SIXTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD Ashwin Ramraj finally put pen to paper and is now ready to launch his debut novel The Chain That Broke – From the shadows to sunlight at St Mary’s Primary School in Merebank on November 30. The memoir is a firsthand account of survival, transformation and the triumph of the resilient human spirit

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What began as a private reflection on his own life’s course gradually evolved into a powerful memoir. The Chain That Broke is the story of a boy born to hardship but not to be held by his fate. From living in a broken home within apartheid South Africa to leading complex evacuation missions in Sudan’s war-torn territories, Ramraj’s life is one of resilience and redemption.

“Writing a book had been in the back of my mind for a long time. I have a good memory and have encountered many life-changing experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Around 2009, I finally sat down and began documenting moments, accomplishments, failures and the lessons learnt in between, all culminating in this book,” he said.

Ramraj said The Chain That Broke is a reflection of hope, tenacity and the indestructible chain that keeps us connected to where we belong.

Historical influences:

Ramraj remains grounded in his roots. He said that his work and life continue to be shaped by where he was raised in Merebank. “I grew up in Merebank, and I had the greatest times of my life there, from being a child right up to becoming an adult. The people, the attitude and the community left an indelible mark on me. It’s a world near and dear to me, and I remain actively involved through the Merebank Book Project, which allows me to give back some of the goodness that the community provided me when I was a child,” he said.

Ramraj said the book is more than just a passion project, he believes it to be a cathartic reflection of the life he has lived and the life he lives now.

Although the book was already published and distributed to close friends and relatives, the launch at St Mary’s is the first formal commemoration of his publishing success.

The Chain That Broke – From the Shadows to Sunlight book launch will take place on November 30 at St Mary’s Primary School, Merebank. Members of the community are invited to come and celebrate the life of one of their own.

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