Guyanese Indian American Ashook Ramsaran played a leading role in the co-naming of the street Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula at the corner of 94th Ave and 150th Street in Jamaica, Queens, NY.
At the recommendation and advice of this writer, Dr Satish Prakash, guru or spiritual leader of the Gurukula, sought the assistance of Shri Ashook Ramsaran to shepherd the petition and application to co-name the block in front of the mandir. Ashook is commended for the significant role he played. He was honored for his contribution with a plack.
Below are Remarks by Ashook Ramsaran at Unveiling of Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula Way on the morning of Sunday Sep 18, 2022 st the mandir.
“Firstly, congratulations on the 19th anniversary of Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula and the 9th birthday of founder Dr Satish Prakash. Continued best wishes.
Today, we are honoring the tremendous community service of Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula, an outstanding religious and cultural institution serving the needs of so many people, young and not so young — over the years, and recognized internationally for its enormous contributions and positive impact towards the betterment of people’s and the vitality of communities. This celebration brings enormous pride and joy to founders, board and staff, and all those who know Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula.
I am privileged to have been requested to lead a well-organized committee to apply for this street co-naming and work through the long and tedious process to a successful achievement – which we are witnessing today. Thanks to my team members: Shri Khrishan Naraine, Pandita Dr. Nicole Bissessar, Renuka Jurakhan and Patricia Langford – as well as my coordination with Dr. Dhanpaul Narine of Trimurti (birthday today) and Naro Balli of Arya Center. Their individual and collective zeal, enthusiasm, focus and commitment enabled me to coordinate their superb efforts to get this done. It was a long process but certainly worth the effort.
In the process, I feel blessed to have made some wonderful, new friends from the Gurukula.
I am especially grateful to City Council Member Natasha Williams, who believed in this from the onset and championed the application through all the City Council hearings to finally become law. Her hard working staff have been so supportive: Ashley, Rasha, Kathleen, Everton, Anne-Marie: Their regular updates, follow-ups, prompt responses, friendliness and helpful attitude – thank you all.
It’s a day of celebration and reflection. My very best wishes to Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula, its board and executives for continuing the vision and aspirations of Maharshi Dayananda in service to people.
New York City recognition is:
MAHARSHI DAYANANDA GURUKULA WAY
I am pleased to present this 142-page dossier to Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula. It is the complete compilation of all the documents used during the application process, submittals, meetings notes, correspondences, all the letters of support, signatures, hearings, testimonies, and approvals. This dossier consists of very valuable information for historic purposes, a keepsake for the Gurukula’s library.
I request Mr. Khrishan Naraine to receive this book.”