Happy New Year | Look Back at 2025: Gratitude, Growth
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Namaskar KOA family,
As we welcome the New Year, I extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for good health, peace, and happiness in the year ahead.
Looking back, 2025 was not merely a year of milestones; it was a year of meaning shaped by compassion in difficult moments, quiet service behind the scenes, and by a deep sense of responsibility toward our people, our heritage, and future generations. KOA moved forward because so many of you stepped forward with time, skills, resources, and above all, heart.
Here’s a brief reflection on what we accomplished together in 2025:
2025 | A Year of Collective Impact
Advocacy & Voice
Swift, dignified KOA response to the Pahalgam attack through public statements, media engagement, blogs, and a Congressional briefing, ensuring our voice was heard with clarity and resolve.
Honoring Our Roots
Printed the first-ever USA time-zone adjusted Jantari & KOA Calendar featuring photos contributed by our community members.
Expanded heritage initiatives, including Kashmir Shaivism, Kashur Hechev, restoration of temples in Kashmir, and the preservation of our literature.
IT & Digital Transformation
Launched a modern, frictionless KOAUSA.org.
Consolidated multiple legacy systems into a single platform for programs, youth content, membership, events, and donations.
Volunteer-driven IT transformation saved $20,000+ annually, allowing more resources to go directly to community programs.
New Launches
KOA Job Board connecting job seekers with hiring managers.
Healthcare Connect linking families with doctors for guidance and second opinions.
Rewards & Recognition Policy honoring excellence & community impact.
Touching Lives Directly
SAC & EAP: Education support for 600+ children.
Medical Emergency Assistance: 10+ life-saving treatments supported.
Family Sustenance Program: Relief for 20+ families in times of acute hardship.
Investing in KOA Youth
Khosa Scholarship launched for US-based students, with $240,000+ committed over four years.
Expanded youth engagement through the largest-ever youth camp in San Diego, nurturing leadership, identity, and lifelong bonds.
Community Support & Partnerships
Sponsored 600+ meals at Kumbh Mela.
Co-sponsored Samohik Yegnopavit, TIFFs (film festival), and sports events in J&K.
Supported advocacy films like Bengal Files and Baramulla.
Strengthened partnerships with organizations such as Sharika Foundation, KMECT, HemAth, GKPD, Avanti Foundation, KoshurRaag, Vomed, IACF, HAF, COHNA, and more.
Events & Engagement
Chicago National Camp attended by 400+ members, West Coast Camp in Sacramento and various Zonal & Chapter events.
Quarterly membership update meetings and other community events like Samohik Herath Pooja.
Strengthening KOA
Enhanced membership experience with new exclusive content and services.
Membership fees have been revised for the first time in decades to keep pace with inflation and to support the continued enhancement of our programs and services.
Expanded giving options, now including stocks and ETFs.
Welcome New Members
A warm welcome to all the new members who joined our KOA family this year. We are delighted to have you with us.
With Deep Gratitude
None of this would be possible without our volunteers, the individuals who dedicate their time and energy behind the scenes, and their families, who support and encourage them every step of the way. We are also deeply grateful to our donors, whose generosity enables KOA’s programs and initiatives. Your commitment and care keep KOA thriving. Thank you for your support and selfless service.
As we look ahead to 2026, there is so much more we can achieve together. I warmly invite more members to step forward, volunteer, and lend their skills in big or small ways. KOA grows stronger when more hands and hearts come together.
Once again, on behalf of the entire KOA team, wishing you and your families a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2026.
Warm regards,
Uphaar Kotru
President, Kashmiri Overseas Association
Comments