About Us

Mr B.V. Vedan Choolun, founder of the Indian Civilisation Institute of Guyana, is a highly esteemed international businessman based in London, UK, Bangalore, India, and Georgetown, Guyana. Deeply rooted in Indian culture, he aims to share, promote, and educate others about the contributions of Indian civilisation to the world. He is steadfastly committed to preserving and promoting Indian culture and values in Guyana and around the globe. He serves as Chairman of Chartwell Inc. (Guyana), Jet Global Services (Guyana) Inc., www.democracyguyana.com, and www.iciguyana.com.  

With strong family ties in Guyana, Mr Choolun maintains a close connection to the country, actively supporting social, cultural, and community development while reinforcing links between the diaspora and their heritage.

Mr B.V. Vedan Choolun obtained his first BA Honours degree in European Studies from London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom. He later earned a Master’s degree at the same university, receiving an MA Honours in Politics and Government, which further strengthened his academic background in political and international affairs. In addition to his studies in the United Kingdom, he spent several months studying and earned a diploma at the University of Nice in the south of France, focusing on European affairs, thereby expanding his understanding of governance, public policy, and international relations.

Dr. Komal Samaroo, founder of the Indian Civilisation Institute of Guyana, is a prominent businessman based in Guyana and a respected figure within the country’s corporate sector. He serves as chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Demerara Bank Limited, and Trust Company (Guyana) Limited, thereby playing a vital role in shaping Guyana’s economic landscape.   

Deeply rooted in Indian culture and civilisation, Dr Samaroo is dedicated to cultural and community development. He is involved with www.iciguyana.com. He also maintains a close, personal, and professional friendship with Mr Vedan Choolun, further highlighting their shared vision to promote Indian civilisation and heritage in Guyana and around the world. 

The history of the Ogle Mandir carries a deeply personal and inspiring legacy for Dr Komal Samaroo, who fondly recalls that his late eldest brother played a key role in helping to build the temple during his youth. He further shared that his younger siblings also contributed to the construction of another mandir in their birth village of Cumming’s Lodge, reflecting a family tradition rooted in devotion and service. This tribute honours the late Hiralall Samaroo, whose contribution to the Ogle Mandir stands as a lasting testament to the spirit of community service, unity, and religious commitment that continues to define the Hindu faith in Guyana.
 

Yogindra Arjune, a respected business leader from Guyana, serves as the Managing Director of Assuria Guyana Companies. In 2012, he founded Assuria Greenfield and, through strong leadership and a customer-focused approach, successfully built it into number one Guyana’s leading general insurance provider within just 13 years. A qualified accounting technician and marketing specialist, he also holds the position of President of the Insurance Association of Guyana, where he continues to play a key role in advancing the country’s insurance sector.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Arjune is actively engaged in community and cultural initiatives, particularly within the Indian community. He supports many Indian organisations and regularly volunteers at the Ogle Mandir. He is widely recognised for his generosity, his commitment to helping those in need, and his encouragement of youth cricket development across Guyana.

In addition, Mr. Arjune serves as a Director of Jet Global Services (Guyana) Inc., contributing to the launch of the first Guyanese-owned international airline in 25 years, scheduled for October 2026. He is also associated with the founders of the Indian Civilisation Institute of Guyana, where he applies his marketing expertise to help engage and strengthen the Indian community.

Mr Carl Greenidge served his country, Guyana, with distinction in several of the highest offices of government, including Vice President, Foreign Minister, and Finance Minister. His long career in public service reflects extensive experience in governance, diplomacy, and economic management. He earned respect at home and abroad for his disciplined approach to policy, his integrity in public office, and his ability to navigate complex financial and foreign affairs with confidence and clarity.

Throughout his tenure in Guyana, he developed a strong understanding of India and its historical ties to the country, particularly given Guyana’s large Indo-Guyanese population. His knowledge of India’s culture, economic potential, and diplomatic importance enabled him to strengthen bilateral relations and foster cooperation that benefited the Guyanese people. His leadership helped build bridges between nations and communities, reinforcing unity and long-term development for the country.

Mr Carl Greenidge is actively fighting on Guyana’s behalf in the border dispute with Venezuela. The Government of Guyana officially appointed him to serve as the country’s Agent in the case before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela is being resolved. In this important role, he represents and defends Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the international stage.

Mr Joel Bhagwandin is an advisory-led finance executive and firm builder, serving as Founder and Managing Director of a professional services platform scaling into a quasi-investment bank. With nearly two decades of experience across commercial banking, central banking, corporate finance, capital markets, and investment advisory, he has built a strong reputation for translating macro-financial insights into practical strategies for corporates, investors, and public-sector stakeholders.

He also brings senior management experience from Ernst & Young, with expertise in controls, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance. Over the years, he has advised on portfolios exceeding USD 300 million and supported more than USD 60 million in capital formation, helping organizations convert financial strategy into actionable investment and governance outcomes. In addition, Mr. Bhagwandin contributes as a journalist to Democracy Guyana, offering insights on economic, financial, and policy-related issues.

Beyond finance, Joel Bhagwandin shares a deep connection with Indian civilization and culture. He holds a strong appreciation for India’s ancient knowledge systems, philosophical traditions, and rich cultural heritage, reflecting a meaningful intellectual and personal engagement with the values and legacy of Indian civilization.

Mr. Prashant Nikam was born and raised in Mumbai; his early path unfolded within the structured realm of public service. For over two decades, he served in the Indian civil services, engaging closely with the complexities of governance, society, and human behaviour.

Prashant Nikam was a top civil servant and also served as Director of Police for the whole of India. His connections among Indian civil servants are well known among his colleagues.

His academic pursuits reflect a mind drawn to breadth as much as depth. Trained in Electronics Engineering in Mumbai, he went on to complete an MBA at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, followed by a Master’s in Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He also holds a professional qualification from CIMA (UK).

Prashant Nikam is the Chairman of Sapio Analytics, which aims to work with governments and institutions across India and the world. Governments and institutions across India have collected enormous amounts of data on citizens, workers, and communities. Yet this data is rarely translated into meaningful livelihood outcomes. Sapio was built as a social enterprise to close that gap, with technology at its core and human dignity at its heart.

Prashant chose to step away from a well-established career, turning instead toward a life that allowed space for both entrepreneurship and spiritual inquiry.

Beyond his professional and academic accomplishments, Prashant Nikam maintains a strong cultural and intellectual connection with India’s civilisational heritage. He is closely associated with the Indian Civilisation Institute of Guyana, contributing to its efforts to promote cultural awareness and historical understanding on a global platform. In India, he remains actively engaged in initiatives that celebrate and preserve Indian culture, participating in dialogues, programmes, and collaborations that highlight the country’s rich traditions, values, and philosophical legacy.

Dr. Seeta Terry Shah Roath, Ed.D. is a multidisciplinary creative scholar whose work bridges literature, cultural history, education, and media. Her career reflects a deep commitment to Indo-Guyanese and Caribbean storytelling, the preservation of erased histories, and the development of accessible, culturally grounded pedagogies. As a writer, academic, educator, and media professional, she brings a rare combination of artistic sensitivity, scholarly rigor, and public-facing communication expertise.

Her career includes international journalism, corporate communications, and curriculum development. She has interviewed heads of state and global leaders, with her writing featured in international publications; worked as the communications coordinator for a CAMBIO subsidiary – Omai Gold Mines Limited; Developed and headed the Guyana Learning Channel Trust – a countrywide educational television network; and continues to lecture in education and communication at the university of Guyana. Dr. Shah Roath also continues to write non-fiction and creative non-fiction books and hybrid plays for screen, stage, and radio.

Dr. Seeta Shah Roath is deeply committed to preserving the rich heritage of Indian civilisation, with a profound appreciation for its thousands of years of history and cultural evolution. She actively promotes and supports initiatives that uphold traditional values, ensuring that this ancient legacy continues to be recognised and respected across generations. Her dedication is also reflected in her consistent involvement in multi-cultural activities in Guyana, where she plays an important role in fostering community engagement and strengthening cultural identity.

In 2016, Mr Hamley Case was appointed by the President of Guyana as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a role in which he successfully represented Guyana’s national interests and strengthened bilateral relations. In February 2016, he was also accredited as Non-Resident Ambassador to several European countries, including France, Iceland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and the Slovak Republic, while serving as Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.

In 2023, Mr Case was appointed by the Government of Guyana as Special Adviser on Investment and Commerce for Africa, reflecting his extensive experience in international trade development and cross-border business relations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr Hamley Case has demonstrated a deep and enduring understanding of cultural engagement and community relations. He has actively promoted Indian culture and civilisation in Guyana for many years. He has consistently taken part in major Indian festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and other cultural celebrations. His involvement reflects his respect for cultural diversity and his dedication to strengthening social harmony within Guyana’s multicultural society.

Mr. Ramnarine Lal is a distinguished career central banker with several decades of dedicated service at the Bank of Guyana. Over the course of his long and respected career, he served as Director of the Bank Supervision Department for approximately 30 years, where he played a pivotal role in supervising and regulating the country’s financial sector. His responsibilities covered commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, cambios, and money transfer agencies, ensuring stability, compliance, and sound governance within the financial system. He currently serves as an Advisor in the Governor’s Office, where he continues to contribute his expertise in banking supervision and Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).

Mr. Lal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of Guyana and a Master of Science degree in Finance from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. He has further strengthened his professional capabilities through specialized bank examiner training programs conducted by leading international institutions, including the Caribbean Group of Banking Supervisors (CGBS), the Association of Supervisors of Banks of the Americas (ASBA), the United States Federal Reserve System, and the Toronto Centre. His extensive knowledge and experience have made him a respected authority in financial regulation and institutional oversight.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Ramnarine Lal maintains a deep and enduring connection to Indian civilisation and heritage. He strongly values the principles, traditions, and cultural foundations of the Indian diaspora and remains committed to preserving and promoting the rich cultural identity, moral values, and community spirit of the Indo-Guyanese population. His appreciation for Indian civilisation reflects a broader commitment to cultural continuity, social harmony, and the preservation of ancestral traditions for future generations.

Mr. Bryan Latchman is a seasoned aviation professional and business executive from Guyana, with more than three decades of experience in large jet aircraft maintenance, technical leadership, and operational management. He has played an important role in overseeing maintenance activities at Guyana’s two main airports, supporting the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of daily flight services while maintaining high professional and technical standards.

He is also an experienced technical training instructor with over twenty years of mentoring and teaching experience, contributing to the development of engineers and technicians through practical knowledge and leadership. In addition to his aviation career, Mr. Latchman serves as Company Secretary and Director in several business ventures, including Chartwell Inc., where he supports corporate governance, compliance, and strategic growth.

Deeply connected to Indian civilisation, he remains strongly committed to preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of the Indo-Guyanese community in Guyana.

Mr. Atul Sharma is a highly accomplished professional with a strong academic and corporate background spanning engineering, economics, finance, and business leadership. He completed his studies at the University of Birmingham, earning Double Honours in Engineering and Economics, and later pursued postgraduate studies at the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. During his time at Oxford, he was recognised as a Senior Fellow at St Hugh’s College, reflecting his academic distinction and professional standing. In 2003, he was further honoured with the prestigious title of Freeman of the City of London Corporation, a recognition of his professional contributions and civic engagement.

Mr. Atul served as Finance Director of Leicester City Football Club, contributing to the club’s financial management and strategic growth. 

Mr. Sharma also maintains a deep and meaningful connection to Indian civilisation and heritage. He values the cultural traditions, ethical principles, and historical legacy of India and remains committed to preserving and promoting these values within the global Indian diaspora. His respect for Indian civilisation reflects a broader dedication to cultural continuity, community development, and the strengthening of ties between heritage and modern professional excellence.

Mr Somas Appavou is the Regional Director, External Affairs & Sustainability, at IATA, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Before joining IATA in 2022, Somas served as Project Leader at Airborne Capital Ltd, supporting the conversion and financing of passenger aircraft to freighters (P2F).

From 2017 to 2020, Somas served as CEO of Air Mauritius. He has more than 28 years’ experience in the aviation industry, spanning key global markets. He holds an M.Phil. in Aerospace and Air Transport Economics from l‘Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile and the University of Toulouse (France), as well as a Master’s in Applied Mathematics from the University of Bordeaux (France).

Somas joined Airbus, where he held several strategic positions, including Director of Supply Chain in Hamburg, Germany, and Regional Sales Director for Subcontinent-India and Africa. From 2009 to 2017, he served as Senior Sales Director, Middle East and Africa, at Airbus. In this role, he played a major role in expanding Airbus’s commercial reach by broadening its market presence and supporting the evolution of established airlines and the development of new airlines in Africa.

Somas was appointed a Member of the Executive Committee of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). He was also elected to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors in 2020.

He has also demonstrated a deep, personal interest in Indian civilisation, actively explored through his engagement with the Indian Civilisation Institute of Guyana. This interest reflects his broader appreciation of India’s historical, cultural, and intellectual contributions to the world. Drawing on his extensive global experience, he has built meaningful connections with Indian communities across regions, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and strengthening ties within the global Indian diaspora

Captain Benjamin Bennett received his professional training at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston, Texas, and has been a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Licensed Master since 1998. Having qualified in his early twenties, he became one of the youngest mariners to captain a lift-boat (SEWOP), demonstrating exceptional leadership and maritime expertise early in his career. He currently serves as the Managing Director of AquaPenta Limited and holds key executive roles as Executive Director of Jet Global Services (Guyana) Inc. in Georgetown, as well as Executive Director of Chartwell Inc., contributing significantly to the growth and operational excellence of these organisations. Additionally, Mr Bennett is a world-renowned expert in Gas-to-Power projects and owns numerous Gas-to-Power barges in West Africa and Houston, Texas, USA.

Beyond his professional accomplishments in the maritime and business sectors, Captain Bennett is a passionate admirer of Indian civilisation, possessing a deep knowledge and appreciation of Indian history and culture. He also serves as a Director of the Indian Civilisation Institute of Guyana, where he actively promotes cultural education and heritage programmes. Alongside Mr. Vedan Choolun, he has participated in numerous development projects in Guyana, contributing not only to commercial ventures but also to institutional and cultural initiatives that encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community growth.

Mr. Ashwin Srivastava is the founder of Sapio Analytics and the head of Saksham, an apex mission by the Government of India focused on ending unemployment. Sapio is the creator of the world’s first sovereign livelihood AI model. He is also the co-founder of private equity and venture capital firms, UAE-based Idein Ventures and Europe-based Foundercentre.

A graduate of India’s leading technology university, IIT Bombay, Ashwin is also the co-founder and/or investor in the healthcare and longevity research organisation Princeton Healthcare, the startup valuer SIEAP, the IPO-bound Infurnia, and the global food supply chain entity Crop360. Across all the organisations he has led, Ashwin has directly improved the lives of more than 100 million people in India.

He is the designer of India’s first-ever skills census and the holder of two published AI-related patents. He is also the co-founder of Great Manager Institute and the creator of the concept of people manager effectiveness in organisations, with 1000+ organisational clients. He has been named to Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list and has served as a guest editor at Forbes India and the Economic Times, a contributor to Forbes Inc., and a research contributor to multiple papers and publications.

He is also part of the AI syllabus committee at Mumbai University, in addition to serving as guest faculty at IIT Bhilai and receiving an award from the Governor of Maharashtra for his innovations in bringing AI education to Maharashtra.

Mr. Ashwin Srivastava is deeply rooted in the essence of Indian civilisation and culture, reflecting a profound appreciation for its timeless values, traditions, and philosophical depth. His connection goes beyond surface-level engagement, embodying principles drawn from ancient texts, spiritual practices, and the rich heritage that has shaped India over millennia. Whether through his respect for traditional customs, his understanding of cultural diversity, or his alignment with ideals such as harmony, duty, and knowledge, he represents a bridge between the wisdom of the past and the aspirations of the present. In an era of rapid modernisation, his commitment to preserving and promoting India’s cultural identity stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of its civilisation.

Mr. Richard Isava is a seasoned financial services executive with over three decades of experience across banking, asset management, and insurance in the Caribbean. A graduate of Barry University, Miami, with a B.Sc. in Economics/Finance, he began his career as a licensed stockbroker in the United States before joining RBTT Bank in Trinidad, where he held several senior leadership roles and played a key role in launching innovative financial products, including mutual funds and retirement plans. He later joined Guardian Asset Management as Head of Products and Institutional Sales, where he successfully launched the Guardian family of mutual funds and developed structured investment solutions.

In 2008, Richard transitioned into the life insurance sector as Vice President of Life and Health at Beacon Insurance, where he established and expanded the company’s life insurance operations across Trinidad, the Eastern Caribbean, Barbados, and Suriname. He earned his MBA from the University of the West Indies the same year. In 2013, he was appointed Managing Director of Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc. and has also served as Executive Director of The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited, as well as Chairman of the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc., reflecting his strong leadership and influence within the regional financial sector.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard is deeply connected to Indian civilisation and culture, with a strong appreciation for its rich heritage, timeless values, and traditions. His respect for Indian philosophy and cultural principles reflects his broader global perspective and commitment to fostering meaningful cross-cultural understanding.