Indian Diaspora Council

Commemoration of Indian Arrival Day 2018 in St. Vincent & Grenadines

Commemoration of Indian Arrival Day 2018 in St. Vincent & Grenadines

30th May, 2018 (EST-USA)

Hon. Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves
Prime Minister
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Kingston, St. Vincent

Re: Commemoration of Indian Arrival Day 2018 in St Vincent & Grenadines

Your Excellency:

The Indian Diaspora Council (IDC) joins with its global affiliates and membership in paying honored tribute and express its gratitude to those who made the first journey as indentured laborers from India arriving in St. Vincent on 1st June, 1861 aboard the Travancore. We acknowledge with gratitude and pride the recognition and declaration of June 1 as Indian Arrival Day by the Government of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

We are always reminded of their pioneering spirit, determination, persistence and endurance under extremely harsh conditions. While survival must have been the primary concern, they strived and persevered to maintain their sense of origin, traditions and culture. Their children, grandchildren and following generations will always take pride in this unique accomplishment, recognizing and appreciating the sacrifices and achievements made on their behalf. We also recognize the invaluable contributions, despite the comparatively small numbers, they have made to the diverse culture and economic development of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

We pay homage and commemorate an historic event which took place 157 years ago and recognize the journeys, hardships, travails and perseverance of a people – while looking at today and tomorrow which can take lessons from that history of journeys not so long ago. While acknowledging that past, we can triumph by taking bold steps same as those who came to St. Vincent & the Grenadines and other lands with just a promise, with lots of hope and determination. They came to St. Vincent & the Grenadines partially by choice, many forced but resolved and persevered under very difficult and harrowing conditions. That shared experience, that saga of shared history, fostered a unique kindred spirit of resolve, togetherness and kinship – a triumph over obstacles and difficulties with dreams and aspirations of a destiny intertwined by history and fate”.

We extend Indian Diaspora Council’s congratulations to the Government and people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines on the commemoration of this 157th anniversary of that historic day. We also extend our continued best wishes to all the descendants of those early pioneers for peaceful and prosperous co-existence both in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and other lands where they have subsequently settled.

We continue to encourage and support active promotion of the rich and enduring Indian traditions which served their forefathers so well.We also wish to remind all the descendants of those early pioneers to recognize and reach out to others of Indian origin whose forebears also embarked on similar journeys.

Respectfully,

Ashook R Indian Diaspora Council International
[email protected]
Mobile (USA) +1 917 519 5783


cc: Dr. Arnold Thomas, Indian Diaspora Council Country Coordinator, St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Hon. Anupriya Singh Patel, India’s Min. of State for Health & Family Welfare Visits Grenada

Hon. Anupriya Singh Patel, India’s Min. of State for Health & Family Welfare Visits Grenada

The visit of the Hon. Mrs. Anupriya Singh Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India to Grenada, marks a historic moment in the relationship of the two countries. It was the first time that a Minister of the Government of India made an official visit to the country, opening opportunities for increased bilateral cooperation and mutual advancement.

The Hon. Minister Patel was warmly welcomed to Grenada upon her arrival at Maurice Bishop International Airport on Saturday, May 12th, 2018 by a delegation which included the Hon. Minister Nickolas Steele, Permanent Secretary, Pauline Peters from the Ministry of Health, and the Honorary Consul of India to Grenada, Shadel Nyack Compton.

ASHOOK RAMSARAN HONORED by CENTER for WOMEN of NEW YORK

ASHOOK RAMSARAN HONORED by CENTER for WOMEN of NEW YORK

Ashook Ramsaran, president of Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) was honored by the Center for Women of New York (CWNY) with the “GOOD GUYS” award at the CWNY’s 31st Anniversary Annual Luncheon on Saturday, April 21, 2018 honoring “Trailblazers for Women’s Rights”. The recognition event was held at the Douglaston Manor and Golf Club in New York, USA. The awards were presented by Ann Jawin, founder/chair of CWNY and Victoria Pilotti, president of CWNY.

Founded in 1987 by Ann Jawin, the Center for Women of New York’s mission is “to empower women with the information, support and skills they need to address the problems they are facing whether economic, emotional or legal. Our assistance not only helps the woman but strengthens the stability of their family. CWNY helps women transition to a new level of economic self-sufficiency. CWNY offers comprehensive services in prevention, training, education and support to women in transition. Computer training, career counseling, legal assistance and support groups are held to support women and prepare them to prosper in the workforce”.

Ashook Ramsaran was born in Guyana (formerly British Guiana), third generation of Indian indentured laborers who were brought to Guyana in 1853 and 1860 respectively. He emigrated to USA in 1968 and obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees (Electrical Engineering) at New York Polytechnic University. After prominent positions in US industry, he founded Ramex, an electronics manufacturing company based in New York, USA and resides in Queens, New York, USA with his family, namely wife Camille; sons Arnold and Gerald, and grandsons Jaden and Gavin. Ramsaran is founder/president of the Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) and former president of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International). He is Vice President of Queens Civic Congress (New York), Chair of New York Presbyterian Hospital Queens Community Advisory Council, Board Member of St John’s University Center for Caribbean and Latin American Studies, and Board Member of Fresh Meadows Homeowners Civic Association. He is the recipient of numerous local and international awards in recognition for his many years of outstanding community service and raising awareness of critical issues of interest and concern.

Recipients of “Women of Distinction” in Leadership were: Adrienne Adams (NYC Council Member District #28); Bernadette Kelly (President, Teamsters Union, Local 813); Moira McDermott (Executive Director, 21-in-21 Initiative); Sarinya Srisakul (President, United Women’s Firefighters); Mary Vaccarro (United Federation of teachers, Queens District).

Recipients of “Good Guys” awards were: Mervin Brown (Artist, retired professor, City University of New York); Rory Lancman (NYC Council Member District #28); Ashook Ramsaran (President of Indian Diaspora Council International); Ernan Roman (President, ERDM Corp, Chair, “Take Action” Community Group); Jimmy Van Bramer (NYC Council Member District #26).

Recognition text on the award to Ashook Ramsaran read as follows: The “Good Guys” awards are given “to men who are fully committed to women’s equal rights and have made significant contributions to the community”.

In accepting the “Good Guys” award, Ramsaran said “Women’s rights are people’s rights; women’s rights are our rights; women’s rights are human rights. I am truly honored by this recognition award and I join with other recipients in thanking CWNY and Ann Jawin for their pioneering contributions to women’s rights in New York as a trailblazer long before #Me Too and TIME’S UP.

Victoria Pilotti, Ann Jawin, Ashook Ramsaran
Women of Distinction and Good Guys Recipients with Victoria Pilotti and Ann Jawin

“Kali” Way Street Co-Naming Advances Successfully

“Kali” Way Street Co-Naming Advances Successfully

The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) is pleased that the initiative by IDC president Ashook Ramsaran co-naming 1 block of 169th Street between Highland Avenue and Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, New York, in honor of the late Ramesh D. Kalicharran, affectionately known as “Kali”, is advancing successfully through the several stages of the process. Ramesh D. Kalicharran, who was born 1949 in Guyana and lived in New York since 1970, passed away on December 3, 2017.
IDC statement on its application for co-naming 1 block of 169th Street: “Ramesh Kalicharran, popularly known as Kali, was an outstanding community stalwart, a prominent and well recognized cornerstone of the community, having pioneered several programs and events which promoted the interests of Indo-Caribbean people in New York and the Caribbean. He is widely recognized for his advocacy, philanthropy and exemplary contributions to charitable and community causes; for his exemplary contributions to his community and the promotion of Indian culture and heritage. He was an icon among Indo-Caribbean people with a long lasting legacy of selfless service. He was an extraordinary community leader who led by example. In recognition of his tremendous contribution to the Guyana diaspora, he has received several citations and awards Asian-Indian, the Indo-Caribbean, and Other Ethnic American communities in New York. Kali was a proud ambassador for Guyana in particular, and the Caribbean, in general”.

The initiative and continuing efforts for co-naming the 1 block of 1269th Street by Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) was led by Ashook Ramsaran who worked diligently and collaboratively in obtaining approval of NYC Council Member Rory Lancman on January 9, 2018 followed by several other elected officials, including NYS Assembly Member David Weprin who issued a posthumous proclamation in honor of “Kali”. Crucial organizational support was given on January 14, 2018 by Mid-Queens Community Council (MQCC) followed by formal application to Queens Comm. Board #8 (CB#8) on January 17, 2018.

Following a formal presentation to CB#8 Transportation Committee by Ashook Ramsaran on April 26, 2018 attended by Ms. Romanee Kalicharran (daughter of late Ramesh Kalicharran) and Mr. Santram Dukhbhanjan, the CB#8 Transportation Committee gave its unanimous approval. Following the presentation by family, community leaders and associates at the public hearing on May 14, 2018, CB#8 Transportation Committee gave its further approval paving the way for the general meeting on June 20, 2018 at which passage of the application by the full Community Board is likely.

Speakers in support of the application at the public hearing on May 14, 2018 were: Romanee Kalicharran (daughter) accompanied by Judith Kalicharran (spouse); Shobna Tomescu (sister) accompanied by Rayjendra Kalicharan (brother); Jagdish Kalicharran (son); Farouk Samaroo (community advocate); Patricia Jordan-Langford (Guyana Tri-State Alliance); Santram Dukhbhanjan (Indo-Caribbean Council); Rev. Seopaul Singh (Caribbean Network Enterprises); Jeff Gottleib (Mid-Queens Community Council); Ashook Ramsaran (Indian Diaspora Council).

Following the step-by-step progress and successes to date and with no opposition, the application is expected to be fully approved with an estimated installation and unveiling before the end of 2018.

Members of Community Board #8 transportation Committee, Speakers and Supporters Front row seated (l-r) Romanee Kalicharran; Judith Kalicharran; Sobna Tomescu; Basmat Kalicharran; Marie Adam-Ovide (District Manager, Community Board #8)

180th Anniversary of Indian Arrival Day in Guyana – May 5, 2018

180th Anniversary of Indian Arrival Day in Guyana - May 5, 2018

IDC in SOLIDARITY with MUSLIM WOMEN’S COUNCIL of MAURITIUS

IDC in SOLIDARITY with MUSLIM WOMEN’S COUNCIL of MAURITIUS

Ms. Kritilata Ram, the Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) coordinator in Mauritius, joined the Muslim Ladies Council in a Press Conference on April 24, 2018 in Port Louis to protest against the injustice being caused by the management of a hotel in Mauritius, interdicting the Hindu women to wear their tika at their place of work. The President of the Muslim Ladies Council also talked about the wearing of hijaab at the place of work.

Click to read more….

Observance of International Women’s Day 2018

Observance of International Women’s Day 2018

The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), in collaboration with its global membership and affiliates, is pleased to join with other organizations, associations, agencies, groups and individuals in observance of the 43rd anniversary of United Nations declared International Women’s Day in 2018.

The seeds were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. The idea to make the day international came from Clara Zetkin who suggested the idea of International Women’s Day in 1910 at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. There were 100 women there, from 17 countries, and they agreed unanimously. It was first celebrated in 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The centenary was celebrated in 2011, so this year we’re technically celebrating the 108th International Women’s Day. It became official in 1975 when the United Nations (UN) started celebrating the day and setting an annual theme.

This year’s theme is #PressforProgress. UN figures show that only half of working age women are represented in the labour force globally. International Women’s Day has become a date to celebrate how far women have come in society, in politics and in economics, while the political roots of the day mean strikes and protests are organized to raise awareness of continued inequality.

“Today’s woman need to be better educated, be assertive and to be able to provide the best that we can for ourselves and our families. Effectively, woman should be treated as equals at home, the work place and in society as a whole and all year round and not just one day of year on International Women’s Day. We should be treated with respect and dignity without suffering abuse of any kind. Women are the backbone of our country and they are phenomenal human beings. The amazing woman is making our society a better place and making strides in our community despite their difficulties” – Rita Abraham, Chair of IDC’s Women’s Forum.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, may we all be reminded that our collective movement toward gender parity should be stronger than ever. We cannot afford to be complacent with the progress we already have. We are still far from total gender equality particularly in less developed countries. Our voices should never wane nor soften until we are heard loud and clear. Gender parity isn’t only for those of us struggling to find our place today but for also the young women who are looking to us for direction and hope. We need to be united on all fronts so that we may hand over a future that is grounded on fairness and equality—a future that not only sees beyond gender limitations but also eliminates them. Together we Press For Progress!” – Shadel Nyack Compton, IDC Coordinator (Grenada); Managing Dir., Belmont Estate Group of Companies St. Patrick, Grenada, West Indies.

“In celebrating women’s achievements from the right to vote, to own property and many other rights, there is a need to continue to commemorate the struggle for equality and the demand for social and political rights. While the voice of women is important in her expression of the unpopular, the voice of men must also be heard in their support for a woman’s many roles in all aspects of society. Thus, this will recognize that, although women have progressed in many aspects of life, she continues to struggle and deal with harassment and bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination and marginalization” – Janet Naidu, Poet and Writer, Canada.

“Women are mothers, sisters, daughters and most of all, they are leaders. They multi task whenever necessary to fulfill these roles in addition to the demands of society. Women take pride in all that they are presented with and accept responsibility without hesitation as they embrace being pillars of our society. They embody resilience, autonomy, confidence yet they are unafraid to be shy or vulnerable. On this day, let’s honor and celebrate the strength of women who have paved the way for growth, motivation and empowerment of others as well as their bold ability to effect social change” – Sharla Khari, PhD, Director, IDC Community Based Rehabilitation.

“A lot of progress have been achieved by women all over the world through determined advocacy, practical action and enlightened policy making, yet women are still treated like second-class citizens and are still fighting against dehumanization and are widely marginalized within the corridor of power. We can still witness the abuse of girl child, raping minor girls and women, sexual harassment in places of work, domestic violence, battered women, facing injustice, stereotyping of women, rise in divorce rate, living in the cycle of poverty, and facing many diseases. Mostly we have seen women are largely underrepresented at most levels of government and have made little progress in attaining political power in legislative bodies. Although women make up at least half of the electorate in almost all countries and have attained right to vote, women still continue to be seriously underrepresented as candidates for legislative and local government elections because the traditional working patterns of many political parties and government structures continue to be barriers to women’s participation in public life. These issues have to be given urgent consideration by giving empowerment and autonomy to women thus leading to the improvement of women’s social, economic, and political status. Without the active participation of women and the incorporation of women’s perspectives at all levels, the goals of equality, development and peace cannot be achieved” – Kritilata Ram, IDC Coordinator, Mauritius.

“We pay homage to all women who struggled for their rights and equitable treatment, and persevered under very harsh conditions and obstacles to achieve respect and dignity. Women have made significant advances in almost all segments of society yet there remain many hurdles to overcome and many obstacles to be removed for women to advance and achieve full potential and bring about equity at all levels. Women account for more than 50% of the population of the world while their untapped resources of talent, skills, aspirations and skills can help society as a whole. IDC’s Women’s Forum has taken many initiatives on women’s issues and women of the Indian Diaspora must be encouraged to advance this agenda forward and be examples to women of the developed and developing world” – Ashook Ramsaran, President, IDC.

IDC Establishes Committee on the Plight of Retrenched Sugar Workers in Guyana

IDC Establishes Committee on the Plight of Retrenched Sugar Workers in Guyana

In response to the current dilemma of retrenched sugar workers in Guyana facing desperate hardships, the Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) has joined with other concerned organizations and groups to express its support and urge timely assistance as needed. IDC has established a “Committee on Plight of Retrenched Sugar Workers in Guyana” with the following mission: “To ascertain the plight of entrenched sugar workers and seek ways and means to alleviate the suffering of those sugar workers and their families impacted by retrenchment due to closures of sugar estates. Activities of the committee are non-political, secular and not in conflict with laws or policies of the countries in which the committee would conduct its work”.

In a letter dated January 25, 2018 to Mr. Komal Chand, President of Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), IDC stated that, “As is widely known, there are numerous news reports, letters and editorial out of Guyana, the Caribbean region, USA, Canada and UK about the severe consequential suffering and hardships inflicted upon Guyana sugar workers and their families due to closure of sugar estates and retrenchment. It is being widely reported that there is widespread alarm about the plight of these sugar workers and their families which are factual and raises concern about the wellbeing of people who are bearing the consequences of sugar industry and governmental policy changes”.

The IDC statement continued: “We applaud the decades long pioneering successes of Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) in representing the interests of Guyanese sugar workers for equitable wages and workers’ rights which have contributed enormously to the economic growth of Guyana. The sugar industry in Guyana, as with other former British colonies, was historically the economic mainstay of highly profitable sugar plantations and later for the independent countries. It is ironic that retrenched sugar workers are the consequential victims of an industry which brought slaves from Africa and Indian indentured laborers for profit and later a significant economic mainstays of the nation. We firmly believe that the retrenched sugar workers are deserving of the nation’s support at this crucial time of need”

IDC concurs that this is a real human problem affecting innocent workers, their families and others dependent on the continuing employment of sugar workers. The consequential effects and impact on society can be staggering and long lasting as the number of retrenched sugar workers are over 17,000 which is a substantial number.

“We urge GAWU and the Government of Guyana to take all necessary steps to quickly remedy the adverse effects on the retrenched sugar workers and their families. We urge all options and opportunities be taken into consideration, such as: Seek alternate markets globally; external investments for reviving closed sugar estates for same or alternate crops; alternate crops using existing irrigation and estate infrastructure; sugar estate land distribution to retrenched sugar workers; other progressive and humane alternatives”.

The IDC letter to Mr. Komal Chand was also copied to: Mr Seepaul Narine, General Secretary, GAWU; HE David Granger, President of the Republic of Guyana; and Amb. Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretar. General of CARICOM.

Prof. Jay Nathan, PhD, Endowed Cultural Immersion Scholarship Program

Prof. Jay Nathan, PhD, Endowed Cultural Immersion Scholarship Program

Program:
A 3-week cultural immersion program, during the month of July of 2018, to enable students of Indian origin to experience American culture, excursions to historical places and learning English with qualified ESL instructors. Students will receive instruction in topics such as reading and vocabulary, writing, and conversation. Students will also experience American history and culture through a variety of day and weekend activities in Pennsylvania. This intensive, but enjoyable learning-by-doing experience that include music, theatre, field trips to nature walks.

www.keystone.edu

Date & Duration
July 9-27, 2018 (3 weeks)

Scholarship
Includes cost of the program, at Keystone College, room and board at campus, activities and travel by bus from New York to Keystone College in La Plume, Pennsylvania. Facilities include double rooms, lounges, laundry facilities, breakfast/lunch/dinner at campus student restaurant facilities. “We are sure the students will enjoy their experience on our beautiful campus and learn a great deal about life in the United States.” ~ Keystone College President Dr. David Coppola.

Location:
Keystone College, La Plume Campus, 1 College Road, La Plume, Pennsylvania 18440. Keystone College is a private comprehensive college located in La Plume, Northeastern Pennsylvania. The school was founded in 1868. Enrolling approximately 1,400 students, Keystone offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, communications, education, fine arts, science, environmental resource management, geology, and social sciences. The school is well-regarded for the personalized attention given to students and its small class sizes. Keystone College is located about 15 miles (18 km) from Scranton, PA, 110 miles (175 km) from New York City and 115 miles(185 km) from Philadelphia.

Qualifications
Undergraduate entering freshman/woman 17-18 years of age, good academic standing and references. Person of Indian origin; Citizen of USA or Green Card Holder. Number accepted: Up to 10.

Application
Due date: January 31, 2018 (1/31/18) Use application format below and send via to Prof. Jay Nathan, Ph.D. at: [email protected]

Notification
Accepted applicants will be notified by February 15, 2018 (2/15/18)

Promoted by Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) www.IndianDiasporaCouncil.org Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), established in 1997, is an international non-profit organization with global affiliates and membership in 21 countries with the objective to embrace, engage, and enhance the shared heritage, aspirations, and interests of persons of Indian origin with optimum inclusivity.

Dr. Narendra Singh awarded Canada’s Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division)

Dr. Narendra Singh awarded Canada’s Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division)

Humber River Hospital Chief of Staff Dr. Narendra Chetram Singh awarded Canada’s Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) by His Excellency the Right Hon. David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

Toronto-based pediatrician Narendra Chetram Singh founded Guyana Help the Kids in 2009 to address neonatal and infant mortality rates in his country of birth. He raised funds to procure essential equipment, then went on to establish a residency program in collaboration with Canadian universities to train Guyanese pediatricians and nurses. Thanks to his efforts, the infant mortality rate in Guyana’s largest hospital has decreased by nearly 40 per cent.

Hospital President & CEO Barb Collins congratulated Dr. Singh, noting “we are all proud of the amazing work Dr. Singh, and many of his colleagues at Humber, do, not just in our hospital every day but beyond into the local and global communities. In Dr. Singh’s case, his leadership has seen the neonatal and infant mortality in his birth country of Guyana drop dramatically, saving the lives of hundreds of babies every year.”

Dr. Singh thanked his partners in Guyana Help the Kids, saying “I’m honoured to share this with them: this is a true team effort from people determined to make a difference for these kids. I also want to thank my colleagues at Humber River Hospital for their support and encouragement at every step.”