Multicultural Council of Wellington (MCW) lost its one of the founding members on July 2. In a Facebook post dated July 3, the MCW informed, “It is with great sadness and sorrow to inform the death of our MCW dear friend, the founder of Multicultural Council Wellington, Rama Ramanathan peacefully left us all on Thursday the 2nd of July 2020 in the morning. The Multicultural Council Wellington offers our heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, and prays to Almighty God to bless and give the grieving family strength and comfort during this difficult time and Rama Ramanathan’s soul rest in peace.”

Rachel Qi, the current President of MCW also passed her deepest condolences to the Ramanathan family.

Kiwi-Indian Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan also noted Ramanathan’s lifelong contribution adding, “I was very sorry to hear this and send my heartfelt condolences to his family. I remember him so fondly – his stories, his support to different ethnic communities and organizations and his years of service to the Labour Party. Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane.”

Later on July 4, Pancha Narayan, President of New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils (NZFMC) wrote on Federation’s Facebook page: “2nd of July 2020 dawned sadly for many of us with the news of the passing away of this unsung hero of Wellington and New Zealand. There is hardly anyone in Wellington and certainly none in the refugee and migrant communities who has not heard of Rama. Rama was a great leader, mover and shaker, mentor, guide and support to newcomers to NZ. His selfless volunteer service to the community made him a role model for many.”

“The New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Council honours this huge contributor and remembers him for his services. Rama was one of the founding members of Wellington Multicultural Council (then known as Wellington Ethnic Council) in February 1985 which became the catalyst for the establishment of other similar multicultural councils around the country. Then again, he was an integral part of the founding team for the National umbrella body, the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils (NZFMC) in July 1989.”

“Rama’s readiness to be an affiliate of every community organization and to attend their functions and celebrations, to support them was exemplary. Many in the community will miss this great citizen.”

“NZFMC honours Rama for his thought leadership, hands on effort and contribution towards shaping the journey and settlement experience of refugees and migrants. His presentations and views as a community leader challenged NZ’s traditional values, always focused on achieving positive outcomes for all. In 2005, NZFMC was privileged to honour this ‘giant gentleman’ with our esteemed NZFMC’s Merit Award for his services to the community and country.”

“NZFMC extends our deepest heartfelt sympathies to Rama’s wife Paru Ramanathan, immediate and extended family members and friends.”

“NZFMC bids this son of New Zealand farewell to all times, knowing that he will be remembered as a pioneer on our journey towards a truly Multicultural New Zealand. Good-bye friend and leader.”