Everything Koshur is a podcast exploring Kashmiri culture, identity, and lived experience. While earlier seasons focused on preserving and celebrating Kashmiri heritage, Season 3 turns the spotlight toward Kashmiris doing interesting, meaningful work across the world - artists, creators, and changemakers shaped by their roots, wherever they are.

With new hosts,  Ritvik Raina and Akansha Bhat, the season opens with singer-songwriter Shreea Kaul, who reflects on moving from India at a young age, bonding with her mother over Bollywood and Indian TV, discovering her love for music, and how her Kashmiri upbringing shaped her resilience. She also shares hard truths about the music industry, and her goals for the future.

Through honest conversations, Everything Koshur explores what it means to carry Kashmir forward, through ambition, creativity, and evolution.

This episode embodies a Spotify Wrapped for KOA Youth—rewinding through the legacy of leadership, memories, and growth that have shaped this incredible organization. We had the honor of speaking with several leaders who have carried forward the mission of preserving our Kashmiriyat while building a strong, connected youth community.

From heartfelt nostalgia to chilling stories, this episode brought laughter, tears, and a profound sense of pride. The conversation was so candid that Kashmiri naturally became part of it, with one guest even answering a question about future youth involvement in Kashmiri, adding a beautiful cultural touch.

This is our longest—and most enriching—episode yet, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!

Timestamps:
0:10–1:00 - Introduction of Episode
1:01–13:21 - Introduction of Guests
14:12–24:29 - How did you first get involved with KOA and what motivated you to take on a leadership role as a YD?
24:36–27:13 - Shubhankar: Staying rooted in his Kashmiri heritage through a global upbringing.
27:56–30:48 - Rohit: How the 1990 genocide shaped his commitment to Kashmiri heritage and KOA.
31:11–36:42 - Nisha: Lessons and skills gained as the longest-serving youth director.
37:27–41:42 - Amrita: How time in Kashmir and Bangalore sparked her passion for her roots.
44:14–47:41 - Arushi: Growing up without a local Kashmiri community and staying connected to her roots.
47:49–1:10:36 - Story sharing: Was learning about parents’ lives in Kashmir part of upbringing or an active effort?
1:12:12–1:30:34 - Vision for future youth involvement in preserving KP culture (in Kashmiri).
1:30:41–1:31:41 - Finale Thank You

Tune in and celebrate this vibrant community with us!

In this episode of Everything Koshur, we had the honor of speaking with Ms. Anjana Kaul, the Zone 5 Director of KOA. She shared her inspiring journey from Kashmir to Canada to Austin, TX, where she has lived for the past 12 years, dedicating herself to the Kashmiri Pandit community. Anjana Ji discussed her incredible leadership in KOA, particularly her literacy drive that has grown into a national initiative.

She also opened up about her personal experience during the 1990 genocide, recounting how her family shielded her from the harsh reality while she was in college. It wasn’t until she returned home for the holidays that she learned of their displacement, a moment that shaped her perspective forever.

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#EverythingKoshur

Dive into an inspiring conversation with Priyanka Mattoo on the latest episode of Everything Koshur. We explore her vivid childhood memories of Kashmir, her journey of constant movement, her career from Hollywood to writing, and her deep cultural connections. Listen in as Priyanka shares insights from her memoir Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones, capturing the spirit of displacement, resilience, and finding home.

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#EverythingKoshur

In this episode, we dive into the world of Kashmiri music with Anshoo Tikoo Zutshi. From childhood performances to performing alongside famous musicians such as Jagjit Singh, Pankaj Udhas, and Dr. L. Subramaniam, she shares her inspiring journey of preserving and celebrating Koshur melodies and culture. Stay till the end to hear her sing a verse from a famous Kashmiri bhajan, “Prata Kaala”! #KoshurMelodies #CulturalRoots

In this episode, we are joined by Shivas Dhar. Shivas Dhar is the current Director for KOA’s Education Assistance Program, which provides aid for higher education to refugee Kashmiri Pandit students. The EA Program offers crucial financial and mentorship support, empowering students to overcome educational barriers and build a brighter future. Through this conversation, we understand how the program operates, its impact, and how we can get involved in the mission. Listen now via the link in our bio!

In this episode, we dive into the cultural significance of the Kashmiri language with our special guest Sukumar Hakhoo. Join us as we explore why it's essential for the youth to embrace and preserve our beautiful linguistic heritage.

Explore the web of connectivity of kashmiri culture and navigating and staying to our roots in a new homeland in the newest episode of Everything Koshur! Join us as we sit down with Ashwani Kaul, the current Vice President of the Kashmiri Overseas Association. He also serves on board as the Zone Six Director and Youth Liaison. Listen as we explore his journey and involvement in a variety of roles within KOA and find out about his secret passion for baking all kinds of breads, especially telvor (traditional sesame seed based Kashmiri bread). Follow his account @breadwaala to see his creations and place orders! 🍞 🍞

Delve into the intersection of heritage and mental health with us on this enlightening episode of Everything Koshur! 🌱 Join us as we sit down with Jyotsna Dhar (Joy), a Counseling Psychology PhD student and therapist, to explore the significance of cultural traditions in fostering well-being. Discover how celebrating events like Navreh influences mental resilience and hear insights on mental health within the Kashmiri Pandit community. Tune in for a deep dive into, growth, personal coping strategies, and the importance of seeking professional help.

Dive into the essence of Kashmiri Shaivism with Vijay Dhar in this episode Discover the universal values it offers, extending beyond cultural boundaries for personal growth. This enlightening conversation reveals that Kashmiri Shaivism is not confined to any religion but is accessible to everyone. We also shared some exciting news: We're launching a special workshop series at the end of March, consisting of 7 transformative sessions. Join us on this global journey of self-discovery, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary life. Stay tuned for an enriching experience! 🎙️