Month: February 2026

Sattva on a Plate – Elk Grove Village Welcomes a Sanctuary of Fresh, Heartfelt Heritage Copper Glow, Ghee Soul: Sāttvic Thali Brings India’s Quiet Joy to Illinois Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: On a crisp February morning in 2025, as winter’s chill still clung to the streets of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, a golden ribbon shimmered under soft sunlight at 633 Meacham Rd, marking the grand opening of Sāttvic Indian Thali Restaurant. The air outside carried the quiet hush of a Tuesday in late winter, yet inside, the atmosphere bloomed like a vibrant garden, earthy terracotta walls warmed by gleaming copper and gold accents transformed the once-vacant space into an inviting sanctuary of light and life. Guests stepped from the cold into a world where the scent of freshly rolled rotis mingled with slow-simmered spices, and laughter rose above the gentle clink of thali plates. This was no ordinary ribbon-cutting; it was a celebration of clarity, balance, and pure vegetarian joy, where the timeless charm of Indian thali met the modern pulse of a welcoming American community. From the moment village officials and local business leaders gathered, creativity and connection defined every moment. The ribbon-cutting ceremony itself became an engaging […]

Unity Across Oceans: Honoring African American Heroes with Global Hearts in Englewood Harmony in Heritage: Chicago’s Vibrant Fusion of Black History and Chinese New Year Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: The Center for Englewood, located at 838 W. Marquette Road, Chicago, IL, transformed into a beacon of cultural unity and historical reverence as Global Eye Magazine hosted its Black History Month Celebrations Honoring our African American Community Heroes. From 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, this event drew a diverse crowd of community leaders, elected officials, artists, and residents to commemorate the enduring legacy of African American contributions. Amidst a backdrop of empowerment, harmony, and heritage, the gathering not only spotlighted 20 local heroes but also fostered cross-cultural bridges, coinciding serendipitously with Chinese New Year celebrations. This fusion underscored the event’s profound importance in promoting inclusivity, resilience, and shared human progress in a city renowned for its vibrant multiculturalism. The afternoon unfolded with a meticulously curated schedule that blended introspection, entertainment, and inspiration. Attendees began by browsing vendor stalls, setting a communal tone with local artisans showcasing culturally infused products like motivational apparel and handmade accessories. Faith Jackson, the event’s dynamic host and an African American […]

Roses, Raagas & Remembrance – Chicago Celebrates Valentine’s with Passion and Pride Dil Se Dil Tak: Chicago’s Desi Valentine’s Night Sang, Danced & Remembered Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: On a crisp February evening in 2026, the grand halls of Maharaj Banquets in Franklin Park, Illinois, transformed into a pulsating haven of love, music, and pure desi magic. Doors opened at 6:30 pm on Saturday, February 14th Valentine’s Day itself for “Valentine’s Vibes; Dil Me Ho Tum,” an enchanting celebration of romance co-organized by Maharaj Banquets [Sahail Khan and A J singh] and the ever-charismatic Dr. Anu Gupta. Under the expert event planning of Hitesh Master and the warm, witty hosting of Chinmayi Bhatt-Desai, the night unfolded like a Bollywood dream sequence come to life, blending soul-stirring melodies, electrifying dance, laughter, and heartfelt connections. Chinmayi Bhatt-Desai, with her trademark charm and over three decades of stage presence, opened the evening memorably by quoting a timeless romantic dialogue from the classic film Silsila: “Main aur meri tanhayi, aksar yeh baatein karte hain… tum hoti to kaisa hota…” The line instantly set a dreamy, poetic mood, evoking stolen glances, unspoken longing, and the magic of love—perfectly priming the audience for an unforgettable night of […]

From Devon Ave to Capitol Hill: Bushra Amiwala’s Rise as One of America’s Youngest Congressional Hopefuls Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: South Asian Voices Unite Behind Bushra Amiwala Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: In the heart of Skokie, Illinois, where the aroma of spiced chai mingles with the buzz of passionate conversation, a vibrant gathering unfolded on February 8, 2026, at 7 Spices Restaurant. What could have been just another Sunday afternoon turned into a powerful display of community solidarity, as respected South Asian American leaders and residents came together to champion Bushra Amiwala’s campaign for U.S. Congress in Illinois’s 9th District. Hosted by social activist and Lincolnwood resident Iftekhar Shareef, the community meet-and-greet drew an enthusiastic crowd eager to hear directly from the candidate and her supporters. The event captured the spirit of a district in transition: one shaped by decades of progressive leadership under retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, now facing a crowded Democratic primary on March 17, 2026, with multiple contenders vying to carry the torch forward. Bushra Amiwala, a 28-year-old daughter of South Asian immigrants, stands out not just for her youth but for her deep roots and proven record. Born in Chicago and raised in […]

From Punjab’s Fields to Chicago’s Dance Floor: SWERA’s 2026 Lohri Celebration Radiates Power, Laughter & Love Gidha Beats, Dulla Bhatti’s Echo & Endless Joy: Sikh Women Era Lights Up the Chicago with a Legendary Lohri Asian Media USA ©Chicago, IL: The crisp February evening of Saturday, February 7, 2026, carried more than just winter chill outside Atlantis Banquets in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Inside the hall, the air turned warm and electric with the unmistakable heartbeat of Punjab. Laughter bounced off the walls, the scent of roasted lingered, and colorful dupattas swirled like living flames. This was Sikh Women Era’s Community Lohri, a joyful, defiant celebration of harvest, heritage, and the unstoppable spirit of Sikh women. As a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SWERA has long stood for empowerment, equality, and the preservation of Punjabi culture in the American diaspora. On this night they transformed the ancient festival of Lohri welcoming longer days, giving thanks for abundance, and remembering the legendary Dulla Bhatti into a powerful, living tribute to women who carry tradition forward while fearlessly building the future. Jasbir Kaur Mann, one of the organization’s guiding forces, opened the evening with a welcome so warm it felt like stepping into family. Her […]

Coats of Compassion: Jesse White and Korean American Allies Defy Chicago’s Deep Freeze with 500 Acts of Kindness Kindness in Layers: Former Secretary White, Ann Jhin, and Partners Shield the Vulnerable from Chicago’s Cruelest Winter Beyond the Chill: How a Simple Coat Became a Symbol of Unity, Gratitude, and Enduring Friendship Asian Media USA © Chicago, IL: In the grip of one of Chicago’s most unforgiving winters in recent memory days of sub-freezing temperatures, biting winds, and relentless snow acts of kindness become lifelines. On Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Jesse White Community Center and Field House on 412 W. Chicago Ave., former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, the legendary figure who served longer than anyone in that office, once again proved why his name is synonymous with compassion and community. Joined by 27th Ward Alderman Walter “Red” Burnett (now often referred to in community circles as Vice Mayor Burnett), Jesse White oversaw the distribution of nearly 500 high-quality winter jackets to individuals facing the harsh elements without adequate protection. These weren’t just any coats; they were warm, durable pieces donated generously by Ann Jhin of the Korean-American Friendship Network and her company, Jinny Corporation—a leader in beauty […]