Born in Corentyne, Guyana—formerly British Guiana—Ashook Kumar Ramsaran represents the enduring spirit and resilience of the Indian diaspora. A third-generation descendant of Indian indentured labourers, his story is one that seamlessly intertwines heritage, purpose, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Today, Ramsaran stands not just as an accomplished engineer and entrepreneur in the United States but as one of the most significant voices of the global Indian community, working tirelessly to preserve history, uplift immigrants, and strengthen the bonds of shared identity across oceans.
Ashook Kumar Ramsaran: Roots That Run Deep
The legacy of Ashook Kumar Ramsaran begins in 1853 when his great-grandfather Pooriya arrived in Guyana aboard the ship Adelaide, followed by his great-grandmother Radhah in 1860 on the Colgrain. Born into a lineage steeped in sacrifice and perseverance, Ramsaran internalised the lessons of courage and hard work early on.
His formative years were marked by academic diligence, first at the Auchlyne Church of Scotland School and later at Corentyne High School, where he studied on a Booker Sugar Estates scholarship. These foundations laid the bedrock for a life devoted to progress and service.
From Guyana to the World
Before migrating to the United States in 1968, Ramsaran served his homeland as a primary school teacher and later held administrative roles in Guyana’s Ministry of Health and magistrates’ courts. Once in the U.S., he earned his engineering degrees from the prestigious Polytechnic University in New York.
From there, he rose swiftly through the ranks in a leading international communications company, ultimately becoming Vice President of Engineering. But the entrepreneur in him was restless—he soon launched Ramex, a successful electronics manufacturing firm that stands as a testament to his technical brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit.
Leadership Beyond Business
Yet the brilliance of Ashook Kumar Ramsaran lies not only in corporate boardrooms or academic excellence but in his unparalleled commitment to community and history. He has dedicated decades to civic engagement, education, and cultural preservation.
His collaborative work with St. John’s University and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs has resulted in groundbreaking conferences and publications, most notably the seminal 1999 conference and the publication “Coping in America – Caribbean East Indians in the USA.” These initiatives have become vital references for scholars and policy-makers alike, bridging the gap between lived immigrant experiences and policy understanding.
Preserving Memory, Promoting Identity
Ramsaran’s influence reverberates through time and geography. In 2011, through relentless lobbying and collaboration with the Indian government, he was instrumental in establishing the Kolkata Memorial, a tribute to the millions of Indian indentured labourers sent across the world from 1834 to 1920. This landmark, bearing an inscription penned by him, stands as a silent yet profound reminder of a shared past.
Not content with just one tribute, he went on to initiate and dedicate monuments commemorating the arrival and contributions of Indians in Guyana and Trinidad, including a deeply moving monument in Trinidad & Tobago marking the centenary of the abolition of Indian indentureship in 2017.
Ashook Kumar Ramsaran: A Voice for the Voiceless
In the world of advocacy, Ramsaran is tireless. He served as a prominent voice from Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2005 through 2017, consistently spotlighting the contributions and challenges of the Indian diaspora. His petitioning led to the reversal of burdensome passport surrender policies imposed by the Government of India.
His presentation at the Organization of American States in 2012, and later at the Commonwealth Diaspora Symposium in Birmingham, showcased his unmatched ability to articulate the complexities of diaspora life while proposing actionable solutions.
Honors and Recognition
The accolades bestowed upon Ashook Kumar Ramsaran speak volumes of his impact:
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The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (2011) from the President of India
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The Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award (2016) in Agra
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The Gandhi Peace Award (2014)
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The Asian Heritage Award (2010)
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Recognition as one of the “Top 25 Most Influential Indians in North America” by Global Indian (2011)
He has also been honored in Canada, London, and New York, celebrated for his role as a connector, educator, and reformer. Perhaps more importantly, Ramsaran is a giver—actively supporting initiatives for the needy, mentoring young leaders, and writing extensively to ensure that the stories of those before him are never forgotten.
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