Welcome to our guide to the March 20, 2012 Primary Election. Here we’ll share the basic info you need to check your voter registration status, find your polling place, and know your voter rights.

Indian language assistance: If you didn’t already know, Chicago and Cook County are now providing Indian-language speakers with language assistance through translated ballots, voter forms, web pages, and bilingual election judges in targeted precincts! SAPAC served on an advisory committee to help the election boards oversee translation reviews, recruit bilingual election volunteers, and publicize the news. For more info, see this press release from the Chicago Board of Elections.

Volunteer! To volunteer as a pollwatcher or exit poller in precincts heavily populated by Asian Americans on Election Day, contact Andrew Kang at the Asian American Institute.

We hope this is a useful resource for you. As always, we welcome your feedback and questions.

Now get out and VOTE!

• What are we voting for in Chicago?
• Do I have to declare a political party preference?
• What is a “Federal Office Only” or “Fail-Safe” ballot?
• What will my ballot look like? Where do I go to vote?
• What time are the polls open?
• Can I still register to vote?
• What is early voting and where/when can I do it?
• In-person absentee voting
• Absentee voting by mail
• What kind of voting equipment will I use?
• What if I show up and they tell me I can’t vote?
• Know Your Rights
• Other resources
• Have more questions?

What are we voting for in Chicago?

In the March 20, 2012 Primary Election, voters will cast ballots that include:

• President
• Representatives in U.S. Congress (all districts)
• State Senators (all districts)
• Representatives in the Illinois General Assembly (all districts)
• Commissioners (3) for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
• Judges (Illinois Supreme, Appellate and Circuit Courts)
• Cook County State’s Attorney, Circuit Court Clerk and Recorder of Deeds
• Members of the Cook County Board of Review (tax appeals) (all districts)
• Delegates to serve at their parties’ national conventions
• Ward Committeemen/Committeewomen for the political parties in each of the City’s 50 wards

Do I have to declare a political party preference?

Yes. In the Illinois Primary, voters must declare which political party’s ballot they wish to cast. On March 20, 2012, voters will have the choice between a Democratic and Republican ballot, and, where applicable, a Green ballot and non-partisan (referendum only) ballot.

Asking for a political party’s ballot only determines which ballot you will cast on March 20. It has no effect on how you may vote in future elections or future primaries.

Note: If you select a non-partisan ballot, it will list NO candidates. If you ask for or receive the non-partisan ballot in error, return to the judge of election and ask to spoil that ballot and to obtain the party ballot (Democratic or Republican, or, where applicable, Green). After you have cast a ballot (whether a party ballot or a non-partisan ballot), you may not ask for a new ballot or to change your ballot.

What does a non-partisan ballot contain?

Non-partisan ballots list only county, ward or precinct referenda questions. The non-partisan ballot lists no offices or candidates. (Note: If no referenda questions are certified to the ballot, there will not be a non-partisan ballot.)

Are independent candidates on the ballots?

No. Partisan primary ballots list candidates participating in that party’s primary and referenda. Non-partisan ballots list only referenda and no candidates.

What is a “Federal Office Only” or “Fail-Safe” ballot?

A person who moved from their registration address more than 30 days before the election and who did not re-register is not eligible to vote for state or local offices, but may still vote a “Federal Office Only” or “Fail-Safe” ballot. However, the move must have occurred within the same jurisdiction (i.e. from one Chicago address to another Chicago address; or from one suburban Cook County address to another suburban Cook County address.) The voter in this instance must return to the polling place for the old address where he or she was registered, AND there must still be a record of that person’s registration at the polling place of the old address.

If a person moved from Chicago to the suburbs (or vice versa), that voter is not eligible to vote a “Federal Office Only” or “Fail-Safe” ballot.

What is on a “Federal Office Only” or “Fail-Safe” ballot?

The federal offices on a “Federal Office Only” or “Fail Safe” ballot are

• President of the United States
• Representatives in Congress
• Delegates to the National Convention
• Alternate Delegates

What will my ballot look like? Where do I go to vote?

Remember that you can print out your ballot, mark it up with your voting preferences, and take it into the voting booth with you. You do not have to vote on memory alone!

You can see and print your exact ballot and polling place at ChicagoElections.com.

What time are the polls open?

Polls are open from 6am to 7pm on Election Day.

Can I still register to vote?

No. “Grace Period” voter registration for this election ended March 13.

What is early voting and where/when can I do it?

Chicago voters have the option of voting before Election Day. Early voting for this election ended March 15.

In-person absentee voting

Any voter needing or wishing to vote by absentee in the final four days prior to the election may vote an in-person absentee ballot.

For the March 20, 2012 Election, in-person absentee voting will be conducted March 16-19 at the Board of Elections office, 69 W. Washington. The hours are as follows:

• Friday, February 18–9am to 5pm
• Saturday, February 19–9am to 5pm
• Sunday, February 20–9am to noon
• Monday, February 21–9am to 5pm

Absentee voting by mail

Absentee voting by mail is a convenient way to cast your ballot if you are unable to get to your polling place on Election Day or to cast your ballot during Early Voting at a designated Early Voting site.

Any registered voter may apply for an absentee ballot. It is no longer necessary to provide a reason.

To obtain an absentee application, registered voters can:

• Download and print the application, or
• Call the Chicago Board of Elections at (312) 269-7967 to request that they mail you an application, or
• Pick one up at the Board of Elections office at 69 W. Washington.

The last day to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot was five days before the election (March 15).

Visit the Board of Elections website for more information.

What kind of voting equipment will I use?

You may choose to use a paper ballot or an electronic touch-screen machine. Instructions should be posted at your polling place; you can also ask an election judge for assistance. Visit the Board of Elections website for more info.

What if I show up and they tell me I can’t vote?

If you believe you are registered to vote and are at the correct polling place, ask for a “provisional ballot.” The election judges must provide you with at least a provisional ballot. They cannot turn you away. If they deny you the right to vote, call the Board of Elections office at (312) 269-7870. (Take the phone number with you to your polling place just in case.)

Don’t be shy about this. You know from previous elections that people tamper with elections. You have every right to cast your ballot without interference or intimidation. And you have every right to tell your election authority to come out to your polling place if anyone gives you trouble.

There are more rules and regulations about provisional voting that you should read. Please visit the following for more info:

Chicago – Here and here (Read the provisional ballot sections on both pages)

Know Your Rights

This is your Voter Bill of Rights. Read it – it’s important.

Voter Bill of Rights

1. Cast your ballot in a non-disruptive atmosphere free of interference.
2. Vote if you’re in line by 7pm.
3. Vote by provisional ballot if your registration is not found.
4. Vote a full ballot at your old polling place if you have moved within 30 days of the election.
5. Request voting assistance, if needed.
6. Bring newspaper endorsements or sample ballots into the voting booth.
7. Protect the secrecy of your ballot.
8. Receive a new ballot if you make a mistake or change your mind.
9. Review your ballot to ensure it’s complete and correct.
10. Have your ballot counted fairly and impartially.

Other resources

• Info for voters in suburban Cook County
• Info for voters in other parts of Illinois

Voter Guides:

• Windy City Times
• Equality Illinois PAC
• Planned Parenthood Illinois Action
• Chicago Teachers Union
• Chicago Federation of Labor
• IVI-IPO (Independent Voters of Illinois – Independent Precinct Organization
• ChicagoTalks
• Chicago Sun-Times
• Chicago Tribune
• ABC 7 Chicago
• VoteForJudges.org

Have more questions?

Lastly, if you have any questions at all about this year’s elections, please ASK ME in the comments section. I would be very happy to help you.

Don’t forget that Illinois’ Primary Election is March 20! A full election guide is forthcoming.

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

Syed Akbar @ University of Chicago
Thursday, March 1 @ 4:30pm

The University of Texas at Austin associate professor discusses “Oneness of Suffering: Religion, Art, Region and Patronage in Urdu” for the U of C’s South Asia Seminar series.

Mary Anne Mohanraj @ Tweet
Tuesday, March 6 @ 7:30pm

SAPAC member Mohanraj reads at Homolatte, a twice-a-month, all-ages, queer music and spoken word series.

Deepa Das Acevedo @ University of Chicago
Thursday, March 8 @ 4:30pm

The anthropology scholar discusses “Divine Bachelors, Female Devotees and the Law at Sabarimala, 2006-2011” for the Theory and Practice in South Asia series.

Jaswinder Singh @ Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows
Friday, March 9 @ 8:30pm

Ghazal maestro Singh pays tribute to Jagjit Singh at this suburban banquet hall.

Holi Dance Party @ Victor Hotel
Friday, March 9 @ 9:00pm

Bhangratheque hosts a Holi celebration featuring DJs Jimmy Singh and Krush.

Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World @ Muvico Rosemont
Saturday, March 10 @ 3:00pm

Unity Productions Foundation hosts the Chicago premiere of this documentary about the stories behind the masterworks of Islamic art and architecture.

International Women’s Day Concert @ Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows
Saturday, March 10 @ 6:30pm

Tabla player Abhijit Banerjee and flutist Rakesh Chaurasia join a roster of international artists for “Continental Harmony, A Jazz & World Music Concert.”

Mag Mahal Holi Celebration @ Gaylord
Saturday, March 10 @ 10:00pm

Milwaukee’s DJ Sajan spins for this dance party at the Gold Coast restaurant.

Holi Celebration @ Art Institute
Sunday, March 11 @ 10:30am

The museum hosts a family-friendly celebration of the Hindu festival of colors, in conjunction with its exhibition “The Last Harvest: Paintings of Rabindranath Tagore.”

Mahesh Rangarajan @ University of Chicago
Monday, March 12 @ 4:30pm

The author and historian discusses “Nature’s Pasts, Nature’s Futures: Perspectives on India’s Environmental History.”

Readings from Afghan Women’s Writing Project @ UIC
Monday, March 12 @ 5:00pm

UIC students recite poetry and prose written by participants in the Afghan Women’s Writing Project (AWWP) in an effort to support American women writers providing secure online writing workshops to women in Afghanistan.

Ayad Akhtar @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theater
Tuesday, March 13 @ 7:00pm

Actor and playwright Akhtar discusses his debut novel American Dervish for the Chicago Tribune’s Printers Row Live! series.

Sehla Ashai @ Chinese American Service League
Thursday, March 15 @ 2:00pm

SAPAC member Ashai, of the International Organization for Adolescents, joins Serena Chen Low of Apna Ghar, Rachel Ostergaard of STOP-IT, and attorney Chris Keleher for a community forum on human trafficking in the Asian community.

Holi Celebration @ Ventura Club House, Roselle
Saturday, March 17 @ 6:00pm

The Association of Rajasthanis in America hosts a Holi celebration in Roselle.

Tufaan 2012 @ Northwestern University
Saturday, March 17 @ 7:00pm

The second annual filmi/fusion dance competition features student troupes from UIC, UIUC, and universities across the nation.

Illinois Primary @ Your Precinct
Tuesday, March 20 @ 6:00am

Today is Illinois’ primary! Get out the vote! A full election guide and info on volunteer opportunities is forthcoming.

Toh Phir Aao: A Musical Benefit To Help Fight Cancer @ The Seville, Streamwood
Sunday, March 25 @ 6:00pm

KSMY Media presents Mustafa Zahid of band Roxen and the first U.S. appearance by U.K. bhangra sensation Hunterz at this benefit for the American Cancer Society.

The Genius of the Poet Tagore @ Art Institute
Tuesday, March 27 @ 6:00pm

William Radice, professor emeritus, University of London, draws on his long experience of translating Tagore’s poems, stories, plays, and songs to assess their unique literary qualities, national and global impact, and continuing appeal today. He will also consider why and how Tagore became a painter.

Anoushka Shankar @ Northwestern University
Wednesday, March 28 @ 7:30pm

The acclaimed sitarist fuses Indian classical music with the Spanish influences of flamenco, fandango, and tango.

Raising Awareness on Sexual Violence in the Muslim Community @ Muslim Education Center, Morton Grove
Saturday, March 31 @ 8:30am

HEART Women & Girls, Rape Victim Advocates, and the Rahma Network team up to present this training for educators, activists, and adult allies working with Muslim youth.

God Loves Pavement Book Tour @ Gerber/Hart Library
Saturday, March 31 @ 3:00pm

Trikone Chicago presents a reading by Vivek Shraya (God Loves Hair) and Farzana Doctor (Six Metres of Pavement).

Patni Nachave Bhagwan Bachave @ Forest View Education Center, Arlington Heights
Saturday, March 31 @ 8:30pm

The Gujarati play features Indian serial actors Dharmesh Vyas and Surbhi Javeri.

In the Heart of America @ Greenhouse Theater
Through April 1

Theatre Seven presents Naomi Wallace’s 1994 play about American imperialism and the fallout of war, featuring friend of SAPAC Fawzia Mirza.

Indira Johnson @ College of Lake County
Through April 8

The college features work by sculptor Indira Johnson and her husband, painter Karl Johnson, in a new show called “Nature’s Duality.”

Last updated Feb. 21

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.

Yasmin Nair @ Columbia College Chicago ADDED 2/8
Wednesday, February 8 @ 7:00pm

Activist, academic, and writer Nair and educator Susan Abbott duke it out (verbally) over the film The Kids Are All Right and its portrayal of marriage and families for Columbia’s Cinema Slapdown series.

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.

Ronak K. Kapadia @ UIC ADDED 2/5
Wednesday, February 15 @ 12:00pm

Kapadia, an advanced PhD candidate in American Studies at NYU and the Riley Scholar-in-Residence in Race and Ethnic Studies at Colorado College, presents “How to Shoot An Iraqi: U.S. Drone Strikes and Wafaa Bilal’s Queer Calculus of
Pain” for UIC’s Lectures in Gender and Popular Culture series.

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.

Jasbir Puar @ University of Chicago ADDED 2/15
Thursday, February 16 @ 4:30pm

The Rutgers University associate professor of Women’s and Gender Studies discusses “Homonationalism Gone Viral: Discipline, Control, and the Affective Politics of Sensation” for U of C’s Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality.

“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.

Press Conference on Indian Language Assistance @ Chicago Board of Elections ADDED 2/20
Tuesday, February 21 @ 12:00pm

The Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago will be announcing its initiatives for Asian-Indian language assistance, effective with the upcoming March primary election. The news conference will be conducted in the 8th Floor Conference Room at 69 W. Washington St., Chicago. The link above will direct you to the Hindi-translated BoE website (I’ll be posting more info about these efforts very soon.)

Dr. Riaz Akhtar @ American Islamic College ADDED 2/21
Tuesday, February 21 @ 6:00pm

The suburban Chicago cardiologist discusses Organ Donation, Transplantation and Islamic Law and Views from Other Religious and Ethnic Groups” at this free dinner lecture. The event will also be broadcast live on Ustream.tv.

Last Day to Register for March Primary Election
Tuesday, February 21 @ 11:59pm

Chicago and Cook County voters may register for the first time or update their records if they have moved or changed names since they registered. Today you can register between 9:00am and midnight at 69 W. Washington in downtown Chicago, or during regular business hours at any Secretary of State’s office where driver’s licenses and state IDs are issued. If you miss this deadline, fear not–Grace Period registration and voting will be open February 22 to March 13. (My full election guide is forthcoming.)

K. Rizwan Kadir @ Union League Club ADDED 2/20
Thursday, February 23 @ 12:00pm

Kadir discusses “Kashmir – The Conflict, Human Rights Abuse and Why it Matters to the U.S.” for the International Press Club of Chicago.

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.

Disgraced @ American Theater Company ADDED 2/15
Now through Sunday, February 26

American Theater Company presents the world premiere of Ayad Akhtar’s play about “a modern Muslim-American struggling to define his identity.”

Amazing India @ Navy Pier ADDED 2/20
Sunday, February 26 @ 12:00pm

Navy Pier’s 2012 Neighborhoods of the World series, in conjunction with the Consulate General of India and the Indo-American Heritage Museum, begins by honoring the city’s Indian community with an afternoon mela featuring clothing, arts, and crafts by local vendors; cuisine by Klay Oven and Uru Swati; and performances by Bollywood Rhythms, Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts, Punjabi Cultural Society, Volta Gujarati Daandiya-Raas Troupe, and more.

Blood Rubies: A Lens into Burma @ Museum of Contemporary Photography ADDED 2/20
Monday, February 27 @ 5:30pm

Photographer Christian Holst, jeweler Brian Leber, and researcher David Mathieson discuss “Blood Rubies: A Lens into Burma” for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

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.

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

Please join us for our next SAPAC General Meeting:

Monday, December 5, 2011
6:00-8:00pm
Barnes & Noble at DePaul Center
1 E. Jackson, 1st floor (corner of State and Jackson in the Loop)

We will be debriefing on our recent Voices of Resistance show at Marwen and discussing our plans for the winter and spring. All are welcome!

Questions? Contact us at info@sapac.org.

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.

SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION Performance Night is Saturday, October 15! Performance artist Kareem Khubchandani sat down for a very thoughtful interview about the need for this unique space for artist collaboration, how he’s seen 9/11 affect the South Asian community, and his first time committing his performance work to video:

Join us this Saturday to see Kareem’s video, along with new work from the rest of our talented VOR10 artists!

• VOR10: REVISION Performance Night

Saturday, October 15, 2011
7:00-9:00pm
Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St., Chicago
Admission: $10 advance / $15 at the door (18 & under FREE)

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!