Expressing Myself Candidly During the Introductions and Q&A

I would like to sincerely thank NEC and the community members for providing me and Dijjotam ji the opportunity to introduce ourselves and engage in an open dialogue on several important topics.

During the session, I shared my KOA journey, highlighted the key strategic themes of my manifesto, and spoke candidly on various issues that matter to our community.

Uphaar's key highlights from the session:

 

Addressing Members' Follow-Up Questions

Q1: Namaskar, my question for Uphaar ji is “thank you for sharing your energy and enthusiasm for this volunteer leadership position. What are three top reasons why we should vote for you instead of the other candidate?” From: Rashmi Kilam

Response:

Namaskar Rashmi ji! Thank you for your question and for this opportunity to share what sets me apart. As Kashmiris, one of our core values is respect for our elders, making this question particularly challenging, especially as Shri Dijotam Ji is my senior. I hold deep gratitude and respect for Dijotam Ji's contributions, many of which I may not even fully know. With humility, I respectfully offer the following reasons for your consideration of my candidacy:

  • Relevant KOA Board Experience: I bring extensive recent experience within KOA, currently serving as a Board Member for Zone 9, KOA’s largest membership zone. Now in my third term since 2020, I have spent the last five years advancing KOA’s mission and actively shaping impactful decisions that benefit our community nationally and globally. In addition to my Board Member duties, my role as Chapter President has provided valuable, hands-on experience working directly with the broader community. I believe a successful KOA President should be deeply connected to KOA’s history and successes while envisioning growth to address evolving member needs. Through consistent engagement, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges, priorities, and aspirations of KOA members across zones. With strong relationships and direct experience, I am tuned into the issues that matter most and how KOA can adapt to serve our community better. This foundation not only enhances my ability to lead but also means my learning curve will be minimal, allowing for a seamless shift into the responsibilities of the new role. 
  • Leadership in driving grassroots volunteerism: Our dedicated volunteers in Zone 9 have set a remarkable example for KOA, embodying teamwork and serving as role models for others. Through initiatives like Kashmir Shaivism, Language Classes, the Heritage Committee, and West Coast Camps, we are driving positive change and deepening our cultural connections. The success of Zone 9 showcases how effective volunteer engagement can lead to meaningful impact, and I believe we can replicate this model across the country. My experience in zonal leadership enables me to mobilize resources and implement best practices for national initiatives. By empowering more local volunteers and fostering a sense of ownership, we can inspire individuals nationwide to actively shape KOA’s future. My approach emphasizes leveraging the successful strategies of Zone 9 to motivate volunteers across all regions. Together, we can create a vibrant KOA where every member feels valued and engaged, ensuring a lasting impact for our communities.
  • Embracing Generational Shift and Leading by Example: As KOA undergoes a generational transition, it’s essential for my generation to step forward with commitment and a strong sense of community. This shift presents an invaluable opportunity to actively shape the future of our organization—an endeavor closely aligned with my passion for community service and leadership. I am eager to make an impact now, rather than waiting until retirement. While discussions about youth engagement are common, we must recognize the fresh perspectives younger leaders bring. By empowering them with leadership roles today, we ensure KOA remains dynamic and responsive to our community’s evolving needs. It's time to create an environment that encourages the next generation to step up, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment that will strengthen KOA for years to come. My candidacy offers a pathway for KOA to embrace this generational shift and move confidently into the future.

Q2: Uphaar ji, “thank you for your years on the KOA board, tell us what measures you took for all the suggestions you had today to remove the limitations you currently view in KOA.” From: Rashmi Kilam

Response:

Please check the "My Contributions" page on my website for an overview of my national-level contributions. I’d also like to share some insights about my zone. As the Zonal Director for Zone 9, I take pride in our achievements over the past few years:

  • We have developed into a strong, unified community that is both vibrant and deeply engaged.
  • Zone 9 boasts the largest membership among all zones, and it’s a point of pride that many of our members have taken active roles.
  • Volunteers from our zone have spearheaded significant initiatives within KOA, including the Sustenance Program, Heritage Committee, Language Classes, and Kashmir Shaivism, among others.
  • We have collaborated with several KP lead organizations, such as IACF, Aalath.com, Avanti Foundation, Shaivite.org, and Kashmir Hindu Foundation, to amplify our community impact.
  • Additionally, we have worked with various Hindu organizations to raise awareness about the Kashmiri Hindu genocide.
  • Recently, we established a new Seattle chapter of KOA in our zone, which successfully hosted the West Coast Camp.
  • We also facilitate forums for open information sharing and discussions.
  • We organized knowledge sharing sessions most recently for U.S.-based Jantri, leading to the publication of the first U.S.-based Jantri for our zone, which was distributed to all members.

If elected, I plan to build on the successful initiatives we've implemented in our Zone and extend them to other zones.

Q3: Thank you for coming forward to serve the community. You both have great ideas. My question for you both is, if you lose, would you be willing to work on the other candidate's team also vice versa, if you win would you be willing to adopt the other person's good ideas and get him on to your team.  From: Naveen Dhar 

Response:

Namaskar Naveen Ji, thank you for your question. I genuinely believe that our community’s strength lies in collaboration and mutual respect. My dedication to serving our community remains steadfast, regardless of the election outcome. A few weeks ago, I reached out to Dijjotam Ji to congratulate him on his candidacy and offer my full support to work alongside him on the Board if he wins. Likewise, if I am elected, I would be honored to have him as part of the advisory committee to champion the initiatives he is passionate about.

Q4: How do both candidates plan on addressing the divisiveness and negativity in our small community that discourages a lot of people from joining KOA. From: Bhavika Bhat

Response:

Namaskar Bhavika ji, you have asked a very important question. To address divisiveness and foster unity, I believe we need to create an environment where everyone feels respected and heard. My approach will center on open communication, empathy, and transparency, making sure that all voices, ideas, and concerns have a platform. By encouraging more grassroots participation, members can connect and collaborate, creating a sense of ownership and shared purpose. I’ll also focus on introducing initiatives that celebrate our shared values, bringing us together around what unites us. My goal is to create a KOA that is inclusive, positive, and welcoming, where everyone is motivated to join and contribute to a stronger community.

Reflecting on successful efforts in my zone, here are some initiatives I plan to foster for greater unity:

  • Open Forums & Building Trust: By regularly hosting forums, members can share thoughts, concerns, and ideas in an open and respectful environment. This promotes transparency and builds trust, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. 
  • Collaborative Initiatives: Supporting projects that bring members from diverse backgrounds together will encourage understanding, bridge differences, and create shared achievements that foster connection. 
  • Celebrating Positivity: Highlighting positive contributions and celebrating community successes can help shift the focus toward what’s working well, inspiring others to engage and take pride in our community. 

Q5: What are your plans as President to preserve our dying Kashmiri language amongst our youth? From: Krish Raina

Response:

Great question, Krish Ji. To effectively preserve our Kashmiri language, we need a holistic approach. Today, numerous avenues for language education exist, and the digital age has made accessing resources easier than ever. Initiatives such as Aalath.com, have partnered with  KOA and are providing tailored Kashmiri language classes for teenagers and young adults. Organizations like the Core Sharda team are doing remarkable work teaching the Sharda script, enabling members worldwide to connect with our rich linguistic heritage. 

I myself had the privilege of conducting Kashmiri language classes for kids in the US and work alongside passionate volunteers dedicated to keeping our language alive. One inspiring initiative where me and my wife Surabhi were actively engaged was the Kashmiri language game show "Koshur Word Bee," which featured participants from various zones across the U.S. This initiative was not only educational but also an enriching experience for all. We can certainly replicate such engaging activities to foster community spirit and excitement around our language.

However, I strongly feel that preserving our language is a community effort, not just the responsibility of educators or organizations. Continuous exposure to Kashmiri at home and within KOA is critical. Educating parents about the importance of speaking Kashmiri to their children will play a vital role. When children hear their parents conversing in Kashmiri, it creates a familiar and comfortable environment that encourages them to learn and use the language themselves.Integrating the Kashmiri language into our cultural events can create a lively atmosphere that promotes its use. We could organize activities such as poetry readings, storytelling sessions, and drama performances in Kashmiri. These engaging formats provide a platform for youth to practice the language and make learning fun and interactive. By weaving the language into the fabric of our cultural celebrations, we can instill pride in our heritage and motivate our youth to embrace their linguistic roots.Together, we need to cultivate an environment where our youth feel empowered to learn, speak, and celebrate their heritage, ensuring that our beautiful language continues to thrive.

Q6: In your view what is the biggest challenge our organization is facing and what is your plan to overcome this. From: Rahul Tickoo

Response:

Namaskar Rahul Ji, Thank you for your question. In my view, one of the biggest challenges our organization is facing broader engagement and addressing generational shift.

To overcome this challenge, I believe we need to make KOA into a more grassroots, member-driven organization, reinforcing the unity, purpose, and cultural pride that has sustained us for over four decades.

My plan includes:

  1. Creating Open Forums and Enhanced Communication: Host regular forums for members to share ideas and feedback with leadership, alongside improved updates through newsletters and social media. This two-way communication will empower everyone, ensuring members feel informed and engaged with KOA’s decisions, while building trust and reinforcing our community-driven focus
  2. Decentralized Engagement: Foster community-led initiatives to establish a more grassroots-focused KOA. Empower teams with the autonomy to lead programs that align with the KOA’s mission and enhance our organization’s responsiveness to both global and regional needs.
  3. Collaborative Projects Across Generations: Initiatives that connect different age groups—such as cultural events and service projects—can strengthen community bonds, making KOA a vibrant, inclusive space for everyone.
  4. Collaborative Partnerships: Leveraging partnerships with other cultural organizations and community resources will allow us to pool resources, broaden our reach, and offer more dynamic cultural programming for all members. Such collaborations can enrich our cultural offerings and provide new opportunities for members to engage with Kashmiriyat.
  5. Youth Engagement: Actively involving our younger generation in activities and decision-making brings new perspectives, promotes inclusivity, and strengthens our community's future by empowering emerging leaders.

I believe we can transform KOA into a more grassroots, member-driven organization, reinforcing the unity, purpose, and cultural pride that has sustained us for over four decades.

Q7: Why does it feel like the community at large isn’t given a role to be actively involved. How would these candidates get members more involved? There is so much to give but the ask is not there. From: Seema Kak

Response:

Thank you for your thoughtful question, Seema ji. I completely agree that engaging the wider community is crucial for reinforcing the foundation of KOA. Our organization flourishes through the collective effort and active participation of all its members. To realize this vision, my approach to increase involvement includes:

  1. Grassroots Engagement: I believe every member should feel empowered to contribute. We can establish forums and open houses where members are encouraged to share ideas and express their interests. This inclusive approach can help KOA tap into the strengths and talents of our entire community.
  2. Clear and Open Communication: Often, people want to help but don’t know where to start. I would focus on enhancing communication about volunteering opportunities and ways members can get involved, from short-term projects to ongoing initiatives.
  3. Collaborative Partnerships: By building partnerships with other cultural organizations and community resources, we can broaden our activities and programs, providing more avenues for our members to engage meaningfully.
  4. Strengthen Member-Led Committees: I’d like to strengthen member-led committees on various topics—such as language preservation, youth engagement, and community outreach—where interested members can take a lead role. These committees would allow for a distributed, hands-on approach to making a difference.
  5. A Culture of Recognition: Finally, I believe recognizing and celebrating the contributions of our members is crucial. By spotlighting and thanking our volunteers, we can inspire others to step forward and make a difference.

With these steps, my goal is to create a truly collaborative environment where every member feels not only valued but also essential to KOA’s success.

Q8: Question for both candidates - how do they envision themselves working with the youth directors & existing youth team of 1-2 reps across each of the 10 zones? From: Arushi Kotru

Response:

Thank you for your question, Arushi. I strongly believe that engaging our youth directors and zone representatives is crucial for the vitality and future of KOA. I have personally witnessed the remarkable passion that many young individuals bring to our community. Despite growing up here in the U.S., their commitment to our heritage is truly inspiring. I learn so much from this incredible group, and I look forward to collaborating closely with these dedicated volunteers to enhance our organization's impact and ensure its continued success.

My vision for collaboration with youth leaders includes:

  1. Regular Youth Forums: I’d like to hold regular forums with our youth directors and zonal reps to understand their perspectives, concerns, and ideas firsthand. This will create a two-way dialogue and ensure their voices shape KOA’s activities in real-time.
  2. Empowering Youth Initiatives: I envision giving our youth team the autonomy to lead initiatives that resonate with their peers. Whether it’s organizing cultural events, volunteer programs, or social gatherings, my goal is to offer support while allowing them the freedom to innovate.
  3. Creating Mentorship Pathways: By establishing mentorship opportunities with senior members, we can ensure that our younger leaders feel guided and supported, while also bringing fresh perspectives to the table.
  4. A Seat at the Table: I plan to include youth reps in key discussions and decisions, especially those related to community engagement and cultural programs. Their input will be vital to ensuring KOA remains relevant and appealing to younger generations.
  5. Cross-Zone Youth Collaborations: Encouraging projects that connect youth from different zones will strengthen ties and create a larger sense of community across KOA. Through shared initiatives, they can build lasting friendships while contributing to the community.

Ultimately, I see myself as a partner and ally to our youth leaders, supporting their ideas and amplifying their voices to help KOA continue thriving across generations.

Q9: If you win this election and last elections issues were to repeat itself, that is, a small group of members claim that you cheated and should resign. Using their constitutional authority, NEC investigates the claim and find no wrongdoing. Would you resign? Why or why not? From: Siddharth Koul

Response:

Thank you, Siddharth ji, for highlighting this important issue. It is essential that we address the concerns affecting many in our community, as these challenges have led to the disengagement of valued members.

First and foremost, I want to stress that this situation involved a significant number of individuals, and there were no allegations of cheating. The KOA Board received a signed petition from ~75 members, reflecting a substantial level of concern within our community. This petition raised issues regarding errors and violations during the election process, which became contentious due to a narrow winning margin of less than 1%. Regardless of the number of petitioners, I reflected on three key questions:

  1. Did their petition have merit? Yes.
  2. Were they genuinely concerned about KOA’s well-being? Yes.
  3. Should we view them as merely disgruntled members complaining because the election did not go their way? Absolutely not.

The combination of a closely contested election and challenges related to data quality played a significant role in the issues we faced. The NEC, appointed by the Board, deferred the decision to the Board, which had to make an unprecedented choice.

I also want to take a moment to apologize to any members whose feelings may have been hurt during this process. It was never our intention to create discomfort, and we value every member's perspective and experience.

From this experience, we have learned valuable lessons, and I can assure you that the KOA team has been actively working to update and clean our membership records to prevent similar situations in future elections. To answer your question Siddharth ji, during the Board discussions and motions, I voted in favor of re-election. Should a similar scenario arise, I would be prepared to step down or advocate for a re-election to uphold the integrity of our organization.

Q10: What is your plan for your first 100 days as president? Can you please provide quantifiable specifics? From: Anjali Kaul Zutshi

Response:

Thank you Anjali ji for asking this question. In my first 100 days I would prioritize on below key areas:

Foundational Operating Structure 

  • Sub teams for new initiatives and existing programs.
  • Establish goals and success metrics for each initiative.

Review Membership structure

  • Membership drive
  • Review membership tiers and benefits

IT Initiatives needing immediate attention

  • Revamping website
  • Membership data quality 
  • Ease of payments (membership dues and donations)

Review and refresh communication strategy and channels

  • Review and revise moderation for FB and Email groups
  • Establish townhall for regular communication

Q11: Do you have any plans of addressing the following issue which our community faces:

1. When our community members get laid off, provide some resources to them and help them with their job search.

2. When our kids move to a different state for college or a job, get some kind of local support for them so that they find a home away from home. From: Sanjila Dhar.

Response:

Thank you for your important question Sanjila ji. I have always been a strong advocate for helping individuals with job transitions, whether it’s supporting someone who has been laid off or assisting college students entering the job market. Whenever such situations have arisen, I have shared emails within my zone and personally reached out to my network to connect those in need with opportunities. I can confidently say that these efforts have often led to successful outcomes, which is why my manifesto emphasizes this vital support.

Career Support Program: Supporting community members during job transitions is a central aspect of my vision. This initiative aims to provide resources such as mentorship and industry-specific job leads to assist those impacted by layoffs. By connecting job seekers with experienced professionals in our community, we can offer invaluable guidance and opportunities. The program will also include skill-building workshops and networking events, ensuring a robust support system for members navigating career changes.

Welcome Program: This program is specifically designed to assist new and young community members as they relocate for college or work in the U.S. Through the Welcome Program, we will connect them with local KP families who can provide guidance, cultural connections, and a sense of belonging. By fostering a supportive network in various regions, we plan to ensure that our youth feel welcomed and anchored no matter where they are. It’s all about creating a 'home away from home' experience, offering comfort and community for them and their families.

    Watch below the full version of Candidate Introductions and Q&A Session:

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