KOA Launches New Rewards and Recognition Policy | 2025 Awards Announced

At the heart of every vibrant community lies a shared spirit of service, leadership, and legacy. The Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) is proud to announce the launch of its formal Rewards and Recognition Policy, a milestone step in honoring individuals, families, chapters, and partners whose selfless efforts strengthen the fabric of our global Kashmiri Pandit community.

Why a Recognition Policy?

The policy brings transparency, consistency, and inspiration to the way we honor service. It ensures contributions of all kinds—cultural, educational, humanitarian, or professional—are recognized meaningfully, fairly, and in alignment with KOA’s mission: to preserve our heritage, uplift our community, and unite the diaspora.

Guiding Principles

• Transparency in criteria and selection

• Equity for all, regardless of background or affiliation

• Inspiration to empower others to contribute

• Alignment with KOA’s goals and values

Categories of Recognition

The policy outlines major award categories, each designed to spotlight distinct areas of impact:

• Lifetime Achievement Award

• Distinguished Service Award

• Chapter Excellence Award

• Youth Excellence Award

• Team Excellence Award

• Partner Recognition Award

• In Memoriam / Legacy Recognition Award

• Honorees: Social Impact, Activism, and Professional Excellence

• Volunteer Recognition

  
  

KOA strives to recognize diverse contributions—from enduring pillars of service to rising stars and collaborative partners—who help shape the legacy of our shared journey.

🎖 KOA 2025 Awardees

As we inaugurate this new framework, KOA Board and Executive Team is proud to honor the following individuals and teams for their outstanding service and lasting contributions:

🏅 Lifetime Achievement Award

• Sushil Pandit: For unwavering dedication to the Kashmiri Pandit cause and preserving cultural heritage with courage and conviction over decades.

🏅 Distinguished Service Awards

• Utpal Kaul: For a lifetime of commitment to advocacy and community empowerment.

• Aditya Raj Kaul: For courageous journalism and advocacy amplifying KP voices.

• Advaitavadini Kaul: For scholarly excellence and contributions to Kashmiri philosophy and history.

🏆 Chapter Excellence Awards

• Neha Nehru – Seattle Chapter

• Ankit Koul – Denver Chapter

  For leadership and exceptional community building in their respective chapters.

🌟 Youth Excellence Award

• Sidhi Raina: For exemplary leadership and cultural engagement.

🤝 Partner Recognition Award

• HemAth: For empowering displaced Kashmiri women through mentorship and entrepreneurship.

🧑‍💻 Team Excellence Award

• KOA IT Team: For modernizing KOA’s digital infrastructure with innovation and teamwork.

🕊️ Legacy Recognition Award

• Late Dr. Suresh Raina: For a life of healing, philanthropy, and enduring impact on the KP community.

💐 Appreciation Award

• Ashish Raina: For inspired leadership and tireless service at the KOA National Camp 2025, Chicago.

The awards were presented during the KOA National Camp 2025 in Chicago.

Looking Ahead

KOA’s new Rewards and Recognition Policy isn’t just about awards—it’s about creating a culture of appreciation, storytelling, and inspiration. Each honoree represents a beacon of hope, service, and pride in the global Kashmiri Pandit community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 2025 awardees and look forward to recognizing many more in the years to come.

2026 Awards Recognition Process

• Nominations: Open to all KOA members, including self- and peer-nominations.

• Selection: A balanced 5-member Recognition Committee evaluates based on impact, innovation, and alignment with KOA’s mission.

• Recognition: Awarded annually at KOA Camps or virtual events, with public celebration on KOA platforms.

We will share the nomination applications for 2026 in coming months. Feel free to contact secretary@koausa.org for any questions.