Upcoming Events


2026 Finding Light Through the Darkness Diwali Gala
Nov
5

2026 Finding Light Through the Darkness Diwali Gala

Join us for a party with a purpose as we celebrate Diwali while shining a light on South Asian mental health and wellness!

Gather at the stunning Fairlie for an unforgettable evening dedicated to community, celebration, and impact. Every ticket purchased directly supports vital causes pushing our community forward in breaking stigmas and expanding mental health resources.

Your Ticket Includes:

🍽️ Delicious Dinner & Drinks
🎶 Live Music, DJ & Dancing
💃 Cultural Performances
🤝 Networking & Community Connection
🎟️ Silent Auction & Impact Presentations

Attire: South Asian Festive
Let’s come together to celebrate, dance, and drive meaningful change in our community. Get your tickets now!


Official Event Planner & Platinum Sponsor: Luxelier Events


2026 Event Host

Rajiv “RajNATION” Nathan

Founder & Chief Pitch Artist at Startup Hypeman

Mental Health Champion Award 🏆

Pooja is the founder of Tarang and the AAPI Community Outreach Lead for the North Carolina State Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services.

As a suicide loss survivor with direct lived experience, she has spent the last 10 years changing how we talk about mental health, from psychiatric hospitals to Capitol Hill. Her work has been featured on NPR, ABC, WebMD, and TEDx, and she’s the founder of the Raj Mehta Day of Good, an annual day of service held on her late brother’s birthday.

Pooja turned her own loss into a decade of work that gets people talking, and honoring her storytelling is exactly why we do this.

We're so excited to have an inspiring spoken word performance by Sufyan Sohel, a poet, civil rights lawyer, and founder of Globalize Good, where he helps mission-driven leaders and organizations navigate change and conflict without losing sight of their values.

A son of Indian immigrants, Sufyan brings that same commitment to dignity and connection into poetry that explores faith, justice, courage, and love.

Back for their second year in a row, get ready for a dance performance by Ameya Performing Arts!

Founded in Chicago in 2016 by seven passionate women, Ameya brings the vibrance, energy, and grace of Indian dance to the stage through a dynamic blend of classical and modern styles.

From Bharatanatyam and Bollywood to Bhangra, Contemporary, Folk, and Semi-Classical, their performances are bold, emotive, and unforgettable.

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Pints & Perspectives: September Edition
Sep
24

Pints & Perspectives: September Edition

Pints & Perspectives 🍻🧠 brings men together for honest conversations about mental health over a casual drink. No speeches, no pressure—just real stories, shared experiences, and space to be yourself. This month's topic is "Be Provocative, For Good" and will offer guidance and facilitated discussion by licensed therapist, Ankur Varma!

By registering, you help us keep the gathering safe, welcoming, and aligned with Brown Man Therapy’s mission to break stigma and build community.

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Pints & Perspectives: August Edition
Aug
27

Pints & Perspectives: August Edition

Pints & Perspectives 🍻🧠 brings men together for honest conversations about mental health over a casual drink. No speeches, no pressure—just real stories, shared experiences, and space to be yourself. This month's topic is "In Pursuit of Belonging" and will offer guidance and facilitated discussion by psychologist Dr. Rahul Sharma and licensed therapist, Ankur Varma!

By registering, you help us keep the gathering safe, welcoming, and aligned with Brown Man Therapy’s mission to break stigma and build community.

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Pushups & Perspectives with KMAK Fitness
Jul
23

Pushups & Perspectives with KMAK Fitness

This month's event, coined Pushups & Perspectives, is a special one. We're joined by Kunal Makwana of KMAK Fitness for a conversation about physical fitness, mental health, and what it really means to train your whole self. FREE, no agenda — just real talk over a drink. Come as you are.

By registering, you help us keep the gathering safe, welcoming, and aligned with Brown Man Therapy’s mission to break stigma and build community.

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Pints & Perspectives: Save the Date!
Jun
24

Pints & Perspectives: Save the Date!

Pints & Perspectives 🍻🧠 brings men together for honest conversations about mental health over a casual drink. No speeches, no pressure—just real stories, shared experiences, and space to be yourself. This month's topic is "Men & Our Fathers" and will offer guidance and facilitated discussion by licensed therapist, Ankur Varma!

By registering, you help us keep the gathering safe, welcoming, and aligned with Brown Man Therapy’s mission to break stigma and build community.

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Pints & Perspectives: Save the Date!
May
28

Pints & Perspectives: Save the Date!

Pints & Perspectives 🍻🧠 brings South Asian men and friends together for honest conversations about mental health over a casual drink. No speeches, no pressure—just real stories, shared experiences, and space to be yourself. This month's topic is "How to Make Therapy Work" and will offer guidance and facilitated discussion about how to show up to therapy to make it work for you!

By registering, you help us keep the gathering safe, welcoming, and aligned with Brown Man Therapy’s mission to break stigma and build community.

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Talk Saves Lives Co-Presented by BMT & AFSP-IL
May
14

Talk Saves Lives Co-Presented by BMT & AFSP-IL

Talk Saves Lives is a community conversation on suicide prevention, co-presented by Brown Man Therapy and AFSP-IL 🗣️. Together, we’ll share practical tools to recognize warning signs, offer support, and connect people to help.

This session centers South Asian experiences and creates a safe, judgment‑free space for men of color and allies. Register to learn, listen, and leave better prepared to support yourself and those you care about 💚.

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The Music Within: Using Music Therapeutically
Feb
25

The Music Within: Using Music Therapeutically

The session is designed with attention to the role culture plays in how we experience music and emotion, and brings together listening with intention alongside a contemporary understanding of mental health.

Whether you are curious about music as a therapeutic tool or simply seeking a restorative evening, the experience welcomes anyone interested in the intersection of music, culture, and health.

​No musical background is required — just come as you are.

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Nov
6

2025 Finding Light Through the Darkness Diwali Gala

Come celebrate Chicago's 3rd Annual Diwali Gala, Finding Light Through the Darkness, celebrating South Asian Mental Health! 

Join us for this party with a purpose at City Hall in West Loop   as we raise money to support causes that push our community forward around mental health and wellness.

Attire: South Asian Festive

Purchase Tickets HERE

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Nov
7

2024 Diwali Fundraiser: Finding Light Through the Darkness

Join us for Chicago's 2nd Annual Diwali Fundraiser, Finding Light Through the Darkness, celebrating South Asian Mental Health! Join us for this party with a purpose at City Hall in West Loop as we raise money to support causes that push our community forward around mental health and wellness.

Attire: South Asian Festive

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Guys & Chai: Storytelling Social Hour
Jun
20

Guys & Chai: Storytelling Social Hour

We’re back with our first Storytelling Happy Hour Social at @chiyachai on Thursday, June 20th. Register now and bring a friend for FREE - details in bio!

This event will offer a space to connect, learn, and reflect with a mental health-focused community. It will include an awe-inspiring conversation with Yash Hatkar, @hattiestandup , filmmaker, artist, and mental health advocate and Amit Shah, @shahstyleguide, fashion entrepreneur and founder of @aveindiadesignchicago!

We could not bring this event to you with the collaboration between @brownmantherapy and @thechicagokasam and Chiya Chai Cafe! Looking forward to seeing you soon!

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Breaking The Silence Episode 1 Part 2 Screening
Jun
6

Breaking The Silence Episode 1 Part 2 Screening

Join us for a screening of Episode 1, Part 2 with Ankur Varma from Brown Man Therapy, followed by a Q&A session moderated by Palak Sheth. Featuring Ankur Varma, the founder of Brown Man Therapy, and Sumit Shukla, the cofounder of SAAFC and co-creator of BTS.

Refreshments & Food provided!
Limited RSVPs Available.

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