04-13-2013 HDF Annual Fundraisin Gala

Chicago IL: Chicago community came in large numbers to support a very worthy cause of humanitarian work in Pakistan. The Human Development Foundation (HDF) held its 16th Annual Community Awareness & Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, April 13th 2013 at Rosemont Convention Center, 9301 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL. This successful event was sold out, with over 400 attendees joining to support HDF’s mission in fighting poverty through its Holistic Model of Development in the program region of Rahim Yar Khan. During social hour, attendees mingled, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, and browsed through a selection of unique vendors. There was a book signing by Rashid Osmani, debut author of “Word Posse.” A full silent auction table boasted a customized private chef dinner; gift certificates; exquisite jewelry; and designer outfits. Master of Ceremonies was conducted by Ash-har Quraishi, Emmy Award-winning television journalist, writer, photographer, and film maker. The Chicago community was welcomed by Humaira Abbasi, HDF’s Chicago Chapter Chair. She thanked all the volunteers, supporters, and event host committee members who made the event a grand success. HDF’s Executive Director, Fakhia Rashid highlighted HDF’s incredible milestones and achievements. She also gave updates on 2 projects funded by the generous Chicago Community last year. […]

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03-30-2013 HTGC Holi

Chicago IL: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) in Lemont, Ill., celebrated the Holi festival with an afternoon dance program, followed by the traditional and indispensable throwing of colors at each other, and culminated in the burning of Holika as darkness fell. The crowd eventually numbered well over a thousand with even the planned remote parking facility filled to capacity. The cultural program was emceed by Om Dhingra, Chairman of HTGC Cultural Committee, and dance teacher Vidya Pandikaran, who performed recently at the temple for Shivaratri. A ten-minute animation of Prahlada’s devotion to God against his egoistic demon-father’s will was shown at the beginning. It explained how malicious Holika, after whom the festival is named, drew her devout nephew into the fire on her lap but ended up burnt to ashes instead of him. Welcoming the audience, HTGC President Tilak Marwaha observed that attendance has been increasing every year with even non-Desi parents bringing their children to enjoy the festive spirit. Quite a few were there at the start of the dance program. He later told Asian Media USA that many came out of curiosity after seeing images of Holi from previous years on Facebook. Most of the dance […]

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Software Maven from Pakistan Inspires Chicago Entrepreneurs

Chicago IL: The Chicago chapter of the Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North America (OPEN) held its inaugural event around dinner on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Reza’s Restaurant, 432 West Ontario St., Chicago. There were 55-60 community leaders, business executives, potential investors, and governmental officials present, including Consul General of Pakistan Zaheer Pervaiz Khan and Alexander “Sandy” Weissent, Head of the CEO Roundtable. Highlights were a talk on “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Pakistan” by Jehan Ara, President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA), and the OPEN Chicago presentations. CEO of Razor Hedge Navaid Abidi welcomed the guests and invited Rafiq Mohemmadi, Chair of the board of charter members, to introduce OPEN. The latter focused on mentoring students, fostering activity that translates into philanthropic activities, and this re-launch of the organization. OPEN VP Rehan Zaid then added his own observations and comments. Jehan Ara’s wide-ranging talk on “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Pakistan” was backed by both long hands-on involvement and solid statistics. With 29 years of experience in marketing, communications, and interactive new media in Hong Kong, Far East, UAE, and Pakistan, Ara has been largely responsible for developing the P@SHA brand and for creating […]

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Northeastern Illinois University Celebrates Asian American Heritage with Awards

Chicago IL: The Asian American Heritage Committee (AAHC) of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) hosted its third annual Asian American Heritage Awards Gala under the banner “Sharing Traditions, Celebrating Excellence” on Friday, April 12, 2013, at Alumni Hall in its main campus (North Park). Seven awards were conferred followed by Asian music and dance performances. MC for the evening was Yasmin A. Ranney, Director of NEIU Asian and Global Resource Center at the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs. NEIU students Ana Ren and Xiaoxuan Wu kept guests entertained on piano and guitar respectively during the reception. AAHC members Rohit Joshi and Saba Ayman-Nolley co-chaired the invocation ceremony. Provost and VP Richard Helldobler, joined them in lighting the auspicious lamp, and underlined NEIU’s status as the most diverse campus in the Midwest. NEIU Board of Trustees member Jin Lee followed with his own remarks. Laura Kina, Vincent de Paul Professor at DePaul University Department of Art, Media, & Design, delivered the keynote speech that defined the origin and necessity of the term “Asian American.” She urged those present to recognize and value their ancestral legacy and ensure transmission of these traditions to the next generation. Given the often invisible […]

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