Dharmacharya Laldharry Seerattan (1933-2020) founded the Shri Devi Mandir in Jamaica, Queens. A dedicated humanitarian, he initiated numerous charitable missions with the support of his family and community, which eventually led to the creation of the Shri Devi Mandir Global Humanitarian Mission.

Born in Guyana on October 5, 1933, Seerattan and his wife, Oomriah, were rice farmers. In 1983, they immigrated to the United States with their children. A devout follower of Durga Maa, Seerattan established the Shri Devi Mandir in 1988, five years after arriving in the U.S. His early humanitarian efforts, driven by his family and community, laid the groundwork for the Shri Devi Mandir Global Humanitarian Mission. His son, Pt. Tillackdharry Seerattan, continues his father's spiritual leadership at the mandir.

In 1995, Dharmacharya and his wife founded the Shiv Shakti Mandir in their home village, taking on its maintenance. Each month, they sent food and clothing to the mandir for distribution to local villagers.

Seerattan collaborated with various charitable organizations, including BAPS Care International, where he helped build a well in a poor Indian village in 2005. He also contributed to relief efforts for the Tsunami, Gujarat and Pakistan earthquakes, Guyana floods, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, Superstorm Sandy, and the Sankara Eye Foundation. Additionally, he sponsored Thanksgiving meals for senior citizens in Richmond Hill, Queens.

Dharmacharya Seerattan established the Shri Devi Mandir Global Humanitarian Foundation Inc., which undertook projects such as building a home for a disabled mother in Guyana, distributing food hampers and eyeglasses, establishing computer centers, and funding student scholarships. He also supported Queens Hospital Center’s Department of Cardiology and provided aid to Guyana during the COVID-19 pandemic with over 16,000 face masks, 2,500 food hampers, and 2,000 children’s meals. His extensive humanitarian work earned him numerous citations.

He passed away on July 12, 2020. His legacy continues through his 11 children, 29 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, as noted by Ashook Ramsaran at the unveiling of Dharmacharya Seerattan Way on September 17, 2022.