In Missouri City, Texas, a primary school, Sonal Bhuchar Elementary School, was officially dedicated in honor of the accomplished Indian-American trailblazer, Sonal Bhuchar. The ceremony celebrating her memory featured speakers who commended her contributions to the community and her support for those in need.
D C Manjunath, the Consul General of India, stood among the prominent guests at the ceremony. He paid his respects and presented the primary school with special books that shed light on India.
The Consulate General of Houston, Texas, shared the event on the social media platform X, noting that CG (Consul General) participated in the ceremony. The occasion marked the dedication of the newly named Sonal Bhuchar Elementary School within the Fort Bend Independent School District. Dr. Sonal Bhuchar, a remarkable member of the Indian American community who devoted her life to education and community welfare, had her name bestowed upon the school. Notably, she had served as the former President of the Board of Trustees of the School District. The school’s mascot, the Royal Bengal Tiger, was an emblem of this dedicated educational institution.
The Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) Board of Trustees wholeheartedly endorsed naming the elementary school in honor of Sonal Bhuchar. She had tragically passed away in 2019 at the age of 58 due to complications from cancer.
Sonal had left an indelible mark as a member of the FBISD Board of Directors, a respected leader, a bridge builder, and a trailblazer. Her service on the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees spanned six years, during which she also held the position of President for two years. Her commitment extended to various organizations, including Child Advocates, the Literacy Council, the Cultural Arts Foundation, and the Fort Bend Education Foundation.
In 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Sonal to the One Star National Service Commission Board, responsible for promoting volunteerism and overseeing the administration of AmeriCorps programs in Texas.
Sonal, a trained physiotherapist, originally hailing from Mumbai, earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Mumbai University. In 1984, she relocated to Houston with her husband, Dr. Subodh Bhuchar, a physician.
The dedication ceremony for the school bearing her name took place in August, signifying a significant tribute to Sonal Bhuchar’s legacy. The school’s mascot, a Royal Bengal Tiger named “ROYAL,” symbolized her Indian heritage, standing for Resilient, Optimistic, Youthful, Admirable, and Leader.
