Rama Ramachandran

Dr. Rama Varma Ramachandran passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 90.

Rama was born on March 15th, 1935 in Cochin, Kerala. He obtained a BS in Mathematics from Travancore University and an MA in Economics from Madras University. During the early 1960s, he furthered his studies in Kiel, Germany. Upon returning to India, he married Ammini Ambat from Chittur, Kerala, on January 31st, 1964, at the Guruvayur Temple, Thrissur, India.

The couple settled in Alleppey, where Rama was appointed as a Lecturer of Economics at Sanathana Dharma College. They were blessed with two sons, Raghu and Rama. In 1970, Rama left India to pursue a doctorate at Brown University. After getting his doctorate in 1974, the family relocated to Dallas, Texas, where Rama accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Economics at Southern Methodist University (SMU).

At SMU, Rama conducted research and worked towards tenure while also serving as Director of Undergraduate Education. After gaining tenure, he held the position of Chairman of the Economics Department for four years. Despite a reputation as a stringent grader, Rama’s introductory economics class was highly popular, necessitating its relocation to the largest room in Dallas Hall. He was also the recipient of numerous Best Professor of the Year awards.

Rama actively participated in his children's activities, including serving as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 890. His commitment saw him engage in High Adventure camp at Philmont and receive the Order of the Arrow.

In 1984, his dissertation advisor, Dr. Ryuzo Sato, invited him back to Brown University for a sabbatical year. Following this period, Rama joined New York University as Associate Director of The Center for Japan-US Business and Economic Studies, continuing his distinguished academic career.

In 2005, they moved back from New York to Texas and settled in Plano. As his wife’s career as an author and food historian progressed, Rama supported her as an assistant by carrying ingredients, pots, and copies of her cookbook to her cooking demonstrations.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ammini Ramachandran, as well as his parents Rama Varma Appan Thampuran and Kottiyedath Padmam Amma. He is survived by his son Raghu Ramachandran, daughter-in-law, Jo-Ann Curley, son Rama Ramachandran, Brother K. Sadashivan and his wife Asha; sisters-in-law Girija Narayanan and Rathi Ramachandran; nieces Radha Bhaman and Meena Ramachandran; nephews Ranjit Narayanan and Paddu Ramachandran; and grand-nieces Salonee Bhaman, Annika Bhaman, and Anitha Ramachandran.