Author and businessman Ram Gidoomal, CBE, has announced the paperback edition of his ninth book, ‘My Silk Road: The Adventures and Struggles of a British Asian Refugee’, which will be released on 19 November, 2023. It features a foreword by Dame Prue Leith, DBE, and focuses on the legacy, struggles, belonging and hope of a refugee and their journey to success.
Dame Pru Leith says of the book, “The result is a book that is deeply stimulating and challenging, but also riveting, witty, and humorous – and therefore inspiring.”
The memoir is reflective of today’s global situation, with people being displaced by conflict and having to start their lives again in a different country. The book shares the story of Gidoomal, who was born into a family that fled British India during the partition of India and Pakistan, becoming an Indian immigrant family of silk traders in Kenya. At the age of 17, his family was forced to move to London, and Gidoomal was faced with starting from scratch.
He went on to build a successful career in business, and eventually dedicated his business skills and profits to those who needed them most. The book shares stories of how a can-do attitude, a spirit of generosity and prioritising relationships can help people in difficult times.
Gidoomal has received numerous recognitions for his books and other contributions, including Honorary Doctorates from three UK universities and the award of a CBE from Her Late Majesty The Queen in 1998. He said, “When I started to write My Silk Road in 2021, I had no idea that my life-story would resonate with so many to become a bestseller. I suppose that is not really such a surprise because my personal story is one that is relevant to today’s world.”
The book has been widely praised, with Lord McColl of Dulwich calling it “wit, verve, and searing honesty”, Lord Vallance of Tummel saying “Once you start reading, you cannot put it down”, Baroness Cumberlege CBE DL calling it “Lifts the heart and spirit” and Vice-Admiral Sir Adrian Johns KCB CBE DL, former Second Sea Lord and Governor of Gibraltar calling it “Extraordinary”.
Ram Gidoomal, CBE’s book ‘My Silk Road: The Adventures and Struggles of a British Asian Refugee’ will be released in paperback on 19 November 2023. Originally published in hardback in 2022, the book offers a powerful autobiography of legacy, struggles, belonging and hope – of a rich boy turned refugee who had his dreams and plans ripped away from him, and how he goes on to create success beyond his imagination. Praised for its wit, verve and searing honesty, the book is reflective of today’s global situation and shares the secrets of living a life that marries deep compassion with success.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.