Ramesh D Kalicharan: Leading Indo-Caribbeans by example
February 22, 2009
Ramesh Dalchan Kalicharran, popularly known as Kali,
is an extraordinary community leader, who leads by
example. In recognition of his tremendous contribution
to the Guyana diaspora, he has received several
citations (including plaques) from the Asian-Indian, the
Indo-Caribbean, and other Ethnic American
communities in New York.
Haimanti Banerjee
interviews him.
NGI: When did you come to USA? What made you
leave your country?
RK: I came to the United States on January 25,1970.
It was never my intention to leave Guyana but the
political climate stifled growth and freedom and led
almost to the country’s bankruptcy. While I survived,
having worked there as a school teacher, I realized
that the dark spell will not end soon, and that my
economic future was also cast in doubt. I, therefore,
with a heavy heart decided to part from my extended
family and migrated to the USA, like so many other
Guyanese before me.
Upon arrival here I worked as a technologist at a City
medical facility, and once I got a good grasp of the
operations of the wider economic system, I decided to
enter the private sector as a real estate broker.
Subsequently, I diversified my operations by
addition, Kali Travel
& Tours, with special attention
to Kali Bharat Yatra (infact earlier this year I
celebrated Kali Bharat Yatra Silver Jubilee in India),
Arcel Driving School.
NGI: When you came to America, how did the
average American viewed an Indian origin person
not coming from India? What difficulties, if any you
faced then?
RK: Indians from the Caribbean were viewed with
suspicion like other immigrant groups. But our
western method of schooling and fluency in the
English language allowed me to adapt without much
difficulty to live in the US. To some extent, Indians
from India did not view usfavorably.
Both Caribbean Indians and India Indians had
developed unfavorable stereotypes of one another.
But I was determined to work hard with as many
groups and individuals as possible to break down
these barriers. I have been identified as the Caribbean
Indian who has done more for the development of
relations between these groups than anyone else. I cofounded
GOPIO, and actively participated in the
annual India Day Parade.
Unlike many Indians of the Caribbean, I kept an open
mind. My prior exposure to people from various
backgrounds provided me with a broader perspective
of life. It was not easy at the beginning though. I
decided that racism would not frustrate my attempt
to realize the American dream. That’s why; I leftmy
job as a technician in the City and became an
entrepreneur, where I could utilize my vision and
passion to advance economically and otherwise.
NGI: You are very much involved both in Caribbean
Indian and regular Indian communities. When did
you first get involved in the community
activities? What was the first organization you
started or involved with? What are the memories
you carry on you mind till today?
RK: I started the first Indian radio program in New
York City. I saw a felt need for this type of servicefor
our expanding Caribbean Indian community. I
founded the Caribbean Indian annual Phagwah
Parade in 1990.That was patterned along the linesof
the India Day Parade, and idea given to me by Mr.
Yashpal Soi, President of FIA. In 1986,I founded the
USA Pandits’ Parishad. I’m the International
coordinator for the Indo-Caribbean Council (ICC) to
cater to the political and social needs of our
community.I became an advisor and graphic
consultantto the powerful Guyana Watch (GWI)
humanitarian organization under the leadership of
DrTaraSingh.
Currently,I am a director of the Phagwah Parade &
FestivalCommittee (PPFC) of New York, an NGO,
thatputs together a number of major Hindu
festivalsfor public consumption.
Atthe India Indian level, I was a co-founder of
GOPIO.I have established contacts with prominent
Bollywoodpersonalities, and contribute significantly
towardsvarious cultural and humanitarian projects. I
servedas Caribbean Coordinator/Director of the
IndiaFestival Committee (IFC) spearheaded by
DharmatmaSaran which showcases young women of
IndianOrigin through Beauty Pageant.
NGI:How it is different today to work in any
community organizations? What groups do you
workwith now?
RK: Work has become easier in the sense that the vast
expansionof media and the internet have become an
important ally.While Caribbean Indians do not have
agreat tradition of charity, our commitment to
charityhas been increasing gradually.
Correspondingly, the need for greater transparency
andaccountability has also increased. Difficulties
sometimesarise over strategies and tactics. There are
occasionsof overlap or duplication of activities
induced by competition.
NGI:There is a perception that the Indians from
Caribbean countries and from India suffer a degree
ofsegregation. You have been a champion of
bringing harmony in two communities. How much
truth is in there and what needs to be done to bring
them closer?
RK: Our community left a rough political and
economicclimate in the Caribbean. They came with
important cultural values of house ownership, family
responsibility,and economic security. We have been a
major entrepreneurial group in the Caribbean. We
were fired with motivation to succeed. The physical
separation is largely a cultural factor. In the
Caribbean, Indians live in certain areas. When they
migrated to the USA, they gravitate to where their
sponsors (usually relatives) live. This pattern has led
to geographic separation of the races. Politics will
bring all immigrant groups together. President elect
Obama has set thetone.
NGI: What is the current status of Caribbean
Indians in America culturally, socially, politically
and economically?
RK: Socially we have not been doing well. Our results
at schools and colleges are not encouraging. Some
social vices have crept into our daily living.
Politically, we are still weak. We lack the numeric
strength to influence the outcome of elections. This
will change in a decade’s time. Economically, we are
doing fairly well. But the global financial crisis has
hurt many of us in ways never imagined.
Nevertheless we have contributed to the
revitalization of several of the City’s neighborhoods.
NGI: What do you think that the Indian-Americans
in general can do for their land of origin both their
Caribbean homeland and their holy land India?
RK: India Indians can expand their humanitarian
efforts. Adopt small villages. Install artesian wells.
Conduct medical outreach. Help to educate them and
establish cottage industries.
NGI: You have been a great philanthropist when it
comes to your community. What are you doing to
help your brethren back home?
RK: We have recently donated a large sum to the
Hindu College at West Demerara, Guyana, as well as,
funded a Disaster Preparedness program there. We
donated a handsome amount to the New York
Jamaica project.
NGI: How is the younger generation Indian
Americans of Caribbean origin growing up in
America?
RK: The younger generation has little interest. That’s
why I joined with Dr. Tara Singh to take a group of
Caribbean Indian youth with us to India in 2000 to reconnect
with the land of their ancestors. It was a
fascinating journey. Our culture and history must be
taught in schools and colleges in USAso that young
Indians can have a better appreciation from where
they came. Seeking to instill ethnic pride, I support
the Miss India New York annual pageant and the
annual Diwali programs.
NGI: What is your message to the Global Indians?
RK: Keep strong. Be consistent and objective in your
message. Call for more volunteerism. Set up a Global
Indian Development Fund to help elevate
the disadvantaged sections of our community.
Embark upon a number of projects so that people can
see that you are matching words with action.
Article was taken from NEW GLOBAL.1NDIAN
