Awards and Recognitions

These awards are given to KOA members annually to recognize them for their efforts to volunteer their time for KOA and support its programs.

Year 2016

ZONE 1

• Augustina Mattoo was acknowledged for her lifetime commitment to promoting cultural activities in zone 1.
• Kavita Sazawal and Manmohan Wanchoo who are the heart and soul behind these cultural activities. Kavita ji has been the source of inspiration for the younger ladies and has been rallying them to actively participate in zonal activities.
• Nidhi & Sushil Kaul
• Anjali & Virender Hak
• Meenakshi & Kapil Khashu
• Deepali & Arun Moza
• Rimda & Subhir Wanchoo
• Mridula & Akhil Khashu
• Nita Kaul

Dr. Rimda Wanchoo helps us with medical opinions for many cases forwarded to us by KMECT in India.

ZONE 2

• Omanand Koul for his tireless commitment to preserve and propagate our culture. He has been instrumental in making us understand our festivals. In all our zonal functions he always gives discourses on our culture and festivals and especially involves the younger generation.
• Raj Kaul, previous director of Zone 2. He has really brought our community together in the Boston area during his tenure. He represented KOA at India Center Republic day Parade in 2015, highlighting our expulsion from our homeland Kashmir due to militancy.
• Deepak Tiku
• Ajay Kaul
• Bhawna Sadhu
• Ashwani Kaul
• Vikram Salman
• Neeraj Sapru
• Arti Vashnavi
• Sanjay Dhar
• Menakshi Dhar
• Lalit Koul

ZONE 3

• Sheetal Pandita Raina (Chapter President)
• Geetha Ganju
• Deepshikha Mattoo
• Arshiya Hakhu
• Prayarna Bamzai Raina
• Anil Koul
• Ishet Dhar (Chapter President)
• Ajay Tikoo
• Archana Kokroo and Tej Kokroo
• Vijay Parimoo
• Promod Kachroo
• Umesh Kaul
• Rakesh Kaul jr
• Deepika Tiku Raina
• Ashim Sadhu

ZONE 4

• Sujata Ambardar
• Sidarth Ambardar
• Hema Raina
• Swapna Raina
• Ashok Raina
• Lalit Wanchoo
• Aruna Chakoo
• Rohini Ganjoo
• Harpreet Kachru

For a role in preserving and promoting Kashmiri culture and language, and mentoring the Kashmiri Pandit youth:

• Naeha Quasba Patel
• Nisha Quasba
• Rishi Mattoo
• Megha Kaushal Mattoo
• Komal Bazaz Smith
• Armaan Qasba

ZONE 5

• Renu Wokhlu, Sudhana Punjabi, Shivani Kaul (Dallas/Plano area)

They have been very active in organizing Diwali, Shivratri and biradari picnic in Dallas area. Their work has been instrumental in setting introductions into motion as the community sees continual growth (10-12 families just 4 years ago vs ~40 families).

• Ravi & Anjali Raina (Greater Houston area)
• Madhu Moza (KOA Director, 2013-2015)

ZONE 6

Georgia Chapter: (Alabama, FL, MS)

• Raj Razdan for years of service to the KP community in the greater Atlanta area.
• Piyaray L. Raina for his book Socio-cultural and Religious Traditions of Kashmiri Pandits and for providing elder leadership at the community events
• Pawan Raina: for his volunteering spirit and years of service to community (KOA Board & Chapter Leadership).
• Veena Gouri: Georgia Chapter President
• Surinder Dhar: Supported the chapter President in arranging and executing cultural and social events.

North Carolina Chapter (North & South Carolina)

• Chaman Lal Vishin for demonstrating leadership and for providing valuable support to KP community in the Charlotte, NC area.

Special Events, Picnics and Cricket

• Sanje & Seema Kak
• Sanjay & Preeti Ambardar
• Gopal & Shaifali Kaul

Shivratri Events

• Sarthak & Aishwarya Raina
• Chetna & Arvind Handoo
• Neha & Rahul Sinha

Diwali Events

• Pooja & Sumit Parimoo
• Gunjan & Sidharth Munshi
• Shweta & Ashwani Kaul

Special Recognition

• Sushma & Rattan Kaul (Parents of Ashwani Kaul). Rattan and Sushma Ji have been a vital source of information on all KP history, tradition and customs. This community appreciates their presence, support and guidance during their stay in the area.

ZONE 7

• Sanjeev Daftari
• Raj Koul
• Praveen Raina
• Sanjay Bhat
• Abishek Ganjoo
• Seema Bamzai
• Aparna Dhar (past chapter president)

Spearheaded the KP kids Kashmiri learning program that is very much alive and thriving in this area for the last 3+ years. The kids are excited and enthusiastic about learning their mother tongue and the results are phenomenal.

ZONE 8

• Urveshi Khosa
• Neelkamal Bakshi
• Suneeta Kaul
• Simi Raina
• Sveta Bhan
• Anju Kaul

ZONE 9

• Ashutosh & Preeti Razdan
• Vinod & Dimple Moza
• Pushpa & Ashok Dhar
• Rajneesh & Rajshree Raina
• Vijay & Rajni Dhar
• Surabhi & Uphaar Kotru
• Rishik Dhar
• Shivani Hashiya

ZONE 10

• Sanjay & Jyoti Dhar
• Suraj & Anjali Bhat
• Vijay Dhar & Anjali Monga
• Ajay & Shivani Garyali
• Sanju & Monica Salman
• Sanjay Dhar & Archana Bhan
• Vijay Wali

President’s Nominations

• Rajeev Kaul (KOA Treasurer, 2013-Present)
• Purvi Shah, for helping Rajeev ji with KOA financials

KOA Transformation VII

Devoted and Valuable Services Rendered to this Organization on the 1000 year anniversary celebrations of Abhinavagupta at the KOA Transformations VII Jyeshtha Ashtami Havan at Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation (May 21st – May 22nd, 2016)

• Rabindra Kaul
• Rakesh & Sushma Kaul
• Vijay Parimoo
• Anil Kachroo
• Ajay Tikoo
• Anil Mattoo
• Ashim & Nirja Sadhu

KOA East Coast Camp Volunteers

The following members of Camp Committee were also recognized:

• Shakun Malik, Camp Commander
• Anil Mattoo
• Sanjay Kaul
• Bela Kaul
• Nirja Sadhu
• Deepika Raina
• Lalit Wanchoo
• Hema Raina
• Harpreet Kachroo
• Amit Ganjoo
• Rohini Ganjoo
• Seema Kak
• Anil Kachroo
• Preety Raina
• Swapna Raina
• Inder ji Bhat
• Sujata Ambardar
• Mohan sapru
• Aruna Chakoo
• Ashok Raina
• Sonia Thaker

Award of Excellence

A plaque honoring KAILASH MEHRA SADHU, The Kokila of Kashmir, in appreciation for years of dedicated service and outstanding accomplishments, and in recognition of Valued Participation at the KOA Camps, 2016.

Year 2015

In the just concluded KOA East Coast camp at Lake George, NY (July 4th weekend), the following individuals were recognized for their volunteer efforts on behalf of the KOA executive committee and the board of directors:

• Dr. Surinder Kaul (KOA President, 2013-2014) In Recognition Of Devoted and Valuable Services Rendered to this Organization and its Membership
• Ajay Tikoo (KOA Secretary, 2013-2014) In Recognition Of Devoted and Valuable Services Rendered to this Organization and its Membership
• Ashwani Kaul (KOA North Carolina Chapter President, Zone 6) In Recognition for his exemplary service to the KP community in the RTP area
• Lalit Wanchoo In Recognition for being instrumental in helping youth group conduct Language and Culture Classes in KOA Zone 4
• Manmohan Wanchoo In Recognition for organizing cultural events in NY area (KOA Zone 1)
• Naveen Dhar In Recognition for his initiative for language, culture and history for the kids and youth in Chicago area (KOA Zone 7)
• Bela and Sanjay Kaul (Members of Camp Committee) For Their Outstanding Efforts and Dedication In Organizing the KOA 2015 Annual East Coast Camp at Lake George, NY

The following members of Camp Committee were also recognized:

Lalit and Nina Wanchoo, Ashok and Chandra Sultan, Akhilesh and Kalpana Fotedar, Vijay and Arti Parimoo, Rakesh and Neetu Kaul, Anil and Nita Matoo, Raj and Jyotima Kaul, Ashim and Nirja Sadhu, Shakun and Rajat Malik, and Preryna and Rajesh Raina

Additionally,

• A plaque was given to honor Major Sushil Aima who laid down his life for the nation on 1st August, 1999 in Poonch, J&K
• Award of Excellence was given to Dr. B.K. Moza (Ex-President, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Calcutta and Ex-Editor, Vitasta Annual Number) for His Devoted and Valuable Services Rendered to Kashmiri Pandit community

Year 2014

• KOA Achievement Awards:
  • Meghna Kaul
  • Sheena Ganju
  • Sagar Tikoo
  • Raj K Raina
• KOA Volunteer Awards:
  • Renuka Kalra, Chapter President, Georgia, KOA Zone 6
  • Seema Raina Kak , North Carolina
  • Raman Kaul for KOA Digital Calendar
  • Lalit Koul for creating an app for Koshur Calendar
  • Pamposh and Anjali Zutshi for coordinating Rahul Pandita Lecture series
  • Rakesh Kaul, Sr for leadership role in KOA- India initiatives
  • Rabinder Koul for leadership role in maintaining KP culture and Heritage
  • Anil Kachroo for leadership role in creating KOA NEX GEN
  • Amit Khardori for leadership role in KOA Legal cell
  • Purvi Shah for KOA Accounting
  • Vijay Parimoo, Chapter President, NJ chapter, KOA Zone 3
  • Sunil Fotedar, KOA Webmaster
  • Rakesh Kaul, Jr. Devotion and Excellence in volunteerism
  • Hema Raina Devotion and Excellence in volunteerism
  • Shakun Malik, Chapter president, Greater Washington DC area, Zone 4
  • Amit Ganjoo : Highly creative innovation
  • Gaurav Kotwal : Coordinating KOANEXGEN Google hangout
• Participants of:
  • Kids Parade
  • Children Cultural Program
  • Sports Events
  • Youth Discussion
  • Camp Organizing Committee
• Contribution to Music:
  • Archana Jalali Tikoo
  • Dhananjay Kaul

YEAR 2013

Recognition of volunteers:On behalf of the Executive Team, Mr. Sanjay Dhar, Vice President, recognized the volunteers for their contributions to KOA and community. At the national level, the contributions from the following were recognized:
1. Special Committee members namely, Dr. Amrit Nehru, Mrs. Arti Kaul, Mr. Upendra Bhatt and Mr. Sanjay Dhar for conducting a flawless KOA National Elections at very challenging times.
2. Mr. Raman Kaul one of our very senior volunteers who was maintaining KOA website during most difficult times and was continuously working on the matrimonial section and providing uninterrupted services to the community.
3. Mr. Sanjay and Mrs. Bela Kaul, for organizing a very successful 2013 KOA camp.
4. Mr. Pradumon Tickoo, for his exemplary tenure as President during 2009-2010.
5. Program Directors – Dr. Tej Kaul, Mr. Pran Kaul, Dr, Chand Bhan, and Prof. Hira Koul — for their continued exemplary supervision of their respective programs.

Volunteers who were recognized for their services at zonal level were nominated by the Zonal Directors from the respective zones. The following people were recognized for their services at the zonal level:

• Zone 1: Recommended by Nirmala Mitra – Director Zone 1
  • Kalpna and Akhilesh Fotedar who have been involved with volunteer work immensely. The KOA Camp of 2009 and 2010 both of them helped in every way. They both have been on conference call with us on every meeting. They are the Zone 1 members who have worked with me and other volunteers on every KOA event. There is so much to write about them.
• Zone 3: Recommended by Rajni Koul – Director Zone 3
  • Anil Ji was and is dedicated community volunteer, Anilji is respected and loved by all community members. We would like him to be recognized for his dedication to justice Umesh Kaul & Anju Kaul, Pramod Kachroo & Rekha Kachroo, Rakesh Kaul Jr & Netu Kau, lArchana kookro & Taj Kokroo. This team lends its hand in each and every cultural event of Zone 3. This team also filled the gap, and were working behind scene in many past KOA camps, especially past two or three KOA camps.
  • Ajay Tikoo & Vaneeta Tikoo
  • Vinod Raina & Deepika Raina
  • Ashish Goja & Jayotsinha Goja
  • Following Folks are the backbone of Zone 3 –
    • Anil Kachroo for fulfilling his duties as Zone 3 Director in difficult times. He made sure all community functions were performed on time in which community members participated in great numbers with enthusiasm. Anilji also kept local community fully informed through regarding what was happening at national level. Anilji took lead in finding solution along with his fellow KOA directors. He took community suggestion very seriously.
• Zone 4: Recommended by Rahul Tikoo, Director Zone 4
  • Ex-Vice-president Ashish Kak, and Present Chapter President Shakuntala Malik. Both of them have performed their duties above and beyond expectations.
• Zone 5: Recommended by Madhu Moza, Director Zone 5
  • Ravi Raina Houston Chapter President (Zone 5). Ravi Ji has been organizing and bringing KPs together from Texas and adjoining states for the annual Shivratri function for number of years with great success. He has also been actively involved in organizing social and cultural activities for the local chapter (Houston) with great success. He is well thought of by the Zone 5 community.
• Zone 6: Recommended by Suresh Sus – Director Zone 6
  • Renuka Kalra, President, Georgia Chapter of KOA Zone 6, for her exemplary service to the KP community in the Greater Atlanta Area. She has demonstrated leadership within her Chapter and has, with her team, conducted annual camps and other social and cultural functions with remarkable success. Renuka has other demands on her time but she has demonstrated the spirit of cooperation by agreeing to work with the other Chapter Presidents within Zone 6 to develop and promote zonal social/cultural activities and strengthen the KP community ties. She is well thought of by the past Zone 6 KOA Leadership and membership at large.
• Zone 7: Recommended by Naveen Dhar, Director Zone 7
  • Vishal Ganju – outgoing Chicago chapter president. Vishal is young kp who welcomed his first born this year and ye he led the KP events for Chicago. The events were all well organized and a lot of fun. We have had special emphasis for youth attendance and slowly but surely we are making a difference.

YEAR 2010

Following awards were presented on the Occasion of 27th Annual National KOA East Coast Camp1. Archana (Jalali) Tikoo – For dazzling our community with her musical renditions at KOA 2010 Annual National Camp at Lake George2. Suresh Sus – North Carolina
In recognition of his valuable services in starting the KOA North Carolina chapter3. Rajinder Koul – Chicago IL
In recognition of his immense contributions towards local KOA events4. Anurag Harsh
For dazzling our community with his musical renditions at KOA 2010 Annual National Camp at Lake George NY5. Asha Kaul
For dazzling our community with her musical renditions at KOA 2010 Annual National Camp at Lake George NY

6. Mr. Rattan Khosa – Chicago IL
For his philanthropic, entrepreneurial and generous contributions to our community

7. Ashok & Renu Kaul – Andover, MA
In recognition of their immense contributions towards the local community events

8. Shree Hira Kaul – Lansing, MI

In recognition of their immense contributions as chairperson of KOA Scholarship, program

9. Umesh Kaul – New Jersey
In recognition of his leadership and immense contributions in organizing the KOA 2010 Annual National East Coast Camp at Lake George NY

In addition, members of the 2010 KOA East Cast Camp Organizing Team were recognized for their Outstanding Efforts, and dedication in organizing the KOA 2010 Annual National East Coast Camp at Lake George NY: Anil & Pami Kachroo, Ashish & Minakshi Kak, Asheesh Goja, Ajay & Veenita Tikoo, Akhilesh & Neena Fotedar, Pradumon & Anita Tickoo, Inder Kaul, Kiron Dhar, Manik & Dolsi Mam, Nirmala Mitra, Pramod Kachroo, Rakesh & Nitu Kaul, Sunita Dhar, Umesh Kaul, Vikram Dhar, and Yoginder & Anshu Kak

Following awards were presented on the Occasion of 2nd Annual National KOA West Coast Camp

1. Rajneesh and Rajshree Raina
For Their Outstanding Contributions, in supporting KOA, Zone -9 events and new initiatives.

2. Ajay & Alpana Kaul
For Their Outstanding Contributions, in coordinating the KOA, Zone 9 Kashmiri language and culture classes.

3. Raman Kaul
For His Outstanding Contributions, in maintaining and updating the KOAUSA.ORG website during 2009 &2010

In addition, members of the 2010 KOA West Cast Camp were recognized for their Outstanding Efforts, and dedication in organizing the KOA 2010 Annual National West Coast Camp at Mount Shasta, California: Dimple & Vinod Moza, Reena & Ashok Moza, Pushpa & Ashok Dhar, Rajni & Vijay Dhar, Vinita & Sanjay Kak, Anita & Sanjay Dhar, Rajshri & Rajneesh Raina, Alpana & Ajay Kaul , Liloo & Neeraj Kaul AND Smita & Rajesh Khazanchi

YEAR 2009

1. Prof. Omanand Koul – For his rich contributions highlighting the religious aspects of our culture
2. Arti Kaul Tickoo – For her rich contributions signifying our cultural entity through music
3. Rakesh Kaul Sr. – For his rich philanthropic and philosophical contributions to our community
4. Pawan Raina – For his contributions as KOA Chapter President and bringing the community together in Zone 6
5. Sunita Sharma – For her contributions as KOA Chapter President and bringing the community together in Zone 6
6. Jagbushan Kaul – For his numerous outstanding contributions, past and present including Chairing the By-laws Review Committee (BLRC)
7. Sunil Fotedar – For his outstanding contributions during the years 2007 and 2008 as the President of KOA
8. Autar Matoo – For his invaluable contributions during the years 2007 and 2008 as the NEC chairman
9. Bansi Pandit – For his continued religious, spiritual and educational contributions to our community
10. Brij Lal Bhat – For his invaluable contributions in coordinating the KOA programs in Jammu, India
11. Subash Kak – For his philanthropic and philosophical contributions to our community
12. Deepali Wattal – For dazzling our community with her musical renditions
13. Ajay Tikoo – For his invaluable and admirable service he continues to provide to the community as the Treasurer of KOA
14. Soman Dhar – For his invaluable and admirable service he continues to provide to the community as the Secretary of KOA
15. Inderjit Kaul – For his invaluable and admirable service he continues to provide to the community as the Vice President of KOA
16. Chand Bhan – For his invaluable and admirable service he continues to provide to the community as the Medical Program Director of KOA
17. Tej Nath Kaul – For his invaluable and admirable service he continues to provide to the community as the EAP Program Director of KOA
18. Swapna Raina – For her dedication and invaluable contributions as the KOA Director of Zone 4
19. Sanjay Kaul – For his outstanding contributions to the growth and progress made by KOA
20. Gene Kieffer – In appreciation for a lifetime of service in the cause of Kundalini, the evolutionary force of consciousness the gift supreme of Kashmir
21. Kashmiri Language & Culture Team – For their initiatives and contributions towards promoting the Kashmiri Language and Culture within the Zone 9 youth community – Team Members: Ajay Kaul, Sanjay Kak, Rajneesh Raina, Dileep Tiku, Pushpa Dhar

In addition, following members of the 2009 KOA Camp Organizing teams were recognized for their Outstanding Efforts and dedication in organizing the KOA 2009 Annual National East Coast Camp at Corinth NY:

East Coast Camp: Anil & Pami Kachroo, Umesh & Anju Kaul, Akhilesh & Kalpana Fotedar, Pramod & Rekha Kachroo, Inder & Sunita Kaul, Rakesh & Nitu Kaul, Vinod & Deepika Raina, Ashish & Jyotsna Goja

West Coast Camp: Dimple & Vinod Moza, Reena & Ashok Moza, Pushpa & Ashok Dhar, Rajni & Vijay Dhar, Vinita & Sanjay Kak, Anita & Sanjay Dhar, Rajshri & Rajneesh Raina, Alpana & Ajay Kaul, Liloo & Neeraj Kaul, Smita & Rajesh Khazanchi

YEAR 2008

1. Dijjotam Raina – KOA Secretary 2005-06
2. Ashok Kitchloo – KOA Treasurer 2005-06
3. Zippy Aima Sapru – KOA Treasurer 2007
4. Dr. Hira Lal Koul – Program Director, KOA achievement award for college-bound KP students
5. Pradumon Tickoo – KOA Project “Transition Made Easy”
6. Anjali Kaul Zutshi – KOA Project “Feasibility Analysis of KOA Endowment poject”
7. This year’s camp organizers: Sanjay & Bela Kaul
and the rest of the organizing team:

• Hari & Nimee Bhat
• Akhilesh & Kalpana Fotidar
• Anil & Pami Kachru
• Arvind & Arti Kaul
• Deep & Usha Kaul
• Inder & Sunita Kaul
• Raj & Jyoti Kaul
• Rakesh & Neetu Kaul
• Umesh & Anju Kaul
• Lalit & Rachna Koul
• Vinod & Deepika Raina
• Sandeep & Bhawna Sadhu
• Vikram & Deepa Salman
• Ashok & Chandra Sultan
• Ravi & Sulochna Tickoo

YEAR 2007

1. KOA Camp Coordinators:
• Ramesh and Neeru Ganju
• Inderjit and Sunita Kaul
• Rakesh and Nitu Kaul

For their outstanding efforts and dedication in organizing the KOA 2007 Annual Camp at Moodus, CT

• Hari Bhat: Chairperson, Nomination/Election Committee for conducting with efficiency, timeliness, and impartiality the KOA’s nomination and election process of 2006
• Deepak Ganju (KOA President, 2005-2006): In recognition of devoted and valuable services rendered to this organization and its membership
• Sharda and Satish Cherwoo: For their long-term and sustained commitment and support of KOA and its programs
• Kul Bhushan Razdan: For his leadership in organizing the first ever KOA Convention in 2006, which provided a platform for building support for KOA and its programs

YEAR 2006

• Based on the recommendation of the 2006 selection committee, Padamshri Jagan Nath Kaulof Faridabad, Haryana, India was awarded 2006 KOA Annual Award for Excellence.The award plaque alongwith a check for $500.00 as award prize money to the charity of Shri Kaul’s choice was made in the name of Kashmiri Sewak Samaj (KSS), Faridabad.The award was presented by Deepak Ganju, KOA President andMohan Bamzai, Chairman Selection committee at KOA general Body meeting held on July 3rd, 2006 at KOA Convention, Chicago.

  Mr. Sidharth Ganju, Director KOA received this award on behalf of Padamshri Jagan Nath Kaul lovingly called ‘˜Papaji’. The award will be handed over to papaji’s daughter Dr. Kalpana Kinni from Atlanta who was unable to attend the ceremony because of prior commitments.

  The award money will be utilized for giving Scholarships to Boy and Girl students staying in Jammu and Udhampur camps. Dr. Kalpana Kinni will be taking the award to India to be handed over to Papaji.

  KOA Annual Award of Excellence for Kashmiri Pandits was initiated this year in an effort to recognize and reward the accomplishments and achievements of Kashmiri Pandits across the globe. We were striving to honor individuals who have made our community proud.

  The selection committee comprising of Sh. Mohan Bamzai, IL, Sh. HiraL Fotedar, OH and Sh. Subash Razdan, GA had, through a consensus, selected Padamshri J. N. Kaul as the recipient of this prestigious award.

  Padamshri Jagan Nath Kaul is the President of SOS Children’s Villages of India (www.soscvindia.org) and is lovingly called as ‘˜Papaji’ by the children. SOS India provides a home for almost 15,000 children in 34 Children’s Villages, located in various parts of the country.

  Padamshri Jagan N. Kaul has been a role model for millions of people around the globe. To learn more about Shri Kaul, you may visit http://jnkaul.blogspot.com.

  KOA plans to give this award annually to deserving persons on a regular basis hereafter so that our community is inspired by such success stories within our brethren.

  Awards Selection Committee:

  Mohan Bamzai Chair)

  Hira Lal Fotedar

  Subash Razdan

YEAR 2003

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 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.
3. Vikram Dhar (NY): For his 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.
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.

YEAR 2002

1. Komal Bazaz (MD): For her selfless effort and dedication in starting an initiative in the form of Kashmir Language Instituteand for organizing the first ever Kashmiri Culture and LanguageCourse for young adults in 2001.
2. Sonal Bakaya (MD): For her selfless effort and dedicationi n starting an initiative in the form of Kashmir Language Institute and for organizing the first ever Kashmiri Culture and LanguageCourse for young adults in 2001.
3. Brij Kachru (IL): For his outstanding community service, for his Passion and selfless dedication to preserving Kashmiri Language and for his support of KOA’s Kashmir Language Institute.
4. Ashok Koul (RI): For his dedication to preserving Kashmiri Language and for his support of KOA’s Kashmir Language Institute
5. Vijay Dhar (CA): For his dedication, community work, and for his leadership and efforts for the KOA organization. Shri Dhar served as the Vice President of the organization and served on the KOA board as a Director from zone 9 for 4years (1998-2001). Before that he also served the bay are a community as the Chapter President.
6. Asha Chaku (TX): For her leadership and dedication to community work and efforts to preserve Kashmiri culture. Mrs. Chaku is a long-standing member of the community, her outstanding efforts have brought the community closer to gether in KOA Zone 5.
7. Maharaj Kaul (NY): For his outstanding community service, for his support of KOA’s programs, for his selfless dedication to making the plight of the Kashmiri Pandit refugees known, and for his efforts to preserve Kashmiri culture.
8. Deepak and Chandramukhi Ganju (FL): For their leadership and dedication community service, for their contribution towards preserving Kashmiri Art & Music and for this selfless dedication to making the plight of the Kashmiri Pandit refugees known.
9. Arun Koul (MA): For his community service and web work, he not only volunteered his time and effort but also his resources to modifying and update KOA’s website, “koausa.org”.
10. Anupam and Neelam Wali (MA): For their outstanding efforts and dedication in organizing the KOA 2002 Annual Camp at Moodus, CT.

YEAR 2001

1. Lalit Wanchoo (past president): Shri Wanchoo was the president of KOA for last four years from 1997 to 2000. Before that, he served as the secretary of the organization from 1995 to 1996. He is recognized for dedication, enormous hours of hard work, thoughtfulness and his leadership in taking the organization on to new heights.
2. Hari Bhat (CA): For community service and web work, he volunteered his time for translation of Kashmiri Bhajans for our Bhajan Book and the web site.
3. Rohit and Kiron Dhar (NJ): For organizing KOA Annual Camp.
4. Maharaj K. Jalla (MD): For entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities for young community members. Shri Jalla is a long-standing member of the community, served as the Director/Secretary of the association in early eighties. He has his own business in IT industry and has provided many jobs to community members in India and here.
5. Rattan and Bharti Khosa (IL): For generous support of KOA?s Educational Fund and help to refugees in Jammu camps from time to time through their Khosa JG Foundation. They are long standing members of the association. Shri Khosa has also served as the Director of the association in early eighties. They have a soft corner for needy community members in Jammu camps. Last year they donated $10,000, which KOA spent on Education Fund supporting 22 students.
6. Nirmal Mattoo (NY): For community service and efforts to preserve Kashmiri culture. Shri Mattoo is one of the long-standing members of the association, also, served as the director from Zone 1 for six years. He has provided financial and advisory support to the organization. He has been very helpful to new arriving members in his area. He is very knowledgeable person about Kashmiri culture and takes a keen interest in preserving it. Association of Indians in America (AIA) recently recognized Shri Mattoo for his service to the Indian community.
7. Subash Razdan (GA): For community service and leadership in maintaining democratic values of KOA’s election process. Shri Razdan served as the Chief Election Officer of KOA for the last two years. 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. As a past Chairman of National Federation of Indian Associations (NFIA), Subashji helped KOA get a donation of $10,000. He is currently an advisor on the advisory council of a major corporation and he donated his advisory fee that he receives to KOA.
8. Ambika Wali (MA): For volunteer efforts in raising funds for various activities of the organization. She raised $1,500 for KOA’s Koshur Calendar from our members. She ran a donation drive at her school and raised $1,500 for KOA from non-KOA members like her friends, neighbors and others.

YEAR 1997

1. Ashok Raina, MD for his significant contributions as the President of the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) for 1995 and 1996. Inder K Bhat, VA as Chairman of the Election/Nomination Committee for conducting 1995 and 1996 elections of the organization in timely and efficient manner.
2. Subhash Kak, LA for his contributions in promoting Kashmiri Pandit history and culture through his publications and speeches, particularly noteworthy is his book titled “The Secrets of Ishbar: Poems on Kashmir and other Landscapes.
3. Sunil Fotedar, TX for his dedication, effort, and significant contributions for developing and
maintaining KOA Web site and KPnet.
4. Late Kanhya Lal Koul, MI for his outstanding contributions for the community and his efforts for raising money for the Kashmiri Pandit refugee children’s program.

5. Inder K Bhat and Kamini Bhat, VA for their outstanding efforts and dedication for organizing the KOA Camp of 1997 at Hershey, PA. Meeting was concluded by thanking people for their participation in various KOA sponsored activities.

YEAR 1996

1. Piara and Asha Qusba, CT for organizing KOA East Coast Camp for the last two years
2. Tej Nath Kaul, NY for his dedication for KOA Educational Assistance Program
3. Ashok Moza, TX for publishing KPI Newletter