March 15 – Chicago Kids Holi 2025!
Celebrate India’s Festival of Colors with Bollywood & Culture Groove and Bubbles Academy!
Join us for a one-of-a-kind Holi celebration for kids in Chicago, with Bollywood dancing, cultural exploration, Holi art, Indian snacks, and play Holi with real & organic colors!
Location: Bubbles Academy, 2184 N Elston Ave.
Parking: park in Bubbles Academy’s parking lot
Time: 2 to 4 pm CST
What to wear: if you plan to play Holi, please wear something that is easily washable. Usually, winter jackets, etc. can get completely cleaned of the Holi colors once they go through the washer/dryer but please dress according to your discretion.
DEI and Feminism – A Cycle of Intentional Misunderstanding
The term “DEI hire” has been reshaped into something it was never meant to be. Let’s set the record straight: hiring through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts does not mean bringing in unqualified candidates based on their identity. It simply means that everyone has an equal opportunity to be considered for a role.
Both conscious and unconscious biases have long shaped hiring decisions. Historically, systemic barriers have made it disproportionately harder for individuals from marginalized communities to even get a fair shot. DEI initiatives aim to level the playing field, ensuring talent is assessed for what it truly is—capability, skills, and potential—rather than overlooked due to preconceived notions or systemic disadvantages.
We have seen this pattern before. The word “feminism” was originally about advocating for equal opportunities, yet over time, it became unfairly associated with misandry, radicalism, and extreme behaviors. Even women who believe in gender equality sometimes hesitate to use the term due to the baggage it has accumulated. Now, a similar distortion is happening with DEI.
This cannot and should not be allowed to happen. DEI is a concept rooted in fairness, in giving everyone a chance to contribute, to thrive, and to be judged on their merit rather than factors beyond their control. At its core, it aligns perfectly with the American vision of “liberty and justice for all.”
Regardless of the shifting political landscape, let’s hope that corporate America continues to uphold these principles. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because diverse teams have been repeatedly proven to drive innovation, performance, and business success. The strength of an organization—and of a nation—lies in its ability to embrace and uplift all its members. Let’s ensure that DEI remains a force for progress, not a victim of misunderstanding.
Summer Camp 2025
Incredible India Summer Adventure
The perfect combination of Dance, Sports, Folk Art, Hindi, and more!
FIVE DAYS OF ULTIMATE CULTURAL IMMERSION
Join us for an incredibly fun adventure as we journey through India in 5 days! Each day, the participants will explore different elements of Indian Culture and learn about
DANCE
Students will learn dances inspired by five different regions of India while learning stories about the lives of the people from there.
FOLK ART
Students will explore the fascinating folk art from each of the 5 regions, centuries-old traditions that turn storytelling into breathtaking works of art.
HINDI
Students will learn Hindi words and phrases tied to the theme. This creates a more meaningful learning experience.
CRICKET
That’s right! Students will learn about cricket, the most popular sport in India, and they will even try playing it themselves!
PRICING: $320 before March 1st | $350 before May 1st | $375 after May 1st
Largest Collection of Diverse Children’s Books!
Get ready for the largest celebration of diverse children’s books with Read Your World on Jan 30th! Read Your World is a non-profit dedicated to getting diverse books into the hands of readers, parents, and educators.
Come party with us!
When: January 30, 2025, 9 pm ET
Where: Zoom (register for the link)
Who: You! Along with families, educators, & special guests
Why: Join us for a fun-filled hour celebrating diverse books, with giveaways & more!
Culture Connect Digest – The Great Wall of India
Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh Fort is a 15th-century architectural marvel often referred to as the “Great Wall of India.” With its awe-inspiring scale, intricate design, and fascinating history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike. Here are some incredible facts about this iconic fort that will leave you in awe:
1. Second Longest Wall in the World
Did you know that Kumbhalgarh Fort boasts the second-longest wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China? Stretching an impressive 36 kilometers (22 miles), the fort’s wall offers panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills and stands as a testament to the engineering brilliance of its time.
2. A Hidden Marvel
The fort’s design is nothing short of ingenious. Its walls and structures are so well integrated with the natural landscape that the fort is almost invisible from a distance. This clever camouflage helped it remain well-protected from enemies for centuries.
3. Secret Escapes and Hidden Features
Kumbhalgarh is filled with mysteries and secrets! The fort’s hidden tunnels, secret chambers, underground water reservoirs, and winding passages were designed to ensure the safety of its residents during sieges. Exploring these features feels like stepping into an ancient adventure story.
4. A Battle-Proof Fort
This fort is a masterpiece of defensive architecture. Its strategic design made it virtually impossible to conquer in battle. The only time it fell to an enemy was when invaders managed to poison the water supply – a rare and underhanded tactic.
5. A Temple Haven
Inside the fort, you’ll find an astonishing 360 temples, most of which are Jain temples. These structures showcase intricate carvings and architectural brilliance, making them a haven for those interested in history and spirituality.
6. Wide Enough for 8 Horses
The wall of Kumbhalgarh Fort isn’t just long; it’s also remarkably wide! At 15 feet, it’s spacious enough for eight horses to ride side by side. Today, you could even drive a car on it if permitted—a true testament to the grandeur of its construction.
So next time you’re in Rajasthan, make sure to add Kumbhalgarh Fort to your itinerary. It’s a destination that promises wonder, mystery, and a glimpse of India’s incredible history!
