History lessons often begin with textbooks, but for author, entrepreneur, and grandfather Bede Ramcharan, they often begin at the family table. His latest children’s book, The History of the Hushpuppy!: A Grandpa History Story aims to transform one of America’s favorite comfort foods into a playful doorway to the past. The story blends factual history with the warmth of intergenerational storytelling, inviting readers young and old to explore where culture and cuisine intersect.
Aimed at early and middle readers, The History of the Hushpuppy! is the first title in Ramcharan’s growing “Grandpa History” series. The book’s conversational style and colorful illustrations make learning an engaging family experience, turning a beloved Southern staple into a history lesson that children can enjoy.
“As a dad and grandpa, I’ve always believed that history should feel close, not distant,” said Ramcharan. “This series grew out of the stories I tell at home. I hope it gives parents and grandparents an easy way to start conversations and have fun while learning.”
More than a children’s book, The History of the Hushpuppy! is a reflection of Ramcharan’s personal tradition of storytelling, one that spans generations. Each page is written with the rhythm of a story told aloud, encouraging families to read together and explore curiosity beyond the page.
Ramcharan’s approach is both educational and emotional: by anchoring historical facts within familiar family experiences, he makes history feel less of a lecture and more of a shared adventure. His writing style strikes a balance between clarity for younger readers and nostalgia for parents and grandparents, the very audience he credits as his inspiration.
The book introduces children to the origins of the hushpuppy, tracing its cultural roots and evolution while celebrating the blend of influences that shaped it. It’s the kind of story that may spark questions, laughter, and family discussions long after storytime ends.
A Life of Service and Storytelling
What makes Ramcharan’s literary voice distinctive is his deep well of experience beyond the world of publishing. Before becoming an author, he built a remarkable career in leadership, logistics, and service.
A retired U.S. Army officer and graduate of the Army Baylor Healthcare Administration Program, Ramcharan spent decades leading teams at multiple command levels. In 2000, Ramcharan founded Indatatech, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Today, he continues to serve as the company’s Founder, President, and CEO. Indatatech provides global supply chain solutions spanning procurement, logistics, staffing, and facility management. The firm operates across six U.S. states and exports products to three overseas markets, having performed work in over a dozen countries.
This blend of global experience, entrepreneurial drive, and personal storytelling is what Ramcharan calls his “ikigai”. Through his books, he channels that same focus on impact into something far more intimate: connecting generations through learning and discovery.
Yet for all his leadership accolades, Ramcharan’s most heartfelt title remains “Grandpa.” His books invite readers to remember that learning doesn’t have to feel institutional. It can feel personal, joyful, and even a little delicious. By grounding history in storytelling, he’s crafting a literary legacy that mirrors his professional one: bridging generations through service, education, and empathy.
The History of the Hushpuppy!: A Grandpa History Story is more than a story about food — it’s about connection. It gives children a sense of where things come from and offers adults a chance to rediscover the power of a simple story shared out loud.
Ramcharan’s vision extends far beyond the page. Each book he writes carries an undercurrent of purpose: to remind readers that stories like families, communities, and histories are meant to be shared.
