Venkat Raman
Auckland, June 1, 2019
My long-time friend and former High Commissioner of Fiji to New Zealand Bal Ram is no more, reporting which is heart-breaking.
A common friend, Ajendra Jokhan (Account Director, Red Rock Consulting), called me a while ago to say that 73-year-old Bal died on Wednesday, June 5, 2019.
He left behind his wife Nirmala, their sons Shekhar and Amun, daughter Astuti, son-in-law Richard Kelly, daughter-in-law Salin Kaeowanpen and grandchildren Abhishek, Aarav, Laksh, Jiya, Divya and Asha.
Diplomat with a Mission
A man of immense knowledge of world affairs, Bal served the Government of Fiji with passion and sense of purpose and was posted to the country’s diplomatic missions in Malaysia (High Commissioner) and United Nations (Diplomat) before arriving in Wellington in 2003.
He was the Head of the Diplomatic Mission of Fiji during tumultuous times but was a source of endearment to the officials in his host government and the Fijian Diaspora.
He shared many common interests with many people in Wellington including former Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand, former Fijian Diplomat Prabodh Mishra, Ajendra and this Reporter.
Those years of association, frank dialogues and mutual consultations are now committed to memory, to be cherished.
Funeral on Monday
Fiji Indian Association of Wellington Inc, at which he as a Trustee, mourned his death.
The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 10, 2019 at the Indian Association Hall, 48 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie Wellington at 1 pm.
Among the speakers at the Service will be Sir Anand, Mr Mishra and Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Filimone Waqabaca.
Private Cremation will follow for the family members after the Service.
