Tag Archives: Culture

Generation Ginger: A Contemporary Resource for Indian Americans

and Americans everywhere who love all things Indian:)

Generation Ginger is inspired by one woman’s experience as a second-generation Indian American mom in an interracial marriage with multi-ethnic children trying to create a world for her family that makes sense. Owner and Founder Ritu Nanos   takes us into a journey into her thoughts and goals behind GG.

Thaakat:Why did you choose to call this platform “generation ginger?”

Ritu: Ginger is a root used in just about all of Indian cooking, regardless of region. What resonates with me most is the implication of the word “root”: it is the source from which something grows. As Indian Americans, India is our root, and from it we have grown and stretched infinitely in all directions. The name, Generation Ginger, refers to a generation of Indian Americans growing out from its roots. It is a term that does not measure how “Indian” you are, but how far you have grown from your roots.
If we, the kids born from our pioneer Indian parents, are termed “First Generation Ginger,” we are not bound by the constraints of our traditions, but measured by the process of our change. Our children then, no matter what percentage of “Indian” they are, do not have to figure out which culture they fit into or identify with. They, “Second Generation Ginger”, can instead celebrate their cultural identity as it is by appreciating the roots from which they grew.

Thaakat: In a few sentences, what are your hopes/goals for generation ginger?

Ritu: Generation Ginger is a web platform that offers contemporary resources for Indian Americans and Indians on living (food and customs), relationships (interracial parents, kids and the in-law factor) education and the development of cultural identity with a fresh and modern perspective that is relevant in today’s world. It provides a framework for communicating about culture in a way that is educational, humorous and meaningful. The current phase of Generation Ginger is focused on education through articles, workshops, events and building resources. Our next phase will focus on e-commerce- to create a community of South Asian entrepreneurs, small businesses and artists that are available through one source. Eventually, I would like to use the e-commerce portion to promote micro-lending for less fortunate women in Indian. I hope to help them create their own store front through Generation Ginger so that they have a chance to build businesses of their own and become self-sufficient, educated and powerful members in their own communities.

Thaakat: What do you feel it means to be an Indian American?

Ritu: This is a difficult question to answer, because it is so unique to each individual. For myself, I think I am still discovering what it means to be Indian American. Up to this point, our cultural identity has been blurry in our efforts to balance the cultural and traditional undertones of our heritage with the culture and lifestyle of the country we live in. We have our feet in two worlds, so to speak. It is this happenstance of being in such a position that makes us more powerful than we can imagine, because it gives us experiential insight into what is needed to connect these aspects of our identity. We have the opportunity to be the bridge between what our parents have taken care to preserve from India and how this knowledge is carried into the future. Generation Ginger is the result of building such a bridge; it is my method of exploring the vastness of Indian American identity and what that means to myself and others.

Thaakat: Do you feel we have a responsibility as Indian American’s to uphold a healthy India and sustainability of its people?

Ritu: As far as we have and may grow from our roots, we are still bound and connected to them. Nurturing its root is how a plant blossoms and grows. With that in mind, I do think we have a responsibility to uphold a healthy India. If we do not help sustain our roots, our land and our heritage, the beauty of our own lives and identity diminishes. For me, nurturing our roots is not about upholding dogma or outdated ideas and traditions, it’s about reflecting on who we are and using that to offer compassion and support through our words and actions. 

Thaakat: How can we do a better job as Indian American’s to ensure our coming generations are proud of their culture and continue to embellish their colorful traditions here?

Ritu: I think it is as simple as connecting with your culture. When we connect with something, it becomes meaningful to us and we naturally envelop it into our lives. People shy away from this because they feel that connecting with their culture means they have to attend all the Indian functions or go to temple every week or follow old traditional values, but that simply is not the case. There is no “right way” to connect with your culture, only a way that it right for you- it could be something as simple as reading a book about your heritage, learning to cook your favorite meal, or volunteering with an organization such as Thaakat. Generation Ginger is a resource that helps people connect to their heritage through thoughtful articles and ideas of how to integrate the beauty of Indian culture with our American outlook and lifestyles. If we can take the time to appreciate how we are connected to our roots, our culture will continue to grow and blossom.

Soul Food: An Iftar Benefit, Breaks Boundaries and Helps Those in Need

By: Denish Ghayal/Creative Director/Thaakat Foundation
On the evening of August 11, 2011, Thaakat Foundation gathered a passionate group of over 200 individuals at Reza’s Restaurant in Lombard ready to break bread and help rebuild the lives of the unfortunate suffering in Sierra Leone, Africa and Kachra Kundi, Pakistan.  The evening commenced with ‘iftar’, which refers to the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Iftar is done right after Maghrib (sunset) time.
It was time to eat, and the sweet scent of dates filled the air, as they are the first thing to be consumed when the fast is broken.  “Oohs and Ahhs,” could be heard throughout the room as the beef and chicken sizzled on the hot plates that were being served. Hunger from those fasting for Ramadan was quickly pacified as the savory tender meat and cool raita (a yogurt sauce) was consumed.  Fasting the whole day can give someone perspective as to what it’s like to go without a meal in other underprivileged parts of the world.  No food item was taken for granted and all that was left were empty plates and stomachs filled with satisfaction.
While many Muslims were in attendance, I was pleased to see participation from people of a different religious and cultural background, which included myself, as I am a Hindu.  This was not an event focused around religion, but more importantly, hope and compassion; the hope of getting closer to an unequivocally fair lifestyle for those suffering all around the world and the compassion of those in attendance who support the Thaakat projects and mission.  With the huge success of the iftar dinner from the prior year, this year’s iftar proved to be an even bigger event with an abundance of volunteers.  Support showed its face in many ways; while it important to donate money and other items such as food and clothing, it is also imperative to get involved hands on through volunteering, which really helps you to understand and truly invest yourself in projects that you choose to support.
For this iftaar event, two major projects were of focus as well as a local project.  The first project is in Sierra Leone, Africa, where Thaakat funds will be used to help build a Maternity Center for the impoverished village and for residents in surrounding communities.  Given that the hospitals in the area are miles away, many women are left to give birth in unsanitary conditions.  This new Center will help to protect women and their newborns from any complications during birth.
Another project underway is in Kachra Kundi, Pakistan, where Thaakat Funds will be use to improve an educational facility for 250 students, which will be minutes away from the village. Via a partnership with Em[POWER] Energy Group and Al Khair Foundation the we are hoping to provide residents with a renewed sense of hope and future. The people in Kachra Kundi are not only faced with a lack of education, but also deprived of simple necessities such as electricity and clean water.
The local project was issued to help struggling families during the time or Ramadan by supplying them with a one-month supply basket filled with non-perishable food and other useful household supplies.  The Thaakat basket project was a success with having sold 13+ to date at a sponsorship cost of $100.  The Thaakat baskets made it easy for anyone willing to donate; a group of four people could donate a basket to a family at $25 each.
Thanks to all in attendance who donated and those contributing through our website, we have raised a total of $10,000+ within a month. The iftaar dinner was truly a night to remember with speeches, a video, delicious food, and most of all, avid supporters.

Break Your Fast With Rutgers Thaakat!

By: Sadaf Syed | Global Projects Lead | Rutgers New Brunswick Thaakat
In typical Thaakat fashion, the biggest events of the year are already underway – and the semester has yet to begin.
This Thursday, August 25, our Rutgers’ chapters will be teaming up to sponsor a benefit dinner during which our guests can simultaneously enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends and help those who are not nearly as fortunate to be doing the same.
I’m nearly drooling at the thought of this dinner already – and this brings me to my next point. For all the Muslims out there the blessed month of Ramadan is currently in full swing, meaning the dinner will also in part be an Iftaar. Ramadan is a month about many things, one of which is the spirit of giving as much as you’re eating – because although we’re not eating during the day, let’s face it folks, we more than make up for it post-sunset.
The dinner is open to everyone, from all religions and cultures, so that we can, together, look at the broader spectrum of life and do something good for someone we may not even know, but have every reason to help.
100% of the profits from the dinner will go towards Thaakat’s two current global initiatives “Project Re-Born” and “Dreams for Kachra Kundi”.
“Project Re-Born” is focused towards building a maternity ward in the village of Blama Perri in Sierra Leone, Africa. Years of civil war in the region have devastated the families of this village, leaving mostly widows and children behind who are in desperate need for any assistance they can be given.
I doubt any of us could ever even imagine calling a garbage dumpsite where trash and sewage are deposited daily “home”, yet this is the sad truth for the 300 families living in Kachra Kundi, Pakistan. “Dreams for Kachra Kundi” (in collaboration with em[POWER]) is an attempt to bring some light to the inhabitants of this desolate village in Karachi.
To donate to our projects online visit: Thaakat on Crowdrise. We look forward to hosting you tomorrow night as we come together to bring hope to those in need!

Lane Tech Hosts Thaakat Foundation at Annual Dinner Tonight!

A Note from Umer Zakaria, President, Lane Tech Muslim Club
Lane Tech Muslim Club would like to thank Dr. LoBosco and the rest of the administrative team for allowing our club to flourish. We are blessed to have such a great principal who allows us to practice our faith at school. Thank you for working with us to make Islam Awareness Week and the rest of the Muslim Club activities a success!
We would like to thank our sponsors, Ms. Paganelli and Mrs. Mikbel. They have been more than supportive of the Lane Tech Muslim Club for many years and for that we would like to express our appreciation. They have always been open to our ideas, and because of this reason we were able to have our first ever Islam Awareness Week this year. Without their cooperation and help, none of the events planned would have been possible. We hope that Ms. Paganelli and Mrs. Mikbel will continue to sponsor the Lane Tech Muslim Club and allow it to flourish even more. They have truly made Muslim Club the success it is today with their never-ending support and dedication. Thank you for a great year!
We would also like to give a big thank you to Takreem Basheeruddin, who has helped us make this event a success even after graduating! We are truly very appreciative of her help with this year’s Spring Dinner.
Last but not least, we would like to thank all of our guests, especially Thaakat Foundation for supporting and believing in Lane Tech Muslim Club! We would not have been able to reach our goals without your help, motivation, and prayers.
From Thaakat: All the best tonight with your event Lane Tech Muslim Club, we are so appreciative of your continued support. You have served as model students who care for the progress of our global communities.

Bollywood Night: A Fantastic Success!

As we sat in traffic outside of the Holland tunnel I kept watching our GPS in anticipation of the miles to get closer to our desitination. Today was the day for Jaqueline Kennedy Highschool’s Bollywood Night, a Charity Benefit for Thaakat Foundation.
The make you want to LOL MC’s
We finally arrived just in time and as we rushed up the stairs we saw posters on some fast facts of poverty around the globe, confetti and colors brimming our way to the top and the tone of music surreptitiously getting louder and louder.
We entered the doors to the event to see a young girl decorating hands with henna, trays of food lining the hallway and a wonderful group of kids trying to convince spectators to buy threads of raffle tickets.
Ms. Jane Valit, Puja Patel and Kristin Damo worked tirelessly with the National Honor Society at the school to arrange the event. Not only were they able to arrange for donations of food but they had the best line up of raffle items I had ever seen. From dazzling Tiffany jewelry to NHL gift cards- the group had arranged for more than 20 spectacular items to gift away at the end of the night.
jaqueline kennedy onassis highschool
The lovely staff who made it happen
The room was brimming with talent. Long time Thaakat friend, DJ Flawless had volunteered to own the music behind his turntables and kept the aura upbeat and fun.
Two young boys served as MC’s for the evening and their work was seamless, and so harmonic with one another. As each dance performance began everyone’s eyes followed the eclectic colors, clothing and moves which followed. As each student poet spoke, we listened to what we felt was so profound, so deep, so rhythmic. The band was mesmerizing, the organization was wonderful and we were just so thankful to the staff and students who arranged for this.
I have never been so nervous to speak in front of any crowd as I was on this day. The confidence that was exude from these students as they performed this evening was so enlightening and I felt that I must also step up my game to be on par.
The Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Highschool NHS, students, staff and volunteers were able to raise $1500 for charity in the name of Thaakat Foundation. I cannot begin to share my pride in the work they have done. Thank you so much!
I know that this group of students will all be so successful one day in pursuing their dreams. I hope this was an opportunity for each one of them to carry with them into their successful futures this noble effort they have made for the betterment of our local and global communities. Keep on Keepin’ on!
Peace Love and Thaakat.

Yuna- A Unique Musical Surprise!

By: Ammara Bokhari
A young performer has eminently hit the music scene, captivating listeners with her bright talent and mesmerizing sounds. Yunalis Zarai, known as Yuna, is a 24-year old singer and songwriter from Malaysia. She holds a unique sense of style- both in the fashion and musical sense- that sets her apart from other artists and is known for adorning cool variations of the hijab!
Carrying soft undertones of jazz at times, Yuna’s indie sound has a smooth contemporary feel with acoustic guitar, drums, bass, and violin. She is somewhat reminiscent of a younger, fresher Norah Jones, SIA, and recent Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding. Her uplifting melodies blended with candid and hopeful lyrics about life create a combination that you can’t help but have on repeat.
Yuna has gained much local praise since her recent acoustic performance at Inner-City Muslim Action Network’s (IMAN) Community Café, held at the Chicago Urban Arts Society this past month on February 25th. Her song Rocket was a hit that night with lyrics inspired by her guitar: “I can’t believe we got famous for nothing baby / You came the last minute of panic to save me / I can’t believe we almost got paid for nothing baby / Cause even if they go away / I got the feeling that you’re gonna stay”. Her catchy songs transcend boundaries with other recent hits including Someone Out Of Town, Deeper Conversation, Decorate, and Coffee to name a few.
Alongside her award-winning musical career, she is currently a law student at MARA University of Technology in Malaysia and co-owner of clothing boutique IAMJETFUELshop. Thanks to the internet, Yuna has quickly acquired a large fan base that spans world-wide and plans to release a full-length album later this year. We can’t wait for it!
Check out some of her music here!

 

Jaqueline Kennedy Highschool Presents: “Bollywood Night”- A Charity Benefit for Thaakat Foundation

As I entered the classroom to present to these young bright eyed individuals, I felt inspired by all of the ideas, diversity and vision that was around me. After I shared a little bit about how THAAKAT began and what our goals were for the future, I went on to share why community service was so important.
To my content, many of these students raised their hands to share with me how community service had been such a moral lifter for them. Some of them came to me for advice on how they could incorporate service to the community into their professinal career aspirations.
This Thursday March 3, 2011 the National Honor Society at Jaqueline Kennedy Highschool will be hosting a benefit where all proceeds will be donated to Thaakat Foundation’s local and global causes for 2011. The night will be decorated with colors, music performances and dancing with a feature presenation by DJ Flawless! As the students round up preparations, THAAKAT had the opportunity to talk to Puja Patel about what has been going on behind the scenes. Puja is a supporting member on Thaakat and teacher at the highschool. She been working non stop with the team these last few months to ensure the experience is a wonderful one for the students.
Why did you feel it was important to get the kids at Jaqueline Kennedy Highschool involved?
We have a great community service program and a lot of the kids don’t actually realize what is going outside of the city, especially in countries that are developing. When the topic first came up, the kids referenced slum dog millionaire, which is kind of neat that we’re getting media to showcase realities around the world. But I wanted them to realize this was real especially because it’s a school for international careers so it would be good to raise awareness with the kids.
How does the NHS team at Jaqueline Kennedy Highschool feel about the event, with it being less than a week away?
They are nervous but they just want to see what the outcome is going to be. They are excited about new people coming to visit the school to see how they react to what the team has been working on.
How is this different than other things the school has done?
Most of the things that we do with the school is based on local institutions and events. Though we do a lot of community service events, we’ve gone beyond that to do something that is also diverse.
Why Thaakat?
I feel like when I joined the team, the answer was always yes. I was really encouraged by all of the team’s positivity towards events and ideas. When Thaakat first came in to present, you guys told them to expand their ideas and inspired them beyond just what Thaakat’s vision was. It really motivates them to grow.
What has been the best part about organizing this event so far?
This is the first time the kids have gone out to businesses to talk to people in a professional setting. To get to watch the kids reach out to a community on an executive level with such confidence really made me feel great about everything.
Click here for the Facebook Event Invitation and details
To the students and staff helping to arrange the event, we are all really looking forward to this! A special thanks to  Jane Valit, Kristin Damo, and Puja Patel.

NNR Remix/11th Annual Dance Competition

Explosive performances you don’t want to miss!!
http://www.mqbnnr.com/
This year Muqabla will be supporting the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation
Visit the link and donate: http://www.bepositive.org/
8 Extraordinary Teams
3 Intense Rounds
14+ Thrilling performances
1 Undisputed Champion
1 Spectacular Night
University of Delaware Indian Student Association (ISA) and DesiDanceTeams.com (DDT) present the 11th annual Muqabla dance competition. This year’s title is Muqabla: NNR Remix. Muqabla has adopted DDT’s NNR format which is a Bollywood-Fusion dance tournament. The only one of its kind and extremeley entertaining.
Time:
Saturday | Feb 26th, 2011
Doors Open @ 4:00 PM | Show starts @ 4:30 PM
Location:
Mitchell Hall at University of Delaware Campus
S College Ave & Amstel Ave
Newark, DE 19713
Tickets:
$10 – UD Students (w/ UD college ID)
$15 – Regular admission
$20 – VIP
UD tickets can ONLY be purchased on campus. Email us at isa.udel@gmail.com to get your ticket now! or call an ISA Rep:
Chandni Patel – 302.668.8238
Jay Parikh – 302.354.9085
Jeet Mukherjee – 215.359.7943
Punya Sethi – 516.232.5822
Regular and VIP tickets are available online until Feb 12th, 2011. After Feb. 12th, 2011 please email us at NNR@desidanceteams.com to purchase tickets.
Master of Ceremony:
Patrick SHOCK
Pearl SHAH
Nithin PAUL Participants:
University of California Los Angeles NASHAA
Rutgers Univeristy SAPA
Boston University JALWA
Toronto FLAWLESS ENTERTAINMENT
Stony Brook University KHATRA
Penn State University JADHOOM
University of Maryland DHOOM
St John University RAAZ
Exhibition Acts:
University of Delaware KAMAAL (Fusion)
Melee Mitraan DE (Bhangra)
University of Delaware HEARTBEATZ (Beatbox)
Contact:
NNR@desidanceteams.com, isa.udel@gmail.com
Website: http://www.mqbnnr.com/and http://www.desidanceteams.com/ and http://mqbnnr.eventbrite.com/

Start a Chapter at Your University!

- Are you Creative?
-Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others?
- Do you want to build your leadership skills and look like a front runner on your resume?
-Are you proud of your Brown??!
Contact us: PH 847 946 3549, thaakat@gmail.com

Thanksgiving(s) At Hamdard Center

I would like to welcome you all to our 3rd annual Thanksgiving event with the elderly at Hamdard Center. Before sharing any further information I would like to commend all who reached out to volunteer. 

There are a few reasons why we have this event every year. The elderly at Hamdard visit the center a few times every week to spend some time in a social atmosphere which they unfortunately do not get enough of as they begin to reach older age.

They are so thankful that we visit, their faces light up in joy when we speak with them and share that we are there by choice. Often times you’ll catch them hug you as they leave or sing the group a song. I feel it’s important for us to remember where we came from, to be thankful for our culture and the wisdom past generations have shared. Our way of sharing thankfulness is by giving time to those who deserve it. Thank you to the Hamdard Staff for allowing us the opportunity and to our wonderful board and volunteers for being so kind and generous.

The events started with creative turkey crafting. Volunteers sat with the residents complete with tiny pom poms, glitter, leaves and construction paper and each crafted a turkey to match their personality. As time for a full turkey lunch arrived ( yum yum thanks to Italian Express, Devon Ave, Chicago IL) the residents rushed to finish their non-edible turkeys.
From perfect carvings, to the sweetest potatoes- the group enjoyed endless helpings of great food. Volunteers were more eager to serve than eat themselves and the elderly huddled around the tables to continue conversations before the hours were over.
As everyone neared full belly, the residents deemed it perfect opportunity to sing a few songs. In due time, we had our own Bollywood clatter in the room and the volunteers and residents shared some of their favorite tunes. There were a few Birthday’s in the room so the team even happily took to singing our very familiar happy birthday song and let that follow with a round of musical chairs!
Our volunteers were to the top of their limits with happiness, I mean the impact they had made came full circle almost immediately. Before the day was over, a few of the seniors even openly shared their thankfullness to the Thaakat Team.
Now my friends I ask you. If you knew that in a matter of 2 hours of your day, in your life, in your long year you were able to make such a difference in someone’s life, would you wait? We are hoping that word spreads over time and more youngsters realize their responsibilities to the community around us.  Make it happen kids, there is no better gift than giving.
Again Thank you Hamdard Center Staff and Director Kiran Siddiqui, Italian Express and all of our volunteers and board for making this happen.
Show your thanks, by making a difference.