Description On May 8th, 2025, in recognition of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, SAAPRI and SAAJO hosted a session exploring the history of hate and discrimination faced by South Asians in the United States, highlighting the resilience and resistance that have…
WBEZ Chicago: Looking back at the ‘Memories and Milestones’ of South Asians in Illinois
On May 7th, 2025, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma and Education Consultant Julie Thomas Achettu were invited to WBEZ Chicago’s Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons. They were able to share our communities’ stories – our history, contributions, and the challenges we’ve…

Standing Up: Your Rights with ICE and Law Enforcement!
Description On April 24th, 2025, SAAPRI and SAAJCO hosted a essential discussion on understanding your rights when interacting with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Whether facing a police stop, an ICE encounter, or another law enforcement interaction, knowing your rights…
Rooted in Story: AANHPI Voices & Oral Histories for Educators
On April 14th, 2025, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma and Education Consultant Julie Thomas Achettu shared SAAPRI’s Oral History Project and curriculum, offering educators valuable tools to teach South Asian American history and create inclusive classrooms. The SAAPRI exhibit “Memories and Milestones”…
Women’s Health Series Webinar 3: Menopause
On April 10, 2025, SAAPRI hosted its third webinar in the Women’s Health Series focusing on a topic that’s rarely talked about but deeply important: Menopause. Menopause remains widely misunderstood—especially within South Asian communities. We created space for an open,…

Navigating the Early Days of the Trump Presidency 2.0
Description On April 10, SAAPRI and SAAJCO hosted a critical conversation on civil rights, immigration policies, and community protections in this new political landscape. Experts and advocates broke down the changes, provided key insights, and shared actionable steps to stay…

Immigration Hotlines: Accessing Immigration Support
Change InSight’s Data Equity Summit
On March 7th, 2025, Executive Director Shobhana Verma attended CASL‘s first Change InSight‘s Data Equity Summit. For decades, SAAPRI has been committed to community-based research and advocacy, ensuring that data serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. When…
Indian Roundtable Healthcare Panel Discussion
Executive Director Shobhana Verma was invited to Indian Roundtable’s healthcare panel discussion on the State of Health for South Asians. It was a great opportunity to learn about the MASALA Study findings, where Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Nammi Kandula also highlighted…
Press Release: Engaged Communities Series
SAAPRI and SAAJCO Launch Engaged Communities Series to Spotlight Civil Rights and Community Action March 3, 2025 – At a time when civil rights and community engagement are more critical than ever, the South Asian American Policy and Research Institute…