Ravi Raman, a truly well loved personality in the bridge fraternity, played his final board last night after a longish battle with brain haemorrhage. While the end was obviously inevitable for quite a few days before the event, his passing sealed a vacuum that has been created in his wake.
A graduate of IIT Madras and IIM Calcutta, he returned to bridge in 2006 after a long, successful career with Citibank.
And he came back determined to promote the game in a meaningful way. His start was small. He started working with the Bombay Contract Bridge Association (BCBA) in order to promote the game in Mumbai. And he made his mark. Even to a casually involved bridge player (as I was then), his efforts to improve things were patently obvious. Subsequently, when he took over the Presidency of the BCBA, he contributed from his own pocket to improve the prize money available to the participants. He had sent up a Champion of Champions League in Mumbai, granting every individual points for performances in the weekly events. He used to conduct coaching for various clubs in Mumbai at that time too, though I am not too aware of the details thereof.
At the same time, continued to receive accolades for playing performance, first in the National Silver Category, where his team won two titles and then in the National Gold Category, where his team finished Runners up twice.
At some point in time he decided to change his focus from administration to coaching. In 2010, he founded his Samadhan Bridge Academy. In 2019, he helped found the Bridge Pathshala, an institution dedicated to induct people from the general population to the wondrous game that we all love. While he stopped his association with the Pathshala a couple of years ago, he still continued coaching online. All his students really loved him. The number of students who called me to enquire about the status of his health was extremely touching.
He also helped create a new bridge learning app which was launched last year
Words are not enough to describe his contribution to Indian bridge. He is best embodied by the banner of this post, a simple person with a captivating smile.
Rest In Peace, dear Ravi
Disclaimer : All opinions are entirely those of the author and are no reflection of the views of the BridgeFromHome Team.
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Well articulated Sukrit. couldn't be better. well loved person, god also sought his company. Thousands of prayers in his memory must be reaching heaven. Dearly miss you Ravi. rest in peace.
Well respected, Ravi Raman, would always be happy to correct or guide us, as opponents.
Learnt plenty, silently watching his bids.
He will be missed dearly amidst our bridge fraternity. Excellent teacher, no nonsense man of honour. May his soul attain Sadgati.
So sad to hear about Ravi Raman. We were half way through our 20 training sessions. It was very unusual when he did not show up for our Sunday evening session last week. Our whole group is shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. He was a sincere, passionate and a superb teacher. We enjoyed learning from him and are going to miss him. Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti. 🙏🏼
Thanks a lot for writing in Swati
If you call me sometime on 98334 30370 I will try and check out what is happening on continuity etc.
Will do. Thank you🙏🏼
I had contact with Ravi Raman when I was active in Bridge. I have learnt a lot from him. May his soul RSP.