Periodic news from the Kashmiri Pandit community in the UK
May 2025
Kashmiri Pandit Association of Europe (KPAE)
In This Issue
- Remembering Pahalgam Victims
- KPAE Annual General Meeting 2025
- Summary of Recent Community Events
- News From Our Community
- Upcoming Events
Remembering Pahalgam Victims
The Pahalgam terrorist attack on Hindus has caused deep sorrow and reopened old wounds. Our thoughts are with the victims, and we seek justice for them. Members of our community participated in peaceful protests held nationwide. Here are some heartfelt words by Shravan Kaul, along with some images from the demonstrations.
A Valley Weeps as Innocence Dies
In Pahalgam where mountains kiss the skies,
A valley weeps as innocence dies.
Tourists had come with hearts so light,
To bask in peace, beneath the height.
But shadows crept in soldier’s guise,
With evil burning in their eyes.
They came not for war, but blood and fear,
Their bullets silenced laughter near.
Among the slain, a soldier lay,
Wed just six days—then torn away.
His bride knelt low with tear-streaked face,
By shattered dreams and empty space.
The world looked on in shocked despair,
Yet silence often fills the air.
For Hindus know this grief too well,
In exile’s ache, in stories they tell.
Since ninety’s chill, our wounds still burn,
To homes and temples we can’t return.
The pain repeats, the screams, the cries,
Each massacre, a soul that dies.
Is justice blind or just delayed?
How many more must be betrayed?
The world must see, and must believe,
What we have lost, what we still grieve.
The blood that flowed in Pahalgam’s stream,
Tears through the veil of every dream.
This wasn’t war, this was pure hate,
A killing done to cleanse a state.
But truth will rise, it will not bend,
We carry wounds that time won’t mend.
O world, awaken, hear this plea,
Our pain is real—our right to be.
And as we light a prayer’s flame,
We whisper each lost victim’s name
-Shravan Kaul
Pahalgam Protests in London
Pahalgam Protests in Reading
Pahalgam Protests in Peterborough
KPAE Annual General Meeting 2025
Dear Members of the Kashmiri Pandit Community,
Namaskar 🙏
It was both a joy and a privilege to gather together for our Navreh celebrations and Annual General Meeting in Smethwick on Saturday 26th April. Though our numbers were modest—understandably so, given the tragic recent events in Pahalgam and the many community members engaged in demonstrations and awareness efforts—the spirit and unity we shared were deeply meaningful.
We began the day with a soulful session of bhajans led by our local Bhajan Mandli. This was followed by our children and community members singing traditional Kashmiri bhajans, creating a deeply spiritual and heartwarming atmosphere that reminded us of our shared roots and devotion.
We connected via a moments silence in remembrance for departed KPs and those lost in the pahalgam atrocities.
After luncheon, we moved into the formal proceedings of the AGM. I am humbled to share that, following a transparent election process, I have been re-elected as President, alongside our returning Treasurer and General Secretary. I thank you all for your continued trust and support.
We were also delighted to welcome Ms. Vidisha Handoo as a youth member of the Executive Committee. Her voice and perspective will be invaluable as we continue to build a more inclusive and forward-looking association.
A number of important issues were discussed:
We had a healthy and constructive dialogue about how best to educate the broader UK community about the identity, history, and resilience of the Kashmiri Pandits, and how to differentiate our narrative from that of the wider Kashmiri discourse.
Our Treasurer presented the annual accounts, demonstrating financial clarity and sustainability.
I reflected on the achievements of the past two years, including a wide range of successful in-person and online events that have strengthened our bonds and supported our community through challenging times.
I also laid out our vision and priorities for the next two years, which will include cultural preservation, community education, youth engagement, and deeper collaboration with KP organisations across the globe. Most importantly our commitment to realising Kashyap Bhavan.
A significant step forward was the discussion around Kashyap Bhavan—a future permanent space for our community in the UK. The first step will be applying for charity status, which requires amendments to our constitution. This important work is now underway.
We concluded our day with a warm cup of kehwa, surrounded by laughter, conversation, and the blessings of Maej Sharika.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who attended or contributed from afar. Let us continue to support one another, remain united in purpose, and carry forward the proud heritage of our community.
With gratitude and blessings Always
Dr Sundeep Kaul (Sunny Bhaiya)
Summary of Recent Community Events
Herath and Navreh, two significant celebrations in Kashmiri Pandit calendar were celebrated recently. Some pictures of the events are shared.
Herath - 8 March 2025, London
Navreh and AGM – 26 April 2025, Birmingham
News From Our Community
The Sacred Thread: The Journey Through My Yagnopavit
Over the Easter holidays, I travelled to New Delhi, India, to carry out my Yagnopavit ceremony. This is basically an introduction to religion that Brahmin boys are supposed to do as an indication that they are old enough to read the sacred Hindu scriptures. A 15-hour puja, or devoted time to God, is done to signify this.
However, the Yagnopavit wasn’t just a spiritual experience—it was also deeply driven by Kashmiri culture. Below, I’ll explain the chain of events.
To commence the ceremony, we had a Mehndi Raat, a celebration with friends and family, which was full of music, dance, henna and food! This happened a couple of nights before the proper ceremony.
The next major event happened on the morning of the first day of the Yagnopavit: the devgaon. This is where I was bathed in milk, turmeric, curd and rosewater. It does sound very uncomfortable (which it was), but it was also a hilarious while.
After this, a part of the puja was held. Once this was done, however, we had the rest of the day to relax.
Following on, the next day was the main event. The full day was spent praying beside a religious fire, or yagya, and the pandit recounted much of my life leading up to this day as a part of the process.
Finally, after being declared a proper Brahmin and collecting charity, the main event was over. The last day consisted of a short puja after which I was given a sacred thread, or a janayu, and a reception in the evening wrapped up the occasion.
Overall, my Yagnopavit was a really enlightening and powerful experience, helping me feel closer to my religion.
Kabeer Ganjoo
Purple Black Belt!
Congratulations to Anushi Fotedar daughter of Anupam ji and Urvashi ji Fotedar on earning her Purple black belt.
New Arrival
Anubhav Pandita and Aparajita Pant welcomed their baby girl Avishi Pandita on 19 April 2025.
Many congratulations!
Upcoming Events
KPAE Premier League – 26 May, Catford Wanderers, London
Our very first Cricket tournament open to all men, women (soft ball) and kids (playing hard ball cricket). Cricket is a passion for many, and now we have the excuse to share that passion with our bretheren.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! Share your feedback, suggestions, or any news you’d like to pass on to the wider community.
Kashmiri Pandit Association of Europe (KPAE)