Indian Diaspora Council

Day: November 18, 2016

IDC Discusses Indentureship Centennial with OIA Sec. D. Mulay

by

IDC Discusses Indentureship Centennial with OIA Sec. D. Mulay

The Indian Diaspora Council (IDC) held discussions on the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Abolition of Indian Indentureship with Shri Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Secretary of Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) of the Ministry of External Affairs during a brief stop in New York by Secretary Mulay on November 14, 2016. IDC was represented by its president, Ashook Ramsaran.

March 20, 2017 marks the Centennial of the official abolition of Indian Indenturedship, an era spanning 1834-1917. The history and consequences of Indian Indenturedship are deeply embedded with importance, meaningful history and reflections to millions of descendants living in many countries which were the recipients of Indian Indentured labourers: Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa, Reunion Island, Francophone countries, Malaysia, Trinidad, Suriname, Guyana and other countries of the Caribbean; as well as second migration to USA, Canada, UK, Netherlands, France, etc.

The discussions centered around OIA’s participation and collaboration with IDC on a series of global events commemorating the centennial and concluding with the Global Indian Diaspora Convention scheduled for 17th – 20th March 2017 in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. In addition, IDC discussed a comprehensive profile of OIA and MEA in upcoming publication “Centennial of Abolition of Indian Indenturedship: End of an Era of Indian Migration, New Frontiers and Achievements”.

Photo: IDC president Ashook Ramsaran & OIA Secretary

IDC Mourns the Passing of Philanthropist George Subraj

by

IDC Mourns the Passing of Philanthropist George Subraj

Mr. George Sobraj

The Indian Diaspora Council (IDC) joins in solidarity with organizations, institutions, agencies, and individuals in USA, Guyana and other countries in mourning the passing of renowned businessman and philanthropist George Subraj who passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2016 in New York. We express deepest sympathies and condolences to his surviving spouse Nowatee (Gloria), his children, his siblings, extended family, friends and associates.

Born Febrauary27, 1945 in Guyana and from humble beginnings, he migrated to USA and achieved extraordinary levels of business successes along with his brothers. He was the president of Zara Luxury Apartments and Homes in New York and Florida providing affordable apartments. While building and expanding a very successful business enterprise, George Subraj became an icon among the Indo-Guyanese community in New York and in Guyana for his abiding interest and commitment to support charitable causes in Guyana and USA, including medical equipment, supplies, programs and kidney transplant in Guyana.

George Subraj was recognized for his philanthropy and exemplary contributions to charitable and community causes. He was the recipient of numerous citations, recognition and awards in USA, Guyana and India.

“George Subraj was a humanitarian at heart and an exemplary model to many others” said Ramesh Kalicharran, Vice President of IDC and a close associate of George Subraj. “He was a giving person with a tremendous generosity of heart and humility which will always be remembered”, remarked IDC president Ashook Ramsaran. “His many significant charitable contributions, including Guyana Watch Medical Outreach Team, has earned him high respect and recognition in our community and elsewhere” said IDC Vice President Dr. Tara Singh. “George has earned tremendous respect and admiration for his many contributions to society as prominent philanthropist and entrepreneur”, said Deo Gosine, IDC Coordinator Trinidad & Tobago and VP Economic Empowerment.