Namaskar.

Sunil Fotedar's energy and drive, his deep belief in strengthening our community, his commitment and substantial contributions over the past decade to our brethren at large including the KOA, and most importantly the passion with which he goes about conducting such business continues to amaze me. I hope this is a mere reminder to those of you that have gotten to know Sunil over time rather than being misconstrued as me paying accolades to him. Facts never cease to exist, they are simply denied.

By now you must be aware that Sunil Fotedar has decided to continue volunteering his services and has accepted nominations from several members of the KOA to contest for the President, KOA position. I happen to be one such member and I remain grateful to Sunil for his acceptance.

Why do I believe Sunil would be a great President? Apart from the standard response my gut says so I have many reasons, reasons that I hope will be persuasive if not compelling. Here is a brief and concise elucidation of these reasons:

1. Leadership skills. Sunil listens well, is a consensus builder, strongly believes in a participatory environment, fosters and demands team work, holds himself to high ethical and moral standards, and while he makes the decisions that he needs to he does refrain from making decisions that are simply cheap appeasements. Sunil has struck me as a fair, honest, logical, intelligent person who promotes transparency.
2. Ability to galvanize people irrespective of their preferences and age. A key tool by which he was able to do so was by utilizing the communication medium of the internet. Currently, Sunil Fotedar owns and manages about 25 Kashmiri Pandit-specific websites covering almost all the aspects related to our culture, heritage, history, religion, etc. He administered KPnet - the first electronic forum to keep us connected. Sunil possesses the key trait of integrating factions that may exist in our community and it is my utmost belief that he is capable of bridging the gap between groups.
3. Enthusiasm. Anyone who comes out non-perished or even un-wounded after devoting almost fifteen years of ones life to our community has to be "enthusiastic."
4. Significant KOA involvement. Back in 1991, Sunil served as the KOA Chapter President in Houston, TX. For a few years (1996-2000) under Lalit Wanchoo's (then KOA President) stewardship, Sunil developed and maintained KOA's two websites KOAUSA.Org and Kashmir-Information.Com
5. Willingness to learn and that too with a very open mind. KOA has evolved as have challenges that it must meet. These challenges have to be met successfully and in a way that is conducive and rewarding. This will require a mind that is alert, a person who values patience and tolerance and above all a person who is all inclusive. I for one have observed Sunil applying the things that he learnt from many Kashmiri Pandit leaders, community members and may I dare say his well wishers. He treasures the insight and guidance that he continues to receive.

I whole heartedly bring Sunil Fotedar to your attention. I am confident that he will make KOA a vibrant organization, an organization that our community will take pride in. As you deliberate during this KOA election process and ponder upon your selection, please ask yourself why you shouldn't vote for Sunil? I don't think you will come up with much. Sunil is our man. He will uphold the KOA to its highest standard and he will deliver given a chance. Please support him, have him in your prayers and please vote for him. Thank you.