Indian Diaspora Council

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Passing of Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary General

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Passing of Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary General

Kofi Atta Annan, the former United Nations Secretary General, passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2018 in Bern, Switzerland at the age of 80 years. Born on April 18, 1938 in Ghana, Mr. Annan, a soft-spoken and patrician diplomat, projected himself and his organization as the world’s conscience and moral arbiter despite bloody debacles that left indelible stains on his record as a peacekeeper.

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.”

“It has been said that arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity.”

“To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.”

Annan was the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, from January 1997 to December 2006. Annan and the UN were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. Anna was the first UN secretary General of African origin He was the founder and chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, as well as chairman of The Elders, an international organization founded by Nelson Mandela.

Born in Kumasi, in then British Gold Coast, Annan went on to study economics at Macalester College, international relations from the Graduate Institute Geneva and management at MIT. Annan joined the UN in 1962, working for the World Health Organization’s Geneva office. He went on to work in several capacities at the UN Headquarters including serving as the Under-Secretary-General for peacekeeping between March 1992 and December 1996. He was appointed as the Secretary-General on 13 December 1996 by the Security Council, and later confirmed by the General Assembly, making him the first office holder to be elected from the UN staff itself. He was re-elected for a second term in 2001, and was succeeded as Secretary-General by Ban Ki-moon on 1 January 2007.

“As the Secretary-General, Annan reformed the UN bureaucracy; worked to combat HIV, especially in Africa; and launched the UN Global Compact. He was criticized for not expanding the Security Council and faced calls for resignation after an investigation into the Oil-for-Food Programme, but was largely exonerated of personal corruption.[4] After the end of his term as UN Secretary-General, he founded the Kofi Annan Foundation in 2007 to work on international development. In 2012, Annan was the UN–Arab League Joint Special Representative for Syria, to help find a resolution to the ongoing conflict there. Annan quit after becoming frustrated with the UN’s lack of progress with regard to conflict resolution. In September 2016, Annan was appointed to lead a UN commission to investigate the Rohingya crisis” Wikipedia.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the death, in Berne, Switzerland, of one of our greatest compatriots” – Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo.

“Kofi Annan lived well and worked for global peace, security and sustainable development in very challenging times. A proud son of Ghana and Africa” – Former Ghana Pres. John Dramani Mahama.

“He embodied the mission of the United Nations like few others. He has had broken barriers and he never stopped his pursuit of a better world. His sense of our common humanity always informed his outreach to the community of nations.” – Former U.S. president Barack Obama.

“The world has lost not only a great African diplomat and humanitarian but also a conscience keeper of international peace and security” – India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“An inspiration, an unwavering internationalist. He will be remembered for, among other accomplishments, the Millennium Development Goals, which, for the first time, set global targets on issues such as poverty and child mortality.” – Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“He devoted his life to making the world a more peaceful place and worked tirelessly to unite us” – United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley.

“He inspired me and many others with his ideas, his firm convictions and, not least, his charisma. In our present time, in which the common search for solutions to global problems is more urgent than ever, we will greatly miss Kofi Annan’s voice – German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

“Mourn the passing of my old friend and inspiration. The greatest recognition we can give Kofi Annan is to keep his legacy and his spirit alive. It has never been more important than in today’s world” – European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

“We will never forget his calm and resolute look, nor his strength in battles” – France’s President Emmanuel Macron.

“He made a huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into” – Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May.

“His warmth should never be mistaken for weakness. The U.N. and the world have lost one of their giants” – NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

“He was a titan amongst world statesman who saw wrong and righted it” – Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

“We are devastated. Africa and the world has lost a special human being – Nelson Mandela Foundation.

“An unexpected and devastating loss. We give great thanks to god for him” – Former South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

“He gave hope to the voiceless; my friend, my hero, my inspiration” – Nigeria’s Amina Mohammed, the U.N. deputy secretary-general.

“I sincerely admired his wisdom and courage as well as his ability to make balanced decisions even under the most dire and critical circumstances. Russians will keep the memory of him forever” – Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

“A towering global leader and an unwavering champion for peace, justice and rule of law. Rest in peace, my dear old friend” – Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

“In a world now filled with leaders who are anything but that, our loss, the world’s loss, becomes even more painful” – Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, U.N.’s top human rights official.

“He was warm, compassionate & intelligent, exuding dignity and grace” – Kumi Naidoo, Amnesty Int’l.

“International leader, wise mentor, valuable adviser, good friend, role model. We at UNHCR — and millions of others around the world — will miss him very much” – U.N. refugee chief Filippo Grandi.

“His quiet advice on how best to defuse impending crises was in constant demand from all corners of the globe, in particular from Africa”- the Elder’s deputy chair Gro Harlem Brundtland.

Support for Relief Efforts for Victims of Floods in Kerala, India

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Support for Relief Efforts for Victims of Floods in Kerala, India

The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) and its global affiliates join with other associations and organizations in expressing our concern and urging support for the people of Kerala (India) affected by the recent devastating floods which that have caused numerous deaths, displacement, suffering, pain and anguish. Several local and international news reports have compared this flooding as the worst in Kerala in a century.

Widespread downpours are forecast for the next 24 hours in the region, although rainfall intensity has declined over the past two days, according to a bulletin from the India Meteorological Department. Kerala’s monsoon showers this year have been 41 percent more than normal, contrasting with nationwide rainfall, which is 8 percent below average, the India Meteorological Department said.

IDC commends the efforts being made by the State of Kerala and the Government of India to bring needed desperately relief to the affected citizens to alleviate the difficulties being experienced and for the well-being of its citizens. We urge other countries, as well as local, regional and international relief agencies, individuals, organizations, associations to respond urgently to this disaster and provide needed relief and contributions in a timely manner.

Photos: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45232327

Expressing grief over the unfortunate deaths and damage caused to property due to floods, India’s Prime Minister, Hon. Narendra Modi, observed that rescue of people who are still marooned remains the topmost priority.

“Lot of people are still marooned,” said P. H. Kurian, relief commissioner of Kerala, said, adding thousands were rescued on Saturday. “We will increase the relief efforts”, he said.

IDC urges relief contributions online and desperately needed clothing, materials and non-perishable food by contacting the nearest Indian High Commission or Indian Consulate, or via bona fide international relief agencies such as International Red Cross.

IDC Supports More Specialized High School Seats in New York City

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IDC Supports More Specialized High School Seats in New York City

The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) endorses more specialized high school seats in New York City by participating in a community rally held on June 24, 2018 at the steps of Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens, New York. The rally brought together several community organizations and advocates in support of the keeping Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) and creating more specialized high school seats in New York City. The rally was organized by the Diversity and Achievement (DNA) Coalition, spearheaded by John Albert of “Taking Our Seat”. Contact: [email protected].

Statement by the Diversity and Achievement (DNA) Coalition:
“The most straightforward solution: create more schools that have a rigorous curriculum that all children have the opportunity to access. We can all agree that the school system is leaving many kids behind. Talented kids of all backgrounds should have access to a top-notch education”.

“Queens Stands to Lose the Most under NYC Mayor’s Plan:
“Phase 1 of the Mayor’s plan will set aside extra help for admission to those students who come from schools with high rates of poverty. Queens neighborhoods are on average richer than Brooklyn, Bronx and Manhattan neighborhoods. but not by much. That means Queens kids won’t compete on a level ground in Phase 1 of the Mayor’s Plan. The solution: more seats”.
“Phase 2 of NYC Mayor’s plan eliminates the SHSAT altogether and sets aside seats to the “top” students in each middle school. Fewer Queens students will earn entry into these schools, those few who are eligible will be forced to travel long distances. There are fewer specialized high school seats in Queens than in the other boroughs (except for Staten Island). The solution: more seats – in Queens”

The program was moderated by Miguel Herrera. Speakers included: NYS Assemblyman Ron Kim; NYS Assemblyman David Weprin; David Lee (Chinese American Citizens Alliance); Tahseen Chowdhry (Stuyvesant HS graduate); Wah Wah Chin (Chinese American Citizens Alliance of Greater New York); Mazeda Uddin (SAFE); Kenneth Chiu (Coalition of Asian American Civil Rights); Ashook Ramsaran (Indian Diaspora Council International); Rokeya Akhter (New American Voter Association); Darrell Sukdeo (Indo-Caribbean Advocate); several other community advocates. and students of SUNY and other schools.

Remarks by Ashook Ramsaran, President of Indian Diaspora Council International: “New York City is the greatest city with most opportunities in education. There are opportunities for excellence in education which go hand-in-hand with excellence in education. The goal is to encourage and reward excellence in education, not to discourage high achievers. More specialized schools are better for encouraging more students to achieve higher levels of performance. Everyone benefits because all students strive for higher achievements. All parents in Queens and all of New York City should be more involved. Our kid’s education matters. Our voices are important in this struggle for progress in education by being partners for excellence in education. IDC supports more seats in specialized schools and keeping the SHSAT tests”.

Photos - community rally held on June 24, 2018

(l-r) Miguel Herrera, Phil Wong, John Albert, Ashook Ramsaran, Wah Wah Chin

“Kali” Way Street Co-Naming Approved by Community Board

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"Kali” Way Street Co-Naming Approved by Community Board

The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) is pleased to announce 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”, has been approved at a public hearing of Community Board #8 on June 20, 2018. 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 was approved by a vote of 24 to 7 in favour.

Speakers in support of the application at the public hearing on June 20, 2018 were: Romanee Kalicharran (daughter) accompanied by Judith Kalicharran (spouse); Rev. Seopaul Singh (Caribbean Network Enterprises); Anoop Dhanpat (Trinidadians & Tobagians in USA); Harbachan Singh (Queens Civic Congress; Ashook Ramsaran (Indian Diaspora Council). Other family members and supporters attended.

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.

“Kali” Family & IDC Members at the June 20, 2018 Public Hearing

Ashook Ramsaran Awards Outstanding Students at PS90 Queens 2018

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Ashook Ramsaran Awards Outstanding Students at PS90 Queens 2018

Continuing his 14-year partnership with PS90 Queens Horace Mann School in New York, Ashook Ramsaran presented awards and certificates of merit to 6 outstanding and deserving high achievers selected from the 5th grade graduating class of 2018. The “Stepping Up” ceremony was held on June 19, 2018 at Richmond Hill High School in Queens, New York.

In addition to the financial awards, each of the 6 students received a Ramex certificate of outstanding achievement. Ramex is a manufacturing company in Queens, New York founded by Ramsaran who is also the president of Indian Diaspora Council International, Vice President of Queens Civic Congress and Chair of New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital Community Advisory Council.

“The PS90Q “Stepping Up” ceremony is always an exciting event for me as I witness the happy faces of you, the graduating students and your proud parents, as well as principal and staff who are committed to the wellbeing and success of the students. I urge all of you students to be steadfast in pursuing education for a bright future ahead”, said Ramsaran in his remarks to PS90Q graduating class of 2018.

Ramsaran serves as Principal-for-the-Day (PDAF) for the past 14 years at PS90Q located at 86-50 109th Street and has established a continuing partnership with the school which has an enrollment of 830 catering to Grades 1-5, Pre-K and Special Ed, and with a significant percentage of students of South Asian and Caribbean origin.

6 High Achievers Students with PS90Q Principal Adrienne Ubertini (2nd from left) and, Ashook Ramsaran (far right)

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

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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

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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

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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

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“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)