Community icon and global diaspora advocate Ashook Ramsaran officially launched his memoir, “Beyond Expectations: The Odyssey of a Village Boy from Guyana,” on Sunday, November 23, 2024, at Douglaston Manor in Queens, New York. The event drew a large gathering of family members, friends, community leaders, scholars, and elected officials.
A Story Rooted in History and Heritage
Ramsaran’s memoir traces the extraordinary journey of his family—beginning long before his own birth. The book documents the migration of thousands of Indian indentured laborers, including his ancestors, who were brought to British Guiana over 200 years ago. His great-grandparents, Poorye and Radhah, arrived in 1853 and 1857, contributing to the Indo-Guyanese legacy that shaped his own path.
Attendees received complimentary signed copies of the book. Excerpts were read by:
- Professor David Dabydeen (read by Sylvia Ramgadoo-Marimuthu)
- Ben Jacob, formerly Cambridge University, now Rutgers University (read by Arnold Ramsaran)
- Professor Marina Budhos, author and Fulbright Scholar
- Ramsaran’s grandsons Jaden and Gavin
Leaders Praise Ramsaran’s Legacy
Congresswoman Grace Meng served as the chief guest, honoring Ramsaran’s professional achievements and lifelong commitment to community service. In June 2025, she entered his biography into the U.S. Congressional Record as a testament to his contributions.
New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud, herself of Guyanese origin, spoke about Ramsaran’s civic leadership and presented him with an official Citation.
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman and Publisher of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, celebrated Ramsaran’s impact on the Indian and Caribbean diaspora. He highlighted Ramsaran’s work in GOPIO, India–U.S. relations, the formation of the India Caucus in Congress, and the U.S.–India civil nuclear agreement.
“He embodies the American Dream,” Dr. Parikh said. “His story is an inspiration.”
Guyana’s Consul General in New York, Ambassador Michael Brotherson, sent a congratulatory message read by Consul Nacifa Watson, while Queens District Leader Richard David predicted significant success for the book.
A Memoir of Purpose, Memory, and Legacy
In his closing remarks, Ramsaran reflected on the purpose of sharing his life story:
“My journey continues in those I have loved, taught, and walked beside… If this book helps someone discover their purpose, then it will have been worth it.”
Rachel Ramsaran offered heartfelt closing thanks, followed by a celebratory cake-cutting featuring the title “BEYOND EXPECTATIONS.”
Inside the Book: A Journey Across Continents
The memoir opens with a Journey Map tracing the path from India to Guyana and eventually to the United States. It is organized into three sections:
- The Early Years in Guyana
- Settling in the United States
- Civic Engagement and the Global Diaspora
The appendix includes family history, photographs, memorials, tributes, notable articles, awards, and entries from the U.S. Congressional Record. The book is also dedicated to Ramsaran’s late son Gerald, with a touching tribute included.
The foreword is written by renowned Guyanese-born scholar Professor David Dabydeen of the University of Cambridge. The back cover features advance comments from:
- Donald Ramotar, former President of Guyana
- Letitia James, New York Attorney General
- Ela Gandhi, Chairperson, Gandhi Development Trust
- Dr. Alina Camacho-Gingerich, St. John’s University
- Albert R. Ramdin, Secretary General, OAS and former Foreign Minister of Suriname
