Texas school to be named after Indian-American trailblazer Sonal Bhuchar
What's the story
An elementary school in the US state of Texas will be named after Indian-American trailblazer Sonal Bhuchar so that her legacy in education and philanthropy continues for generations, according to a statement. The Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved naming upcoming elementary school 53, after Sonal, who died of cancer complications at the age of 58 in 2019.
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Sonal originally belonged to Mumbai and was a professional physiotherapist
The school will open in January 2023 in the Riverstone community. Originally from Mumbai in India, Sonal was a professional physiotherapist and had her bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Bombay University. She immigrated to Houston in 1984 with her husband, Subodh Bhuchar.
Achievements
Sonal served as the FBISD Board President for two years
Sonal, a popular community activist, and a leader, who cared about the community, was elected to the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees for six years and served as the Board President for two years. In 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbot appointed Sonal to the One Star National Service Commission Board, that promotes volunteerism and oversees administration of the AmeriCorps programs in Texas.
Appreciation
Sonal led several initiatives, garnered praise
While on the FBISD board, Sonal led several district initiatives, including the Student Leadership Programme, the Legislative Advocacy Programme, the Fort Bend Education Foundation's Annual International Festival, WATCH a lifestyle education program, and scholarship opportunities. Several current board members spoke highly about how Sonal encouraged them to serve the community. Trustee Jim Rice sat on the school board alongside Sonal for two years.
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'She helped build bridges of understanding between our diverse community'
"She was a lady who worked very hard in our community to help build bridges of understanding between our very diverse community," Rice said. Trustee Grayle James ran for the Sonal's school board seat when she decided to not seek re-election in 2012.
Recognition
She was a quiet but effective warrior: Sonal's husband
Thrilled about this recognition, Dr. Subodh, Sonal's spouse and a reputed physician said, "The current Fort Bend citizens and FBISD board of Trustees recognized Sonal's phenomenal service to the country by unanimously voting for an elementary school in her honor so that her legacy in education and philanthropy continues for generations to come." "Sonal was a quiet but effective warrior," he added.
Gratitude
Great honor for all first-generation immigrants, says a family friend
Shefali Jhaver, a local resident and friend of Sonal said, "I am thrilled that her spirit and legacy will carry on for generations to come through a school where she lived, raised her family, and inspired us all." "It is a great honor for all first-generation immigrants," said Usha Ganju, a close friend of the family.
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Sonal was actively involved on board of many local organizations
Sonal, until her passing, was actively involved on the board of many nonprofit and local organizations, including Child Advocates of Fort Bend, the Literacy Council of Fort Bend, AccessHealth, Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, and the Texas Medical Association Alliance, among others.