March 1981

• Editor Dr. I.K. Bhat’s note on News Letter entering its third year of publication

“With this issue the News Letter has entered its third year of publication. The mere fact that we have come along this far explains our determination to continue our efforts to keep the flame of the Association glowing……To all those who have helped me in this endeavour during these two years I am ever grateful.” Editor Dr. I.K. Bhat

• Shivratri Function at the home of Ratna & Dr. Girdhari Lal Hanjura of Reading PA on 7th

Shivratri Function at the home of Ratna & Dr. Girdhari Lal Hanjura of Reading PA on 7th March 1981 had 40 families and 110 – 120 people present. Many people drove 7-8 hours to attend the function. This was till then the largest gathering of KPs in one place.

• Secretary Dr. Inder Bhat’s proposal

Dr. Inder Bhat as Secretary proposed that the Association do more than create meeting points for its members. (Aside; At the meeting it was raised that some people may have a vested interest in starting such an association but the concerns were duly and respectfully answered)

• President of the time: Dr. Mohini Kaushik

• Pran and Raj Tiku also volunteer to contribute Rs. 150 per month to meet educational expenses of needy and deserving Kashmiri student. (Educational assistance has remained the key form of support besides medical and other emergency help)

• Autar Mattoo’s NAVREH Greetings (We continue to celebrate the Shivratri/ Navreh festivals in each Zone/ Chapter)

“This is the time for me to wish all our community members a happy and healthy NAVREH. I suggest that we Kashmiris should exchange greetings with all our fellow Kashmiri friends and relatives all over the world on this New year day of ours to maintain our Kashmiri culture.” Autar Mattoo MD.

September 1981

• Dr. Shiban Warikoo of PA elected President 

  “I am well aware of the fact that geographic location of all of us will be somewhat of a hindrance in making it a success. Therefore it is all the more essential to keep publishing the KOA News Letter. This news letter will be a link amongst us keeping us informed of what is going on in this society. That brings me to the concept of regional chapters. It is essential that we try to form regional chapters in metropolitan areas to which members from surrounding areas could gravitate……..Highlight of the year will of course be our annual Shivratri get together. ……In the coming year we plan to go ahead with getting our Association registered. ….After we have gained foothold and enough funds we aim to secure non profit status from the IRS for which we will require legal help……..Let us help these needy families on one on one basis. Even a little bit of help that is 10 or 20 dollars a month will go a long way in fulfilling their immediate needs…..At a later date our Association can take over this function when we are organized enough to do that….. At the end I would like to remind all of you that it is your own Association and not of some vested group in northeast corner of USA………..Please encourage your children to write…”

   

• The new Directory of the Association presented (Connects national and international members with each other)

 “The new Directory of the Association members is here and it is being sent to you along with this issue.”