Inspiring news from Udhampur

September 13, 2007

PRIDE OF OUR COMMUNITY

Left to Right: Ruchi Kandroo (10th), Sakshi Bhat (9th), Neeshu Bhat (10th)

This picture has been provided by Sh. Bhushan Garoo

These young girls from the Battal Balian refugee camp near Udhampur, who attended the Rishi Memorial School, secured 9th and joint 10th positions in the 8th Grade public examinations conducted by the District Board of Education. More than 8,000 students appeared in the examination from all over Udhampur district, and only the top ten positions were notified in the government gazette. 

Let us celebrate these young girls as a symbol of our community's strength and determination. Members interested in sending congratulatory notes to Ruchi, Sakshi, Neeshu, or the school staff, please send an e-mail message to pamposh_zutshi@hotmail.com. 

Many thanks to KOA membership, especially to those who contributed to KOA Education Fund. 

Background Information:

The Rishi Memorial School is a tangible success story of collective community effort. It educates approx. 175 kids through the 8th grade, an overwhelming majority of whom are refugee Kashmiri Pandit kids. The school employs 17 staff (1 principal, 13 teachers and 3 support staff), out of which 15 are refugees from Kashmir. 

Individuals interested in making tax-exempt contributions, please visit KOA Education Fund.