Hot on the heels of successful hardback and paperback (outside India) editions of Ram Gidoomal’s memoir MY SILK ROAD: THE ADVENTURES AND STRUGGLES OF A BRITISH ASIAN REFUGEE, Pippa Rann Books UK is delighted to announce the availability of an Audio version, recorded by Ram himself, due to popular demand.
Hearing his memoir in his voice enables us to get closer to the heart and spirit of a man who has survived forced exile because of political upheaval, and then racism here in his adopted homeland, to become a UK-decorated champion of social entrepreneurship, community development, philanthropy, and cultural diversity.
Ram is an acknowledged champion of fairness, equality, and responsibility both in business and in public life, thanks to lessons he has drawn from several cultures and religions. So it isn’t surprising that Dame Prue Leith says in her foreword to the book that Ram’s memoir is ‘riveting, witty and humorous-and therefore inspiring.’
My Silk Road, the audiobook, will be available worldwide from 16 April 2025 via Audible, Amazon, and all good English-language bookshops.
ENDORSEMENTS
‘Fascinating and inspirational’ –Ramola Bachchan, Entrepreneur and media personality
‘Lifts the heart and spirit’ –The Baroness Cumberlege CBE DL
‘inspiring and courageous’ –Charles Handy
‘Compelling… magical’ –Lilian Hochhauser CBE FRCM
‘Extraordinary’ –Vice-Admiral Sir Adrian Johns KCB CBE DL, former Second Sea Lord and Governor of Gibraltar
‘Wit, verve, and searing honesty’ –Lord McColl of Dulwich
‘…Excellent autobiography. So much to learn from his life, courage, determination, perseverance, how to build back…’ –Padma Shri Reema Nanavaty, Director, SEWA, India
‘Immensely captivating….Flawlessly written…leaves you wanting more’ –Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, DL, Queen Elizabeth II Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London
‘Once you start reading, you cannot put it down’ –The Lord Vallance of Tummel
A RICH BOY TURNED REFUGEE TELLS THE STORY OF COMING FULL CIRCLE TO SUCCEED IN WAYS BEYOND HIS IMAGINATION.
MY SILK ROAD: THE ADVENTURES AND STRUGGLES OF A BRITISH ASIAN REFUGEE
Ram Gidoomal
India Edition: Memoir ٠ INR 799 ٠ Hardback ٠ ISBN 9781913738600 ٠ 320pp+8pp plates
Published by Pippa Rann Books and Media, U.K, Distributed by Penguin Random House India
Born into a family that had recently fled British India during the partition of India and Pakistan, Ram’s early life in Mombasa seemed charmed with wealth and success. However, losing all of this overnight through a second deportation this time from Kenya to the UK, he saw the course of his life change beyond recognition.
Despite having had his dreams and plans ripped away from him, Ram worked tirelessly, fighting to overcome every obstacle, and finally succeeded in gaining back wealth and reputation. However, on reaching his late thirties, an unusual day trip in Mumbai changed his life forever, transforming him from someone enriching himself and his shareholders to someone enriching the world. And this time, the change was his choice.
Aiming to encourage those who are struggling to move forward in life, Ram shares stories that demonstrate the difference made by a can–do attitude, by a spirit of generosity and by prioritizing relationships. Through all these, he shares the secrets of living a life that marries deep compassion with success, a generous life that reaps unexpected rewards.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
– https://thewire.in/books/ram-gidoomal-book-review-my-silk-road
– https://www.businessworld.in/article/Humans-Of-Mambasa-Displaced-Twice-Over/15-10-2022-450559/
– https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2022/18-november/features/interviews/interview-ram-gidoomal-entrepreneur-author-philanthropist#Echobox=1668850535/
– https://www.easterneye.biz/british-asian-refugee-ram-gidoomal-pens-memoir/
– https://www.indiancurrents.org/article-a-shameless-fund-raiser-for-the-poor-manoj-varghese-1350.php
– https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/british-asian-refugee-ram-gidoomal-pens-memoir-8111492/
– https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/78843-tycoon-deported-kenya-raising-billions-poor-kids
– https://www.republicworld.com/lifestyle/books/british-asian-refugee-ram-gidoomal-pens-memoir-articleshow.html
– https://scroll.in/article/1034185/an-indian-man-from-an-immigrant-family-of-silk-traders-in-kenya-recalls-his-first-moments-in-bombay
RAM GIDOOMAL was born into an Indian immigrant family of silk traders in Kenya and enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Mombasa. As he turned 17, his family endured a devastating second deportation, to London. Starting from scratch, Ram built a successful career in business and was firmly on the road to prosperity and fortune, when a life-changing journey led him to instead dedicate his business skills and profits to those who need them most. His contributions to the community were recognised by HM The Queen in 1998, who appointed him CBE.
An experienced businessman and entrepreneur, Ram has worked for over 30 years at board and senior management level in the private, public, and voluntary sectors. Till the Spring of 2022, he was Chair of Allia Ltd. His current roles are all nonexecutive: he is an Advisory Board Member of BAOSystems; a Board Member and Member of the Audit and Risk Committee, and Chair of the Remuneration and Nominations Committee of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; and Chair of Cotton Connect.
The most recent of the numerous recognitions for his many books and other contributions, including Honorary Doctorates from three UK universities, has been his inclusion in High Flyers 50 – the 50 most eminent people of Indian origin living and working outside India.
About PIPPA RANN BOOKS AND MEDIA, U.K.
An imprint of Salt Desert Media Group Ltd., U.K., Pippa Rann Books & Media is dedicated to informing you, inspiring you, and lighting up your path to transformation as an individual, as a member of your family, as a neighbour, and as a citizen of the world. www.pipparannbooks.com. Distributed by Penguin Random House India.
