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KOA—Rooted in Legacy, Growing with Unity.
Earlier this month, from July 3rd to 6th, over the long weekend, the Kashmiri Ovearseas Association (KOA) Annual Camp brought together hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit families from across the U.S. in Chicago for four unforgettable days of heritage, reflection, and unity. The camp opened with joyful reunions, traditional tea, and heartfelt hugs. The inaugural evening set a spiritual tone with a lamp lighting ceremony, children’s Ganesh bhajans, and a moving welcome skit. KOA leaders, including President Uphaar Kotru and regional directors, graced the ceremony, followed by a vibrant Chakri performance by teams from Chicago and Ohio—igniting nostalgia and joy.
The three-day event featured powerful sessions—from a keynote by Shri Sushil Pandit to panel discussions on cultural preservation and KP leadership in business. Youth sessions, fitness, kids’ competitions, and workshops added variety. A highlight was filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s exclusive trailer reveal and address.
The event also had mindfulness sessions added by an empowering keynote by Shri Sushil Pandit.
Culture & Legacy Panel with Dr. Surinder Kaul, Dr. Advaitavadini Kaul, and Shri Utpal Kaul while CXO Leadership Panel featured Abhi Dhar, Pinky Raina, Mukesh Davit, and Rahul Jalali. There was lifetime achievement award dedicated to Dr. Advaitavadini Kaul, and Shri Utpal Kaul and their son Aditya Raj Kaul, who is a famous journalist in India having won many accolades and awards.
India based Utpal Kaul and other Kashmiri Pandits also discussed the terrorism in Kashmir and the recent success of Operation Sindoor undertaken by India against terrorism infrastructure in Pakistan
Workshops on college admissions, youth fitness, art, pickleball, mehndi, and more were there and a visit from Chicago’s Consul General Mr. Somnath Ghosh added shine to the event. He applauded the KP community’s resilience. There was a surprise screening of The Bengal Files trailer, with a live message from filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri
KOA President Uphaar Kotru presented updates on key programs—ranging from education and medical aid to temple preservation and youth initiatives—underscoring the importance of membership, volunteering, and community support.
The Hemath presentation showcased women-led empowerment initiatives, and KOA shared exciting program updates—like the upcoming Patient Navigation Service. The evening ended on a high with awards, a talent show, and DJ night.
Day 3, Saturday offered excursions to downtown Chicago, BAPS temple, and Spring Valley, along with games and “GupShup” at the camp.
A standout moment was the announcement of the KHOSA Scholarship, launched in partnership with Rattan L. Khosa, who also delivered a deeply moving keynote.
The evening featured a mesmerizing Santoor-Tabla concert by Madan Oak and Hindole Majumdar, followed by the 10-year anniversary celebration of KOA Youth, led by Sidhi Raina. A fun-filled Koshur Banega Crorepati skit had the audience in splits, and the night ended on a high with a powerful musical finale by Vunshi Saproo and Bulbul Khoda—blending tradition with soulful artistry.
The camp concluded with a serene Havan, Shiv Abhishek, and Aarti, offering moments of gratitude and unity.
Kashmir Overseas Association is also working on development of a large Hindu temple in Bay area.
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