By Balram Rambrich, President, USA Arya Samaj
I write to congratulate well known Guyanese journalist, political commentator, pollster, and community advocate Dr Vishnu Bisram for being recognized and honored by the New York State Assembly at a program organized by the Hindu American Foundation for his work among Guyanese, Indo-Caribbean and the (Asian) Indian diasporas on Sunday. The event, held in Queens, was well attended with participation among a wide spectrum of Indo-Guyanese, Trinis, and Indian nationals.
Dr. Bisram is well known for, among other reasons, his academic achievements, writings, and international polling, and for promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism among the diverse ethnic groups in New York. He is recognized as an influential voice in Guyana and in the Guyanese diaspora on various issues as well as on the concept of diaspora identity, multiculturalism, and nationalism abroad. He has also been involved in advocacy for India, Guyana, and the Caribbean and their diasporas. He is a well known prolific writer in the mass media, penning countless articles and has also published extensively in journals and books, writing on socio-economic, political, education, and immigrant issues. Dr. Bisram, who came to study in USA as a 16 year old to pursue tertiary education, became a recipient of earned multiple degrees in Bio-Chemistry, History, Sociology, Political Science, and Education. He taught and or tutored students for over forty years in various subjects at the university and grade levels of NY public school system. He was also a guest lecturer at multiple universities in several countries. Dr. Bisram’s academic achievements have been nothing short of remarkable, earning multiple graduate and post graduate degrees from accredited universities through in class studies and being licensed in NY to teach Chemistry, General Sciences, Maths, and Social Studies, certification obtained from courses of studies and passing exams. He is also licensed as a Principal, Asst. Principal, and District Administrator. Besides academia, Dr. Bisram is known to speak out on or write about issues affecting Guyanese, the Caribbean, and India and their diasporas. He has also focused on immigration and community building of people from the Caribbean and the Indian diaspora. He was a pioneer in 1977 in activism in USA for restoration of democracy in Guyana. He has also been involved in a movement to build closer links between Guyana and USA, between USA and Trinidad, between India and the entire Indian diaspora, as well as connecting the Indian diaspora in various parts of the world to each other. Dr. Bisram visited virtually every Indian diaspora country conducting research.
His achievements and contributions to the Guyanese, Indo Caribbean, and Indian diaspora have been endless beginning in 1977 as a 17 year old university student in NY. He was the first Guyanese to be elected in student government in 1978 and serving in various executive positions, including as President, Vice President, Treasurer over several years as an undergrad and graduate student.
He is known to have organized many conferences and conventions in NYC and globally on Guyana and the Indian diasporas over the last four decades.
Vishnu Bisram worked tirelessly, often in the face of adversity, to champion democracy in Guyana from USA and in Guyana and citizens engagement in policy making and to demand transparency, combat corruption, and ensure accountability in governance for which he has been victimized and or chastised by politicians opposed to those ideas.
The New York State legislature comprises of two elected houses — the larger lower house, The Assembly, and the smaller Upper House, The Senate, both of which are elected for two year terms. Guyanese were or are known to serve in both houses. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is a non-partisan, not for profit 501(c)(3) advocacy organization. It works closely with Hindus from all communities and all countries regardless of race. It organized programs all over the USA. A special program was held last Sunday discussing issues facing the Hindu community in the field of education. Dr. Vijay Satnarine, whose parents are from Guyana, was the main speaker. Dr. Satnarine, who studied at leading universities in England, Canada, and USA, informed the audience that his gradfather or aja studied in USA in 1931 as a foreign student; he was one of the earliest Guyanese students in USA.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, an Ivy League educated lawyer, the first Hindu to be elected to the NYS legislature, Chief Guest at the HAF event, used the occasion to recognize and honor two Indian Americans and Guyanese Dr. Bisram on behalf of the NYS Assembly. She read the writings on the fecognition honor. She intoned that Dr. Bisram, a holder of multiple doctorates, joins the ranks of distinguished individuals who have been recognized by NYS Legislature for their contributions in various fields and or community work. His recognition not only celebrates Dr Bisram’s own success but also serves as an inspiration for others, encouraging them to strive for excellence , serve humanity, and make their mark on their community.
Dr. Bisram’s recognition by Ms. Rajkumar on behalf of NYS Assembly underscores the importance of education and community service. It is a rare honor for a Guyanese activist who fought against a dictatorship and who has volunteered his time in dedicated service to his community since 1977 in USA. The recognition not only celebrates his work and academic achievements but also serves as a testament to his hard work on behalf of Guyanese, Trinidadians, and the Indian diasporas. He is also known to have dedicated himself to various philanthropic activities, donating to worthy causes in America, India, and the Caribbean. Dr Bisram’s commitment to giving back to the public, various communities and supporting social causes has further cemented his status as a multifaceted and socially conscious public figure. Two years ago, Dr Bisram was also recognized by President Joe Biden for community service, academic achievements, and journalism and for his volunteer service in American political campaigns. He worked on dozens of political campaigns for both major political parties in USA going back to the 1980s.
The Guyanese diaspora in USA deeply appreciated Bisram’s service and passion in championing their interests and commend his courage in speaking out against wrong doings. He is most deserving of the honor from Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar.
