The Indian Diaspora Council (IDC) and the Indian Consulate in New York are planning a series of programs, lectures and panel discussions on Indo-Caribbean history, heritage, culture and adaptation. These events are to be held at regular intervals throughout the year at the Indian Consulate.
On June 4, 2024, IDC president Ashook Ramsaran and IDC Global Strategy Advisor, Mridul Pathak, met at the Indian Consulate and discussed these matters with Indian Consul General Ambassador Binaya Pradhan and Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph.
Amb. Pradhan and Ramsaran agreed that the Indian Consulate would be the most appropriate forum for bringing more awareness and relevant discussions on the unique history of Indo-Caribbeans. With a sizable population exceeding 175,000 in the New York area, Indo-Caribbeans share a unique history as descendants of Indian indentured laborers taken from India to the Caribbean region from 1838 through 1917.
Ramsaran presented to Amb. Pradhan the book “Indians in Guyana” by Dr, Basdeo Mangru, a prominent Guyanese historian who has written several books on the history of Indians in Guyana and the Caribbean region.
IDC held a well-attended program commemorating the Centennial of Abolition of Indentureship at the Indian Consulate in 2017, as well as other programs subsequently.
“We are delighted that Amb. Pradhan recognizes the inherent bonds we share as people of Indian origin and is supporting these planned events at the Indian Consulate. We commend Amb. Pradhan for his interest and suggestions to make these programs a regular feature at the Consulate, while strengthening the bonds of heritage and Indianness,” Ramsaran said.
Ramsaran outlined plans for inviting Amb. Pradhan to meet with the Indo-Caribbean community in Queens, as well as a special guest speaker at the annual Migration Conference at St John’s University. Ramsaran is a board member of St John’s University’s Council on Caribbean and Latin American Studies.