By Dr. Vishnu Bisram
The Guyanese diaspora in North America is mourning the death of Ramesh Kalicharran, formerly of Essequibo. Kali, as we fondly called him, was a high achiever who did very well in everything he was involved. And he was an inspiration to many. He was a legendary Guyanese figure known in England, greater Toronto, all of the US, as well as in Trinidad and Suriname especially by people of Indian descent. And he was also well known by nationals of India having served as a liaison between Indo-Caribbeans and people of India living in America.
As news of his death circulated throughout the tight knit Guyanese community in New York, there were expressions of shock and disbelief. He died from heart complications.
Kali was a continuous support to the Guyanese, Indo-Caribbean and Indian (NRI) American communities ever since he started his own businesses in the early 1980s. From the early 1980s, this entrepreneur helped to found several Guyanese and Caribbean related organizations which have become institutions in the society. And he provided endowments for several organizations in addition to supporting or encouraging individuals to attend tertiary institutions. He also mentored many to enter the real estate profession as well as to obtain driver’s license. And he helped to find office space or locations for many to start varied businesses.
Kali made serving community a duty or responsibility. And he was very focused on the Guyanese community although he helped other ethnic communities as well. He received numerous philanthropic and service awards including from police and firemen, politicians, etc) for his contributions both in Guyana and the US for serving people of all ethnicities.
There is hardly a Guyanese in New York who does not know Kali and who would not ascribe the title of cultural icon to him. No, he was not known for his singing or musical or dancing or writing talent but for encouraging, promoting and sponsoring culture on radio, TV, concert halls, etc. He was most kind and generous in doling out donations for varied programs and purchasing tickets for all kinds of fundraisers. And he himself was an organizer for all kinds of shows and fundraisers to benefit charitable causes. He also produced “GEET GHAZALS AND BHAJANS– the FIRST recording OUTSIDE OF INDIA , with music -composed and sung By Bhaskar Sharma of Toronto –“BHAGWAN MERE NAI YAA” comes to mind. And he helped to make several well-known singers and classical dancers who have earned some kind of reputation in America. You name them; and Kali assisted all of them.
In addition to cultural charities, Kali also supported political groups from Guyana and was an admirer of the late great Dr, Cheddi Jagan although he gave donations to other political figures as well. Kali’s death is a devastating blow to the community. He was most resourceful when it comes to information about the community. His death leaves a great void to fill in our community in America.
As Bhaskar Sharma stated upon hearing of Kali’s passing, “he was a legend who added to the charm of Queens. His work is unmatched’. Everyone echoed similar sentiments about Kali. We must celebrate the contributions of Kali in helping to establish institutions for Guyanese — business, religious worship, schools, cultural centers, etc.
Kali’s place in the legacy of Guyanese in America is reserved. Others now need to step up to plate to do their part.
Kali’s place in heavenly abode is also reserved for he served people and God well. To borrow from Bhaskar, “May Lord KHRISNA take his BOAT safely — ACROSS THE KALA PANI — to moksha”.
My heart, the community’s heart goes out to Kali’s immediate and extended family. You should be proud that such a great man lived in your home.
