Diaspora Diaries - Kashmiris in Tech - Rishik Dhar

Have you ever wanted to learn Kashmiri? Does your mom laugh at you when you try to pronounce tsaman? Consider joining the Heritage Foundation’s Koshur Hechav Class, led by this episodes guest, Dileep Tiku. As a Director of the Heritage Foundation, Dileep Tiku is instrumental in helping to keep Kashmiri Pandit culture, language, and wisdom alive. Learn about the Heritage Foundation and how you can get involved and get connected to your roots. Ryetkol (Summer) 2026 – 5-Day Camp for Pre-Beginners: https://forms.gle/5ZmEeFCEk2j5Q6GeAHarudh (Fall) 2026 – General Registration: https://forms.gle/6ckw9k5uBEwM5tLM6This form recommends the level based on the answer to the question on the form.Kashmir Shaivism 101: https://forms.gle/Q2nYigxY7vyVYNP58Kashmir Shaivism Deep Dives: https://forms.gle/ok41JtU5UNftCgkg9

Hi everyone! Welcome to a new episode of Everything Koshur. In this episode, we chat with Rishik Dhar, a tech entrepreneur with decades of experience and wisdom to impart on anyone wanting to take the plunge in the startup ecosystem and create something new. Learn about how Rishik built the skills necessary to establish SolidHealth.ai, and how he leveraged his Kashmiri Pandit heritage to engage with potential investors. More often than not, community connections are our best, and most underutilized resource. 

Join us for another exciting episode of Everything Koshur! Meet Sandhya Tiku, a UT Austin and Johns Hopkins Graduate who is the Co-founder of SinuStim, a revolutionary biotech company that is working on more than just a band-aid solution for people suffering from chronic sinus issues. Learn about how Sandhya founded SinuStim, and how she’s been able to use her Kashmiri heritage and network to further advance her company.

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 hosts, Ritvik Raina and Akansha Bhat, the season continues with musician Prazul Wokhlu, who takes his love and the versatility of the saxophone to reimagine both old classics and newer hits with saxophone solos that show just how his skill is able to elevate songs from all different genres. Through honest conversations, Everything Koshur explores what it means to carry Kashmir forward, through ambition, creativity, and evolution.

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 Episode1:01–13:21 - Introduction of Guests14:12–24:29 - 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. Don’t forget to like, share, and follow for more! Thank You 🎙#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. Don’t forget to like, share, and follow for more! Thank You 🎙 #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!