South Asian American Chamber of Commerce IL

Kasam Community Coffee Hour
2025-01-18 11:00 - 17:00 UTC
Come meet the 2025 Chicago Kasam community! Grab a cup of coffee, support a local business, and get to know some amazing folks!
Check out the Chicago Kasam’s instagram page for more updates.

Can Masculinity Be Toxic? Exploring Gender Socialization in SA Communities
2025-01-24 18:30 - 21:00
Join us for an engaging and interactive event that delves into the impact of gender expectations and social influences on South Asian Americans. Together, we will explore how cultural socialization shapes perceptions and performance of gender roles, placing women and girls at the forefront of challenges like gender-based violence.
This educational experience invites participants to learn, reflect, and share insights from their unique cultural backgrounds. The program features a thought-provoking panel discussion with leading South Asian experts in gender dynamics, public health, and mental well-being. Following the panel, participants can engage in a group discussion and Q&A session, leaving with valuable takeaways to continue this vital conversation.

visit sasolidaritymovement.com for more information.

Do The Needful w/ Special Guest Lapgan at Old Town School of Folk Music
2025-02-05 19:30 - 21:30 | 4544 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL, 60625 United States
About the Band:
Chicago-based music ensemble Do The Needful brings together a vibrant mix of Hindi vocalists, Indian flute, guitar/fuzz organ, electric bass, drums, and percussion. The band reimagines classic Bollywood anthems from the 60s and 70s, infusing them with a diverse range of influences, including Indian pop, Bollywood, garage pop, surf, rockabilly, ghostly jazz, South Asian classical music, and raw blues.
With a sound deeply rooted in retro-psychedelia rock, Do The Needful creates a powerful and ever-evolving musical blend that is both forward-thinking and uniquely reflective of Chicago’s rich musical melting pot. Their latest album, Goods Carrier, is a dynamic collection of reimagined Bollywood classics that showcase their innovative approach to music.
Band Members:

Vocals: Shruti Vidya, Bindu Poroori
Bansuri / Vocals / Field Recordings: Sonny Patel
Electric Bass / Vocals: Tyler Williams
Drums / Percussion: Thomas Gaulkin
Electric Guitar / Organ / Percussion: Jamie Osborne

Special Guest: Lapgan
Chicago-based producer and DJ Lapgan is both an archivist and an artist. Known for unearthing rare and forgotten Indian and Pakistani music, Lapgan revitalizes and re-contextualizes the sounds of his ancestral home and musical predecessors with layered, rhythmic beats that traverse the Indian subcontinent. His music is an imagined history and a musical thesis—a bold refutation of British colonialism woven through a tapestry of beats. Lapgan stitches together samples of Bollywood and Lollywood soundtracks, Tamil film music, Marathi chants, and flute-heavy Bengali religious music, all while staying rooted in Chicago’s vibrant music scene. His work is a must-listen for fans of deep crate digging, meticulous arrangement, and drums that could inspire scholars.
Experience the electrifying fusion of tradition and innovation with Do The Needful and Lapgan—a celebration of timeless sounds reimagined for a new era.
For more information, please visit South Asia Institute’s website.

Book Launch: Najma Heptulla in Conversation with Madhuvanti Ghose
2025-02-08 15:00 - 17:00 | 1925 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616, 1925 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616, Chicago, Illinois, IL, 60616, United States
The South Asia Institute, in collaboration with the Ismaili Council for the Midwestern USA, is delighted to host the launch of Dr. Najma Heptulla’s celebrated memoir, In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines.
This special event will feature a conversation between the author and Dr. Madhuvanti Ghose, the Alsdorf Associate Curator at the Art Institute of Chicago. The discussion will be followed by a book signing and light refreshments, offering attendees a chance to engage with the author and explore the themes of her inspiring journey.
About the Author:
Dr. Najma Heptulla is a renowned parliamentarian, a passionate advocate for democracy, social justice, and women’s rights, and an accomplished author. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, she served as the presiding officer of India’s Upper House of Parliament for 17 years, held the position of Minister of Minority Affairs, and was the Governor of Manipur. A skilled diplomat, Dr. Heptulla has played a pivotal role in advancing international dialogue on critical global issues, including gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She is also the grandniece of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a celebrated Islamic scholar and Indian independence activist.
About Madhuvanti Ghose:
Dr. Madhuvanti Ghose is the inaugural Alsdorf Associate Curator of Indian, Southeast Asian, and Himalayan Art at the Art Institute of Chicago. Since joining the museum in 2007, she has curated groundbreaking exhibitions and installations, including the opening of the Alsdorf Galleries in 2008, Jitish Kallat’s Public Notice 3 (2010–11), and India Modern: The Paintings of M. F. Husain (2017–18), among many others.
Pre-Purchase the Book:
The memoir is available for pre-purchase with your event ticket. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into Dr. Heptulla’s remarkable story and insights!
For more information, please visit South Asia Institute’s website.

Drone Stories Embroidery Circle with Sabba Elahi
2025-02-22 14:00 - 16:00 | 1925 South Michigan AveChicago, IL 60616
Join artist Sabba Elahi for a unique communal embroidery project, where we will honor the names of women and children who lost their lives in US drone strikes in Pakistan. This participatory event invites you to contribute to a powerful collective artwork that reflects on themes of memory, loss, and resilience.
Sabba S. Elahi is an interdisciplinary artist and educator with roots in a Pakistani household in the Midwest. She holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has been recognized with prestigious artist residencies at the Chicago Artists Coalition, Ragdale, and as a finalist for the Mother Art Prize (2020). Through her work in fibers, drawing, performance, and installation, Elahi challenges dehumanization and cultural erasure, weaving together narratives of identity, community, and power structures. Currently, she is the recipient of the Jackman Goldwasser Residency at the Hyde Park Art Center and teaches in the Philosophy & Humanities Department at Oakton College. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with her thought-provoking art and vision.
For more information, please visit South Asia Institute’s website.

South Asian Women’s Summit: Empower, Inspire, Lead
2025-03-14 08:00 - 17:00 | 930 National Pkwy, Schaumburg, IL, 60173
🌸 Celebrate International Women’s Day at the South Asian Women’s Summit! 🌸
Join us for an empowering gathering at South Asian Women’s Summit: Empower, Inspire, Lead – a space dedicated to uplifting and celebrating the strength of South Asian women!
✨ What to Expect:
🎤 Conference – Inspiring discussions with influential women leaders
🎭 Entertainment – Cultural performances & engaging activities
🤝 Networking & Resources – Connect with entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers
📅 Date: March 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 Venue: International India Hub, Schaumburg, IL
💜 Free Entry – Open to All!
Let’s celebrate, uplift, and inspire together! Tag the incredible women in your life and join us for this special event. 🌟

Women's Roundtable
2025-03-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Fifth Third Center, 611 River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
📢 Join Us for the Women’s Roundtable – A Space for Connection & Growth!
The Economic Development Center at Chinese Mutual Aid Association is hosting the Women’s Roundtable, and SAACCIL is proud to support this important event!
This is a must-attend event for female entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to expand their network, connect with key stakeholders, and explore new opportunities.
📅 Date: March 18, 2025⏰ Time: 10 AM – 2 PM📍 Location: Fifth Third Center, 611 River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
Attendees will have the chance to:✔️ Engage with an inspiring panel of women entrepreneurs✔️ Network with banks, government agencies, and prime contractors✔️ Learn about resources to grow your business
🔔 Reminder: Due to Fifth Third’s security protocols, all attendees (including guests) must register in advance to ensure entry.
💡 Let’s build a stronger, more connected community of women in business—register now!
#WomensRoundtable #WomenEntrepreneurs #SAACCIL #Leadership #Networking #BusinessGrowth #EconomicDevelopment #Entrepreneurship

Masala Fest 2025
2025-05-10 11:00 - 15:00
Join us on March 15th at India Hub (International Hub) for Masala Fest, a vibrant celebration of South Asian culture, food, and community! 🎉
🔥 What to Expect:
🍛 Authentic South Asian Food Vendors
🎨 Colorful Holi Celebration
🎶 Live Music & Dance Performances
🤝 Community Gathering & Festivities
📍 Location: India Hub (International Hub), Schaumburg, IL
📅 Date: May 10, 2025
Want to showcase your business? Sign up to be a vendor today!
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/oEeHPkA6mXzCDuve7
✨ Don’t miss this unforgettable experience – bring your friends, family, and an appetite for culture and connection!
🔗 Visit SAACCIL.org for more details!

SALDEF Presents: Sikhs in Storytelling in Chicago
2025-05-11
Experience the Second Annual Sikhs in Storytelling, presented by SALDEF!Date: May 11, 2025
Join an inspiring gatheriang of Sikh community leaders, artists, creatives, and storytellers for a full day of engaging workshops, insightful panels, cultural performances, and intimate fireside conversations. This unique event is dedicated to uplifting Sikh narratives and celebrating the voices shaping the future of our community.
This year’s program will spotlight the stories and contributions of Sikh Americans from the Midwest, showcasing the remarkable talent driving visibility and representation across the arts, entertainment, and cultural spheres.
Don’t miss this celebration of storytelling, identity, and creative expression.

For more information, visit the event page here: LINK

Secretary of State Diwali Event
2025-10-31 11:30 - 12:30 | 115 South Lasalle Street, 115 South Lasalle Street, Chicago, 60603, United States

Diwali at the Field Museum
2025-11-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60605, United States
Get Your Ticket: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/activity/diwali-heritage-month

AI Small Biz Workshop
2025-11-05 12:00 - 13:30 | SAACCIL Office, 7331 Lincoln Ave, Suite 1, Lincolnwood, IL, 60712, United States
RSVP Here: https://bit.ly/SAACCIL_AISmallBiz

SAIRE Diwali Celebration
2025-11-13 18:00 - 21:00 | The Bell, 225 W Randolph, Chicago, 60606, United States
Get Your Ticket: https://www.joinsaire.com/event-details/saire-diwali-celebration

RISING CONNECTIONS
2026-04-28

Rising Connections
2026-04-28 10:00 - 11:00 | SAACCIL Office, 7331 Lincoln Ave, Suite 1, Lincolnwood, IL, 60712, United States

Small Business Grants Workshop
2026-04-29

Personal Finance 101
2026-04-30 10:00 - 12:00 | SAACCIL Office, 7331 Lincoln Ave, Suite 1, Lincolnwood, IL, 60712, United States

Person Finance 101 Series
2026-04-30 10:00 - 12:00

Asian American Heritage Month Kickoff & Business Expo 2026
2026-05-01
