Heritage Committee
Preserving the Kashmiri Pandit Heritage: A Unified Approach by KOA Heritage Preservation Program
Introduction:
The heritage of Kashmiri Pandits stands as a testament to the intricate and diverse cultural
fabric of the Kashmir Valley. Rooted in Kashmiri Shaivism, a sect of Hinduism, the Pandits are
known for their distinctive traditions, reflected in their traditional attire, rituals, and
language—Kashmiri—all contributing to their unique identity. Renowned for their intellectual
contributions in philosophy, literature, science, and art, the community’s architectural legacy,
including ancient temples like Shankaracharya Temple and Martand Sun Temple, showcases
exquisite craftsmanship. The unfortunate mass exodus and genocide in the early 1990s
disrupted this heritage due to political turmoil, dispersing the community across India and the world.
In the aftermath of the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, the community faced the challenge of
rebuilding lives dispersed across various parts of India and the world. Until the abrogation of
Article 370 in 2019, the primary focus was on resettlement. The removal of Article 370 not only
rekindled hope but also allowed Kashmiri Pandits to reconnect with their roots in Kashmir
without fear. Government initiatives incentivizing Pandits to resettle have further bolstered this
optimism. In response to these positive developments, there is a growing opportunity to
safeguard the physical assets of our heritage in Kashmir as well as build new assets in USA.
Simultaneously, it is imperative to preserve the intangible aspects of our culture—spirituality,
language, art, and scientific knowledge—for future generations.
In this context, the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) USA is launching the Kashmir
Heritage Preservation Program, addressing the unmet need to emphasize Kashmiri Pandit
heritage, hindered by KOA USA’s limitations in bandwidth and resources. Through this program,
we aim to channel efforts towards projects that were previously challenging to undertake,
fortifying our commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of Kashmiri Pandit heritage.
The Kashmiri Pandit Heritage Preservation Program, under the auspices of KOA USA, seeks to
revive, sustain, and nurture the cultural heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit community. This
comprehensive white paper amalgamates the visions and charters outlined in two key
documents, creating a unified framework for the preservation of temples, literature, language,
spirituality, art, science, and history.
Vision and Mission:
The overarching vision is to resuscitate and grow Kashmiri Pandit heritage, focusing on
preserving Hindu places of worship in Kashmir, spiritual heritage, promoting the Kashmiri
language, safeguarding literature, nurturing science, fostering art, and documenting the rich
history for global accessibility. The mission is driven by a commitment to these objectives,
aiming to make the cultural heritage accessible worldwide.
Program Framework:
The program framework encompasses a multi-faceted approach, outlining selection criteria for
projects, fundraising strategies, launching Kashmiri language classes, curriculum development,
establishing relationships with organizations in Kashmir, generating potential donor lists,
collaborating with any government departments, volunteer engagement, and promotional efforts
at relevant events. This framework serves as a strategic guide for the efficient execution of
heritage preservation initiatives.
Function of the Committee:
The high-level functions of the committee include networking, fundraising, grooming,
evangelizing, and collaborating with stakeholders worldwide. The committee’s lifespan is
inspired by KOA Bylaws, with committee members serving voluntarily as passionate project
managers. The Core Team, led by the Program Director, embodies a diverse mix of
experiences and perspectives, ensuring the effective execution of the program’s objectives.
Committee Leadership and Decision-Making Process:
Program director after being confirmed by the board, leads the committee, supported by a
seasoned core team and general committee members. The decision-making process rests on a
majority vote, ensuring inclusivity and diverse input. For the decision-making process the
committee follows the tenets seen in Appendix 1. The committee operates with a commitment
to reviving, preserving, and propagating authentic artifacts of heritage, with approval criteria
based on stakeholders, success likelihood, alignment with objectives, and urgency.
Execution and Culmination:
The execution involves funding considerations, project phases for major initiatives, and the
efficient utilization of designated funds. The committee adheres to a non-political stance, legal
compliance, funding transparency, non-exclusivity, and regular review and adaptation.
Culmination of projects is marked by completion statements and analyses, ensuring
accountability, and learning for future initiatives.
Reporting Structure and Progress Measurement:
The Program Director of the KP Heritage Preservation Committee reports to the office of KOA
President, providing regular updates and progress reports. The committee measures success
through completed initiatives, gender diversification, youth engagement, and ongoing heritage
preservation efforts.
Projects:
The short-term, medium-term, and long-term projects encompass a range of initiatives, from
defining selection criteria to establishing well-defined programs. These projects involve
collaboration with organizations for preserving key sites, language classes, spiritual heritage
preservation, scientific exploration, art and literature promotion, and community engagement.
The appendix serves as a comprehensive guide to the multifaceted projects undertaken by the
committee.
Conclusion:
The approach presented in this white paper establishes a robust framework for the Kashmiri
Pandit Heritage Preservation Program. By merging the visions and charters from diverse
documents, the program aims to not only preserve but actively promote the rich heritage of the
Kashmiri Pandit community, ensuring its relevance for current and future generations. Through
collaboration, transparent governance, and a commitment to diversity, the program stands as a
beacon for heritage preservation efforts worldwide.