THE KASHMIRI PANDIT INTERNATIONAL (KPI)

Transcription

1 THE KASHMIRI PANDIT INTERNATIONAL (KPI) Newsletter of Kashmiri Overseas Association, Inc. web site: No: 51 April, 2003 NADIMARG TARGEDY IN THIS ISSUE Pesident s Message by Sanjay Kaul Nadimarg Massacre Press Release KOA National Camp (Camp Registarion Form & information) insert KOA Board Meeting Minutes ,6,7 Nadimarg Tragedy: What Can We Do IAKF Report ,9 Zonal Reports , 11,12,13 Anti Terrorism Rally in L.A A Poem by R. Braroo Community News and Events Editorial Board: Sanjay Kaul, MA (781) Deepak Ganju, FL (305) Kashmiri Overseas 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. 1

2 PRESIDENT S COLUMN Namaskar! Happy Nevreh! I wish you and yours, a very joyful and prosperous year ahead. Ever since militancy rose in Kashmir Valley, our community has been its target. In January of 1990, Kashmiri Pandits left Kashmir Valley because the venom of Islamic fundamentalism was directed towards them and had became a direct target of the militants. Killings, rape, loot and destruction of KP property set the writing on the wall. To save honor and lives, Kashmiri Hindus left Kashmir. A few brave souls stayed back, trusting their neighbors, local administration and the Government of India. We have always been saying that Kashmiri Pandits living in Kashmir are not safe. Events of March 24 proved our apprehensions to be correct, twenty four of our community members were massacred in the town of Narimarg. Kashmiri Pandit men, women, children were brutally killed, no one was spared, their ages ranged from two to seventy years old. The remaining Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir Valley are nothing but sacrificial lambs. When the terrorists feel the need they ruthlessly massacre a few. We have been let down by our belief in Kashmiriat, our belief in the people of India, by the local administration, Indian security forces and above all by the Government of India. It is a total failure of the our trust in Central Government & its policies, State government & its security mechanism, and above all the trust these poor people had in their neighbors. We have been failed by one and all. Now, the resultant insecurity after the Nadimarg massacre will force more of the Kashmiri Hindu s out of their home in Kashmir. My prayers go out for peace to the souls of the dead victims at Nadimarg. My prayers also go out for those victims that will now seek refuge in other parts of India and I pray that they may not have to take the path of continued suffering that has been the fate of 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus who sought similar refuge earlier and continue to remain homeless, displaced refugees in their own country. The Kashmiri Pandit s displacement from Kashmir is one of the major humanitarian crises in the world today and nobody is paying any attention to their suffering. I hope and pray that in the coming year our community members do not become targets of terrorism and no more lives are lost in such meaningless way. KOA has set up a fund to help relatives of these victims. Please go to our website koausa.org (interactive pages) and donate generously, your community needs your help. All KOA activities and programs are going on as planned and as per schedule. Language may not be the only cohesive force to bind a community, but it certainly is the main cementing agent not only to hold the community together but also to confer upon it a mark of identification. The religious and political persecution for centuries has made our mother tongue to relapse into near oblivion. The only way we can save it is by speaking in Kashmiri at home and encouraging our children to do so. In order to promote our culture and language, KOA has taken many initiatives, one among them is our Kashmiri Language Institute. Early in January, a four-day Kashmiri language course was 2 offered under the Kashmiri Language Institute from January 16-20, 2003 at Brown University in RI. For our youth, KOA has initiated a Kashmiri Youth Group. One of the major undertakings this youth group has on their hands is the development of a web site exclusively for KP youth worldwide. Once this website becomes operational, through it, KP youth will get to know each other and then cooperate and coordinate with each other in preserving their Kashmiri Pandit identity. As a first step, they need to reach out to every youngster in the USA and Canada for which they need your help. The Youth Group is looking for names of youngsters. I would like all the community members to support this effort by involving their children in such community projects. Please provide names of your children if they are in following age groups: a) 8 to 17 years old b) 18+ age group by writing to dhirajbakaya@yahoo.com I would like to draw your attention to two things. First, having correct member information is very important for the organization. Please provide KOA with address change if any. A form has been provided in this newsletter for this purpose, or go directly to our website koausa.org interactive pages and check and update your information. Only you would be able to access your membership information using your address on list with KOA. Second, if you have not paid your membership dues yet, then please take a moment of your valuable time to do so.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. Your membership dues and generous donations help the association to run its activities and programs. As a promotion, all members who paid their dues by March 31, will receive a CD of Kashmiri Bhajans titled Poozai Posh that KOA produced in association with Mrs. Kailash Mehra. 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. A medical fund has been set up, please donate generously. My sincere thanks to those who have helped with generous donations in the past. Shri Pran Kaul of CA, and Shri Tej Kaul of NY, are both running fund raising drives for Sponsor-A-Child and Educational Fund programs respectively, if you need more information about these programs, call or 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. 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 the difference. May God bless our community? Namaskar! Sanjay Kaul, Boston, MA ***************************************************

3 PRESS RELEASE Nadimarg Massacre Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) strongly condemns the latest massacre of twenty-four Kashmiri Pandits as a part of global terrorism. BOSTON: Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) and all its international affiliates mourn the loss of 24 men, women and children at Nadimarg, Kashmir. All the victims belonged to the minority Hindu community known as Kashmiri Pandits, their ages ranged from 2 to 70 year olds. The perpetrators of these killings are widely believed to be from known Islamic terrorist organizations. After twenty-three Kashmiri Pandits were killed outside Srinagar in January 1998, the state government provided Pandit villages in Kashmir with security. A police post was set up at Nadimarg. These killings took place even though the threat perception to the victims was high and the government claimed adequate security arrangements. Now, the resultant insecurity from these killings will force more of the Kashmiri Hindu minority out of their home in Kashmir. It is difficult to fathom a reason for the killings other than that these are a continuation of the ethnic cleansing campaign by Islamic terrorists that are operating in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. From a wide population, the Kashmiri Pandits now remain just a speck on the demographic chart of the Kashmir Valley. We believe such massacres are not just an issue of cross border terrorism but a prolonged genocide planned, funded, inspired and materially aided by Pakistan. The foreign born terrorists are succored by some in the local Muslim population that have fallen prey to the propaganda of religious intolerance or have vested interests in grabbing commerce, land and jobs. The other reason for unabated continuation of such massacres is the reluctance of India to take decisive action against terrorism on its soil. We support the American and Indian ideals of pursuing peace, life and liberty for all and believe that perpetrators of this terrorist act must be brought to justice. Our prayers go out for peace to the souls of the dead victims at Nadimarg. Our prayers also need to be for those victims that will now seek refuge in other parts of India. We pray that they may not have to take the path of continued suffering that has been the fate of 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus who sought similar refuge earlier but continue to remain as homeless, displaced refugees in their own country. The Kashmiri Pandit s displacement from Kashmir is one of the major humanitarian crises in the world today. KOA is eager to provide help and seeks support for its programs that are in the aid of this large, displaced community Kashmiri Overseas Association is a non profit social and cultural organization based in the United States of America. KOA helps to preserve and promote Kashmiri Hindu culture among our community members and provides opportunities to learn about Kashmiri Hindu heritage and culture. For more info, please visit 3 KOA s presentation at the press conference organized by Consul General of India in New York. As a consequence of Nadimarg massacre in Kashmir, Consulate General of India at New York organized a press conference with the Indian media on Monday March 31 at 7:00 pm at the consulate office in New York. Consulate had invited many Indian associations to be part of this event, KOA was also approached. Our local representatives from the area Vijay Parimoo, Sandeep Kaul and Nirja Khashu were asked to be there. On Monday March 31 st, Sandeep Kaul (NJ), Nirja Khashu (NJ) and Rakesh Kaul (NJ) participated in the press conference that was organized by Consul General, at the India Consulate in New York. Rakesh Kaul replaced Vijay Parimoo who could not attend. Besides them, there were many representatives of other Indian Associations. The Indian-American organizations that were represented included FIA, ASI, NSI, and AAPI etc and all showed solidarity with KP s and our suffering. Also, present was IAS officer Kiran Bedi from India. Indian TV and Newspaper crews operating in the USA as well as representatives of news media in India were there. CG opened the floor for all the speakers. All present observed a minute s silence in memory of the people massacred in Nadimarg village. Rakesh Kaul presented briefly the historical background of Kashmiri Pandits and their current status. Sandeep followed him demanding what we want for our community in terms of financial and emotional rehabilitation. He talked about human rights violations against KPs and how these are ignored; distorted facts published by the BBC (claims only 60,000 refugees); KP s need economic/humanitarian assistance to rehabilitate the community - this includes educational and employment assistance; KP s need for a place to live in, with peace security and dignity; KP s demand of political representation within the Indian govt. He further added that India must fight the propaganda war more forcefully in the US to counter Pakistan s lies and distortions. Nirja presented KOA s press release and briefly touched on the sufferings and the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits who have become refugees in their own country. The other speakers also supported our cause. Kiran Bedi during her comments suggested an Indian comprehensive solution (i.e., not to depend on outside help) to some speakers hinting at striking back militarily at Pakistan. She further suggested that we come up with a concrete plan of action and present it to the Government of India. The TV crew interviewed our representatives and we expect to see the coverage in the local Indian papers. CG at the closing, stated that he would present KP s concerns to the legislatures and the senators. On the whole, this press conference was well received by the Indian media and we would like to see an outcome emerge out of it. All in all, our message got out, and our press release was distributed to members of the media. Thanks to Sandeep Kaul (NJ), Nirja Khashu (NJ) and Rakesh Kaul (NJ) for representing KOA.

4 KOA National Camp 2003 This is to inform you that place and date for KOA National Camp has been finalized. It will be held at Sunrise Resort at Moodus, CT from Thursday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 6 th. As the KOA Annual General Body Meeting is also held at the National Camp, every year, all members are invited and encouraged to attend. I have asked Sandeep & Bhawana Sadhu of MA to head the organizing team, which is dedicated to provide an excellent arrangement and program for this camp. To help you finalize your plans; Providence, RI and Hartford CT are two nearest airports (within an hour s drive time). Logan International Airport at Boston, MA is within 2 hours drive time. It is worth to mention here that following members tried their level best to look for an alternate place but unfortunately nothing worked out. Ravi Raina of Toronto, Canada looked around Buffalo and Toronto areas. Ravi Kaul of Albany NY looked around in upstate NY area Umesh Kaul and Vinod Raina of NJ in NJ area Vijay Trisal of Mars PA looked around in PA and OH Lalit Wanchoo of MD, Sunita Dhar of NJ and Hari Bhat of NY also tried to check out places in NJ and surrounding areas. My sincere thanks to them for their efforts. This newsletter contains all details and registration form etc., Looking forward to see you at the camp. Launch of Web Transaction Facility Over the years we realized that if KOA could provide a facility on our website where members could pay their membership dues and donations to KOA using a credit card, it would make it convenient for them to renew their membership and make donations. The KOA Board very enthusiastically accepted this initiative from the KOA Executive Committee. Following up on this initiative, it is my privilege, on behalf of KOA s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, to announce the launch of such a facility on our website koausa.org (interactive pages). A member can pay membership dues to the organization and any person can now donate money for KOA s programs using a Master Card or a Visa Card. Verisign enables the web transaction and provides a safe and secure payment-processing gateway. Benefits of Verisign enabled secure payment processing gateway include: 1. Ease of renewing membership and ability to check membership status online. 2. Ability to donate money online and to support your favorite causes. I am looking forward to you making use of this new facility. This, as well as the other facilities on the Interactive pages are due to their web enabled software, set up for KOA by Fusion Technology Group, Inc. (FTG) of Billerica, MA. I wish to thank Arun Koul of FTG for providing us the services of this amazing software application. *************************************************** 4 Next Issue of KASHEER Magazine I take this opportunity to seek your cooperation in making the new KOA journal, KASHEER, a great success. It is your own magazine launched with a three-fold purpose: 1) to perpetuate our ancient heritage; 2) to mirror our social and cultural values of life and 3) to help us discharge our responsibilities as better citizens of this great country which we have now adopted as our own. We know that we have talent galore in our illustrious community, quite knowledgeable and capable of writing. We would appreciate, therefore, if you share your knowledge and experience by writing for KASHEER on subjects, relating to our ethos, culture, traditions and socio-political life. We solicit the unstinted cooperation of one and all, men, women and our upcoming youth, in making KASHEER a must-read journal for every one. You are free to express your opinion on relevant subjects. Our next issue is planned for June/July Deadline to submit your article is May 17, Please your articles at gnraina@hotmail.com & dganju@earthlink.net Editorial Board would welcome constructive criticism and suggestions to improve the quality of the new Journal and make it really interesting, informative and educative. Editor-in-Chief Membership Promotion Paid 2003 KOA members and those who have registered as site members of our koausa.org (interactive pages) site will receive a free CD. KOA has produced a CD of most popular Kashmiri Bhajans in association with Mrs. Kailash Mehra. The CD is titled, Poozai Posh. Three prominent Kashmiri artists have collectively sung these bhajans including Kailash Mehra, Vijay Malla and Dharshan Mehra. Here is the list of the songs that have been included in the CD: 1. INTRODUCTION 2. AASAY SHARAN KARTAM DAYAA 3. GURUR BRAHMA GURUR VISHNU 4. MAEJ SHARIKAY KAR DAYAA 5. BEL TAI MAADAL 6. JAI NARAYAN JAI PURSHOTAM 7. PADEE KAMLAN TAL 8. SHIVAI NAMAH OM NAMAH SHIVAI 9. GAUREEM AMBA AMBUR HAKSHEEM 10. HEE SADAA SHIV SHANKAR TRISHULDHARI 11. INDRAKSHI &INDRA UVACCHA 12. ATABHISHAN KATUBHASHAN 13. TWAMEVA MATA CHA PITAH TWAMEVA Thanks, Sanjay Kaul President, KOA

5 KOA Board Meeting Minutes January 26, 2003 (12:00 Noon E.S.T.) 1. Welcome & Introduction The 1 st KOA board meeting for year 2003 was called to order By Shri Sanjay Kaul, president, KOA at 12:00 Noon East Coast Time, and a roll call was made. Present or absent at the meeting were the members as shown below. Executive Committee Members President Sanjay Kaul Present Vice President. Sidharth Ganju Present Secratory Anupam Wali Present Treasurer Prana Kaul Present Cultural Secretary Arti Kaul Present Media Secretary Vijay Parimoo Present Immediate Past-President Lalit Wanchoo Present CURRENT BOARD Members: Zone Director: 1 Nirja Khashu Absent 2 Salochna Tickoo Present 4 Sujata Qusba Present 5 Anita Kaul Absent 6 Sidharth Ganju Present 7 Sanjay Bhat Present 8 Hari Koul Present 9 Vijay Chowdhury Present 10 Anjali Bhat Present Youth Representatives * Dhiraj Bakaya Present * Janni Kaul Present Invited: * Arun Koul Present 2. Vote of Thanks The President took the opportunity to thank all the outgoing board members from Zone 1, Vijay Kaul (NY); Zone 3: Sarla Warikoo (NJ); Zone 4, Hira Lal Nakhasi (MD); and Zone 8: Hira Lal Koul (MI). He thanked them for their leadership, time and effort they put in for the organization and community work. and said I have enjoyed working with them and appreciate their cooperation, and look forward to their continued involvement in our community affairs. Thanks for a job well done. He also took this opportunity to express his sincere thanks to the election committee comprising of Shri Suman Hukku (Chair), Shri Chaman Bhan (Member) and Sunita Kaul (Member), for conducting the election in just and fair manner, and in doing so have glorified the organization. Sanjay Kaul proposed a motion to thank outgoing board members. It was seconded by Siddharth Ganju. All present favored the motion. The motion was passed. 3. Welcome to New Board Members The President welcomed the newly elected Zonal Directors to the KOA Board, which include: Zone 1: Nirja Khashu (NY); Zone 3: Sandeep Kaul (NJ); Zone 4 Sujata Qasba (MD); Zone 6 Sidharth Ganju (GA) re-elected; Zone 8: Hari Koul (MI); and Zone 9 Vijay Chowdhury (CA). Vijay Chowdhury replaces Ravi Mirakhur for the un-expired part of his term. He said I am looking forward to your active involvement and close cooperation with me in implementing KOA s programs. Welcome! 4. Appointment of New Executive Committee Since this was the first meeting of Calandar year 2003 and also beginning of second term for Sanjay Kaul as President of KOA, he presented a new slate of Executive Committee to the Board. a) He said, I will continue with my current committee members which includes: Sidharth Ganju as the V.P. Anupam Wali as the Secretary Prana Kaul as the Treasurer Arti Kaul as the Cultural Secretary Vijay Parimoo as the Media Secretary Lalit Wanchoo as the Ex-President b) In addition, for this term, I am expanding the E.C. by appointing Arun Koul (MA) as the Community Liaison/Official Spokes Person of KOA. He welcomed all E.C. members and thanked Arun Koul for joining us for the first time. 5. Financial Report from the Treasurer. (Prana Koul): Prana Koul said, KOA has been very prompt with our tax filings. In 2002, we promptly filed tax returns for 2001 with IRS and also filed 2002 Personal Property Return with the State of Maryland where KOA is registered. She provided the information from KOA s bank account for major categories for year Here is the information about amount received and cashed from KOA s Bank Account during year 2002: Income Expanses Membership $20, 500 Koshur Calendar $ 5,400 Kasheer Magazine $ 300 Fund Raised for CD $ 1,600 Udhampur School $ 1,400 Kashmir Institute $ 2,200 General Donation $14,772 For Programs S-A-C $28,156 $25,137 EF $40,568 $36,921 Help to needy $ 7,256 $ 4,250 General $43, Total $122,152 $109,884 Sanjay Kaul thanked Prana Kaul for the Treasurers report. 6. Status of Projects in India: The Education Fund Program: In 2001, we raised about $48,000 and supported 186 students. For the school year 2002/2003 we have raised $44,000 from our sponsors. With this amount we were able to support 170 students for the current academic year. We received 160 new applications, and currently have sufficient funds to support only 70 of them, rest are the ones continued from last year. Sponsor-A-Child Program: In the year 2002, approximately $28,000 was raised for this program. Currently, about 200 children are covered under this program, 146 sponsors support this program. With regards to both these programs, Sanjay Kaul emphasized that there are many more refugee children who need help. We have been adding new sponsors but there is a huge unmet demand. All board members were asked to actively support these programs and help signup new sponsors. He further said that, In past, suggestions were made by members to see how we can track the beneficiaries of these programs and have them give back to the community so that more children will be benefited, and we are working on it. Udhampur School: The school at Udhampur, caters to children up to 8 th Grade. It provides both educational and employment opportunities to the camp residents. The school has an operating expense of Rs.3 Lac/year. In past KOA board had approved supporting this school by providing assistance for up to Rs.2 Lac towards operating cost only (which amounts to approximately $4000/yr). KOA has received their financial statement for In year 2002, two checks of $1500 and $2000 were sent to Shri Bhat Memorial Trust for running this school. Sanjay Kaul proposed to take a vote to pledge our continued support for this school for next two years. He proposed a motion to pledge $4,000/year for next two years for Rishi Memorial School at Udhampur. It was seconded by Hari Koul. With all members in favor, the motion was passed. Financial Help for Medical & Social Conditions: Every year KOA gets hundreds of letters from KP s, mostly from Jammu, seeking financial help for their loved ones undergoing serious medical conditions and for other financial troubles due to mishaps etc. People in refugee camps are suffering numerous ailments. Last year, a committee was set up to start a coordinated effort for fund collection and to develop criteria for selection of applicants and the disbursement of funds. In 2002, we raised about $7,256 for this cause and which we have already distributed and/or pledged to people needing that help. A committee has been set up headed by Maharaj Kaul of NY. Any appeal for help that you may receive should be sent to this committee. 7. Status of Projects in the United States and Accomplishments: Sanjay Kaul informed the board members that we send Newsletters (quarterly), Kasheer Magazine (bi-annual), Koshur Calendar (yearly) and Member Directory (once in 2 years) to our members. 5 New Years Greeting Card: Since last year (2001) we have regularly sent a New Year greeting card to our members with an appeal for donation. The appeal has been well received by members resulting in sizable donations. This year we included membership bill with the card and as a result we are seeing a very good response to our membership renewal.

6 Koshur Calendar: In 2002, we produced Koshur Calendar and mailed it before Navreh time to all members on KOA s mailing list. To defray the costs of printing and mailing, we raised $5,400 by way of donations from members. Last year. It was decided that calendar will be sent to all paid and unpaid members. This year also it would be sent to all members on our mail list. In order to defray the costs of printing, Sanjay Kaul asked every zone to sponsor at least one month with contributions from members. Sponsoring each month will cost $500. Four families at $125 each could sponsor a month. Newsletter: In 2002, four issues of newsletters (quarterly) have been published and mailed to all Kashmiri Pandits who are on KOA mailing list. We will continue to bring out newsletters every quarter. Directory: As you know, last edition of KOA directory was produced and mailed in Since it is promised that we will produce it every two years, next edition is planned for this year. Your help in updating member information is sought. Magazine: We produced a new magazine titled, Kasheer in December of It is based on articles from members here in this country, mostly pertaining to issues faced by our community. It will be produced twice a year. Sanjay Kaul sought active support of board members to a) get articles from members and b) get advertisements to defray the cost of production. Kashmir Institute: Since 2001, we have been offering to our youth, a Kashmiri Language course once every year. In June 2002, a youth camp was organized on the West Coast. In August 2002, we held a seven-day language course at American University in Maryland. This year we offered a 4-day language course at the Brown University at RI from January 17 to 20, Sanjay Kaul thanked Prof. Ashok Koul of Brown University (RI) for offering the course, last year and this year. He also thanked the community members for supporting these activities in Washington area and Boston-Providence area, and last but not the least the guest speakers who came from various parts of the country to teach our youth. Sanjay Kaul said, We have offered these classes at Washington, D.C. and Providence, RI, if we get enough interest from our youth in West Coast or Mid West, we could hold a course there during the fall of this year. Last year from our members we raised $2,200 for this institute and KOA had pledged $2,000. I would like KOA to continue supporting this program under our Kashmir Institute. Therefore, the board was requested to appropriate $2000 for these language courses. President proposed a motion to pledge $2000 for this purpose. It was seconded by Sandeep Kaul. With all in favor, the motion was passed. National Camp: To be held from July 3rd (Thursday) to July 6th (Sunday) As the KOA Anual General Body Meeting is held at the National Camp, every year, it is requested that all the Board members make an effort to come to the camp. Also, promote participation to the National camp in their respective zones. Local/Regional Camps: KOA encourages regional camps and this year, Texas community has arranged a Camp in the month of March. Last year, Northern California Community organized a camp during the 4th of July weekend and Southern California organized a camp in August. Sanjay Kaul said, I am asking all the Zone Directors to explore possibility of having local camps in their own zones, at least once a year, so that the community can come together. He also recommend that few Zone Directors should jointly work to arrange a Regional Camp. He asked all the Directors to take initiative to make it happen and KOA would help in all possible ways to organize these camps. Cultural Exchange Program: In year 2001, we got Shri Virender Quazi (Shaivism expert), in 2002 we got Neerja Pandit from Mumbai and she performed at 9 places in the US. KOA is sponsoring this cultural activity and Mrs. Arti Kaul is coordinating this activity. This year we are working with Kailash Mehra and Vijay Malla to bring them here. In order to continue support cultural exchange program we need to apportion $3000 for bringing an artist from India. The president proposed a motion that KOA pledge $3000 for this purpose. It was seconded by Vijay Chowdhary. With all in favor, the motion was passed. Membership: President said, Our membership drive last year has been very encouraging, membership has steadily been increasing. Our paid membership for 2002 was 57%. Can we do better than this; Yes. Your Zone Membership list has been provided to you. Appoint a membership coordinator. We need to work the phones and call our members to renew their membership. One suggestion is to ask our 6 young school and college going kids to help in membership drive. KOA would give them certificates for their community work that could help them when they are applying for college admissions and also pay them. Please see to it that each member is called personally, it makes a big difference. Bhajan CD: KOA in collaboration with Kailash Mehra has produced a CD of Bhajans, it is called POOZAI POSH. As a promotion, we will give out this CD to those who pay their 2003 membership by March 30. Funds for Zone Activity: Based on membership revenues generated, KOA sends portion of it back to zones to defray costs of local cultural activities. Sanjay Kaul promised to continue to do so. As in the past, we will soon send out contributions to each zone. These funds are to be used for purchasing assets that could be used for current and future zone activities. An audio system is one of the most commonly purchased asset in this category. The funds are not to be used to subsidize hall rentals or food costs. Promote Smaller Chapters: As the population of Kashmiri Pandits in this country is increasing, there is a need for having smaller chapters in all zones. Any state within a zone with 10 to 15 or more KP families should have a chapter of their own. Please help structure smaller chapters. For all practical purposes, this will create cohesiveness among the local members and their involvement in community affairs as responsible office bearers at Chapter level. Scholarship Fund: Last year, Hiralal Koul (MI) proposed to establish a scholarship fund for children in US. KOA board unanimously voted on making a one-time achievement award to college bound Kashmiri Pandit students living in United States. Initially it is planned to make up to 4 such awards in the amount of $500each. A committee of 3 people has been appointed for a term of 2-years. The candidates should apply by January 31, 2003 and awards will be announced by the end of March Scholarship fund was established last year, and awards will be made beginning March this year. KOA Interactive Website: KOA has developed a new interactive website, which is more dynamic and interactive in nature with tremendous flexibility for future expansion of the site and content. Members can go to this site and update their information while as maintaining their privacy. This website was launched in July of Many new features are constantly being added and the website is regularly updated. Welcome package: Shri Ashok Raina has put a Welcome brochure for newcomers to USA. This brochure was shared with all board members last year, and now their feed back is sought. After finalizing, the brochure would be put in the welcome package. Program Brochure: Sanjay Kaul proposed to produce a brochure for our membership drive which would list various programs and accomplishments of the KOA run programs. He asked the board members for ideas in this regard. 8. Role of Director/Chapter President: Written information in this regard had already been circulated to all board members. The intention of defining these roles is to minimize conflicts and improve coordination. Sanjay Kaul asked board members for their comments and emphasized the following: a) All of our activities need to be self sustaining. Therefore, help raise funds for the association, initiate and promote fund-raisers. b) Work harder to increase paid membership to generate revenue. c) Organize at least three or four functions in every Zone/Chapter, every year, which should be Shivratri/Navreh, Picnic, Local Camp, Diwali etc. Develop a calendar, fix dates for all these functions in advance for the coming year.. Involve children, youth and senior citizens in local activities. d) Promptly send articles for Newsletter describing activities in your zone. If you are busy, assign this responsibility to someone else from your zone. As directors, you have special privileges for posting on our website. Please keep the events section on the website up-todate. e) Please find ways to promote the website among members. 9. E-group moderators and their role and suggested guidelines for use of KOA e-groups All our zones have e-groups to facilitate communication. All Zone Directors have moderator rights to these e-groups. You can add and invite new members. Maintain and update the member list and as a moderator see to it that these e-groups are not misused or abused by any member. There is a set of guidelines, which will be ed to you this week. Please use these e-groups as means of communication with your zone members and make sure guidelines are respected.

7 10. Youth Issues Two youth representatives: Dhiraj Bakaya and Jaani Kaul present at the meeting informed the board about the youth issues. Summary of what Youth Representatives asked for: a) Zone Directors to actively support youth issues and promote youth cause among community members in their respective zones b) Get names of few younger children from major metropolitan areas who would then closely work with the youth group. C) KOA allow low cost membership for children: $5 for age group, $10 for age group. D) Help produce Youth Directory and e) Promote and facilitate youth language classes. Sanjay Kaul thanked Dhiraj and Jaani for their efforts. 11. Should we register KOA in every state. Currently, KOA is registered in the state of Maryland only. We file Personal Property Return every year with the state of MD. Lalit Wanchoo spoke on this topic and informed the board about various options. 12. Establish a committee to raise funds for the association. We need to aggressively raise funds for the organization to effectively run our programs. Let us set up a committee, which will provide ideas about what and how we can accomplish this. Do I have any volunteers or you can simply propose name of a member from your zone who has fund raising experience and later confirm with them. Hari Koul volunteered to lead fundraiser committee with Siddhth Ganju, Lalit Wanchoo and Arun Koul. 13. Liaison Person In India: The President said, We have always wanted to have a direct liaison person in India, who could gather information for us, monitor our programs there and serve as a contact person with students. I am asking an authorization to appoint a liaison person in India. I have already spoken with a few people in this regard with whom KOA has worked in the past. A salary of Rupees 3,000/month and traveling expense of up to Rupees 2,000/month will be sufficient for this purpose. He proposed a motion to authorize him to appoint a person in India as our liaison. Rough estimate of expanses is about $1200 for year It was Seconded by Siddharth Ganju. With all in favor, the motion was passed. 14. Merchant Account on our web site As a new initiative for the convenience of KOA members, Sanjay Kaul informed the board that, We were working on establishing a Merchant Account which would allow members to pay their annual dues and make donations on our web site. The estimated yearly operating cost of providing this service would be approximately $500. He proposed a motion that the board approve establishment of a Merchant Account on our website. It was seconded by Sandeep Kaul. With all in favor, the motion was passed. 15. Establish an Open Discussion Forum for our worldwide community. KOA had started the first ever-open discussion form for our worldwide KP community. Until year 2000 we owned and managed that forum. In year 2001, it was given to an independent body. We currently have no way of enforcing rules and regulations and making sure that it is a productive tool for our community. At this time, strong need is felt by our members to re initiate this service for our members under KOA s banner. Our sister organizations in Canada, Europe, Middle East, South East Asia and Australia have insisted that we start this service and then manage and operate it. We have the capability to do so. Arun Koul briefed the board as to how this service will be managed and operated. After discussion, the proposal was put to vote. Sanjay Kaul, propose a motion that the board approve establishing an open discussion forum for our worldwide community. It was seconded by Hari Koul. With all in favor, the motion was passed. 16. Liability Insurance for KOA Office Bearers. Issue of liability insurance for our office bearers was braught up by Siddharth Ganju. He was concerned that if there was a liability claim against the directors and office bearers, KOA should indemnify the directors and officers of KOA. The issue was discussed and the board felt that we should look into what would be the cost of such insurance. Anupam Wali was going to look into the cost of getting such insurance coverage Who can be a member (define minimum qualifications). The President said, Until now, we have never had a problem in this regard. All our members are KP s. Some instances where one member is non KP are because of marriage to a KP. But in our rules and regulations we need to define it to avoid any possible future conflict. If we don t come to a conclusion in this meeting, we will continue this discussion through . The board members were asked for their comments and ideas. 18. Should there be a cutoff date to be an eligible voter. The President said, Until now, as a practice we have allowed members to mail in their membership dues with their ballot. This has helped raise lot of revenue for the organization as elections generate lot of interest in the community for the organization. Recently there have been discussions regarding the disadvantages of this practice. Therefore, I am bringing up to you for discussion. If we don t come to a conclusion in this meeting, we will continue this discussion through . The board members were asked for their comments and ideas. 20. What should be KOA s Action Plan: When a community member breaks the rules and guidelines of the association, misinforms/misrepresents information about the association, and slanders the association and/or its members and office bearers, What should be KOA s action?. Such instances have occurred in past. Without naming any names or specific instances, we need to have an action plan to counter such an incident. We need to identify what a member cannot do. If we don t come to a conclusion in this meeting, we will continue this discussion through . The board members were asked for their comments and ideas. 21. Any New Business There was a discussion about, How can we make our community better here in the USA. Sanjay Bhat braught up the issue of current economy and job situation for our community members. He was concerned as to how can we develop a network where some one seeking job can be helped. Lalit Wanchoo thanked Sanjay Kaul and his team for a job well done for last two years. A motion of thanks was proposed by him which was seconded by Sidharth Ganju. It was passed with all in favor. Sanjay Kaul thanked all the board members for their participation and the meeting was adjourned at 2:10 PM East coast time. Sincerely Anupam Wali Secretary KOA Youth Camp 2003 The Second Annual KOA Southern CA Youth Camp will be held this summer, the weekend of June 14-15th, at Lake Cachuma in Santa Barbara, CA. In addition to its beauty and awesome weather, this site provides several recreational facilities including hiking, boating, fishing and, of course, relaxing. For more information on this site, please see The camp is open to youth between the ages of years old. Please respond by April 15, 2003 if you tentatively expect to attend. We are also looking for 5 key people to help in planning this year s camp activities. PLEASE step up and respond; we are eager to have your help!! We are excited to see all of you again and to having more of you join us this year! We ll be sending updates in the weeks ahead. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us: Monica Bhatt, bhatt_monica@hotmail.com, Seema Mattoo, smattoo@ucla.edu, Mrs. Anjali Bhat, anjalila@hotmail.com,

8 NADIMARG TARGEDY WHAT WE CAN DO? In this there have been small rays of hope and support forthcoming. A few states allowed access to their educational institutions and the central government provides minimal assistance. Yet, an almost unbridgeable gap exists between what is required and what is provided. Several social and cultural organizations are working within their limitations to bridge this gap. Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA), the organization of overseas KPs is among the organizations in the forefront. The world population looked at the specific day of the Nadimarg tragedy as a day of sadness. However, for the general population of Kashmiri Pandits, sadness is every day of the loss of our Kashmiri home. So that we do not act like many lip-serving politicians and their like, this tragedy needs us to act with a deeper resolve to remove the cause of our sadness. We should not only mouth or write a few lines in mourning but also address the issue of sadness. We do not know what will come in the future. However, for our lifetimes, let us do some soul satisfying acts of significant size. My recent visit to Jammu brought out a few actions that KOA can be a part of. I will share these after some more consultation with the KOA Board Members and its president, Sanjay Kaul. Please read and circulate MAKE A DIFFERENCE below so that we can act together. Meanwhile we have started a fund for those KPs that are in situations of grave risk from terrorism. This fund will not only help meet the immediate needs of the victims of Nadimarg but will also create a kind of insurance for those KPs that are facing terrorism directly; by working and living in the face of danger. Example is the benefit of support being provided by KOA to the family of a brave police person who lost his life in the valley. Please donate generously to KOA by mailing a check or donating online to the Victims of Terrorist Violence Fund at MAKE A DIFFERENCE For a community that has been in forced exile, the Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) have shown tremendous spirit and chutzpah to drive down the odds against their survival. The culture of learning, diligence and adaptability intrinsic to the community has allowed many to thrive wherever they have been allowed a level playing field and open competition. Yet, the loss of life, property and home has been too much to overcome for a multitude of the several hundred thousand that had to leave Kashmir en-masse. In the words of Euripedes, There is no bigger sorrow on this planet than the loss of one s land. Many thousands of the KPs toil in vain to battle poverty, disease and depression. Numbers of the community languish in makeshift shelters in Jammu, Delhi and other parts of India. Even when financial suffering is not dominant, particular problems persist. The elderly live in a no man s land situation and mull their existence removed from the only kind of life they knew. The younger ones are overcome by the debt of restoring the losses of generations and live an unbalanced life, working without respite for their economic and communal being. 8 We believe that an individual KP may not thrive if the community withers. The same way as a single tree will not prosper in a diseased forest. Hence it is as incumbent upon us to improve our community s being as it is to improve ourselves. We also believe that if we want to raise our community, it is better to teach each person to fish than to give him/her a fish. Our works and projects will help build a sound infrastructure for our community to emerge stronger. Wherever you may be, please feedback@kashmirgroup.com if you would like to be a part of our efforts. Arun Koul Community Liaison and Spokesperson, KOA *************************************************** IAKFF ANNUAL REPORT (2002) January 1, 2003 National Board Members: Inder Bhat (VA), Rohit Dhar (NJ), Hira Fotedar (OH), Rajiv Pandit (TX), Vijay Sazawal (MD) and Jeevan Zutshi (CA). Secretary: Upender Nazir (MN). Treasurer: Gokal Raina (MN) In 2002, IAKF continued its tradition of active political advocacy on behalf of Kashmiri Pandits (KP s) in the U.S. The activities undertaken cover a wide canvass - multiple symposia and media contacts; briefings to the National Security Council (White House), meetings with U.S. Administration and U.S. Congress; presentations at policy think tanks and human rights organizations; and international activities. It is important to recognize and understand the work of dedicated IAKF members in the U.S. who have a history of spending their personal time and money in supporting the cause that is most dear to them. Every IAKF activist whether based in California or Minnesota or Illinois or Texas or Washington D.C. area or Ohio or New Jersey or Florida or anywhere else in this great nation has worked selflessly to promote our singular cause without any expectations in return. Our motto is: Run Deep, Run Silent, meaning that we are the stealth force that configures and reconfigures our tactics and strategies to adapt to the changing political landscape in order to maximize our effectiveness. Strategy is an important part of the IAKF approach. We spend considerable time in understanding our challenges, our adversaries and their tactics so there is no room for creating our messages in isolation or pursuing any permanent one message agenda. We have persevered where other political advocacy organizations have failed because we try to be as nimble as our political adversaries in the U.S. Putting forth the principle that IAKF members work for the community and not for self, there are no names of IAKF activists who pursued various initiatives identified below. But for those who are connected to the IAKF network on internet, you will surely recall the activists associated with these activities. SYMPOSIA AND MEDIA CONTACTS: IAKF held three symposia on the Kashmir issue and the plight of KP s in IAKF co-sponsored with the prestigious Rice University s Baker Institute of Public Policy (this institute has, in the past, hosted

9 a Summit meeting between the U.S. and Russia) a Panel Discussion on Beyond September 11 and Al Qaeda: The Kashmir Conflict. Participants included a widely recognized terrorism expert from India, Mr. B. Raman. IAKF sponsored a symposium at the Hilton Hotel, University of Houston, on Kashmir with invitees that included Mr. Yossef Bodansky, the internationally recognized expert on Islamic terrorism. The discussion was followed by the documentary, AND THE WORLD REMAINED SILENT, produced by Mr. Ashok Pandit (Mumbai). IAKF co-sponsored a symposium in Union City, California, titled, Is the Kashmir Issue Closer to a Solution? that was attended among others by Congressman Pete Stark, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Moti D(h)ar, Prof. SarDesai of UCLA, Col. M. M. Zaki and Lt. Col.K. K. Puri. The speakers discussed the self serving role of Pakistani military establishment in denying a solution of any sort (peaceful or otherwise) in Kashmir - something that is borne by the recent pronouncements of Gen. Musharraf. Besides putting focus on Kashmir and highlighting the plight of KP s, the above noted events generated a wide coverage of the Kashmir issue from the KP perspective in the local American media. One-on-one interviews were held with IAKF organizers of these events which are accessible even today through a Google search on the internet. Media contact was also maintained by various activists in other regions. In Minneapolis (MN) and Chicago (IL), IAKF activists met with the Editorial Board of major city newspapers and went on local TV and radio stations to espouse the KP point of view on what is happening in Kashmir. Additionally, IAKF activists from New Jersey, Southern California, Maryland, Florida and elsewhere kept up the pressure on major newspapers and universities of the country to be more objective about reporting events or inviting guest speakers related to Kashmir. IAKF also produced a videotape called, Caught on Video: The Kashmir Crisis, which was distributed through the youth wing of the organization as well as provided to various media outlets in the country. India Abroad, the premier Indian-American weekly newspaper on the East Coast, and India West, the premier weekly on the West Coast, along with a host of other regional ethnic newspapers, provided regular coverage of events in which IAKF activists participated. Many of the IAKF views have also been expressed through various articles on the Outlookindia.com website. NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL (WHITE HOUSE): IAKF held a number of meetings with Ms. Elisabeth Millard (and her predecessor, Harry Thomas) who works for Dr. Condoleezza Rice (NSC) on Kashmir issues. These meetings were open and frank and Ms. Millard (formerly at the American Embassy in New Delhi and extremely knowledgeable on Kashmir matters) recognized our input as the KP perspective. This is an on-going dialogue. THE U. S. ADMINISTRATION: IAKF is officially recognized as the voice of displaced KP s in the U.S. This is evident through official invitation by the U.S. State Department to meetings were representative Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmir experts are invited for informal updates on the ground situation in Kashmir. Additionally, one-on-one meetings have been held with the following State Department officials: Mr. Lawrence Robinson, Ms. Lisa Curtis, Mr. Steven Ghitelman and Mr. Walter Andersen. THE U.S. CONGRESS: IAKF contacts with Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) are well known as they are our primary voice of conscience within the U.S. Congress. Recognizing Congressman Pallone s outstanding efforts in support of the community, IAKF honored him with a plaque in Los Angeles on April 6, that reads, In recognition of your continued support for displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, we honor you Padmashree Honorable Frank Pallone Jr. Among other Congressmen that IAKF activists have cultivated are: Edward Royce (R-CA), Pete Stark (D-CA), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), Mike Honda (D-CA), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Bill Luther (D-MN), Jim Ramstad (R-MN), Martin Sabo (D-MN), Mark Kennedy (R-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN) and others. The Senators with whom IAKF activists had meetings were Sen. Mark Dayton (D-MN), Sen. Mike DeWine (R-OH), Sen. George Voinovich (D-OH), Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL) and others. POLICY THINK-TANKS AND HR ORGANIZATIONS: A number of important think-tanks that advise the U.S. Government and the U.S. Congress on the Kashmir issue invited IAKF to either participate or speak on related matters. This list consists of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) where the President of POK spoke and IAKF was requested to offer a counterpoint; Stimson Center, where IAKF debated with the retired President (Dr. Michael Krepon) on whether or not India would go to war with Pakistan following December 13, 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament; International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD), which conducted truth and reconciliation meetings between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims in Srinagar and Gulmarg in 2002; Institute of Multi-Track Diplomacy (IMTD) in association with the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) which is planning a inter-community dialogue between Kashmiri communities in J&K; Conflict Management Group (CMP), affiliated with Harvard s Kennedy School of Government, that has initiated a Kashmir Peace Partners Initiative ; Woodrow Wilson Center, that is concerned with money outflows from the U.S. to extremist organizations in the Indian subcontinent; the Brookings Institution which is advising the USG on its role in mediating the Indo-Pak conflict; and the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), that invited IAKF to present an analysis of the recently completed J&K elections. Additionally, IAKF activists spoke at the Kent State University and other academic institutions. IAKF activists met with Amnesty International officials in Chicago and various Jewish organizations in Minnesota. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES: IAKF maintained an active liaison with its overseas affiliates - the Toronto based Indo-Canadian Kashmir Forum (ICKF), and the London and Geneva based Indo-European Kashmir Forum (IEKF). As member of the London and Geneva based Interfaith International, the three Fora participate as non-governmental organization (NGO) participants in the proceedings of the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights (UNHCHR) in Geneva. In 2002, IAKF co-sponsored a session in the UNHCHR premises on Symmetrical Dialogue in Kashmir, subscribing to a need for inter-community dialogue on both sides of the LAC to be held separately but simultaneously. The United Nations NGO Office informed us that IAKF has been accepted as a viable and independent representative of Kashmiri Pandits facing discrimination in J&K. The UN liaison officer, Ms. Sandra Aragon-Parriaux, attended the IAKF sponsored meeting. IAKF maintains active links with our displaced community in India. In view of the importance of the monthly journal, KOSHUR SAMACHAR, published by the Kashmir Samiti, Delhi (KSD), IAKF has made a contribution towards its publication, and will continue to do so in the future. While many organizations and individuals in India claim to have strong views about IAKF, our position is very clear - we will associate with any KP organization engaged in political advocacy that has interest in working with us so long as the relationship is based on mutual respect, open communications and mature politics.

10 Zonal Reports Zone 1 & 3: Shivratri Celebrations in Tristate Shivratri celebrations for the entire Tristate Kashmiri Community was celebrated on March 1,2003, in New Jersey. It was the one of the largest gatherings of Kashmiri community; the Tristate has had in a long time. It was celebrated with great joy & fervor. Almost 200 people participated in the event. Many new members and first timers participated in the event. The event started with Shivratri pooja. Everyone present invoked blessings of gods for peace, prosperity and happiness. This was followed by superb dance recitals by Tapasya Wancho & Anisha Muni, who mesmerized the audience, by their performance, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Of course, they did fulfill the requests of doing other numbers too. Not to speak of Rakesh Kaul, who in his melodious voice captured the hearts of everyone. He entertained the participants with lilting songs both in Kashmiri and Hindi. Talk about food, it was in abundance and DJ provided the right mood for one and all to dance to their fill. A packet of salt and walnuts were provided to each family as a mark of good omen. A lot of interaction was seen among all ages. Many people were heard commenting about the nicest community feeling they had experienced in a long time. Hold on people! A voice said, mark off your calendars from July 3-July 6 for Kashmiri community camp to be held at Moodus, Connecticut for the same experience and much more on a larger scale. The representatives from New Jersey and New York, Sundeep Kaul (NJ): Nirja Khashu & Kavita Sazawal (NY) once again thank members for their participation and hope to see them in coming events. *************************************************** Shivratri Function -Western Pennsylvania Chapter Shivratri function, was celebrated in Pittsburgh on March 1st,2003 at Dr. Vijay and Mrs. Anuradha Trisal s residence. The celebrations began with Shiv Pooja followed by Aarti and Prasad distribution. A brief chapter meeting was held. Details regarding collection of funds during 2002 were provided and the members were requested to make a chapter contribution of $ 30 for the year 2003, which they could pay right away or mail to Mr. Raul Trisal. This contribution will be used to organize future chapter events. A Shivratri Skit was performed by the Chapter youths, in which efforts were made to explain the meaning and sanctity of Shivratri and Salaam, the most revered festival of Kashmiri Pandits. It was appreciated by all who were present. Mr. Bipin Kaul did a great job in preparing Shivratri Skit and Chapter youths equally did a great job by giving an awesome performance at a very short notice. Herath Kharch along with Picture Of Lord Shiva and Mata was distributed to the youngsters. Bingo Game was Organised By Mr. Rajeev Khazanchi and Mr Arvind Mattoo everyone participated with great enthusiasm and the winners were later given prizes. 50% money collected by the sale of bingo ticket was contributed to chapter fund. The program was followed by an excellent dinner, which was hosted by Dr. Vijay and Mrs. Anuradha Trisal. We thank them for being a wonderful host as always. There was not much enthusiasm this year for the dance session as most of the members were exhausted by watching India VS Pakistan World coup match. Not forgetting the age old tradition of Kashmiri Pandits, in the end all the ladies were given Zang (Noon and Aatgat) By Mrs. Anuradha Trisal. I would like to thank all the members for making this function a success. My special Thanks to Sunalini Kotwal ( chapter secretary) for organizing a successful program. Anil Koul Chapter President KOA, Western Pennsylvania *************************************************** Zone 2: Shivratri Celebrations Shivratri function was celebrated in KOAZONE2 on March 15. The function was started by an excellent Pooja by Shri Omanand Ji Koul followed by cultural program. Children presented dances and sang songs. Bingo and music chairs was a big success. Silver coins as Heerath Karch was distributed to children under 15. Few families joined us from connecticut. They strongly recommended and encouraged the community to organise such events - these events are keeping alive our past thoughts of Kashmir. Connecticut chapter celebrated this function on 22nd March at Shibanji and Sadhana Quasba s residence. Salochna Tickoo (MA) Director, Zone 2 ***************************************************** 10

11 Zone4: Shivratri Celebrations Local Washington Chapter of KOA celebrated Shivrathri on the 29th of March at the Murugun Temple in Lanham, Maryland. Almost 130 people attended the event. It was very encouraging to see new younger couples participate. The evening started with social hour and snacks. This was followed by Puja, which was held in the main temple, and was lead by Mrs. Ratna ji Qasba & Saroj Dixit. One and all of us sang Kashmiri Bhajans, recited Indraksha and ended the Puja with Aathi. This year we were blessed to have the temple priest join us in our prayers. Naveed and Doon (walnut) were distributed among the community members and the general public attending the temple. As usual, our Children s program was a blast. Our stars ranged from three years old to sixteen years old. The talent soared through the roof as we heard young, sweet voices reciting Gayatri Mantra, Bhajans, film songs, and hilarious jokes. The talent went beyond the voices as we saw Karate, instrumental, and dance performances by the older children. To keep up with the traditions, Herath Karach was given to all the children and the participants of the Children s program were awarded trophies Food, of course was delicious and was in abundance. Cooked and enjoyed by everyone. The rest of the evening was full of music which was by provided by courtesy of Pankaj Qasba and Rakesh Raina. Everyone, hit the dance floor and danced to their fullest. Kehwa with Baddam and Dalchini was served to increase their energy, but finally at 1 A.M, we had to call it quits. It was an evening full of joy, enthusiasm and dedication. I am looking forward to celebrating Navreh soon. Nisha Quasba Zone4 **************************************************** Zone5: Texas Shivratri Camp 2003 Texas Kashmiri Biradari celebrated Shivratri at Bastrop State Park near Austin from March 7-9. About 100 participants joined from Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. The Pooja was performed on March 8 at 6 PM. Vataak Doon, Chochi Veer and Prasad was enjoyed by all. Kids were given Herath Kharch. The other cultural activities included impromptu skits organized by Rajesh and Karuna Raina, Kashmiri songs were sung. Lots of good food was cooked and enjoyed by all which included Rogan Josh, Gaada Nadeer, BBQ Chicken, Chaaman and other vegetables. Cricket, volleyball and trail walking was enjoyed by many. Overall was a great weekend full of activitivties and fun. Sunil Shallia Chapter President **************************************************** Zone 6: Shivratri Celebrations Shivaratri function was celebrated in Miami, Florida, with great joy and enthusiasm. A cultural program marked by jubilance and gaiety was held on the auspicious occasion. The program began with recitation of Guru Stotram by Shirin Razdan, Priyanka Pandita and Neena Pandita. The three girls also danced to the tune of a national song, Vande Matram, thanks to the efforts put up by Shashi Razdan. A fusion dance was performed by Anjali Shaykher and Neha Ganju based on the story of emergence of Lord Ganesha as the Supreme remover of obstacles and a Jogan dance by Rita and Tina Shankar. The program also included chakri (folk songs) and bhajans in Kashmiri. 11 The main highlight of the program was a skit on saga of Shiva and Sati played by Karishma Kitchloo as Shiva, Namrata as Sati, Pranava as Brahma, Mrityunjaya Kaul as Daksha, Abhishek as Nandi and many others as devis and devatas. A humorous skit Bush s Fantasies & Saddam based on the current situation added a light touch to the program. Dr Krishan Ganju of the University of Miami shared the life of his father who had passed away this year through a slide show. The other births and deaths in the community were also announced. The function concluded by giving Hayrath Kharch to children under the age of 12. Gifts were distributed by Gopinath Raina. As torchbearers of Shaivism, the people of Kashmir preached and practiced all inclusiveness in their beliefs. Putting such philosophy into practice was witnessed on this day when the Kashmiri community of Florida put two feathers into its cap, by adopting two non-kashmiris into their fold one, a lady doctor, with innate leanings towards and a deep interest in the philosophical and religious tenets of Shaivite and Shakta philosophy and the other, a teenage high school student, who has taken up the political cause of Kashmiri refugees. Earlier, a collective picnic was also held in a park where delicious food and snacks were enjoyed by young and old. Sports and other fun-filled activities like cricket and volleyball kept young adults and children busy. for shivratri and Picnic pictures etc.

12 Zone 7: Shivratri Report Our Shivratri function was a fun filled evening of cultural activities and laughter. A beautiful cultural program was organized by Rashi and Eisha. Hats off to Dhruv & Disha, Charu - a beautiful performance on a number of songs, Kung Posh, Sidanth, Aneysha & Tajesvi, Pallavi, Rushil and most of all a beautiful part was a dance Chuma Chuma performed by Roshni. It was really good to see all these kids performing. Bansi Lal Pundit performed the puja, this gave a lot of insight into why we celebrate Shivratri. In addition to having nice food, we hald our chapter elections, Shyam Ji was chosen to continue as the chapter president for the next year and Soman Dhar was chosen to be the vice president, congratulations to both. Sanjay Bhat Director, Zone 7 **************************************************** Zone 8: Shivratri Celebrations Zone 9: Shivratri Report KP s organized Shivratri celebrations in the San Francisco, Bay area on March 8 at the Centerville Community Center in Fremont. The response from the community was excellent. About 100 families attended the event. Lot of planning went into making this event a huge success. Jaya Chowdhury, the local zone director had been meeting with the core local KOA team for at least a month and a half to plan the event. The celebrations started at 7:00 p.m with recitation of Mahimna Path and other Shiv Leelas by several volunteers in accompaniment to the great Kashmiri artist Pandit Rajinder Kachroo s recorded music. This was followed by an outstanding Kathak Dance based on the theme of Vishnu by our up and coming talented artist Meghna Dhar who has been studying Kathak for the last ten years. Following that there was a foil presentation by the director and some core team members including Shivratri Lunch at Bhartiya Temple, Troy-MI: On the Occasion of Maha Shivratri, Kashmiri Pundit community in Michigan area sponsored Shivratri lunch at the Bhartiya Temple of Troy, MI. Many dedicated members of the community pitched in and spent entire night in preparing meals in the temple, the night of a Saturday-Sunday March 2nd/3rd. We started cooking right after mid-night and almost all the dishes were ready by 6 AM. All of us went home to shower and change and returned by 10 AM to get serving trays ready. Many more KP families joined us and helped to serve the bhojan. The bhojan was served to ~ 850 devotees, who participated in Shivratri Puja on Sunday, 3rd March, following the pooja. Personally it was a great feeling. Annual Shivratri Get-together: Shivratri celebrations took place on March 8,2003, in Warren, MI. It was celebrated with great joy & fervor. Over 50 people participated in the event. The event started with Shivratri pooja. Everyone present participated in the pooja, sang Bhajans and invoked blessings of Bhagwan Shiva ji and Parvati mata for peace, prosperity and happiness. This was followed by Kids program. All the children (4-13) participated in this event. It was a display of wits and talents. They really entertained the community. We had plenty of delicious Kashmiri food, courtesy of Reena Moza, Sanjay Kak, volunteer families. We started with Kahwa and kebabs and Rajeev Sumbly, which lots of appetizers. The main course was Rogan Josh, Mach, highlighted the activities of Dum-alu, Chaman, Munji Haak, Razmah, Phool Ghobi and the local chapter and the Zamut Doodh, served with Rice and Naan. It was topped with Central KOA organization. Gajrella and Rice pudding for Sweet dishes and finally Sheeir This was followed by a Chaii. Every one enjoyed the meals. potluck dinner. Food was We had lot of interaction among community members exceptionally well cooked at every level. We also entertained ourselves with plenty of and consisted of the usual KP cuisine. The event ended at games including HAAR, which women folk enjoyed very much. about 11:15 p.m but volunteers worked until 12:00. Lots of people In-deed it was an occasion where we all felt at home away worked behind the scenes in the Kitchen and elsewhere and from our Homeland. without their help this event would not have been successful. Hari K Koul, Pictures of the event were taken by Salil Durani. Director, Zone8 Vijay Chowdhury (CA) *************************************************** Director, Zone9 12

13 Zone 10: Shivratri Report One more Shivratri celebrated, one more NavReh coming up. It was a pleasure to have our KP family of Southern California come together once again for Mahashivratri celebrations. The pooja started at 4:30 PM with Ashok Dhar, Maharaj Wanchoo, Bal Bhat and Shiban Tiku as the patrons to perform the pooja. Sarla Behn, our sincere thanks to her, conducted the pooja with devotion. I want to thank Maharaj and Ranjana Wanchoo for bringing Sarla Behan to Colina Glen. The members stated pouring in slowly; in the end, it turned out to be large gathering and a great joy to welcome a number of new faces (Kartik traveled by bus to join us. It was nice to see Nisha Haku back). I am thankful to Preeti Khoshoo, Renu Bhat/ Hansen, Sangeeta Kaul, Poonam Sethi and Deepa Bhan for the distribution of Prasad and Vatak Dun. The pooja was followed by a slide show on Kashmiri Shivism by Sh. Rajiv Khoshoo. We are grateful to him for having spoken on an important topic that is so much a part of our heritage. Many thanks to Sh. Rajiv Khoshoo for his effort in putting this talk together. Seema Mattoo followed with a short discourse on the significance of Shivratri. After the pooja we had the usual bhajans, which this year were enhanced by the participation of Sanjay Khazanchi s tumbaknari, Vijay Trisal, Ameet Kak s chumta and Tara Choudhary we hope and pray that this innate part of our Shivratri program keeps on growing. What followed the bhajans was the best part of the evening the children s program. Started by Priya Bhat with the national anthem, Amrita Khoshoo followed by beautiful Shiva bhajans. The dances by Prashant Bhat, Priya Bhat, and Komal Hak were the showpieces of the evening. I thank them all for making our evening so much more enjoyable. The traditional Herath karach was distributed (thanks to Neelma Bhat for arranging the Kharach envelopes). A short business meeting adjourned with the distribution of the past years account summaries followed by a terrific dinner. Before the dinner however, we had a short but memorable violin interlude. The renditions by Sh. Jagannath Ramamurthy were remarkably enjoyable. We thank Sushma and Autar Wali for affording us the privilege to listen to this maestro. I want to thank Seema Mattoo for doing a wonderful job of compeering the evening. Towards the end of the dinner, all the participating kids received their trophies. Archana Nehru and Bharat Kaul were recognized with the presentation of a plaque to them for their services to KP biradari. We are very grateful to Archana and Bharat who have helped us organize the dinner and collection of funds for this function. Our thanks to Arti Khazanchi for managing the kitchen. Poonam Sethi and Shivani Garyali wrapped up the food packets that many of us took home as Prasahad. Thanks to Kalpna and Amrit Nehru for arranging the Haras for the event. Our thanks to Malini Dhar, Sushma Tiku and Ranjana Wanchoo who cleaned and took care of the pooja altar at the end. When people started to leave for their homes again, they received the traditional Shagun for good luck; my thanks to Asha Saraf for helping with the Shagun distribution. Sanjay Khazanchi, Ajay Garyali, Ameet Kak, Mahesh Bhan, Bharat Kaul, Uttama, Rajesh, and Sanju Salman helped with the clean up of the place. We really appreciate this help at the end of the function. Finally, as we have said earlier this function does not happen because of one or two people, this all happens because you all contribute by your help, support and encouragement. Your mere presence makes this Shivratri worth the work Thank you. Anjali Bhat Director, Zone Anti-Terrorism Rally in Los Angeles A peaceful protest rally condemning the killing of 24 Hindus in Narimarg village (Shopian district) in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir was held on March 29, 2003 in front of the Pakistan Consulate General s office at Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, California. The demonstrators included Kashmiris from Southern California and other Indian compatriots. The demonstrators mourned the loss of the innocent Kashmiri Hindu victims of the Narimarg massacre, while appealing to the United States government to stop military assistance to Pakistan, which has funded and trained the Islamic terrorists that continue to plague Jammu and Kashmir with such heinous acts. The Islamic terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir have described their acts as a freedom struggle to liberate the state from the Indian Democracy. With this excuse and Pakistan s support, they have embarked on a campaign of mass ethnic cleansing of the minority Hindu community (called Kashmiri Pandits); the demographic character of the state has been drastically altered over the past 14 years to reduce the Hindu population from 400,000 to a hapless 5000 people. The Kashmiri Pandits have been forced to flee their ancestral homes in the Kashmir valley and become refugees, scattered all over India. It is difficult to fathom a reason for the assassination of over two dozen innocent Kashmiri Pandits, ranging from 2 to 70 years in age, in Narimarg other than that this is a continuation of the ethnic cleansing campaign by Islamic terrorists. Such barbaric killing of unarmed civilians, who chose to remain in Kashmir in the midst of mass exodus of their brethren, adds poignancy to the tragedy that has befallen the families living in this remote village. This despicable act by the Islamic terrorists is yet another show of desperation aimed at annihilating human dignity and decency. Islamic terrorism is a global menace, whether it is directed against Americans as on 9/11, 2001 or as genocide against Hindus in Kashmir. Islamic terrorist groups involved in the continuing genocide in Kashmir, such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Harkat-Ul-Ansar and Lashkar-e-Toiba, are on the U. S. State Department s watchlist of terrorist organizations because of their collaboration with Osama Bin Laden s Al Qaeda, the Taliban and the Pan-Islamist conspiracy to subvert the civilized world. Pakistan s role in supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan is well documented. Yet, according to Congressman Frank Palone of New Jersey, Pakistan, which received $50 million in military assistance from the U. S. earlier this month, is slated to receive $25 million in the supplemental appropriations bill scheduled to come to the House floor. Further, in the President s Fiscal Year 2004 budget, there is a provision that requests $75 million to Pakistan in Foreign Military Financing. It is unfortunate that American aid to Pakistan will once again be used to buy bullets to kill toddlers in Kashmir, stated an emotional protestor at the rally. The demonstrators at the rally, who support the American and Indian democratic ideals of pursuing peace, life and liberty for all, pleaded that perpetrators of these terrorist acts be brought to justice. They appealed to the American people to take cognizance of the Islamic genocide against Hindus in Kashmir and urged their elected representatives to support the Indian government in weeding this menace out of Southeast Asia and the world. The crux of the protest was presented in slogans and placards that pointedly referred to Pakistan s role in sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir and strongly urged that this support stop. The gathered group strongly condemned the cowardly acts of violence at the hands of the Islamic terrorists. They demanded relief for the unfortunate dependents of the deceased, besides taking urgent measures to stop the recurrence of such tragic events in the future. Towards the end of the rally, the group marched in unison to the U.S. Federal Building where they observed a 2-minute silence and held a candle light vigil to pray for the victims of religious fanaticism in Kashmir. Sincerely, Vijay Trisal, Seema Mattoo, Sanjay Magal, Mahesh Bhan and Sanjay Khazanchi

14 For Change of Address or Directory Update: New Member: YES NO Last Name: Spouse Name: Current Address: City: State Zip Current Home Phone # Profession: 1st Child Name 2nd Child Name 3rd Child Name Membership dues: $30/yr. for a family, $15/yr. for singles, seniors or students $500 for life membership Payment can be made at our website koausa.org (interactive pages) Higher Tense Unconfirmed hope of an oracle s imminence, Has leisured his limb and laden his heel, His inexperienced optimism has defeated his inspiration, Betting his fate, man hasn t failed his zeal. Gospel has had God imprisoned in its phrase, Man s aspiration is denied its anthem of expression, Line of inevitability inscribed on timeless clock s hand, Impeaches man s desire to conquer the tyranny of time. Despite heavenly assurance, celestial pledge defaulted, Forcing her lie to scab a wound, truth had instituted, A speck of pale sand had buried her Amazon of sense, Now she must plow deep to exhume her significance. When the beam shone, all trails led to the hopes lame, The mile of her future had the span of her past, Raising a bridge with the truss of her weakened frame, She traveled beyond the misplaced purpose of her past. Transcend beyond destiny in the kingdom of thy self, Collaborate with your soul and settle in your rejoice, Select your hand from the toolbox of will, And chisel your silence from the prophetic voice. R Braroo 09/06/2002, Braroo, Copyrighted Material (KOA-USA members please see your mailing label) Membership # Membership Type Zone Your Name: Spouse Maiden Last Name Previous Address: City: State Zip Cell Phone # Spouse Profession: D.O.B. D.O.B. D.O.B. Spouse Mail To: Mrs. Prana Koul, Treasurer, KOA 15 Ardmore Ave Burlington, MA A Book on Maji Khir Bhavani A new book titled A Goddess is Born: The Emergence of Khir Bhavani in Kashmir has been recently released by the Spark Publishers, USA. Dr. Madhu Bazaz Wangu, the author, provides a fascinating story of Maji Khir Bhavani s emergence and the meanings of her myths and symbols. Expatriated Kashmiri s around the world, who feel nostalgic about the valley, will enjoy rediscovering the tradition and history of their favorite goddess. Kashmiri Pundits, in particular, will gain insight into their own characteristics as Khir Bhavani represents their worldview. The book includes a complete translation of her Sanskrit scripture and fifteen-colored illustrations. This book on Khir Bhavani is indeed interesting and long over due. The great goddess has not received due attention outside of Kashmir Valley and the book will certainly help to overcome the lacuna. Writes Dr. Karan Singh about the book. Dr. Wangu has taught South Asian Religions and Indian Art History at various American Universities. She has written extensively illustrated books on Hinduism (1991) and Buddhism (1993) published by Facts on File, Inc., New York. Her book Indian Goddess Images: Myths, Meanings and Models is forthcoming from Abhinav Publications, New Delhi. (June 2003) To get more information about the book or to order please write to: mwangu@mac.com or m.wangu@attbi.com or call (724)

15 Community News Marriage Announcements 1. Shirin d/o Surinder & Uma Bhan of CT was married to Sumit s/o Shyam & Santosh Tickoo of IN. They got married in India in March. 2. Mrinal, d/o Dr. Chaman and Phoola Kaul, of Long Island, NY was married to Satyen s/o Prof Brij Nath & Usha Bhan of Jammu, on Nov. 02 in Jammu. The married couple is settled in US. 3. Geetanjali, niece of Nirja & Inder Khashu and Rattan & Bharti Khosa was married to Pankaj Koul in New Delhi on 1/24/03. The couple is settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. 4. Mala, d/o Gita & Dr. Chander Shaykher Pandita of Miami, FL was married to Prashant s/o.shubni & Krishan Kaul of London, UK on Jan, 15th, 03 in NewDelhi. Upcoming 1 Sarla and Awtar Krishan Ganju of Miami Florida will be celebrating wedding ceremony of their children Neil and Ameeta on 26th & 27th May Arun and Bhavna Bhat of VA are proud parents of their first child, a baby girl Uma, born on March 1, They can be reached at arunbhat@hotmail.com or phone no: NEW BORN 2. Mehul and Mona Desai of MA are proud parents of their first child, a baby boy Milan, born on Saturday, March 15 at 11:30 PM. Milan is the first grand child of Santosh & Arun Dhar of NH. 3. Kavir & Anjana Fotedar, of White Plains, NY, are proud parents of a baby boy, Rohan, born on 1/5/ Arpita Ritu and Gary Sullivan of MA are proud parents of their first child, a baby girl Lekha Shree Sullivan. Lekha is the grand child of Santosh & Arun Dhar of NH. 5. Sunalini and Navneet Kotwal of Monroeville, PA, are proud to announce the birth of their precious daughter Serena Anchal Kotwal on November 14, 2002 at Pittsburgh, PA.Anchal weighed 7 pounds,11 ounces and was 19.5 inches long at birth. Older brother Arjun (age 5) is excitedto have a sister. They can be reached at (412) Sunanda & Ashu Vashist of Arora,CO are proud parents of a Baby Girl Meera born on Fe. 6th, Meera is the first Grand Child of Rama & Ramesh Vashisht and Shanta Zadoo. Congratulations to all proud parents THEY LEFT US 1. Father of Mr. Raj Pandita of Pasadena, California passed away on Monday, March 10. Raj s father lived in Delhi and was sick for sometime. 2. Kiran & Vijay Kuchru of Newton, MA on the passing away of Kiran s grandmother, Mrs. Dhanwanti Razdan/Dhanna (maiden name: Gauri Durani/Bengashi), w/o Late Sh. Prem Nath Razdan. Mrs. Dhanwanti Razdan left for her heavenly abode in the early morning hours of March 20, 2003 in Mumbai, India. She is survived by her son Dr. Manmohan Nath Razdan (Munnu ji), daughter-in-law and 4 grand children: Maneesha Razdan Kashyap, Kiran Razdan Kuchroo, Promila Razdan Ayyangar and Dr. Anshuman Razdan. 3. Dr. S.N. Kaul, additional secretary to the Govt. of India, passed away on March 24th, 2003, in New Delhi after a brief illness. His passing away is deeply mourned by Ajay & Archie (sons), Meena & Vijay Sazawal (sister & brother in law), Bushan & Santosh Khashu, Inder & Nirja Khashu (brothers in law & sisters in law). May God rest his soul in peace! MAIJ SHARIKA WILL BRING PEACE AND TRANQUELITY TO THE DEPARTED SOUL 15

16 KOA Executive Committee: President Sanjay Kaul, MA (781) Vice-President Sidharth Ganju GA (770) Secretary Anupam Wali, MA (978) Treasurer Prana Koul, MA (781) Cultural Secretary Arti Kaul, MA (781) Media Secretary Vijay Parimoo, NJ (732) Liaison Secretary Arun Koul, MA (978) Ex-President Lalit Wanchoo MD (301) Directors: Zone 1: Nirja Khashu (718) Zone 2: Sulochna Tickoo (978) Zone 3: Sandeep Kaul (609) Zone 4: Sujata Qasba (410) Zone 5: Anita Kaul (281) Zone 6: Sidharth Ganju (770) Zone 7: Sanjay Bhat (630) Zone 8: Hari Koul (248) Zone 9: Vijay Chowdhury (510) Zone 10: Anjali Bhat (310) KPI Newsletter - Editorial Board: Sanjay Kaul, MA; Deepak Ganju, FL ************************************************* REMINDER: Please renew your KOA membership Annual Dues: $30/family, $15/single, $15/senior couple, Life member: $500 APPEAL Please donate generously to KOA (Donations are tax deductible) koausa@koausa.org Web Site: KOA Address: 24 Sartell Road Waltham, MA Kashmiri Overseas Association 24 Sartell Road Waltham, MA (781)