Coming Together in Skokie
Knowledge. Awareness. Appreciation.
The Library, Niles Township High Schools, and the Village welcome everyone to participate in an exciting new program—Coming Together in Skokie—to build knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of our different backgrounds, and to weave us all into the vibrant tapestry that is Skokie. 
Each year we will highlight a different culture in our community. Our first annual Coming Together in Skokie features the Asian Indian population. As a starting point to explore Indian culture, we have chosen a book, Motherland , by Indian author Vineeta Vijayaraghavan. The book explores an eventful summer for a young person who experiences the pull of two cultures and comes to appreciate both, while also gaining an understanding of older generations and the meaning of “home.”
Immerse yourself in the culture of India this winter! Here’s an overview of some of the events. A complete schedule is available in the program book. 
- Introduction
- Reading together
- Celebrating Indian culture
...at the Library
...at Niles North High School
...at Niles West High School
...at Oakton Community College
Introduction
Members of the Coming Together in Skokie planning committee discuss program highlights and goals...
Reading Together
The centerpiece of Coming Together in Skokie is a book selected to help all of us broaden our perspectives, share thoughts, and learn from the wealth of knowledge and experience in our community. Motherland, by Vineeta Vijayaraghavan, a fresh coming-of-age story about an American teenager sent to India for the summer to become reacquainted with her extended Indian family, appeals to both adults and teens. Several book discussions at the Library are scheduled in January and February. On March 8, 2010, the author will visit Skokie Public Library and Niles West and Niles North High Schools. Copies of Motherland will be available for book discussion participants and for anyone to check out and read.
Celebrating Indian Culture
The celebration begins with a public commemoration of India’s Republic Day on Saturday, January 23, at Niles West High School and continues into March.
Many events are planned throughout the community and are listed below, by location. All events are free and open to the public unless noted otherwise. Online registration is available for events at Skokie Public Library.
Events at Skokie Public Library
5215 Oakton Street, Skokie
The Bollywood Ticket: An American Guide to Indian Movies
Wednesday, February 10 from 7:00 to 9:00pm
in the Mary Radmacher Meeting Room
Bollywood movies are known for their glitz, glamour, and song-and-dance extravaganzas. Not all style and no substance, Bollywood is worthy of the same serious consideration as Hollywood. Jennifer Hopfinger, founder of thebollywoodticket.com, clears up the misconceptions about Bollywood films and explains what makes them magical.
Registration is required. Sign up online or call 847.673.3733.
Film Screening: Bride and Prejudice
Monday, February 15 from 7:00 to 9:00pm
in the Petty Auditorium
A Bollywood-style movie based on Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. When Lalita Bakshi (played by international star Aishwarya Rai) meets wealthy American businessman William Darcy, sparks begin to fly. Meanwhile, Lalita’s mother is determined to arrange advantageous marriages for all her daughters. Is it love or not? You decide!
Registration is not required.
An Introduction to Henna Tattoos
Wednesday, February 24 from 7:00 to 9:00pm
in the Mary Radmacher Meeting Room
Join professional body artist Allison Weston for a presentation on the ancient art of Mehndi, otherwise known as temporary henna tattoos. Allison will give a presentation on the history of henna and demonstrate techniques and designs with the help of a few volunteers. During the second part of the program, some attendees will be randomly selected to receive a simple henna design.
Registration is required. Sign up online or call 847.673.3733.
Deeva Dance Troupe
Friday, February 26 from 7:00 to 8:30pm
in the Petty Auditorium
The Deeva Dance Troupe is a nationally recognized all-female dance troupe from Northwestern University that blends the best of Indian classical, film, and folk dance styles with jazz, modern, and hip-hop. Representing diverse regions of South Asia, each dancer brings a unique background, finesse, and attitude to the table as they fuse their styles. The Deevas are a group of independent, talented women, who are, in the best sense of the word, Divas!
Registration is not required.
Making Indian Cooking Healthier, Together!
Saturday, March 6 from 1:00 to 3:30pm
in the Mary Radmacher Meeting Room
NorthShore University HealthSystem Family Medicine physician and professionally-trained chef Michael Rakotz, MD will educate and demonstrate how to make traditional Indian cooking healthier. Dr. Rakotz will talk about nutrition as it applies to Indian cuisine and will also cook a few traditional dishes for you, sharing his recipes with a healthy twist!
Registration is required. Sign up online or call 847.673.3733.
Meet the Author: Vineeta Vijayaraghavan
Monday, March 8 from 7:00 to 8:30pm
in the Petty Auditorium
Author of Motherland Vineeta Vijayaraghavan will speak about her novel and the experience of immigrating to the United States from India. Skokie Public Library Director Carolyn Anthony will engage in a dialogue with the author, followed by a chance for the audience to ask questions.
Registration is not required. Seating is limited.
Introduction to Indian Vegetarian Cooking
Wednesday, March 10 from 6:30 to 8:30pm
in the Mary Radmacher Meeting Room
Join well-known Indian cooking instructor Ranjana Bhargava for an introduction to vegetarian Indian cooking. Ranjana will discuss the basics of Indian spices and techniques. Attendees will also have an opportunity to taste samples of her recipes and ask questions about how they can create their own dishes at home.
Registration is required. Sign up online or call 847.673.3733.
Faces and Places of India
Saturday, March 13 from 2:00 to 3:00pm
in the Mary Radmacher Meeting Room
Join world traveler Bill Helmuth as he presents an eyewitness account of modern-day India. Bill spent one year in India traveling to the remote regions of the Himalayas, to exotic Rajistan, and the northern Mughal Empire with its magnificent mosques and forts. He also visited great cities including Calcutta, New Delhi, and Mumbai, whose history incorporates the British Empire.
Registration is required. Sign up online or call 847.673.3733.
Events at Niles North High School
9800 Lawler Avenue, Skokie
Republic Day Celebration
Monday, January 25 from 7:15 to 8:00am
in Codell Commons
A morning celebration will be held honoring Republic Day. Readings by Niles North Indo-Pak students and staff will be performed. Chai (tea) and breakfast snacks will be served.
Movie and Henna Party
Friday, February 12 from 3:45 to 6:45pm
in Room 1100
Join the Indo-Pak Club students in viewing a contemporary modern classic film from the world of Bollywood! (Film to be announced). Dan Montgomery, Niles North English teacher, will discuss the history of Indian cinema before the film. A table will be set up for henna drawing. Beverages and snacks will be served.
Celebration of Coming Together in Skokie
Friday, February 19 from 6:00 to 9:00pm
in the Cafeteria and Field House
The Indo-Pak Club is sponsoring an evening celebration of dinner, a shopping bazaar, and entertainment, which will include a fashion show, music and dancing. Tickets are $7 for dinner and entertainment; $5 for entertainment only. Children 5 and under are free.
Meet the Author: Vineeta Vijayaraghavan
Monday, March 8 from 1:07 to 2:36pm
in the Auditorium
Author of Motherland Vineeta Vijayaraghavan will speak about her novel and the experience of immigrating to the United States from India, followed by a chance to ask questions.
Reading Hour
Thursday, March 11 from 7:30 to 8:00am
in the Literacy Center
Join Superintendent Nanciann Gatta as she reads segments from Motherland, by Vineeta Vijayaraghavan. Pastries will be served.
Cricket Match
Saturday, March 27 from 5:00 to 8:00pm
in the Fieldhouse
Come watch the Midwest Cricket Club, the Niles North Indo-Pak Club, and the District 219 Cricket Club play a cricket match.
Events at Niles West High School
5701 Oakton Street, Skokie
Celebrate Republic Day of India
Saturday, January 23
5:00 to 7:00pm refreshment sales
7:30pm cultural program
The Indian Community of Niles Township celebrates The Republic Day of India with this special event. Republic Day marks the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on January 26, 1950. The celebration includes a feast of Indian food available for purchase, followed by a program showcasing cultural dances by prestigious dance academies as well as presentations by District 219 Indo-Pak Clubs.
Reading Hour
Thursday, February 4 from 7:15am to 8:00am
in Room 2040
Join Superintendent Nanciann Gatta as she reads segments from Motherland by Vineeta Vijayaraghavan. Bagels and juice will be served.
Indo-Pak Night
Saturday, February 6 from 7:00 to 9:00pm
in the Auditorium
Niles West and Niles North students will perform dances, a fashion show, and a skit based on an old Indian movie. Tickets are $5.
Indo-Pak Day
Wednesday, February 10 from 8:10am to 3:23pm
in the IRC
Come to the IRC to experience the rich tradition and culture of India and Pakistan with culinary treats, choral performances, “Hollywood vs. Bollywood” with the theatre students, henna painting, and more.
Cultural Roundtable: Focus on India and Pakistan
Tuesday, February 16 from 3:45 to 4:45pm
in the Student Commons
The 3rd Cultural Roundtable is an opportunity for Mr. Osburn, Niles West’s principal, and students to meet, talk, and celebrate diversity and embrace its challenges. This Cultural Roundtable will dedicate itself to confronting the issues that Indian or Pakistani members of our community face. It will ask students and community members of all cultural backgrounds to share in listening or speaking to their experiences with the particular challenges faced by Indian-Americans and Pakistani-Americans today.
Screening: Modern Indian Films
Monday, February 22 from 3:45pm to 6:00pm
in Film Room 2040
Join the Niles West Film Club for a showing of Indian film(s) and popcorn, of course. Admission is $1.
Cricket Match: Niles Township High Schools vs. Rolling Meadows
Monday, February 22
6:30 to 8:00pm in the Field House
Come watch Niles West and Niles North students play a cricket match with Rolling Meadows students.
International Night
Thursday, February 25 from 7:00 to 9:00pm
in the Auditorium
As part of this night highlighting the cultures at Niles West, the Indo-Pak Club will perform. Tickets are $5; Students and Seniors $3.
Meet the Author: Vineeta Vijayaraghavan
Monday, March 8 from 8:57 to 10:26am
in the Auditorium
Author of Motherland Vineeta Vijayaraghavan will speak about her novel and the experience of immigrating to the United States from India, followed by a chance to ask questions.
Events at Oakton Community College
Des Plaines Campus: 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines
Skokie Campus: 7701 N. Lincoln Avenue, Skokie
Fulbright-Hays Study Abroad Group Discussion
Friday, February 26 from 11:30am to 1:00pm
in Rooms A145-152, Skokie Campus
Join a panel discussion by Oakton Community College faculty who, as a part of a Fulbright-Hays program, spent five weeks in India studying “Gandhi and Globalization” as an introduction to creating Oakton’s Peace and Social Justice Studies Programs. Refreshments will be served.
Indian Festival
Friday, March 5 from 6:00 to 9:00pm
in Rooms P103-104, Skokie Campus
The Festival is sponsored by the South Asian Student Club and the Library. Desi performances include dance, song, Desi student fashion show, and a student-produced play based on Motherland. Henna tattoos and bazaar. All food is zabiha. Entrance fee is $5 and includes dinner and entertainment. Children under 5 are free.
Meet the Author: Vineeta Vijayaraghavan
Tuesday, March 9 from 11:00am to 12:30pm
in TenHoeve Room 604, Des Plaines Campus
and telecast to Room C240, Skokie Campus
Author of Motherland Vineeta Vijayaraghavan will speak about her novel and the experience of immigrating to the United States from India. The author will be at the Des Plaines campus, and the program will be telecast to the Skokie campus.