Sonjoy K Sikder
Biography: Sonjoy K Sikder was born in Kushtia City, Bangladesh, where he grew up with his three brothers and loving parents. From an early age, Sonjoy dreamed of becoming a civil engineer, and through hard work and dedication, he earned his engineering degree in Bangladesh. Seeking new opportunities, Sonjoy began his journey to the United States with his beloved wife. Determined to grow further, he pursued and achieved his Professional Engineering license in the USA. In 2006, Sonjoy and his family moved to Albany, where he now lives happily with his two wonderful children. His life philosophy is to try a little harder each day and always strive for improvement. Sonjoy’s passion is to create strong, beautiful, and safe structures, while also building lasting connections within the community.
Alongside his engineering career, Sonjoy is a proud cofounder of the Bangladeshi American Foundation of Albany (BAFA) and was a key organizer of Albany’s first Saraswati Puja. He firmly believes in good karma and is passionate about serving humanity. With support from co-founder Ratan Biswas, Sonjoy helped purchase the temple property in August 2025, transforming it from an abandoned site to a vibrant community space with his expertise. Sonjoy’s vision for the Mandir would not have been possible without the help of generous donors and devoted volunteers. He expresses heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their unwavering efforts. Sonjoy believes the Mandir is a home for prayer, celebration, and learning, inviting all to join in honoring our culture, heritage, and goodness together.
Ratan K Biswas
Biography: Ratan K. Biswas’s journey began in Bangladesh, where he studied Politics and Public Administration at the Islamic University, Kushtia. At just 22 years old, Ratan moved to New York City in July 1995 with only $200 and a heart full of hope for a better future. Despite early challenges, including being misled by a taxi driver upon his arrival, Ratan’s determination never faded. He began by selling newspapers on a busy Manhattan corner and later worked at Health Nuts and the Vitamin Shop. In 1998, he moved to Poughkeepsie to join IBM, where he worked until 2014. Throughout this period, Ratan continued his studies, earning an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering & Technology from SUNY Dutchess Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Marist University, and later, a second Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from SUNY New Paltz. He is currently working as an Accountant for the New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance. His wife, Supriya Biswas, whom he married in 2004, later joined him in the United States. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from SUNY New Paltz and now works as an Accountant for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Deeply devoted to his family, faith, and community, Ratan has played a central role in organizing Hindu religious and cultural events in the Albany Capital Region. In 2016, he helped organize the first Saraswati Puja for the Bangladeshi Hindu community in Albany and was a founding member of the Sri Krishna Community Albany in 2018. Alongside Sonjoy K. Sikder, Ratan co-founded the Albany Sanatani Mandir (established on August 12, 2025), the first Hindu temple in Bethlehem, NY. Ratan’s vision for the Mandir was realized through the support of generous donors and dedicated volunteers, for whom he expresses heartfelt gratitude. Today, Ratan lives in the greater Albany area with his wife, three children, and extended family. He continues to serve his community by nurturing harmony, upholding traditions, and encouraging spiritual growth, always leading with kindness and dedication.
