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.