Chapter Presidents

Born and raised in the breathtaking valley of Kashmir, my journey has been one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering commitment to community and social impact. At the age of 17, I migrated from Kashmir, carrying with me the deep-rooted values of my heritage. I pursued my master’s degree in Pune, which laid the foundation for my professional path. My career began in journalism, where I had the privilege of working with esteemed media houses. However, my true calling lay in advocacy and social service. This passion led me to transition into the nonprofit sector, working alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi. Contributing to a cause that drives meaningful change has always been my aspiration, and this role allowed me to turn that aspiration into action.Teaching eventually became my profession, allowing me to shape young minds while continuing my mission of service. Life took a new turn when my husband and I moved to the United States with our 5-year-old daughter. The journey was not without challenges, but it was the warmth of the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) in Indianapolis and later in New Jersey that provided a sense of belonging—a home away from home. For the past 15 years, I have been deeply committed to volunteering, striving to keep our community connected and our cultural roots alive. Giving back, no matter how small the effort, has been my way of honoring the rich heritage I am so proud of. Being Kashmiri is an integral part of my identity, and I carry it with pride, wherever life takes me.

I’m Bulbul Khoda — and I’m quite literally my name. I’m a vocalist, an engineer by qualification, and a tech professional with over 10 years of experience at HP Inc. Born in Gujarat, raised in Bangalore, and now embracing a new chapter in Bentonville, Arkansas, I moved to the U.S. less than a year ago — carrying with me a deep love for music, culture, and connection. I’m incredibly passionate about everything Kashmiri — from our soulful music and flavorful cuisine to our language, art, and heritage. Off the stage, I’m a sports enthusiast, fitness lover, and always up for an adventure — whether it's hiking a new trail or diving into something spontaneous and exciting. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of performing with incredible acts like Bryden-Parth, Best Kept Secret, and Aditya Narayan & DJs, at high-profile weddings and exclusive gigs across India and internationally. Now, as I plant roots in a new country, I’m excited to connect with the KOA community and contribute in any way I can. Email: bulbul.khoda@gmail.com

I am Deepti Pandita born in Baramulla in beautiful Kashmir Valley. Grew up in Jammu, completing my schooling after my family was displaced from our home, Kashmir in 1990. Raised in a close-knit family, I have always valued strong relationships and community bond. As a migrant, I pursued Electronics engineering from Maharashtra. I am currently working as a Director in Cadence Design System, a leading provider of electronic design automation (EDA) software and engineering services in semiconductor industry. I am married to Amit Singh, my mentor and life partner. After living in Bangalore for couple of years, we relocated to Lovely Austin, Texas in 2012. We are proud parents of two handsome boys - Aarav Singh 13 and Aarush Singh 10 who are the center of our lives. I am proudly serving our vibrant community currently as a Chapter President (KOA zone5 - Austin Chapter). I love organizing and supporting our KP community events ever since I became its part. Always keen on connecting new KP members. Got a chance to lead Literacy Drive along with various dedicated volunteers in KOA zone5 with free Kashmiri Language and cultural classes which are now being part of KOA national heritage group. These popular classes not only promote our rich heritage but are also a classic example of community engagement. While volunteering/organizing local, zonal and national level events/programs with our community, have met many passionate like-minded volunteers who have now become my family, home away from home. I strongly believe by doing my bit, I am hoping to keep our roots alive by passing on the rich values, culture to our future generations and fostering a sense of community among fellow KPs. Email: deeptipandita@gmail.com

Rashmi, born and raised in Srinagar is committed to KP culture & community and currently serves as a core team member of KOA's Heritage committee. She dedicates her time to various impact-only communities, with a focus on purpose-driven Human Health and Environmental ventures. With over two decades of multidisciplinary experience and a diverse network, Rashmi has worked across 20+ countries. Since the dot-com era, she has engaged with over 20 startups, consulting firms, investment banks, and several single-family offices. As a founding team member of her early startup, she helped build it from Tokyo to Johannesburg, which is now TechnoTree, listed on Nasdaq Helsinki (TEM1V). As the Founder/MD at Bouin Capital, Rashmi has served on the Investment Advisory Committee of the Texas Women's Foundation, supporting and advocating for girls and women in Texas. She is an Advisory Board member for numerous organizations and a mentor at the University of Texas, HLTH Foundation, and SXSW Interactive, among others. Rashmi holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology & Chemistry from Delhi University, complemented by studies in Strategy and International Business. She is married to Vikram Khosa and lives in Austin, Texas. Email: rashmikilam@bouincapital.com

My name is Ankit Koul, and I serve as the Chapter President for Colorado. My parents are originally from Karan Nagar and Nai Sadak (Ganpathyar), and we moved to Jammu following the migration in 1990. I was raised in a deeply engaged socio-cultural environment, where promoting our Kashmiri culture and identity has always been a core value. I hold a B.Tech from VIT Pune and an M.S. from Colorado State University. I currently live in Denver, CO, with my wife, Prachi, and parents. I was one of the organizers of the first Zone 5 camp held here in Colorado. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in the mountains, playing tennis, and teaching it as well. I am deeply passionate about promoting and learning more about Kashmiri Pandit culture, history, and Shaivism. Email: ankit.kaul7@gmail.com

Born and raised in Jaipur in the Tikku family, I have always been deeply connected to my Kashmiri roots. Life took a new turn when I married Shashi Bhat, who was born and brought up in Chanpura, Srinagar. After spending a few years in Delhi, destiny led us thousands of miles away from home, where we were blessed with two wonderful sons. Building a home so far from our homeland and culture came with its challenges. However, the presence of Indian, and especially Kashmiri, families around us has been a constant source of motivation, helping us stay connected to our traditions and heritage. While my children may not speak Kashmiri, they certainly know the flavors of home—relishing dishes like rogan josh, yakhani, dum aloo, and paneer kalia. Through food, traditions, and community, we continue to keep our Kashmiri spirit alive, no matter where life takes us. Email: Dimpikabhat@gmail.com

I was born in Kashmir and moved to United States to pursue education in computer science. Over the years, I have built a diverse professional background, working in a technology firm, real estate industry, and managing a medical practice. Now settled in Louisiana near New Orleans, I remain deeply connected to my cultural roots through my involvement with KOA. Though the Kashmiri community in the area is small, I am happy to network and foster connections within the local chapter and beyond, enriching the shared cultural identity of our community members across the states. Email: raina308@yahoo.com

Namaskar, my name is Jyoti Zutshi Pandita. I was born and raised in Habba Kadal, Srinagar. I left Kashmir in 1990 and moved to Jammu due to the exodus, which I experienced firsthand. I pursued my engineering degree in Pune, and after marriage, I moved to New Jersey. I have been living in Salt Lake City, Utah, since 2002. I am married to Sunny Pandita, a physician. We are proud parents of two children: Siya and Shayan. Siya is a senior at the University of California, Berkeley, and Shayan is a freshman at Duke University. I am currently working at Canyons School District as an educational support instructor. I have been a member of the KOA community for nearly two decades, and it is an honor to serve as the chapter president. Since 2001, I have attended several KOA national camps. I take pride in our rich Koshur culture and heritage, especially the language. For the past year and a half, I have served as the president of the Utah chapter, diligently working to keep our community connected and to preserve our culture and traditions. Email: jyotisunny@yahoo.com

Nitesh Bhat, originally from Budgam (Chakpura) and raised in Jammu, is married to Samvedna Bhat from Baramulla, and they have a son and a daughter. Their family is deeply committed to preserving Kashmiri Hindu culture, heritage, and language. Professionally, Nitesh is a Computer Engineer and works as a Solution Architect in the IT sector in Chicago, with extensive global experience across Europe, India, and the US. He is also a dedicated advocate for community service, actively supporting the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) and serving as an active member of Roots in Kashmir and Onemind USA, where he focuses on initiatives addressing the 1990 exodus and genocide of Kashmiri Hindus.

Rishi Tarun Khar is an active member of the Michigan KP community since 2019, organizing and supporting local community events. He is particularly passionate about actions to prevent further erosion of KP language and culture, and around the evolving socio-political positioning of KPs in India and as a diaspora. Prior to engaging in the Detroit area he was instrumental to building community relations for the small KP community in Grand Rapids, MI. He is also involved with other non-profit organizations and has volunteered and served in various capacities. Rishi was born in Srinagar and grew up in Hyderabad before moving to the USA. A data scientist by academic training and profession he currently leads Data Science for midwestern retail clients of a data analytics consultancy. Rishi is married to Priyanka Shali Khar and resides with their kids in the greater Detroit area.

My name is Anuradha Aswani. I was born and raised in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Completed my B.Sc from Sophia College, and then received my MBA degree from Symbiosis,Pune. Moved to the USA in 2006. Currently based out of Dublin CA (Bay Area) and working as a HR professional at a technology company. My exposure to Kashmiri culture and language was through my husband Rohit Kaul whom I married in 2004 and was fascinated by the multifaceted aspect of the heritage that contributes to the beauty and resilience of the Kashmiri culture. I am really looking forward to serving as Bay Area Chapter President. I firmly believe that the resilience and diversity of the Kashmiri people have enabled them to preserve their cultural heritage despite the challenges they have faced. The unique cultural elements of Kashmir are a testament to the region's rich history and the creativity and ingenuity of its people and would continue to foster that with all sincerity and passion. Email: anuradhacaul@gmail.com Phone: 408 966 1432

I’m Neha Nehru, a proud Kashmiri and a long-time resident of Seattle, where I’ve lived for over a decade. Born in Raj Bagh, Srinagar, Kashmir, my family migrated a few years before 1990. Over the years, we moved across 12 states in four countries—India, the UAE, Canada, and the U.S.—before finally settling in Vancouver, BC, where my family has lived for the past 27 years. I majored in electrical engineering in BC and pursued my master’s in Computer Science in Seattle. Professionally, I’m an investment banker and contribute to my family business, Nehru Accounting, Construction, and Properties. I’m married to Hitaish Raina, an IT professional who also majored in engineering. He was also born in Srinagar and has firsthand memories of the conflict, having fled his home at the age of six in an army truck under harrowing circumstances. His family eventually settled in Pathankot, India. We are proud parents of two wonderful children, Neeva (8) and Ruaansh (4), who fill our lives with joy and purpose. I have been a Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) member for the past five years and have served as the Seattle Chapter President for the last year and a half. With the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, I’ve organized various cultural and religious events. I aim to work on projects and events highlighting Kashmiri culture and fostering a deeper understanding of our rich heritage and community resilience. By celebrating our traditions and passing them on to future generations, I hope to unite the community as one big family while promoting awareness of our cause. Email: neha_nehru@hotmail.com Phone: 425 449 2710