KPI Aug 2003 - Kashmiri Overseas Association

THE KASHMIRI PANDIT INTERNATIONAL (KPI) 

Newsletter of Kashmiri Overseas Association, Inc. 

E-mail: koausa@koausa.org web site: http://www.koausa.org/ 

No: 52 August, 2003 

KOA Pesident’s Message ------------------------------------------ 2 

KOA Awards & Recognitions ----------------------------------- 3 

KOA National Camp 2003 Report -------------------------- 4,5,6 

KOA Election Committee -------------------------------------------- 7 

KOA Distributes Relief Among Nadimarg Victims -------7 

Visiting Artist - Kailash Mehra Sadhu ------------------------ 8 

IN THIS ISSUE 

KOA Zonal Directors Election Nomination Form ----- 9,10 

KOA Scholar Program ----------------------------------------- 11,12 

Zonal Reports ----------------------------------------- 13,14,15,16,17 

Kashmiri Pandits Martyr’s Day----------------------------------- 17 

Community News and Events -------------------------------- 18,19 

Editorial Board: 

Sanjay Kaul, MA (781) 893-4982 

Deepak Ganju, FL (305) 757-8251 

© 2000 Kashmiri Kashmiri Overseas Overseas Association 

Association. Association All Rights Reserved. 

Contents of the Newsletter should not be copied or reproduced in any form or context without the written permission of KOA and/or the Authors. 

Articles or opinions expressed are from individual writers and are in no way official position or representation of KOA or any of its office bearers.

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN 

Namaskar! 

Recently concluded KOA 

Annual Camp 2003 at 

Moodus, Connecticut was a 

great success; we had close 

to seventy-five plus families 

at the camp. As usual it was 

reminiscent of a Kashmiri 

Khander. The biggest 

achievement at the camp 

was the participation of 

around 30 community youth, 

most of whom had come on 

their own to participate. This 

definitely is a welcome sign 

and we are looking forward 

to their continued participation and involvement in community 

and organizational affairs. Annual camp not only serves as a 

social gathering, it also serves the purpose of bringing the 

community together. In addition to socializing, many issues 

facing the community were also discussed. KOA held its annual 

general body meeting at the camp. We received very 

encouraging comments and suggestions from all members. 

At the camp, KOA launched a book titled, “Destruction and 

Injustice – The Tribulations of Kashmiri Pandits” It provides a 

historical perspective of Kashmir problem with all the factual 

information. This book is available to all members. If you 

would like to have a copy, we would appreciate if you donated 

$10 to KOA to cover printing and mailing charges. 

This summer, members in other parts of the country organized 

similar camps, one in Bay Area (Zone 9), one in the Pittsburgh 

area (Zone 3), one in Texas (Zone 5) and one in Chicago (Zone 

7). I urge members in other parts of this country to organize 

similar regional camps. In this regard, I have been urging 

various Zonal Directors to work together to make regional 

camps a reality. I will work hard on it and hope to have more 

regional camps in other regions next year. 

Last year we started a “Scholarship Award” for Students in 

the USA. Under this program, a one-time achievement award 

will be given to Kashmiri Pandit college bound students living 

in the USA. Initially, it is planned to give out a total of 4 such 

awards. This year we did not receive any applications but I am 

hoping that our college bound youth will apply for this award 

for next year. 

Towards the year-end, we plan to come out with an updated 

International Member Directory, therefore, please have your 

membership information updated. Please check with your Zone 

Director/ Chapter President about it. It is my request to you; 

please check your information as well as of those who you 

know. If you know of someone (your relations, friends, and 

acquaintances) who is not yet a member, please urge him or 

her to send in their information to KOA. 

Shri Rajinder Kaul of WA heads KOA’s membership drive 

effort. All unpaid members are contacted through regular mail, 

e-mail or phone to renew their membership. Your mailing label 

shows the year until which your membership is paid, if un-paid 

for the current year, I urge you not to procrastinate, mail in 

your dues and claim your free CD, “Poozai Posh.” Your 

membership dues and generous donations help the association 

to run its activities and programs. 

As you know, we launched a new interactive web site last 

year (koausa.org interactive pages). At this web site we have 

added web transaction facility to make it easier for our members 

to pay their dues as well as to make donations for various 

KOA programs. Many members have made use of this facility. 

I encourage you to make use of it in future. Also, we have 

been constantly updating this web site to make it more userfriendly 

and useful to our members by catering to their needs. 

Please check out the matrimonial section, business connections 

section, live content section and community events listing. It is 

designed in a way to be most useful to our community in 

providing information related to our community. Its purpose is 

to make it possible for our community members to exchange 

news, views, provide business connections, and to facilitate 

exchange of information regarding issues facing our community. 

If you have not registered at this site yet, please do so now. I 

would like you to go visit this site (koausa.org - interactive 

pages) and register there as site members. 

A one-day youth camp was held for our youth on the West 

Coast, my sincere thanks to Seema Mattoo and Monica Bhat 

for organizing that camp. 

Under our new initiatives, this fall, we intend to start an, ‘Essay 

Contest’ for our youth. This new competition intends to promote 

youth interest in their Kashmiri roots, and provide a platform 

for them to share their thoughts and work with the community. 

In the last quarter, KOA had three fun-raising efforts going on. 

The effort for KOA Medical fund headed by Maharaj Kaul of 

NY, helped raise $8,500. The effort for FACT exhibit in New 

Delhi headed by Arun Koul, of MA, helped raise $2,250. The 

effort for Nadimarg victims helped raise $2,500. My sincere 

thanks to all donors. 

From time to time, KOA gets requests for medical and financial 

help, we always try to help to the best of our ability, which is 

only possible with your donations, please donate generously. 

My sincere thanks to those who have helped with generous 

donations in the past. 

Shri Pran Kaul of CA (contact:510-795-9641/ 

pkaul@slac.stanford.edu), and Shri Tej Kaul of NY (contact: 

716-773-3416/tkaul@adelphia.net), are both running fund 

raising drives for Sponsor-A-Child and Educational Assistance 

programs respectively, if you need more information about these 

programs, call or e-mail them. If you are already a sponsor, 

thank you, if you are not, please join and help the less fortunate 

members of the community. No one else but you can help. 

Please provide financial support for these and other programs. 

On the cultural exchange front, as you know, we had Mrs. 

Kailash Mehra Sadhu of Jammu, who came and toured the 

USA from July 16 to September 2. She performed at twelve 

places in the US for our members. Everywhere she performed, 

members liked and enjoyed her show. 

From time to time, all KOA chapters hold social and cultural 

functions; I have and will continue to travel to various places/ 

chapters to meet membership. It gives me an opportunity to 

present my plans for the organization and receive comments 

and suggestions from the members. 

All KOA activities and programs are going on as planned and 

as per schedule. Soon it will be election time for KOA office 

bearers. Election are due for the positions of five board 

members/Zone Director for 2004-2005 term, these are: Zone 

2, Zone 5, Zone 7, Zone 9, and Zone 10. It is my request to 

you, when the time comes, please nominate and elect 

those members who can devote time and effort for the 

community / organization and are action oriented. The 

organization can only be as good as the input going into it. 

Please volunteer your time and effort for the organization; 

nothing can be achieved without your active involvement and 

participation. Finally, please feel free to call me or any member 

of my team with your questions, comments and suggestions or 

simply to express your support. Together we will make a 

difference. May God bless our community? Namaskar! 

Sanjay Kaul, Boston, MA 

*************************************************** 

2

Awards and Recognitions 

KOA has a tradition of recognizing members 

for their contribution to the community and 

the organization. It is our way of saying 

“Thank You.” Every year, recommendations are 

received from the board members and then a final 

selection is made. Thisyear following eleven persons 

(including five youth members) were selected for recognition at 

the KOA General Body Meeting 2003 for their efforts: 

1. Smriti Nakhasi (MD): For her selfless effort and 

dedication in pursuing KOA’s initiative of Kashmir Language 

Institute and for organizing the second Kashmiri Culture and 

Language Course for young adults in 2002. 

2. Preeti Wali (NY): For her selfless effort and 




3. Vikram Dhar (NY): For his selfless effort and 




4. Seema Mattoo (CA): For her outstanding community 

service, for her passion and selfless dedication to preserving 

Kashmiri culture and for organizing the first and second Kashmiri 

Youth Camp in Southern California. 

5. Monica Bhat (CA): For her outstanding community 

service, for her passion and selfless dedication to preserving 

Kashmiri culture and for organizing the first and second Kashmiri 

Youth Camp in Southern California. 

6. Vijay Kaul (FL): For his dedication to community 

work, and for his leadership and efforts for the KOA organization. 

He served on the KOA board as a Director from Zone 1 for 4 

years (1999-2002). His outstanding efforts have brought the 

community closer together in KOA Zone 1. 

7. Sarla Warikoo (NJ): For her dedication to community 

work, for her efforts to preserve Kashmiri culture, and for her 

efforts for the KOA organization. She served on the KOA board 

as a Director from Zone 3 for 3 years (2000-2002). 

8. Suman K. Hukku (MI): For community service and 

leadership in maintaining democratic values of KOA’s election 

process. Shri Hukku served as the Chief Election Officer of KOA 

for the last two years (2001-2003). He ran the process very 

professionally and meticulously. He along with the other members 

of his team spent numerous hours of their time in addressing 

several procedural issues relating to the elections. 

9. Monika Dhar (Rangroo) (CA): Monika launched 

Kashmiri language classes for young children and adults in Bay 

Area. She also led Kashmiri cooking sessions by setting up 

cooking workshops on weekends at the homes of different KP 

families. Her initiatives in these two areas have helped preserve 

the KP culture among Bay area residents. 

10. Sudha Kaul: For her dedication and contribution 

towards preserving Kashmiri culture 

11. Sandeep and Bhawna Sadhu (MA): For their 

outstanding efforts and dedication in organizing the KOA 2003 

Annual Camp at Moodus, CT 

NEXT YEAR’s CAMP 

Next year, KOA’s Annual Camp will be held from 

Friday July 2 through Monday July 5. Please mark your 

calendars a year in advance. It is our appeal to the 

community not to plan their social functions around this 

community event. 

Members who come to the KOA Annual Camp have 

always enjoyed it and want it to continue. But, there is one 

problem, not many come forward to organize the camp and to 

look for new campsite. I understand that it is not an easy task 

and involves lots of responsibility, but unless one of us comes 

forward to do it, it won’t happen by itself. Therefore, I request 

you to come forward and volunteer your services for organizing 

the KOA Annual Camp. 

I have asked following people/groups to look for a place 

for next year’s camp. 1) Umesh Kaul, Vinod Raina, Anil 

Kachru, Hari Bhat, and Rakesh Kaul to explore camping areas 

in Eastern PA, NJ and NY area 2) Ravi Raina, from Canada, 

to look around Buffalo area in upstate NY, 3) Arvind Mattoo, 

Bipin Kaul, Upender Bhat of Pittsburgh area to explore camping 

areas in Western PA. 

If members do not come forward to find a new 

campground and help organize such a camp, we will either 

have “No Camp” or have no choice but to organize the 

camp again at Moodus, CT. I am requesting all interested 

members to come forward and suggest other alternatives/places 

and help in locating a good campground and organizing the 

camp. Thanks. 

Sanjay Kaul, President, KOA 

KOA General Body Meeting 

KOA held a “General Body Meeting” of its members at Moodus, CT 

on Saturday, July 5, 2003 at 6:00 pm. The president of the association 

Shri Sanjay Kaul welcomed all the members and declared the general 

body meeting open. The purpose of the GB meeting was to provide 

information to members and also respond to questions. In addition, 

suggestions and comments from the membership at large were sought. 

Agenda for the meeting included: 1) Board of Directors election 2002 

results, 2) Introduction of Board members, 3) Introduction of Executive 

Committee members, 4) Membership statistics, 5) Status of KOA 

activities for membership in the USA which include: Calendar, Member 

Directory, Newsletter, Kasheer Magazine, Kashmiri Sunday Schools 

for age group 5 to 14 year olds, Kashmiri Institute-Language classes 

for age group 18+, US Scholarship Program, Youth Group and 

development of a website for youth, Chapter Activities, Internet 

Activity, Camps in other regions, Cultural activities-inviting artists 

and activists from India 6) Status of KOA activities to help community 

members in India especially Jammu, programs include: Educational 

Assistance Program, Sponsor-A-Child Program, Udhampur School, 

and Financial help to Needy, 7) Financial Report, 8) Plans for next 

year 9) Awards and Recognition 10) Question and Answer. At this 

meeting there was no agenda item that needed general body vote, if 

need be in future, general body vote will be conducted through 

postal ballots. After the Q & A session, president thanked all those 

who were present and declared the KOA general body meeting closed. 

Anupam Wali, Secretary, KOA 

*********************************************************** 

3

KOA Income and Expanse Statement 

December 31, 2002" 

Beginning Balance $ 69,726.00 

Income $122,265.00 

Expenses $110,595.00 

Ending Balance $ 81,396.00 

Details 

Operating Income 

Membership $21,000.00 

Koshur Calendar $ 5,400.00 

Kasheer Magazine $ 300.00 

New Year Card, Magazine, Dir. $ 5,300.00 

Funds Raised for CD $ 1,600.00 

Udhampur School $ 1,400.00 

Kashmir Institute $ 2,200.00 

General Donation $ 8,900.00 

Interest $ 115.00 

Programs 

Sponsor-a-Child (S-A-C) $28,200.00 

Education-Fund $40,600.00 

Help-to-Needy $ 7,250.00 

Total $122,265.00 

Operating Expenses 

(Note: Based on Checks Cashed in 2002) 

Sponsor-a-Child (S-A-C) $25,000.00 

Education-Fund $35,500.00 

Help-to -Needy (8 Families) $ 4,250.00 

Back to Zones $ 1,807.00 

Language & Culture course at D.C. $ 4,137.00 

Youth Camp at Los Angeles $ 305.00 

Rishi Memorial School -Udhampur $ 2,000.00 

Website: Domain name & site hosting $ 948.00 

K.O.A. Board Mtg. Teleconferences $ 916.00 

DVD ‘And the world remained silent’1 $ 100.00 

Camp souvenir for National, CA, TX camps 400.00 

Travel Expenses/ Artist from India $ 2,236.00 

Printing & Postage 2001/2002 (Newsletters, Calendar, 

Directory, New Year’s Card) $28,639.00 

Other Postage costs $ 989.00 

Money Returned to donor (S-A-C Program) $100.00 

Misc. Camp Photo development $ 227.00 

CPA Fees $ 225.00 

Bank Fees/Returned Check etc $ 2,816.00 

Total $110,595.00 

4 

KOA CAMP REPORTS 

Summer is the time for socializing and having fun. To provide 

such an opportunity for our members, KOA organized three 

camping events around July 4 th weekend. Here are the details: 

1. Southern California Youth Camp: 

The Second Annual KOA Youth Camp was held from June 14 

- 15 th . It was held at the Lake Cachuma Camp grounds in 

Santa Barbara County, California for Kashmiri youth, 16-35 

years of age. My sincere thanks to Seema Mattoo and Monica 

Bhatt, both from S. California for organizing this youth camp. 

**************************************** 

2. Northern California Camp: 

Northern California Chapter of KOA organized a three-day 

camp at Lake Tahoe from July 3 - July 6, 2003. Apart from 

having a good time, it offered a great opportunity for the 

participants to meet other members of the community. My 

sincere thanks to the organizers and the local chapter for 

organizing this camp. Souvenirs were given out to all 

participating families. More information will be provided when 

available from the organizers and the participants. 

**************************************** 

3. Annual National Camp: 

Pictures from the KOA National Camp: Pictures are 

available: 1. Courtesy of Mr.Umesh Kaul (NJ). To view, please 

visit http://www.ukaul.com/KoaCamp2003.html, 2. Courte sy 

Mr. Anurag Harsh (MA). He has uploaded some camp (and 

concert) photos on www.anuragmalvika.com (the photos are 

in the first hyperlink called Kashmiri National Camp 2003). 

Re-live the memories and enjoy. Photos are compressed to fit 

in the limited space available on Yahoo. 

KOA National Camp 2003 at Moodus in Connecticut was a 

great success. About 75 families with a total of about 300 

members participated representing three continents (Asia, 

Europe and North America). Members mostly from India, 

Canada and the U.S.A (17 States) were there. It was an 

exciting weekend with lots of interesting activities and was a 

fun and memorable time for all those who attended. Like 

everyone else, my family enjoyed a lot; we had a wonderful 

time and enjoyed the camp thoroughly. Congratulations to 

Sandeep & Bhawna Sadhu and their team for all the work that 

must have gone into it. Special thanks are due to Ravi Tickoo 

(MA) for spending lots of his time on registration while rest of 

us were enjoying and to Jaani Kaul (CT) for coordinating most 

of the activities. Every step was very well organized. Catered 

food was excellent (thanks to Mr. Sanjeev Dhar and his Kabob 

& Curry restaurant); it made all the difference. None of us 

had to spend time in the kitchen, instead it was spent socializing 

and interacting with each other. This year we had a large

number of youth and young-adults, who came to this camp and 

actively participated, which is a welcome sign for the community. 

Highlights of the camp this year included: 

First Day - Kashmiri Skit & Antakshri by Boston 

Group, “Tribute to legends” by Rakesh Kaul (NJ), and many 

others gave solo performances; talented people who added 

substance to cultural shows include: Renu Gupta Kaul (NY), 

Neeru Ganju (MA), Raj Koul (MA), Dilaram Kachru (Canada) 

and many many more. 

Second Day – Action Plan for Kashmiri Pandits, a 

KOA ideology presented by Arun Koul (MA), Update on what 

is being done with IAKF report by Sandeep Kaul (NJ), Fun 

day for children with water slides, Dunk tank etc, Book reading 

by Sudha Koul, Children’s cultural show coordinated by Arti 

Kaul and evening musical program by Anurag Harsh was a 

delight. 

Third Day – A hawan for peaceful return to our 

motherland was appreciated by all, coordinated by Deep & 

Usha Kaul (CT), Sports activities for children, Group discussion 

on cultural-preservation issue by youth; and, above all a musical 

evening performance by Arti Kaul (Tiku) sent us all down the 

memory lane, her melodious voice was a treat to hear. Special 

thanks to Harhal Tolley for accompanying all artists on Tabla. 

Bata-Batni photographs coordinated by Babuji (Sh. T.N.Tiku) 

and the cricket match were both big hits. KOA General Body 

Meeting was also held in the evening. KOA launched a book 

titled, “Destruction and Injustice – The Tribulations of Kashmiri 

Pandits” It provides a historical perspective of Kashmir problem 

with all the factual information. This book is available to all 

members. It is asked that members donate $10 to KOA to 

cover printing and mailing charges. 

I appreciate members coming from far off places 

including CA, MI, IL, MO, FL, TX, and WI to participate. 

Finally, thanks to all the participants whose presence at the 

camp made it such a wonderful and memorable event? 

Many people at the camp took video coverage; special 

thanks are due to Ashish Goja for covering the whole event. 

We intend to compile video coverage of the whole event and 

then make it available to members, many people have asked 

for it. 

Our youth had produced a T-shirt, which was sold to 

raise funds for youth activities. Many other members donated 

books and other materials, which were sold at the camp to 

raise funds for various activities of KOA. Many other members 

donated money for various KOA programs. I thank each and 

every one from the bottom of my heart. 

Thanks to all participants for making these efforts a 

success. May God bless our community? 

Sanjay Kaul 

*********************************************** 

2nd Annual Southern California Youth Camp 

Few young adults wrote to me about their experience at the 

2nd Annual Southern California Youth Camp. They include: 

Nisha Hakhu & Natasha Bhat and Amit Kak. From what I 

have heard about this camp, it seems like they all had a good 

time and a great experience. My sincere thanks to Seema 

Mattoo and Monica Bhat for organizing this camp and to Mrs 

5 

Anjali Bhat (Zone 10 Director) for providing them all the help. 

— Sanjay 

***** Nisha Hakhu and Natasha Bhat wrote:***** 

We, Nisha and Natasha, just wanted to write to you 

and let you know about our experience at the annual Southern 

California KOA Youth Camp. Natasha and I traveled from 

Northern California to attend the camp. We were greeted with 

a warm welcome and weekend full of fun, games and 

adventures. We really enjoyed meeting new people and 

camping, hiking and boating on beautiful Lake Cachuma. 

We just wanted to let everyone know that we had a 

wonderful experience and are definitely going attend in the 

future. We would also like to host the next California Youth 

Camp in Northern California and we love to have other people 

visit from all parts of the country. Thank you, 

************ Amit Kak wrote:*************** 

From little campfire games, to discussions on culture 

and splashing water on each other in the boat, the Second 

Annual Southern California Youth Camp had it all. It was held 

at the Lake Cachuma Camp grounds in Santa Barbara County, 

a place very carefully chosen by the organizers (Seema 

Mattoo/Monica Bhatt). It had the perfect mix of camping 

facilities and water sports. Details about this recreation facility 

are available at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/Cachuma.html. 

The participants had all been well informed about the 

place and the plan of action. Everyone was excited to be a 

part of this event that has started to gain momentum since last 

year when the first annual Southern California youth camp 

was held in the San Bernadino Mountains. 

We started with pitching our tents at the optimal niches 

and some warm-up hikes. Then we were in for some 

adventures with the barbecue grill! Most of us initially fumbled 

but finally managed to start a blazing fire. This was followed 

by an instrumental music fusion by some of us in the 

background, while others chopped and seasoned veggies for 

the fajita mix and still others roasted chicken and corn on the 

grill. 

Later in the beautifully moonlit night, we started playing 

games around the campfire. Games from Charades to Jeopardy 

to “Guess the Theme” to Black Jack and Bluff were all keeping 

people entertained. It was fun to watch Nisha acting out for 

her team to guess the word “her” and “street”. So was Sean’s 

“Russia”! We had some adventures with lighting marshmallows 

on fire too (we were supposed to be making s’mores but often 

ended up burning our marshmallows; a rooky mistake, we’re 

told). As we talked and talked, people started trickling off to 

bed. Soon it was 2:00 AM. But Ankur, Amit and Sean wanted 

to have even more fun! So they started more rounds of lateral 

thinking “Guess the Theme” games and ghost stories till 6:30 

AM. 

On Sunday, we started making pancakes (of all 

shapes!) for our morning breakfast. Apart from regular circular 

ones, there were the hexagonal pancakes; the square ones 

and even a fish shaped one. We had a yummy breakfast of 

pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, 

with scrambled eggs and cinnamon-raisin bread on the side. 

The early part of Sunday was spent discussing suggestions 

about how to make the youth camp an annual event that would

eally help keep the KOA youth of California in touch with 

each other after the camp, and how to increase participation 

even further. Seema also passed around information packets 

about the national Kashmiri Youth Group (KYG) and their web 

discussion groups. 

Then came the most fun part of the camp — boating 

on Lake Cachuma! We rented a motorboat and started cruising 

around the lake. It was a great day with pleasant sunshine and 

we enjoyed the spray of water on our faces as our boat cruised 

in circles around the lake. Natasha quickly mastered all the 

controls and we all took turns maneuvering the boat. People 

also started splashing water on each other and soon almost 

everyone was drenched! We often stopped the boat for a while 

and just flowed with the current, as we basked in the warm 

sun eating Oreos and watermelon. 

At about 3:00 PM, we came back and assembled 

around a little picnic table in the park overlooking the water. 

We had some tasty snacks and cracked jokes about the lake 

water being warm and stuff. On the whole it was a great 

camp and everyone was really happy that we had made it there 

and had so much fun. We hope to have even more fun next 

year! 

Our thanks to Seema Mattoo and Monica Bhatt for 

planning this event and making sure that it went smoothly and 

that everyone was comfortable. They put a lot of effort into 

planning this camp and all the background details too, for which 

we thank them. Lastly, we want to thank all the participants 

who drove hundreds of miles just to be a part of this event. 

We hope to hold the next camp in Northern California 

to facilitate greater participation from that area. We look 

forward to keeping this annual Youth Camp tradition going! 

********************************************** 

KOA Camp in Zone 7, June, 2003 

Finally this year we had a small camp outside Chicago 

at Devils Lake Wisconsin. The Devils Lake is a beautiful place 

in the mountains of Wisconsin; this place is equidistant for 

Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Iowa etc. 

The idea about having camp has been there for long 

times, it was always being talked about. This year our chapter 

president and vice chapter president in Chicago with the help 

of other volunteers took the initiative and made it come true. 

The camp started on the Friday night, June 6 th , 2003 with a 

caravan of cars driving down the expressways from Chicago 

to Devils Lake Wisconsin. There was a campfire on Friday 

night where around 5-6 families took place and most of the 

families started arriving on Saturday June 7 th 2003. At the 

campfire there were a number of activities likes songs dancing, 

bhajans etc. On Saturday, most of the people arrived by 10 – 

11.00 am and they started setting up the tents. Mostly families 

got together went for water boating, hiking, and swimming on 

the beach. People who did not go to beach etc. played a lot of 

cricket and soccer. The soccer teams were designated by hair 

vs people with no hair. The delicious food was arranged for 

lunch and dinner, everybody felt home. As the Sun started 

setting, all the families gathered around the campfire and 

Kashmiri songs, bhajans and kids playing gestures and adults 

played Antakshri. This went on for a long time. The rule at 

Devils lake is that there is a quite time after 11.00 PM, so it 

ended at 10.00 followed by delicious food. 

The weather was not very cooperative during these 

three days, during the night of Saturday it rained heavily and 

the water was inside some of the families’ tents, but in the 

morning it became clear but with drizzling off and on. On 

6 

Sunday, plan was to perform the hawan, with the help of Sunil 

Bahkshi, Ramesh Wali, Satish Bhatt and Rajinder Koul, who 

set up the canopy and the hawan kund, finally due the God’s 

grace at the time of the hawan it was clear and lot of people of 

who did not camp to participate in the hawan. Thanks to Sushma 

Koul of Wisconsin who had coordinated the Pundit ji, who did 

a marvelous job. After the hawan naveed was distributed 

among all people, the souvenirs from KOA were also distributed 

to the families, thanks to our President Sanjay Kaul. 

Finally after everybody had naveed, all of us together 

drove back to our homes, again a caravan from Devils Lake to 

Chicago started. This was full of fun and excitement. 

Sanjay Bhat, Director Zone 7 

*********************************************** 

News from Chicago 

A few Kahmiri youths got together and went to Daily Herald 

in Chicago and told them the suffering of KP’s in Kashmir, 

here is the link for the article. A must read http:// 

www.dailyherald.com/special/passagefromindia/ 

paradiselost.asp 

Sanjay Bhat (Chicago) 

KOA Website 

We have added a new section “Live Content” on 

our interactive website. All members of our 

community can post their birth, engagement, 

marriage and other announcements as well as post 

any condolence & obituary message. 

Please visit koausa.org (inter-active pages) at: http:/ 

/www.kashmirgroup.com/kpi/anno_rep_index.jsp. 

Please check out this site and Sign-up as a sitemember 

and be part of the worldwide KP community, 

our home away from home. In future, all community 

members are requested to post any of their 

announcements directly at this website and it will 

then be published in our KPI Newsletter as well. 

Sachin Tendulkar operated by a KP 

If you are a cricket fan, you 

would know that Sachin 

Tendulkar was operated 

recently in Sinai hospital, 

Baltimore. This is to inform 

you that one of our 

community member 

Pankaj Kaw MD had the 

privilege to be part of the 

operating team and he was 

one of the 3 Hand 

surgeons selected to be 

part of the privileged team. 

Sachin was under his direct care before, during and after the 

operation. His operation (Hand surgery) was successful and 

he should no longer suffer from the constant pain that he had 

in his fingers.

KOA Election Committee 

Namaskar! As you know KOA’s current Election Committee, 

comprising of Shri Suman Hukku (Chairperson) Shri Chaman 

Bhan (Member) Smt. Sunita Kaul (Member), was formed in 

2001 for a term of two years. Since their term is ending, KOA 

has to have a new Election Committee in place. Forming the 

election committee is part of our By-Laws. 

Traditionally, choosing of this committee has rotated 

between various KOA zones. This time I wanted to bring this 

honor to Southern part of the country and I recommended to 

the KOA Board names of Shri Anil Kaul of Zone 5 as the 

Chairperson of this committee and Shri Roop Bhan and Shri 

Rahul Jalali both from Zone 5 as the members of this 

committee. All three are well-respected members of the 

community, long standing members of the organization and 

current paid members. Shri Anil Kaul has served on the KOA’s 

board as the director from Zone 5 in early nineties. Having 

served as an office bearer, he understands the working of the 

organization, knows KOA’s election process and understands 

the by-laws of the organization. It stands true for Shri Roop 

Bhan and Shri Rahul Jalali as well, as they are also very active 

members of the community. 

KOA Board members took a vote and all the board 

members approved appointment of the nominated members. It 

is my privilege to announce the appointment of Shri Anil Kaul 

as the Chairperson and Shri Roop Bhan and Shri Rahul Jalali 

as the members of KOA’s election committee. Their term is 

for 2 years ending in July 2005. I look forward to working with 

them. 

I have contacted Sh. Anil Kaul, he along with Roopji 

and Rahulji are very willing and excited to take up this challenge 

for the organization. 

Also, I wish to express my sincere thanks to the past 

election committee comprising of Shri Suman Hukku (Chair), 

Shri Chaman Bhan (Member) and Sunita Kaul (Member), for 

conducting KOA’s election process in a very just and fair 

manner. They set up much precedence and in doing so have 

glorified the organization. 

For any further information please feel free to call me 

at 781-893-4982. May God bless our community? 


Raksha Bandhan 

Raksha Bandhan Purnima 

was celebrated on August 12. 

Raksha Bhandhan stirs up one of the 

deepest and noblest emotions in the 

human heart – the abiding and chaste 

bond of love between the brother 

and sister. Indians celebrate this 

festival throughout the world. 

In the ancient past, a Guru would initiate his disciple 

with a short ceremony by tying an orange or red thread on 

the right wrist of the disciple. Likewise a purohit ties a thread 

around the wrist of a householder at the beginning of a puja. 

This thread is called Raksha (protection) or Rakhi. It is 

incumbent upon one to protect the other. In later times women 

began to tie “Rakhi” to men, especially sisters to their 

brothers. At times, a women would tie Rakhi to a person 

other than her brother treating him as a Dhram-Bhai. A 

Dharam-Bhai would then regard and respect that woman 

as a sister for the rest of his life. The tying of “Rakhi” does 

not only imply the Raksha (protection) of the female but 

also of the male or the brother. This brother and sister 

relationship highlighted by “Rakhi” goes well beyond the 

mere personal protection; it also implies the basic elements 

of an amicable and harmonious social life where all members 

of the society look upon themselves as brothers and sisters 

and as children of a common ancestry or motherland. 

7 

KOA Distributes Relief Among Nadimarg Victims 

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 11: To help their brethren 

and express their solidarity with those who are in distress and pain, 

the Kashmir Overseas Association (KOA), distributed relief cheques 

and ceiling fans among the victims of Nadimarg carnage, at a simple 

function held at Muthi Migrant Camp, Phase Two, near here this 

evening. 

Mr Amitab Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University was the chief 

guest on the occasion who handed over these cheques to the 

survivors of the tragedy. Besides the relief cheques, the students of 

the victims were also provided the scholarships. 

Mr Divender Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Relief, hailed the KOA’s 

efforts in providing assistance to the displaced people from Valley. 

He expressed the hope that the organization will continue to help the 

hapless people in future too. 

While paying homage to the victims Prof Mattoo in his speech said 

that, hoping against hope, these victims were still living in Kashmir 

after the mass exodus. He said all of us have to introspect that how 

can we contribute and help these victims. Instead of showing 

helplessness, we have to muster courage to face the odds and work 

against them, he added. He maintained that survival of pluralism in 

this country is dependent on the survival of this community and 

when we work together, we can definitely overcome such odds. Prof 

Muttoo said we have not to give up hope as we have faced many 

odds in past and every time we overcame them and survived. He 

expressed the hope that this time we will also overcome them. 

Addressing the gathering, Dr K L Choudhary, said terrorists and 

their sympathizers have left such scars on the community, which will 

never be healed. He said we all are victims of terrorism and regretted 

that Government has deprived this hapless community of the muchhyped 

healing touch policy. Healing touch was given to people in 

Kargil and Anantnag but this community was not considered. He 

said, the community has to take a lesson and do something itself for 

such people who are in distress and pain. He, however hailed the 

KOA for coming to the help of such community people from time to 

time. 

In his address, PK Convener, Dr Agnishekhar said that Kashmir is 

passing through a period of darkness and all the torchbearers have 

to unite. He said the situation is very grave in Kashmir that we have 

to work unitedly for bringing the people out of the mess. 

Prof A N Sadhoo, Ex HOD Economics J U also expressed his total 

solidarity with the victims’ families and assured them all help. He 

said, we have to hope for the better and face the odds boldly while 

expressing the hope that the period of uncertainty will end soon. 

The vote of thanks was proposed by Ramesh Bhat, a social activist. 

He suggested that care be taken about pysco traumatic cases and 

those families who lost their earning members in accidents or due to 

natural deaths and have no body to look after them. Mr K N Wangoo 

a social activist also spoke on the occasion. 

Earlier Mr Vivek Raina, a young and dedicated representative/liaison 

of KOA in J&K read the message of KOA chief, Sanjay Kaul. He also 

highlighted the role of the organization. Vivek Raina, assured all help 

on behalf of the KOA to the hapless people of displaced community. 

Vivek, who is himself a victim of Kashmir militancy, said that from a 

wide population, the Kashmiri Hindu’s now remain just a speck on 

the demographic chart of Kashmir valley. “ We believe that such 

massacres are not just an issue of cross border terrorism, but 

prolonged genocide planed, funded, inspired and materially aide by 

Pakistan”, Raina said while reading Sanjay Kaul, president KOA’s 

message.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE 

Visiting Artist – Kailash Mehra Sadhu 

Arti Kaul Tiku joined Kailashji for a few songs and they 

remembered their times together doing it for Radio Kashmir. Also, 

at Boston, Kailashji met with the family of Late Shri Moti Lal 

Saaqi. She sang few of his songs and dedicated them to his 

memory. 

At every place, the concerts were organized with great 

professionalism. All the organizers, musicians who accompanied 

her at these concerts, and those who received and hosted her 

during her trip have contributed in many ways to make her tour a 

great success. I want to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Kailash 

Mehra Sadhu for a brilliant performance at every place, and to 

thank others who made it possible for us to arrange her program. 

People who organized her program and the places where she 

performed include: 

Arti Kaul, Cultural Secretary, KOA for overall coordination 

Sanjay Bhat & Rabinder Koul, Chicago 

Arvind Mattoo, Pittsburgh 

Anita Kaul, Houston 

Sujata Qusba, Washington, D.C. 

Based on the popular demand for getting an artist of Deepak Ganju, Miami 

repute from India to come and perform for our members, this Ravi Pandita, Sacramento, 

year, we arranged for Mrs. Kailash Mehra Sadhu to come and Vijay Chowdhury, San Francisco 

tour the USA and Canada. Kailashji came to Boston on July 16 Anjali Bhat, Los Angeles 

from Jammu, where she now lives along with her family. During Sunanda Vashisht, Denver 

her tour, she performed at twelve different places in the US Pradumon Ticku, Veena Kaul, Detroit 

giving 13 concerts and then went to Canada and gave two Hari Bhat, Maharaj Kaul, Sandeep Kaul, and Nirja 

concerts at Toronto (programs coordinated by KOA Canada). Khashu, NY/NJ area 

After successfully completing her tour she left back for India Sulochna Ticku, Bhawna Sadhu, Boston 

on September 2 from Toronto. Every place where she HN Nehru, Manju Bhat, Toronto, Canada 

performed, community members liked and enjoyed her singing. 

As our Cultural Secretary Mrs. Arti Kaul put it, “Kailash is the Following families hosted her during her stay here: 

true voice of Kashmir.” Kailashji took the audience at every 

place down the memory lane to Kashmir and kept it spellbound Rabinder & Rajni Koul, Chicago, IL 

and glued to their seats with her dazzling and enchanting Ashok & Veena Dhar, Pittsburgh, PA 

performances. Maharaj Kaul of NY said, “The power of Kailash Kuldeep & Veena Kaul, Anil & Seema Kachru, 

Mehra’s singing lies in its enormous range, texture, variety, and Houston, TX 

nuance. She is truly Kashmir’s Lata Mangeshkar. Though of a Lalit & Nina Wanchoo, Pamposh Rajat & Shakuntala 

small build Kailashji can produce a voice that is booming and Malik, Washington, D. C. 

towering, if the song demands it be so. Just by listening to one Deepak & Chandermukhi Ganju, Miami, FL 

concert of hers one gets an idea of her long immersion in music Ravinder & Babita Pandita, Sacremento, CA 

– training as well as experience. She sang the immortal folk Ashok & Reena Moza, Milpitas, CA 

songs, popular songs, and meditative songs. She even threw a Suraj & Anjali Bhat, Los Angeles, CA 

couple of ghazals, showing us that she could have had the Ashish & Sunanda Vashisht, Denver, CO 

whole concert in that genre of singing. But it were the folk Pradumon & Anita Tiku, LN & Jeeta Raina, Detroit, MI 

songs that drilled through our hearts by their universality, Maharaj & Mohini Kaul, Suffern, NY 

simplicity, and haunting melody. 

Sanjay & Bela Kaul, Boston, MA 

To recognize Kailashji for her contribution to preserve Vijay & Usha Kaul Toronto, Canada 

Kashmiri Art & Culture, KOA awarded her a plaque in that I know that there were many more community members 

regard. Kailashji dedicated her US tour to her Guru Pandit who were involved with organizing and making arrangements, 

Shambu Nath Sopori, who currently lives in Denver, CO. At their contribution helped make it a big success. I thank them all. 

her concert in Denver, Sopori Sahib joined her on Tanpura, a I am sure that the local organizers have conveyed their 

rare treat for the audience. 

appreciation to all those who lent a helping hand. Above all, I 

Bela and myself had the pleasure of attending two of thank all the members who came to these concerts and made 

her concerts, one at New York and the second at Boston. It them a success. 

was a treat to listen to her sweet and melodious voice. At both Lastly, Kailashji has asked me to convey her gratitude to 

places she offered so much variety and even entertained the all overseas members for the love and respect she received. 

children by singing their favorite song “Hu Kus Ba Kus” and With a hope to do it again, 

engaged them by inviting them on the stage. At Boston, Mrs Sanjay Kaul, President, KOA 

8

Dear Biradari Member: 

KASHMIRI OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION 

ELECTIONS 2003 

It is that time of the year – when we nominate, vote and elect KOA Board Members, etc. The KOA President, 

Sanjay Kaul, with the current KOA Board’s approval has appointed an Election Committee (EC) consisting of the 

undersigned (Anil Kaul) as Chairperson along with Mr. Roop Bhan and Mr. Rahul Jalali – all from Zone 5 – as committee 

members. We are honored and hope to serve the President and our biradari to the best of our ability. Here is our first 

communication to you. 

♦ Let us start with a well deserved applause for the outgoing Election Committee – Suman Hukku (Chairperson), 

Chaman Bhan and Sunita Kaul. Speaking on behalf of the entire KP community we think they did a splendid job in 

conducting KOA elections for the last two years. We have taken many ‘pointers’ from them and hope to deploy them 

as needed. 

This year we need to elect five (5) Zone Directors. Here is our first communication to you on the KOA Election 

2003. 

• The proposed schedules of events and the election calendar is as follows, 

• Election Announcement (this letter) - by 4 th October 2003. 

• Nomination Form made available to members - by 4 th October 2003. 

• Last date to receive nominations – 26 October 2003. 

For nominating a Zone Director, both the nominating and the nominated member have to be the residents of the 

same zone. 

You must have the candidate’s acceptance prior to sending in the nomination. 

The nominating individual must be a “current year dues paid” KOA member, as of September 30, 2003. 

The nominated individual for Zone Director must also be a “current year dues paid” KOA member, as of 

September 30, 2003. 

For your convenience, you will be allowed to e-mail nominations using the standard Nomination Form as 

attachment. But, for authenticating such electronic nomination, the nominating member needs to call EC 

Chairperson, Anil Kaul, before the closing date. 

Verification and validation of candidates: – 26 October – November 2 2003. 

• Ballots mailed – 14 November 2003. Only the willing and dedicated candidates will be on the ballot. 

• Deadline to receive ballot by the EC: - 06 December 2003. 

• Ballots opened, validated and counted – by 14 December 2003. 

Official membership status as provided by KOA as of 30 September 2003. 

• Election results sent to the candidates and the KOA President – 16 December 2003. 

• Election results posted on KOA web site and/or sent to biradari – ASAP thereafter. 

• This year we have to elect five (5) Zonal Directors. These are from, 

• Zone 2 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) 

• Zone 5 (AR, CO, KS, LA, OK, TX, UT) 

• Zone 7 (AK, IA, IL, MN, ND, NE, SD, WI, WY) 

• Zone 9 (North CA, ID, MT, OR, WA) 

• Zone 10 (AZ, South CA, HI, NM, WV) 

Zonal Directors have no term limits. 

• Please note the official Election Committee mailing address, 

KOA Election 2003, 10430 South Eric Ave., Tulsa, OK 74137 

E-mail: (Anil Kaul) lalchock@yahoo.com Phone: 918-299-1066 

• And finally, we request you to help us by adhering to the suggested guidelines and schedule – and let the best 

candidates win!! 

Submitted by: 

Anil Kaul – Chairperson, Roop Bhan and Rahul Jalali 

KOA Election Committee 2003-05 

9

Instructions: 

KASHMIRI OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION 

ELECTION 2003 – Nomination Form – Zone Director 

To send in your nomination, please do one of the following, 

1. Fill in a paper copy of this form and mail it to 

KOA Election 2003, 10430 South Eric Ave., Tulsa, OK 74137 

2. For your convenience, you may download an electronic copy of this form from the KOA web site koausa.org 

or request one from Anil Kaul lalchock@yahoo.com Fill in the e-copy, attach it to an e-mail and send to Anil 

Kaul. Those who send nominations electronically, need to call Anil Kaul at 918-299-1066 to validate the email 

before the closing date. 

Declaration: 

I (Your Name) _____________________________ 

Living at (Your Address) _____________________________ 

_____________________________ 

Your Phone # _____________________________ 

Your e-mail address _____________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Hereby nominate the following individual for the office of Director for Zone # _____ for a two (2) year term 

beginning January 2004. 

Candidate’s Name _____________________________ 

If available, please provide: 

Candidate’s Address _____________________________ 

_____________________________ 

Candidate’s Phone # _____________________________ 

Candidate’s e-mail address _____________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

I further certify that: 

• I reside in the KOA Zone ______ which is the same as that of the candidate I have nominated above. 

• I understand that the office of Director for this Zone is due for election in 2003 as announced by KOA 

• I am a ‘dues paid’ member of KOA for the year 2003. 

• The individual whose name appears above; 

Has shown the dedication and community spirit worthy of this nomination. 

To the best of my knowledge, is also a ‘dues paid’ member of KOA for the year 2003. 

Has indicated a willingness to run for this office. (The candidate will have a right to withdraw pending 

revelation of all nominations from that Zone.) 

• My signature below indicates an honest representation of facts and a willingness to comply with the rules 

as set by KOA and the Election Committee 2003-05. 

Please print your name, sign and date this Nomination Form. Thank you. 

Print Name: ___________________________ Signature: ______________________________ 

Date: ____________________________ 

EC 2003-Nomination Form-Director AK - 09/22/03 

10

KOA SCHOLAR PROGRAM 

2003 WRITING CONTEST 

Namaskar! We are proud to announce the inaugural 

KOA Scholar Program's 2003 Writing Contest. This 

new competition intends to promote youth interest in 

their Kashmiri roots, and provide a platform for them 

to share their thoughts and work with the community. 

It serves as an opportunity to not only encourage their 

writing development, but also reward their abilities. 

1. Divisions 

There shall be three divisions: 

Junior - Those aged 14 and under, i.e. born on after 

January 1, 1989 

Senior - Those aged 19 and under, i.e. born on after 


Open - Those aged 30 and under, i.e. born on or after 


For example, a 14 year old can choose to enter any 

one, and only one, of the three divisions, while a 23 

year old can only enter the Open division. However, 

a 14 year old's chances of winning a prize would 

likely be higher if they choose to enter the Junior 

Division rather than the Senior or Open Divisions. 

2. Portfolio 

Candidates may submit a portfolio of up to three 

pieces. Pieces can include, but are not limited to, 

essays, articles, short biographies, papers, written 

speeches, short stories, poems, etc. Each piece must 

include the theme of Kashmir. Pieces may have been 

previously written for other purposes, but should be 

edited to ensure it fits the requirements of this 

competition. If any references were used please 

include these at the end of each piece. There is no 

word restriction but generally speaking shorter pieces 

read better and fulfill their intended objectives more 

effectively. 

Examples of potential submissions are an essay 

dealing with the writer's own Kashmiri identity, an 

article about the current political situation, a short 

biography on a Kashmiri person of note, a paper on 

the future of Kashmiri Pandits, a potential speech one 

would give to the UN General Assembly, short 

stories set in Kashmir or revolving around a Kashmiri 

family, poems inspired by one's Kashmiri roots, etc. 

11 

If you need guidance on a topic, please email 

koascholar@yahoo.com. 

If a writer wishes to submit poetry, they can include 

up to three poems as one piece. Hence a writer can 

choose to submit, for example, up to nine poems in 

one portfolio, or six poems and one essay, or three 

poems and one essay, or even just two poems if they 

wish. 

The emphasis is on quality not quantity, so a 

portfolio consisting of just one piece shall be judged 

on its merits compared to a portfolio that includes 

three pieces. However, diversity in writing ability 

shall be looked upon favorably. 

3. Submission Process 

Entries must be postmarked by Monday December 1, 

2003 to the following address: 

KOA Scholar Program 

24 Sartell Road 

Waltham, MA 02451 

Please complete the Submission Form and attach it to 

your portfolio (which should be printed out and 

submitted in hard copy). Each piece in the portfolio 

should have a cover page that states the writer’s 

name, division entered, and the objective of the piece. 

Winners shall be announced in January. The judges 

shall consider how successfully the writer fulfils their 

stated objectives, and the overall literary quality of 

the piece. 

4. Prize Money 

There shall be up to six winners in each division and 

each shall receive a certificate. The prize money shall 

be distributed as follows: 

1 st 

Prize 

2 nd 

Prize 

3 rd 

Prize 

3 

Honorable 

Mentions 

Junior $80 $50 $30 $20 each 

Senior $100 $60 $40 $20 each 

Open $180 $120 $60 $50 each 

Please refer to the Submission Form for further rules. 

If you have any questions at all please email 

koascholar@yahoo.com 

We look forward to your entries. Namaskar

Postmark by December 1, 2003 : 

KOA Scholar Program 

24 Sartell Road,Waltham, MA 02451 

KOA SCHOLAR PROGRAM 

2003 WRITING CONTEST 

SUBMISSION FORM 

Name: _________________________________________________________ 

Date of Birth: ____________________________________________________ 

City and Country of Birth: __________________________________________ 

If a student, year level: ____________________________________________ 

If a non-student, current profession: __________________________________ 

Permanent Address: ______________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________ 

E-mail address: __________________________________________________ 

Division to be entered into (please check one): 

Junior Senior Open 

Number of Pieces in Portfolio: _____ 

Title of Piece 1: __________________________________________________ 

Title of Piece 2: __________________________________________________ 

Title of Piece 3: __________________________________________________ 

N.B. Please provide the objective(s) of each of your pieces on a separate cover page. 

Candidates must: 

be KOA members (i.e. they or their parents are either current paid members or have been 

a member in the past). 

be eligible for the division they are entering. 

have a theme of Kashmir inherent within each piece of their portfolio. 

I agree: 

That all decisions by the judges shall be final. 

That my pieces can be published in any KOA publication, or any KOA affiliated 

website. I however can choose to have my name remain anonymous. 

___________________ __________________ ___/___/___ 

Name Signature Date 

Please print your full name and sign your signature above. If you are under 18, please have a parental 

guardian sign on your behalf. Thank you, and good luck! 

12

ZONE 3 

ZONAL REPORTS 

The past two months have been hectic but a rewarding affair 

for many members of the KOA-Western Pennsylvania Chapter. 

It started with our annual picnic on Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 

Moraine State Park that was followed by the Chapter elections. 

The old committee members led by Anil Koul (President), 

Sunalini Kotwal (Secretary) and Upinder Bhat (Treasurer) were 

thanked by the members for their outstanding job and bringing 

the members together back in 2001, when the chapter was 

instituted. The new committee, led by Arvin Mattoo (President), 

Manjri Durani Kaul (Secretary) and Raul Trisal (Treasurer) 

has taken the responsibility and accountability to run the Chapter 

with the overwhelming support from the KOA-WP member 

families. 

The new committee has started to work on enhancing Chapter 

membership by adding new families from Cleveland, Columbus, 

OH and Pittsburgh, PA. By incorporating a “Digital Divide” 

initiative, all updates, announcements and forth coming events 

will be available via the KOA website. 

The committee also took the initiative to raise funds at the KOA 

camp in Moodus, CT by selling books on “Mata Khir Bhavani” 

authored by Dr. Madhu Wangu Bazaz as well as pictures of 

Tulmul taken back in early 1900s, sponsored by Rohit Kaul. 

Local members such as Bipin/Geeta Kaul, Rohit/Simmi Kaul, 

Dr. Shiban/Nanna Warikoo, Upinder Bhat, Anuj Dhingra and 

Arvin/Kavita Mattoo attended the camp which also included 

Navneet/Sunalini Kotwal who were day campers. The Western 

Pennsylvania Chapter was also recognized at the KOA General 

Body Meeting for its efforts to integrate the local community 

with the tri-state regional KOA chapters. 

and Toronto, that participated in this musical concert. The 3 

hour program was (with a short break - to update the members 

with Chapter’s forth coming events and activities) followed by 

group photographs and dinner. 

Many members bought CDs and tapes of songs sung by Kailash 

ji besides raising funds via raffle tickets organized by Divya 

Kaul and Zoon Wangu. The also presented the “prize money” 

to the three winners by pickers, Pooja Chaudhary, Sana Handu 

and Rashmin Khazanchi. 

The Chapter Western PA chapter would also like to pay 

condolences to our close associate Dr. Ajay Kumar (Kadalbajoo) 

from Hershey, PA. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Padmini 

(Dhar) and daughter Natasha. Dr. Padmini is a first cousin of 

Mrs. Anu Trisal from Mars, PA and Dr. Shiban Warikoo from 

Johnstown, PA. May the departed soul rest in peace and our 

prayers are with family, friends and all their relatives. 

The Chapter also organized four unofficial picnics in the pursuit 

to find the site for the annual camp that is due to start on the 

Labor Day weekend. The Chapter is currently working on the 

“FunNFund” events that involves raising fund whether it is by 

selling T-shirts/Mugs (KOA logo), CD’s (Kailash Mehra 

Concert in Pittsburgh),Raffle/Bingo accompanied by a 

volleyball game. 

I again thank all the members for making these events more 

enjoyable and successful - “As good as it gets” 

Arvin Mattoo 

Chapter President – KOA Western PA 

*************************************************** 

ZONE 4 

On Sunday, July 20, 2003, the Chapter organized a musical 

Our local Washington chapter has been busy celebrating various 

festivities. In spring, we celebrated our New Year (Navreh) at 

Dr. Bhat and Kamini ji’s residence. As expected our usual crowd 

evening “Mehfil-e-Ghazal” with renowned singer Mrs. Kailash attended the function. The cherry blossoms engulfing the Bhat 

Mehra Sadhu, who was accompanied on tabla by Mr. Amit residence, reminding us of Badam Vari Pholay, fragranced our 

Chaterjee from Michigan. The evening started with an Navreh with joy and enthusiasm. As our delicacies were being 

introduction of the artists by Dr. Nanna Warikoo followed by catered, the women were enjoying themselves socializing, the 

the melodious voice of Kailash ji which kept the crowd upbeat men were playing volleyball and the children pranced around 

with a series of non-stop “Koshur Mausiquee” for over 2 hours the pond. We ended the day by giving each other blessing for 

before the recess. After the break (Khava Chai and Rott), the new year. 

Kailash ji started accepting requests in “Aap ki Farmaish” The year, so far and God willing, has been blessed with 

segment of the program. The program picked up so much numerous occasions, three weddings(Sonia Quasba, Vinnie Bhat 

momentum that audience had the “dejavo” of such an evening. and Nisha Kaul[to be held in august]) and three Dappan Bhattas 

Later, the artists were honored by Dr. Ashok Dhar (honorarium for the newly weds. We also had a melodious performance by 

presented to Kailashji and Amitji by Mrs. Anu Trisal and Mr. Kaliash Mehra Sadhu on July 27th at the Murgan Temple, in 

Makhan Lal Raina respectively) followed by a thank you note Lanham, MD. Her elated voice took us to a pensive world of 

by Dr. Bupesh Kaul for the host (Dr. Veena Dhar / Dr. Ashok nostalgia. No one could resist her contagious beat and were 

Dhar) and the volunteers (Surinder Kaul, Manjri Durani Kaul, aroused to a pandemonium of clapping, laughter and merriment. 

Bipin Kaul, Rohit Kaul, Priya Dhar, Anuj Dhingra and Raul We closed the evening with a pot lock dinner at Lalit and Neena 

Trisal) that made this show an “An Evening to Remember”. Wanchoo’s residence. We have been blessed with these joyous 

events and I wish the best for our chapter, as well as all the 

There were close to 20 families (new members and new faces other kashmiri chapters. God Bless our Community. 

were introduced) that included members from Pittsburgh area, 

Ohio and West Virginia State as well as guests from Philadelphia Sujata Quasba 

13

ZONE 5 ZONE 6 

On July 26, the Houston Kashmiri community organized a 

musical evening with eminent Kashmiri folk singer Kailash 

Mehra Sadhu. Accompanying her on tabla were Rahul Pandit 

and Moazzem. Tej Ganju played the synthesizer. With her 

melodious voice, Kailashji sang for four hours and thoroughly 

entertained the audience. She gracefully accepted requests 

from the audience, including from kids, to sing their favorites. 

The event was a great success because of team effort of Texas 

Kashmiri Biradari. 

Twenty-two families participated in this wonderful event, 

including Rahul and Shefali Jalali who drove from Arkansas. 

Many thanks go to: 

* Sanjay Kaul for planning Kailash Mehra’s US visit 

* Pran Chaku for flight arrangements 

* Kamlesh and Kalyani Moza for receiving arrangements at 

the airport 

* Veena and Kuldeep Kaul for being a fantastic host 

* Rahul Pandit and Tej Ganjoo for playing tabla and synthesizer, 

respectively 

* Madhu/Ashok Moza and Umesh/Anita Mattoo for food 

arrangements 

* Seema and Anil Kachroo for departure arrangements from 

the airport 

* In addition, to all those families whose presence made this 

program a huge success. 

Overall, this was truly a community effort and thanks to 

everyone. 

Anita Kaul 

*************************************************** 

Join KOA, renew your membership 

or make a donation 

to avail our special offer 

of free Bhajan CD! 

14 

Vale’s Vibrations Bring Melodies to Miami! 

Miami, Florida August 5 st 2003 

The small but vibrant Kashmiri community of South 

Florida came together in the spirit of kinship on Friday evening 

(August 1, 2003) to reminisce, celebrate and simply come 

together with friends and families through the vibes and 

vibrations of music! 

Carrying them to a bygone era of the valley’s peace 

and tranquility was none other than the nightingale of 

Kashmir~Kailash Mehra Sadhu. The petite, demure and gentle 

Kailash evoked a thunderous applause as she slowly descended 

the steps in to a hall packed with enthusiastic music lovers 

ranging in age, from kindergartners to 90 year olds! Flowers, 

praises, claps and cheers from the audience moved her beyond 

words. 

After thanking her hosts, sponsors and well wishers, 

she gave thanks to God almighty, her Guru Shri Shambu Nath 

Sapori and many other mentors. Invoking Saraswati, she 

opened the night with the popular “Ati Bhushan” while the 

eager audience joined in chorus. As the evening progressed, 

she went from one popular song to another. The famous song 

APPEAL 

for Financial assisstance 

Kashmiri Migrant’s Welfare Association (Regd.) of 

NOIDA has been allotted 500sq.mts of land by Noida 

Authority to build a Temple and a Cultural Center. 

The Migrant Association has membership of more than 

420 families in Noida and is presently actively engaged in 

raising funds for this project. 

The Association is presently headed by Prof. S.K. Shah 

who also heads the prestigeous Vishwa Bharti Secondary 

School Noida.Your contribution will be highly 

appreciated. Shri P.N. Razdan who is presently in USA 

appeals for financial help. 

Please contact: P.N.Razdan: 954-571-6663 

or e-mail: floridakashmirigroup@hotmail.com

“Hokus Bokus” (similar to the Hindi “akkad bakkad bambe 

bo”) ironically had more adults excited, carrying them back 

into their childhood days! 

Romantic songs like ‘paritho gelass kulinai ta, 

madno lola ki alav trav’ had many a couple nudge each other. 

When she sang ‘majie maleun yelli aasaanai’ married women 

reminisced in the warmth of a mother’s home with the assuring 

presence of a father and the care of a brother, bringing some 

to tears! When she sang the original “Bhumbro bumbro” and 

“Rinda Poshamaal” jubilant youngsters were hard to control! 

The invitees included many non-Kashmiri supporters 

as well ~ shattering the myth that Kashmiris always cling to 

just themselves ! In fact, no stone was unturned to make others 

feel welcome. One could see the enthusiastic translation of 

each song going on, side by side among the audience! The 

translators in a fervent mood made sure no detail was missed 

and every sentiment was duly expressed in its original context. 

Malayaalis, Punjaabis, Mysoreans, Trinidadian Indians and 

Americans made the guest list complete. 

Traditional bhajans had many turn inwards into the 

recesses of their souls, especially “Paadhi kamalan’ in praise 

of the Divine mother, sung at the request of a Malayaali who 

was familiar with Kashmiri bhajans! 

The ambiance and décor, too, complimented in this 

musical ‘journey’ to Kashmir, even if just for a night. 

Nandita Shanker 

*************************************************** 

ZONE 7 

Kailash Mehra Concert (July 19 th , 2003) 

Kailash Mehra Sadhu was here in Chicago from 18 th of July – 

19 th of July 2003, she performed on 19 th of July at Arya Samaj 

Mandir in West Chicago from 4.00pm – 8.30 pm, she sang 

various Kashmiri songs; there were around 15 families who 

attended function. This was a great success; it was amazing 

to see that one of students whom she taught in Srinagar is 

here, Rajinder Kaul who introduced Kailesh Mehra Ji. One of 

the best parts of the concert was the concluding song of 

OOKUS/BOOKUS, everybody got so tuned with the song. 

15 

Everybody young and old had a ball. Thanks to Soman & 

Shyam Ji for a great evening. 

KOA Chicago Picnic- (July 27 th , 2003) KOA Chicago chapter 

organized a picnic at Churchill forest preserve and with a 

turnover of 22 families from Chicago land ,it was a great success 

with wholehearted participation of people from 4 generations!! 

The total gathering was 57 people including kids. Men folk 

played cricket and soccer while the women tried their hand at 

PITHOO and Kho-Kho as well as Dumb-Charades. This was 

on opportunity for people to get together and meet as a 

community and have fun. 

Some more functions that will take place in Chicago in 

coming months are: 

1ST NOV. —DIWALI get together. 

27th Dec --Gadda Batta and Khech Mavas. 

Sanjay Bhat 

*************************************************** 

Scholarship Award for 

Students in the USA 

As already announced in our 

newsletter # 48 dated June 2002, 

KOA is proud to announce the 

adoption of awarding one time 

achievement award to Kashmiri 

Pandit college bound students living 

in the USA. Initially it is planned to make 

up to a total of 4 such awards in the amount of $500- 

$1000 each. The student satisfying the following 

requirements may apply: 

1. High school GPA of at least 3.50. 

2. SAT score of at least 1325 or ACT score of at least 30. 

3. A two page essay about the Kashmiri Pandit heritage. 

4. Applicant should have some Kashmiri community 

involvement experience. 

The committee consists of the following three people: Hira 

L. Koul (MI), Vijay Kaul (FL), Hira L. Nakhasi (MD). 

Shri Hira Lal Koul of MI heads this committee. 

Applications should be submitted (in triplicate) to Hira L. 

Koul, 1739 Ann St., East Lansing, MI 48823, by January 

30th, 2004 and awards will be announced by the end of 

March 2004. Transcripts describing the grade GPA and 

SAT/ACT scores should be directly mailed by the 

respective offices to Hira L. Koul. For any further detail, 

contact Prof. H.L. Koul at 517-332-1606 or via e-mail: 

koul@assist.stt.msu.edu 

Members are requested to contribute to this fund. Members 

can also institute such scholarships in the name of their 

loved ones. Thank You

ZONE 9 

BAY AREA KASHMIRIS HOLD ANNUAL PICNIC 

Bay Area Kashmiris held the 2003 annual picnic on August 2 

at the beautiful Vasona Lake in Los Gatos. The weather was 

perfect for this outing, which attracted more than 150 adults 

and kids. 

The picnic was organized by KOA Zone 9 Director Jaya 

Chowdhury and her team of volunteers. The picnic spot with 

tiered green lawns overlooking the lake had been booked in 

advance. The organizing team members, who were the first to 

arrive, brought with them food, water and soft drinks etc for all 

the picnickers. 

The food was typically Kashmiri and had been cooked by 

volunteer families. As always, food was excellent. Since no 

Kashmiri event is complete without kahwa, the lunch was 

concluded with hot kahwa. 

16 

Both children and grown ups had loads of fun with many seniors 

and families with very young children opting to take leisurely 

stroll around the lake, while others chose the more robust sports, 

such volleyball and cricket. The very young kids had fun taking 

turns whacking the piñata, while older children went for boating. 

As the shadows lengthened the picnickers packed up and left, 

but with a hope to meet again. 

Meenakshi Ganjoo 

*************************************** 

ZONE 10 

On August 10, KOA Zone 10 (Southern California) enjoyed 

the pleasure of listening to a musical concert given by the 

eloquent and versatile Mrs. Kailash Mehra. Thanks to Mr. and 

Mrs. Wanchoo’s large efforts, a place in the beautiful Laxmi 

Narayan Temple in Riverside was made available for holding 

the concert at no charge. 

About one hundred attendees were treated to an evening of 

delightful Kashmiri and Hindi bhajans, ghazals, and songs. Mrs. 

Kailash Mehra sang many items with lot of grace, devotion, 

and never ending enthusiasm. She was accompanied on the 

musical instruments by volunteer artists. 

The attendees’ participation and enthusiasm, reflected by the 

many special requests for bhajans and ghazals, made the event 

a huge success. The evening concluded with the distribution of 

trophies to all the artists and organizers, as a gesture of 

appreciation. 

Thanks to all the Southern California Kashmiri biradari members 

and the non-Kashmiris for their support and contributions, and 

to members who traveled especially from Las Vegas. Thanks 

to Mrs. Anjali Bhat’s (director, Zone 10) efforts, the event was 

a grand success. 

*************************************** 

ZONE 10 Activity Contd... 

The Southern California KPs had a get together on April 19, 

2003 at Dana Point Doheny State Park beach, about 15 miles 

from Irvine, CA. This was a perfect place for relaxing in the 

company of our friends and biradari. The lush green lawns and 

the blue beach made for a very peaceful day with cricket, 

bicycling, volleyball etc. About 60 members of our community 

showed up. I want to thank Neeru and Sandeep Sopori for 

coordinating the get-together. Thanks to Nealia Trisal for 

arranging an Easter event for children. The attendees went 

home with Zangtrei Sahgun. The gathering ended at 9:00PM 

with a bonfire on the beach warmed with stories and songs. It 

was a very enjoyable time for all of us. We are thankful to all

the participants who came with a lot of food and more 

importantly with lot of their love. 

Anjali Bhat 

Martyr’s Day in LA 

The Southern California KP Birder assembled at the Malibu 

temple for the solemn ceremony of Sharad and pooja in honor 

of those who have lost their lives at the hands of religious 

terrorism in Kashmir. We also commemorated those who have 

lost their lives defending our motherland against the heinous 

enemies of tolerance and human dignity. As part of this 

remembrance, we joined in the prayer and hope that one-day 

the world will come to understand the horrors and tragedy of 

the ethnic cleansing in Kashmir of Kashmiri Hindus at the hands 

of Islamic terrorists. The ceremony started with a pooja at 

5:00PM in the Balaji temple and concluded with lighting of 

candles and arti. Thereafter we got together in the temple 

premises where we shared in the Prasad and enjoyed a potluck 

dinner. The KP biradari generously offered cash and in-kind 

donations for the rehabilitation of the victims of the Nadimarg 

massacre earlier this year in Kashmir. 

A Three-day Camp In 

Southern California 

Southern California KOA is organizing a three day (two-night) 

camp at Lake Perris (in Riverside County) about 1.5 – 2.0 hr 

drive from Los Angeles, CA. The camp starts on Friday, 

Oct. 17, 2003(afternoon) and ends on Oct. 19, 2003 (Sunday 

Noon). You are invited to the camp. If you do plan on attending 

the camp please get in touch with Neeru and Sandeep Sopori 

(neeru_raina@hotmail.com; Tel 760 757 5338) or me. We 

would be delighted to have join us for the camp with our 

Southern California biradari. 

Anjali Bhat 

anjalila@yahoo.com, 310 475 8698 

17 

Kashmiri Pandits Martyr’s Day 

Namaskar! As you know, September 14 is 

observed as Kashmiri Pandits Martyr’s Day. On this day 

we remember those community members who submitted 

to death rather than renounce their religion, freedom and 

honor. No words can express the loss of these community 

members. They sacrificed their lives and everything for a 

cause; we have to remind ourselves that we need to carry 

forward their mission and fight for the cause for which 

they laid their lives. 

I have proposed to all Zone Directors and 

Chapter Presidents to organize some community/charity 

work with active support from members in their zone. 

This year, September 14 falls on a Sunday, you should 

have no problem devoting some time for this noble cause 

to do some charity work. Please get in touch with the 

KOA office bearer in your zone and contact other 

members in your zone/Chapter/area, collect some 

donations for this purpose. I have proposed to Koa office 

bearers that KOA will also bear up to $100 per zone for 

this charity work. 

In the memory of our Martyrs, here is what one 

may do (feel free to add more ways of remembering our 

martyrs and do what suits you best): 

1. Donate non-perishable food items to local food/soup 

kitchens or prepare and serve a meal there (feed the 

homeless) or do some volunteer work at homeless 

shelters. 

2. Donate money or goods at local Hindu temple and 

perform an Archana/Puja in the temple 

3. Perform a Hawan at the temple in their memory 

Please observe a one-minute silence and express 

your sentiments by wearing black clothes or a ribbon on 

this day. Thank you for your support and cooperation. 

May God bless our community. 


ZARAMASATAM 

“ZARAMASATAM was celebrated on August 19.” 

Kashmiris celebrate Janam-Saptmi and Janam Ashtami 

- Hindu celebration of the birth of Krishna for which 

nightlong prayers are held in the Temples. It is the greatest 

day in Hindu history. Sri Krishna’s message is three fold 

one: 1) The message of Murli (flute). He gave it especially 

to children and to Gopis at Brindaban. 2) The message of 

the Gita. He gave it to Arjun, on the battlefield of 

Kurukshetra. And 3) The message of his life-grace, beauty, 

strength and sacrifice. Sri Krishna taught a doctrine of 

creative life-Act, Work and Serve. Seek no gain in doing 

right; find the reward of doing right in right to break the 

bonds of Karma. A brief description of Janam Ashtami 

celebrations in Kashmir is provided by Late Shri J.N. 

Ganhar at our website koausa.org

SAVE-A-SMILE 

There are many KP refugee children in camps who 

need help. We have been adding new sponsors but 

there is a huge unmet demand. 

Please help, be a sponsor. Details below: 

The Education Fund 

The Educational Assistance Program is geared for 

refugee students, 17+ Age group, going to College/ 

University for degree programs. Yearly contribution is 

approximately $300/year or Rs 15,000/-which is paid 

towards college tuition fee. This program was started 

in 1995. For the school year 2002/2003, KOA is able 

to support 170 students. Over the years more than 

250 students have graduated with KOA’s assistance. 

Program Coordinator: Dr. Tej Kaul of NY 

(contact: 716-773-3416/tkaul@adelphia.net) 

Sponsor-A-Child Program 

The Sponsor-A-Child Program is geared towards 5-17 

year old refugee children. Yearly contribution is 

approximately $200/year or Rs 10,000/-, which is paid 

towards nutrition, school fee and supplies etc., This 

program was started in 1995. Currently, about 200 

children are covered under this program, 146 sponsors 

support this program. Program Coordinator: Shri Pran 

Kaul of CA 

(contact: 510-795-9641/pkaul@slac.stanford.edu) 

KOA’s Book: 

“Destruction and Injustice” 

Tribulations of Kashmiri Pandits 

The Story of Kashmir Problem 

– Introduction to the Book M. Kaul, Editor 

This is a book about the destruction and injustice Kashmiri 

Pandits have met in the ongoing war in Kashmir, with a 

historical perspective of their previous crises and their identity. 

This is the story of Kashmir Problem, as it has come to 

be called after Pakistan’s clandestine attack on Kashmir in 

1947.The book was written because there does not exist a 

similar book with facts and figures of Kashmir Problem, 

something the Government of India should have 

produced.We want to make aware non-Kashmiri Indians, 

foreigners, and even KP’s of the history and magnitude of 

KP suffering and injustice. We believe this will make them 

understand our plight 

better.The printing of 

the book together 

with its mailing to 

people who want to 

have it will cost KOA 

$10.00. Anyone can 

order it through this 

website by e-mailing 

feedback@kashmirgroup.com 

It can be given free 

of charge to those 

KP’s who are dues 

paying members of 

KOA if for some reason 

they do not wish 

to pay for it (No 

questions will be 

asked). The donations 

can be given 

online at 

www.kashmirgroup.com/ 

dona.jsp or mail 

checks to KOA, 24 

Sartell Road, 

Waltham, MA, USA. 

20 

Special Recognition to KOA 

The office of the 

Ambassador-at- 

Large for Non- 

Resident Indians 

and Persons of 

Indian Origin 

organized a 

Public Meeting 

of the PM Shri 

Atal Bihari 

Vajpayee with 

the Indo- 

American 

Community on September 21, 2003 at the Jacob Javits 

Convention Center, New York. More than 4,000 Indians 

attended this event. The theme was Achievements of Indian 

diaspora in America. There are a large number of Indo- 

American organizations and associations functioning in 

American society at all levels, national and local. Twenty 

such organizations were recognized for their contribution to 

promote India and Indo-American interests in culture, 

political, philanthropic and other spheres. Kashmiri Overseas 

Association (KOA) was selected and recognized at this 

event. 

KOA president Sanjay Kaul represented the organization. 

Other members of the community who joined Sanjay at this 

event included: Vijay Parimoo, Arun Koul (Executive 

Committee Members), Nirja Khashu, Sandeep Kaul (Board 

Members) Jaani Kaul (Youth Rep) Maharaj Kaul (Medical 

Fund Coordinator) Anil Kaul (Election Committee) and 

Mohini Kaul and Inder Khashu. Sanjay Kaul said that it 

was an honor for the organization for having been selected 

from among thousands of associations serving Indian 

diaspora. KOA has been a registered non-profit organization 

for more than twenty years and has worked hard on 

protecting, preserving, and promoting Kashmiri Pandit culture 

and helping the needy brethren in India who are living as 

refugees in their own country. 

Exhibit on Kashmiri Pandit Genocide 

Francois Gautier, a French freelance journalist based in 

India has set up an organization called, “ Foundation Against 

Continuing Terrorism” (FACT). The FACT team put 

together an exhibit titled, “ Terrorism Unleashed.” This 

photo exhibit by Francisco Gautier was shown at Habitat 

Center in New Delhi for six days from July 18 to 23. It 

presented the gruesome side of human tragedy that is taking 

place in free India today. Over 400,000 Kashmiri Pandits 

constituting 99 percent of the total population of Hindus 

living in Kashmir Valley have been forcibly pushed out and 

are languishing in makeshift refugee camps in Jammu and 

Delhi. This six day exhibit traced the ugly shades of 

terrorism unleashed in the valley and the resulting plunder, 

loot, arson and rape that accompanied it all these years. 

The Exhibit showcased 38 pictures and text panels besides 

panels listing all Kashmiri Pandits slaughtered since 1989 

and a list of all temples destroyed. Each panel exhibited a 

story in itself. The aim of this exhibit was to create 

awareness. 

KOA supported putting together this exhibit. We provided 

financial support (over $2,000), factual information, contact 

information and coordinated the effort with Francois Gautier. 

From the reviews in the newspapers, the exhibit was well 

received in Delhi by the political leaders as well as the 

general public.

Community News 

Married 

1) Neil s/o Sarla & Awtar Krishan Ganju of Miami, FL 

2) Ameeta d/o Sarla & Awtar Krishan Ganju of Miami, FL 

3) Vineet (s/o Dr. Inder K & Kamini Bhat) 

married Misha Kaul (d/o Dr. Bansi & 

Sunanda Kaul) of Sweden. 

4) Aditya s/o Dr. Nirmal & Augustina 

Mattoo of Old Brooksville, NY 

5) Deepak s/o Vijay & Geeta Kaul of 

Plantation, FL 

6) Priya d/o Ashok & Pushpa Saraf of 

Sunnyvale, CA married Atul Wakhlu. 

New Born 

1) Bipin & Geeta Kaul of Tarentum, PA are 

pleased to announce the birth of their 

second daughter “Anita” on April 24, 

2003. Their older daughter is very 

excited to have a baby sister. 

Congratulations to proud grand 

parents Deep & Usha Kaul of CT. 

Contact: 724-265-3045 (H) 

2) Rajeev & Seema Razdan of 

Auburn Hills, MI are pleased to 

announce the birth of their son 

“Naman” on April 27, 2003. 

Contact: 248-371-9124 (H) 

3) Rajesh and Jyotima Kaul of 

Arlington, MA are pleased to 

announce the birth of their 

daughter Tara on April 28, 2003. Their older daughter Zitni is very 

excited to have a baby sister. Rajesh and Jyotima Kaul can be reached 

at 781-646-5355 

4) Deepa and Mahesh Bhan of Los Angeles, CA are pleased to 

announce the birth of their son “Deyvik” May 8, 2003. Contact: 818- 

728-4884 (H) 

5) On 5/9/2003, Ravi & Meenakshi Bhat of San Jose CA were blessed 

with a baby girl, Meera. Contact: Ravi & Meenakshi 408-392-9429 

(H) 

6) Sunny Pandita and Jyoti Zutshi are proud to announce the birth of 

their baby girl “Siya” on June 7th 2003. Pandita’s can be reached at 

801-263-6442 

7) Sanjay and Meena (Kaul) Magal were blessed with a beautiful 

baby girl “Akansha” born on June 20th, 2003. Contact: 

smagal@worldnet.att.net. 

8) Rahul and Lavannya Pandit of (TX) have been blessed with their 

first baby boy, born at on June 22, 2003. The baby is the third 

grandchild of Bansi & Vijay Pandit of IL and the first nephew of Rajiv 

Pandit of TX. 

9) Rajesh & Vinita Razdan of Palo Alto, CA have been blessed with 

baby girl “Trisha” on 25th June 2003. First grand child of Phoola & 

G.S. Razdan. 

10) On 6/26/2003, Manoj & Anjana Koul of Sunnyvale, CA were 

blessed with a baby boy, PARTH. Contact: 408-733-2168 (H) 

11) On 7/23/2003, Ashwani & Mona Kaul of Ashland, MA were 

blessed with a baby girl – Anaya. Pictures of the baby can be viewed 

at http://kauls.net/baby/ Contact: akaul@yahoo.com 

19 

THEY LEFT US 

Two of our members had lost their loved ones earlier this year but we 

missed to report it in time, 

1) Anila & Purshotum Bhan of Bellemeade, NJ on the sad demise of Anila Bhan’s 

father Prof. Rattan Lal Thusu who passed away in Jammu on 22nd of Feb. Anila 

& Purshotum Bhan can be contacted at: (908)-904-6650. 

2) Condolences to Meenaskhi and Vijay Sazawal of Darnestown, MD on demise 

of Meenakshi’s brother who passed away in India in March 2003. Sazawals can 

be reached at 301-975-0755. 

*********************************************** 

1) Roop & Sudha Bhan of Tulsa, OK on the passing away of Sudha’s 

father Shri Dwarka Nath Watal who passed away on April 25th in Poona at the 

age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Kamlesh, daughters, Sudha Bhan, Gulal 

Sikand, Asha Raina and son, Ashok Watal and Eight grand children. Contact info: 

Bhan’s can be reached at 918-299-9772. 

2) Shri Triloki Nath Qazi of Andover MA left for heavenly abode on 

Tuesday, May 7. Qazi Sahib is survived by his wife Shymaji, daughter Rekha 

and son Vinay. Contact info: Qazi’s: 978-475-8005 Chand & Rekha Bhan: 978- 

470-8537 

3) A very well known and respected member of our community, Shri 

Mohan Kishen Tickoo, passed away yesterday May 21, 2003 in Jammu at his 

residence, leaving behind a legacy, family and friends. He was a noble and gentle 

son of Kashmir. He was sick for last few years. Shri M. K. Tickoo’s brother Shri 

Mahinder Nath Tickoo and his family live in the USA (Boston area). Contact 

info: Contact :Tickoos’s (Ravi & Sulochna) at 978-250-8193 

4) Rakesh & Sushma Kaul of Creskill, NJ on the passing away of 

Rakeshjis father Shri Radha Krishan Kaul who passed away on June 1, 2003 in 

Englewood Hospital New Jersey USA. 

5) Chand & Rekha Bhan of Andover, MA on the passing away of 

Chandji’s mother who away on June 11 at New Delhi. Chand & Rekha Bhan: 

978-470-8537 

6) Mrs. Padmini Kadalbajoo wife of Dr. Ajay Kadalbajoo of Hershey, 

PA who passed away on June 26, 2003 while he was visiting Chennai India. 

Padminiji can be reached at: 717-534-0649 / 717-566-8814 

7) Kaul family on the sad demise of Mrs. Dhanwanti Kaul, w/o Late 

Sh. Jia Lal Kaul. Who left for heavenly abode on July 10, 2003 in Austin, TX. 

She is survived by her son Dr. Brij Lal Kaul, daughter-in-law Mohini Kaul and 4 

grand children: Kingji & Indu Kaul (TX), Suresh & Sunita Kaul (MD), Reena & 

Ashok Moza (CA), and Sanjay & Bela Kaul (MA), and their children Shevata, 

Sunil, Shiva, Amit, Karan and Neha. Contact info: 512-255-6311 (TX), 301- 

515-1908 (MD), 408-942-1604 (CA), 781-893-4982 (MA). 

8) Uma & Surinder Bhan of CT and Asha & Manmohan Dhar of MD 

on the sad demise of Shri. Badri Nath Kotru (father of Mrs. Uma Bhan and Mrs. 

Asha Dhar) who passed away in Poona, India on the 20th of July.. Bhans’ can be 

reached at: (860)-945-9964 Dhars’ can be reached at: (301)-390-0718 

9) Bhan family on the sad demise of Shri. Chaman Lal Bhan (father of 

Rommel Bhan of Austin TX, and Rajesh Bhan of California) who passed away 

in Ahmedabad, India on the 24th of July (originally of 43 Karan Nagar Srinagar). 

He was 67 years of age and is survived by his wife Nirmalla Bhan and two sons 

Rommel, Rajesh and three grand children.Contact: sticku@austin.rr.com 

10) Rajiv Kaul of VA, Pulin Kaul of FL, and Suhbra of New Zealand on 

the passing away of their father Dr. Makhan Lal Koul (Gassi) who expired on 28 

August, 2003 in Delhi. Dr. Koul was President of Kashmiri Pandit Association 

of Vasundra Enclave, Delhi. Contact Info: Rajiv Kaul 703-793-0213, Pulin Kaul 

-305-232-9564. 

11) Chand & Rekha Bhan of Andover, MA on the passing away of 

Chanjee’s sister-in-law (bhabi) Mrs. Jaya Miskeen W/O Shri Makhan Lal 

Miskeen. Contact info: Bhans 978-470-8537. Jayaji passed away on Sunday 

September 7. Jayaji happens to be my Massi as well. She was the younger sister 

of my mom Mohini Kaul. My parents Mohini & Dr. B.L. Kaul currently residing 

at Texas can be reached at 512-255-6311. Other grieving relations, nieces and 

nephews include: Mrs Shashi Kher & Family VA, Ranjana Koul of NY, Kingji 

Kaul & Family TX, Suresh Kaul & family MD, Reena Moza & family CA, Sonu 

Fotedar & Family CA, Mona Kaul & Family MA, Angla Bhan MA. 

12) Hari & Nimmi Bhat of NY on the sad demise of Hari jees father Pt. 

Radha Krishen Bhat who passed away in Jammu on 7th Sept. He was ill for 

sometime. Hari Ji went to India on the same day and is returning on 21st Sept. 

Contact Info: Bhats can be reached at 845-627-2181. 

13) Shiban & Sadhna Qasba of Torrington, CT on the sad demise of 

Sadhna’s mother Mrs Pushpa Sapru who passed away in Jammu yesterday. She 

was ill for sometime. Contact information 860-482-9254 

Let us pray to Almighty God to give rest and peace to the departed soul and 

to give utmost strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

KOA Executive Committee: 

President Sanjay Kaul, MA (781) 893-4982 

Vice-President Sidharth Ganju GA (770) 409-1200 

Secretary Anupam Wali, MA (978) 667-1695 

Treasurer Prana Koul, MA (781) 221-0350 

Cultural Secretary Arti Kaul, MA (781) 687-9787 

Media Secretary Vijay Parimoo, NJ (732) 418-1471 

Liaison Secretary Arun Koul, MA (978) 474 0079 

Ex-President Lalit Wanchoo MD (301) 262-8881 

Directors: 

Zone 1: Nirja Khashu (718) 343-7889 

Zone 2: Sulochna Tickoo (978) 250-8193 

Zone 3: Sandeep Kaul (609) 799-3000 

Zone 4: Sujata Qasba (410) 531-1408 

Zone 5: Anita Kaul (281) 538-5553 

Zone 6: Sidharth Ganju (770) 409-1200 

Zone 7: Sanjay Bhat (630) 236-7668 

Zone 8: Suman Hukku (248) 656-2542 

Zone 9: Vijay Chowdhury (510) 651-6386 

Zone 10: Anjali Bhat (310) 475-8698 

KPI Newsletter - Editorial Board: 

Sanjay Kaul, MA; Deepak Ganju, FL 

************************************************* 

Kashmiri Overseas Association 

24 Sartell Road 

Waltham, MA 02451-2986 

(781) 893-4982 

16 

REMINDER: 

Please renew your KOA membership 

Annual Dues: $30/family, $15/single, 

$15/senior couple, Life member: $500 

Mail membership dues/questions/comments to: 

15 Ardmore Ave 

Burlington, MA 01803 

APPEAL 

Please donate generously to KOA 

Dues/Donations can be paid at KOA website 

(Donations are tax deductible) 

E-mail: koausa@koausa.org 

Web Site: 

http://www.koausa.org/ 

http://www.kashmir-information.com/

KPI Aug 2003 - Kashmiri Overseas Association

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?