Did Someone Say Aamir Khan?

By: Hira T. Khan | Keeper of the Blog | Thaakat Foundation

Whenever I log into Facebook, there seems to be a new status about Aamir Khan. He is currently in Chicago shooting Dhoom 3 so there are statuses about recruiting friends to join the hunt to find him on the movie set, statuses expressing amazement at finally seeing him, getting a picture with him, touching him.

I admit, I’m not exactly up to date with all things Bollywood or Aamir Khan, but even I’m not so out of the loop that I don’t know how loved he is by his fans. And so many fans there are!

I like Aamir Khan well enough. One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of him is his 2007 movie Taare Zameen Par which calls attention to dyslexia, an often-overlooked problem in South Asia. (I also think of Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Kai from 1993, but that’s less relevant here).

Anyhow, both his acting and directorial work on Taare Zameen Par is commendable, to be sure, and Aamir has continued to call attention to other issues as well, those that are unarguably a serious concern but also those that have gotten used to being swept under the rug like a shameful secret.

In November 2011, Aamir was appointed as an ambassador for UNICEF. Since taking on this role, Aamir has used his position as a leading actor in Bollywood to raise awareness about malnutrition in children. And just this past May, Aamir launched a television show Satyamev Jayate in which he highlights sensitive issues in India like dowry, female feticide, honor killings, and domestic violence. You can brush up on current issues in India by checking out full episodes of this show here.

Thaakat Kicks Off It’s Boots for the Spring Time With Help From Schools and Universities

The road to here hasn’t been easy for Thaakat. Our board continues to work on a 100% voluntary basis to make charity a priority for youngsters in campus and school communities.

In the past few years I’ve contacted hundreds of Pakistani Student associations, Indian Student Associations, South Asian Networking Associations and all sorts of places I felt I could reach out to that had the potential to help. It was very often that after multiple tries I would get no response or that the response would be “We need the money to promote our culture.”

I let out a sigh and just let it go. On days that I was feeling adventurous I would share with them that there was no better way to promote culture than to empower the people of those traditions back home. Really , without these people we would have no culture.

Not that it impacted the group any to change their decision but I thought a few words of exchange were worth the share. Who knows if one day they would give a cross to my barter once again.

Essentially the barter is this. As an organization, you prepare and throw the events that you usually do to promote your culture and have a good time etc. etc. except that instead of gathering the funds to put towards buying trophees and setting up bigger parties, you set aside one event where the proceeds go to charity. What do we give you? Happy feelings of jitterbugs knowing that you helped humanity.

I’m not vouching for Thaakat Foundation, I am vouching for good will in general. I’ve been on student boards and I know many times Universities also allow you a budget. What can you lose by donating a percentage of that? Donate it where you wish, but do reach out and use your potential to put your “cents” to work.

I am so proud of the organizations that have come forward to take the initiative and show what cultural fervor really is. To be proud of your country and have faith in humanity- means to take a social responsibility. In these two weeks of March 2010, Lane tech Muslim Club(Chicago, IL) and Baruch University Pakistani Student’s association(New York,NY)- are working their tails off to bring the crowd an event that stands up to empower people.

A group of students at Rutgers University in New Jersey also petitioned to have a school chapter of Thaakat recognized and in their success launched a wonderously successful kick off event. Congratulations!

Upcoming Event Details: March 19, Chicago . IL-Lane Tech Muslim Club’s annual dinner is in sponsor of Thaakat Foundation this year so please come out and support young students with a cause -Only 100 seats available. Reserve your seat(s) by e-mailing ltmuslimclub@yahoo.com with your full name. You will be able to donate at the door for your ticket.

*Thaakat Foundation gathers its support mainly from school and university organizations, without your help we cannot meet our goals. If you are on the board of a organization and decide you want to take charge for change please contact us at thaakat@gmail.com!

Rahul Singh is Back..Back Again

Rahul Singh Gill has been on the music scene for more than a decade now. Independently he has housed a major Indian fusion dance team, his own studio, in the work for recording contracts and has long represented the hottest Punjabi tenor on the National Arena. With his fancy footwork, passionate stage presence and a heart of gold, Rahul aims to make it big by proving nice guys- don’t finish last. Thaakat was able to catch a few words with our mighty man recently…

What is your inspiration for the new album?

Rahi- is the name of the album. It means fakhir.  This album, whatever money I make is going to go some kind of charity. I want the music to bring people together and give a launching pad for local talent in Chicago. I want people to come to Chicago for recordings.

Where do you hope to be 2 years from now?

I’ll be getting an award in Bollywood and making Punjab proud. I’ll make it possible for the average person with talent to make it big. I’m there as a resource and mentor. I want an award not for my talent but for my efforts in helping people.

How are you different now than you were out of high school?

Life taught me so much. I’ve been through so many troubles. I’ve learned that you can do anything on your own. I used to think that if people don’t support me I can’t get anywhere. I believe that all you need is a light in your heart and the belief that you can do it.

You need to be hungry. What you’ve achieved can never be enough. This is my most important lesson. Be humble , be nice, balance your ego and be hungry. I am such a different guy now than I was in highschool, such a turn around. I’ve really learned how to treat people and elders. I always got what I wanted, now I’ve learned to work hard for it.

Life is just like the movies sometimes…

When you’re not helping people and doing good for society, no one will ever help you.  My brother got me this sweatshirt I really wanted the other day and I saw a guy shivering outside. The guy wanted money though I was hesitant, I didn’t know what he would do with it. I had a sweatshirt and I treasured it for the few hours I had it on but I gave it to him. He needed it more than I did. I never take anything for granted anymore. I see that guy every day on my route home from work and he is in that sweatshirt every day.

I wish I could do more for people and one day I hope to be able to do that. It makes me happy. I give out small gestures that make people happy but I don’t have expectations. I just want to be a good person and pray for happiness to spread.

Email us at thaakat@gmail.com for more info on Rahul and upcoming events!

Top 10 Ways to Enjoy The Last Few Days of Fall in Chicago

By: Ammara Bokhari / Global Needs Assessment / Thaakat Foundation

Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! The month of November is upon us and winter is just around the corner. We’ve all been complaining about the constant downpour of rain these past few weeks but soon enough we’ll wish it were back- when the blistering cold winds hit Chicago and our cars and driveways are packed with snow. Autumn is quite possibly the most beautiful season in Chicago. Our summers are great and all too, but nothing can beat the sun’s reflection off the brilliant autumn foliage. The light breeze that fills the crisp afternoon air, the shades of orange, yellow, red and gold- it’s all just so beautiful. And there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty and make the most out of our wonderful city. Here are the top ten things to do in Chicago this fall, granted some have no relation to the season itself, but are fun to do this time of year none the less!

10. Attend a Chicago Bulls home game at the United Center. NBA season is upon us! Look out for special “guest appearances” during the half time shows.

9. Watch New Moon, the sequel to the highly acclaimed Twilight film, opening in theaters nationwide on November 20^th. I just had to throw this in here as a reminder to all my fellow Twilight fans. Go TEAM EDWARD!

8. Go to Pakistan/India. Everybody seems to be doing it, especially this month. It’s like the cool new thing to do this fall.

7. Ice Skate in Millennium Park before the winter-break crowds hit and especially more so while the outdoor weather is still bearable. The rink opens this month!

6. Lot’s of autumn leaves in your yard? Don’t just throw them all away. Rake up a pile and jump in them, make a wreath, stuff a scarecrow, create a centerpiece, or stick one in a greeting card for a friend or family.

5. Melt some marshmallows over an open fire. S’mores anyone? Buy that pack of halal marshmallows and melt them between graham crackers and chocolate.

4. Go apple picking in one of the many apple orchards the Chicagoland area has to offer. Some are open only through early fall, but a few that are still open are Curran’s Apple Farm in Rockford, Jonamac Orchards in Dekalb, Valley Orchard in Winnebago County, Edward’s Apple Orchards in Poplar Grove, along with a few others. Google for more information!

3. Enrich yourself by attending the Chicago Humanities Festival and engage in a series of cultural, artistic and educational opportunities. Bringing together some of the world’s brightest thinkers, artists and performers to celebrate ideas and culture, the CHF aims to draw upon the importance of enjoying and exploring the humanities. The festival runs from Nov 2^nd through the Nov 15^th and tickets for most programs are $5 in advance and many are free for students!

2. Celebrate one heck of a fun, action-packed weekend with the family this Thanksgiving break thanks to Eid-ul-Adha falling right beside turkey day! Money and turkey in the same weekend, what more could you ask for?

And last but certainly not least, the number one thing you can do this fall before the snow starts crowding the sidewalks…

1. Visit the newly opened ZARA store, downtown on Michigan Avenue! Recession, precession… you won’t be able to resist once you step inside.

The Largest FlashMob in History!!

This was one of the coolest experiences ever… to be part of the largest FlashMob* in history, of over 20,000 people in the greatest city in the world- Chicago!! Oprah had no idea… and was absolutely shocked on stage. Can’t believe everyone pulled it off… only on the Oprah show!

*FlashMob (flash mob): a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, then quickly disperse.

10 Ways to Enjoy the Last Few Days Of Summer!

1. Chicago Beaches: You don’t have to plan a trip out of state to get a  relaxing sun soaked tan on the beach. Enjoy the vast blue waters of Lake Michigan on Montrose Beach, Foster Beach or North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park.
2. Movies in the Park: Every Tuesday at 8pm in Grant Park, the Chicago Park District puts on classic American films for FREE on a gigantic screen. Enjoy a Hollywood classic amongst the beautiful city backdrop.
3. Buckingham Fountain: This lovely fountain alongside Columbus Drive offers a 20-minute water display in the summer months at the top of every hour. At night enjoy the scene as the fountain shines up with multi-colored lights and music.
4. The Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago: Take a walk through the newly constructed wing housing incredible collections of works by artists such as Picasso, Dali and Pollock just to name a mere few. Thursday evenings are FREE throughout the year and Friday evenings are free in the summertime!
5. Bike alongside Lake Michigan: What better way to tone those legs than biking through the city? There are places throughout the city that offer rentals- it’s not only a great workout but also a great way to enjoy Chicago!
6. City Segway Tour: Segways are fun easier on the legs!
7. Rent a Wave-runner: Montrose Beach offers wave-runner rentals for you adventurous types!
8. Double Decker Bus Tour of the City: Sit alongside out-of-towers and enjoy a tour through downtown on the Trolley or Double Decker.
9. Millennium Park: We’ve all been here and taken pictures of our reflections in the “bean” or Cloud Gate, but Millennium Park never does get old! Great for a relaxing stroll, a picnic or even attending one of the many free concerts they have all summer long.
10. BBQ: Because you really can’t have enough bbq’s in your backyard!

Where’s Mr. Perfect?

By: Charmi Patel/Thaakat Foundation

Really though? Where is he? Is he the best friend or is he the neighbor across the street. When do you know? How do you feel? I have absolutely no idea regarding those questions. However, I do know one thing for sure. You should be completely comfortable with him and everything around him. Nothing should be an issue. Every topic should be an open topic. How do you know if someone is truly the one for you? You really don’t know. It’s a matter of trial and error. It’s important to give yourself the chance to get to know someone and even the chance to not like them. No one says that dating is easy. You shouldn’t agree to a date because you feel bad. It should be because you want to go out with that certain someone…who knows: they may be a good significant other or even a better friend. Never miss out on those opportunities. Everyone is capable of friendship, and that is one thing forgotten in the episodes of dating.

Now how about those parent-inflicted dates? Good, bad, mediocre? I have to say..those are not as bad as people make them seem. Your parents are always looking for the best for you. They never want to see you get hurt or fall. These “potentials” they throw at you usually have a few qualities you are looking for. Now what’s wrong with checking them out? You may learn to like them…and if not, they may become good friends. Never miss out on those opportunities, much less any opportunities.

Let’s come to the women LOOKING to close the deal. Is that really a way you should be thinking? Dating, and especially marriage, is a very important ordeal in anyone’s life. Not just yours, but your family’s. You want to be sure you are happy sharing your life with this other person. Don’t feel like you have to settle for less or just agree to what others say. The great thing is that you have a say in your life. Make yourself heard, but be mature and respectful about it. Everyone has their destiny sought out…it could be just a matter of time till yours is fulfilled. Don’t lose yourself in the struggle and don’t sell yourself short of what you deserve.

What To Do To Prepare for Summer Shaadi Season?

Uzma Bawany/Thaakat Foundation

Here it is Chicago- Summer wedding season. Quit pulling your hair out girls because all of the hair spray, thermo heating and curling will already do the job for you. It’s tough, June comes around and the weddings begin. Why do you ask, should you preplan..here are a few reasons.

Schedule my life where? I know you all get this, Pakistani and Indian weddings are not a one day occasion, weddings are several, I said SEVERAL weeks long. In between all of this, your aunty mummy fathers brother will want to do a graduation party for his son, your friends birthday party will be during that same week and remember you also have to fit in a dentist appointment. Our lives, are just simply hectic. Being desi, your network is larger, thus you will have that many more parties to tend to. In our network, being sick is no excuse.

Gifting- We have all learned to be polite over the years and leave the toasters and ice cream makers at home. Typically the cards today list “no boxed gifts” and for good reason mind you. You will be gifting several hundreds of dollars over the course of the summer so you will need to pre plan to make sure you are not pulling money out of other important budgets. Your family will not be cool with vegetables and frozen dinners for a few weeks. We always save money but making a trip to the dollar store and picking up several wedding cards at the start of the summer- who said it’s not ok to cheap out on cards??! And it saves you the rush the day of !

No Baby Cry- if there are any ill lookers the day of the wedding it’s because you trudged your annoying kids along. Weddings are a formal event and unless you are family- leave your kids with a sitter. It is extremely stressful to walk into a formal event and see ill behaved desi kids running around everywhere. Get this guys, I’m going to be brutally honest (if the invite says Mr. and Mrs. This means its only for the couple )

Makeup, Shoes, Check!- Don’t walk into a wedding with torn shoes and shady make up. It’s the summer time, you know you’ll have parties to attend to so make a quick shopping trip. You will feel better about yourself when you walk into the room and you’d wish that you had done the trip sooner!

The Other “Kap-ur” – Vidur Kapur

Thaakat Foundation/ Event News

Vidur has rocked nation with off the wall comical liberation in the international as well as domestic laugh off arena. Vidur’s social commentary is based on that of a one man culture clash. He grew up in modestly conservative New Delhi household, achieved a degree from the London School of Economics and earned a PhD from the University of Chicago.

His “smart” comedy is relatable to the many of us who face the alter ego lifestyle. You know the one where you to go school and work conforming to western societies conditions (this means no tiffin at lunch, no choti or oil in your hair, and bollywood fanfare is always a secret). Then you come home to mammi pappa and condition yourself to be the best South Asian the world has to offer (you know the one where fun equals books and understanding the differences between moong and kala daals is of vital importance)

If there is one to master the talent of being a cultured South Asian American- It’s Vidur. Not only does he represent his heritage as an olympian but he is able to use his experiences to bring laughter and relativity to both the mainstream crowd and those who share similar roots. We were able to get a bit more insight as to Vidur’s inspirations and beginnings. Here are a few things you’ve got to want to know about Vidur:

Ms. Urdu Times: Have you always been a funny guy?

Vidur: I think so! Ive always been a mimic and had the ability to capture peoples attention and make them laugh…and ive always enjoyed being on stage.

Ms. Urdutimes: What is one thing that always makes you laugh?

Vidur: Sarah Palin!…everytime I see her!

Ms. Urdu Times: In proposing new skits and ideas, what is your inspiration?
Vidur: Generally my life and experiences, my Indian aunties, my family and their idiosyncracies and reactions people have to me.

Ms. Urdu Times: If you could describe yourself in 3 words what would they be?

Vidur: fabulous fabulous fabulous!…fabulous funny and frenetic!

Ms. Urdu Times: What do you want people to take with them when they leave your shows?

Vidur: Take good energy and a feeling of being proud of who they are and expressing themselves in the world

Ms. Urdu Times: Where should we look out for you next?

Vidur: All over…im going to be competing again for NBCs Stand Up for Diversity. My special called “One Night Stand Up is just airiing on MTV Network’s Logo

http://www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/one_night_stand_up_2/series.jhtml

Vidur rocked @ the NACA National Convention ’08 on 2/16 in St. Louis, MO and due to huge demand is likely to be one of the top 3 acts on US campuses in ’08 -’09.

Vidur was named by Desiclub.com as one of the top 50 Desi’s of 2007.

Vidur was selected as a NY finalist for NBC’s “Stand Up for Diversity” and was part of the famous New York Comedy Festival.

Vidur is coming to Chicago November 08, 2008!!!!

Presented by UDA at UIC. Miss it and you are Missin’ OUT! The show will be accompanied by performances from Qissmet, DJ Gen X, Rahul Singh and Abdul Saif, Harris Haroon, Zeher, UIC Dhamaal, Akanksha Boutique, Band Xenix and Several others!

Show brought to you by Patel Bros. and DK Healthcare with special support from Pita Inn, Viceroy of India, Shaadi Creations and Sahil as well as the ever present support of the Urdu Times!

LOL! For a cause with Thaakat and Vidur Kapur!

November 08, 2008

University of Illinois at Chicago

Student Center East – Illinois Room

750 West Harrison

Chicago, IL 60607

Chicago Welcomes ZARA!

By: Ammara Bokhari

Dreams do come true. I realized this when I heard the news that Spanish fashion chain Zara has recently opened its first Chicago-land store at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie! And in 2009 it plans to open one on our very own Magnificent Mile at Chicago Place at 700 N. Michigan Avenue. I was sitting in class when I received the news from a friend over a text message. Tears nearly came to my eyes as a sudden rush of excitement filled within me. I felt like jumping out of my chair! I couldn’t sit still. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs! Zara’s highly anticipated arrival in Old Orchard mall has made fashion lovers state-wide very happy. And with news of a store opening in downtown early next year, you can expect quite a few smiles from the urban shopping crowd.

Headquartered in Spain, Zara’s designs consist of high-fashion clothing for the middle-class urbanite with both a men’s line and a women’s line. Ultimately trendy and sophisticated, their styles vary from having a classic edge to some bohemian flair. I first stepped into a Zara two years ago (a little late considering they have been around since 1975) when I was shopping on Queen Street in downtown Toronto. Upon entering, my eyes became fixated on the very first item I saw- a black winter coat with a prominent collar and belt. I immediately fell in love. It was heartbreaking to come back home that summer, realizing I wouldn’t be coming back to Zara anytime too soon. But I kept my navy paper bag as a souvenir- the easily identifiable trademark bag shoppers receive their purchases in.

For many Chicagoans, a trip to Zara wasn’t possible unless you were traveling to a different state or country. With chains all over Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, Zara has become the ultimate shopping destination for fashion lovers.

So what is the secret behind Zara’s success? It primarily lies within their design theory and globalization model. From sketch book to store shelf within a short number of weeks, Zara’s design theory is impressive. The company is able to design a new product and have finished goods in its stores within a matter of two to four weeks. If certain items are not selling well, they are immediately pulled out and replaced with new designs. This cycle of garments sets them apart from your typical retailers which don’t replace their styles as often. Zara’s impeccable design team has quite a niche for keeping up with trends and understanding their client base. Because they design and produce themselves without outsourcing to third-world countries, Zara holds a competitive advantage in how their clients’ wants can be met with the utmost quality and ease. Millard S. Drexler, president and chief executive officer once mentioned in an interview, “We are focused on offering customers the newness they expect when they shop at our stores.” It is this very newness that keeps us coming back to Zara.

Adding to its success, Zara has recently overtaken Gap as the world’s largest clothing retailer. Its strategic global expansion deal now boasts nearly 3,900 stores in 70 countries worldwide. And despite the recent hit retailers have been enduring due to the economic crisis, Zara reported a 9 percent increase in sales for its first quarter of the financial year. Its worldwide success is a tribute to the idea that national borders are no impediment to sharing a single fashion culture.

Between the stresses of one’s personal life, ever demanding work, the economic crisis or keeping up with classes, a ray of sunshine has finally dawned upon the fashionistas of the Chicago-land area. Chicago has finally been blessed with a flagship Zara store and we welcome you, Zara, with our arms and wallets wide open!

(Note: I finally got a chance to visit this store at Old Orchard after writing this article and shoppers be warned: It’s not that great compared to the one in Toronto/NYC… I was dissapointed!)