregama of Chicago and Lohana Association of Greater Chicago present Ek Surilee Shaam by SaregamaPa judge Suresh Wadkar at CoD’s McAninch Arts Center. Part of the proceeds benefit the Hindu Temple of Lake County. For tickets/info, call Hitesh Master at (847) 322-9451.

Shelly Jyoti @ Woman Made Gallery ADDED 6/7
Saturday, June 18 @ 2:00pm

Artists Shelly Jyoti, from Vadodara, India, and Chicago-based Laura Kina discuss their collaborative exhibition “Indigo,” which was featured in Vadodara, Delhi, and Mumbai and is currently touring the U.S.

Thirst @ Theatre Wit ADDED 6/10
Saturday, June 18 @ 7:30pm

Stage Left Theatre, in partnership with Rasaka Theatre Company, presents this new piece by local playwrights Anita Chandwaney and M.E.H. Lewis as part of its annual LeapFest showcase of politically-minded new work. “In an ‘Untouchable’ Indian village crippled by drought, an intrepid young reporter investigates the corrupt water delivery system. But when her sister suddenly disappears, the investigation becomes personal. Thirst is an NYCWAM Honored Finalist and a 2011 O’Neill Conference semi-finalist.” Directed by Lavina Jadhwani. Repeats June 26 and 30.

Suraya Pakzad @ InterContinental Hotel
Thursday, June 23 @ 5:30pm

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs hosts Pakzad, founder and executive director of Voice of Women Organization, for a talk titled “Taking the Lead: Women and Civil Society in Afghanistan.”

Trikone Pride Party @ 5044 N. Marine Dr. ADDED 6/3
Saturday, June 25 @ 7:00pm

Trikone-Chicago hosts a series of fun events in June to celebrate LGBT Pride Month, including this party the night before Chicago’s annual Pride Parade.

Trikone-Chicago @ Pride Parade ADDED 6/3
Sunday, June 26

Trikone continues its Pride Month festivities with an entry in this year’s Chicago Pride Parade. Click the link above to learn how you can march with them.

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.