Posted on Feb 25, 2019 in
HOMETOWN HEROES
Subodh and Sonal Bhuchar.
By Joan Frances –
Sonal Bhuchar is the quintessence of what a living soul is, filled with spiritual love. Compassionate, generous and benevolent, are a few words synonymous with her work. For 30 years, she has devoted her life to making Fort Bend County a better place to live for everyone. We are honored to tell her story.
Bhuchar moved to Sugar Land in 1984 from Bombay, India. Her husband, Subodh, a family medicine and pediatric physician, began his practice here in 1992. They have raised three children, and Bhuchar is a physical therapist by profession in her own practice. As a therapist, she worked with patients facing severe injuries or chronic diseases, and she has earned a reputation for her expertise and professionalism.
Bhuchar retired two years ago and now manages her husband’s practice. Her devotion to the community and compassion began when she started volunteering at her childrens’ schools. She was among the dedicated group of room moms, PTO and Booster club officers, Boy Scout Den and Girl Scout Troop leaders who commit themselves to serving their children. She also was engaged in various community events and became closely involved with many nonprofit organizations, especially related to education and children.
“I have volunteered on the Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) Board for many years, and my political interest in improving legislation for our foster children inspired me to get actively involved on the Legislative Advocacy Team, which involved going to Austin when they were in session,” said Bhuchar. “The strong diversity within our county helped me to reach out to many of the communities to showcase our cultural heritage in Sugar Land. My biggest gift has been to get to work with so many incredible volunteers, who share their love and passion for children and education. Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”’
Texas Governor Greg Abbott with Sameer and Sonal Bhuchar. Photo by Mary Favre.
Bhuchar was elected and served on the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees for six years, two as president. She currently serves on the Executive Committee as Secretary of the Fort Bend Education Foundation, where she was the inspiration behind creating an international festival that would showcase the vibrant diversity of our community. Bhuchar’s remarkable contributions and her leading role in various administrative, non-profit and cultural spheres in the Greater Houston area, as well as in the State of Texas, is a testimony to her exceptional abilities. Bhuchar was appointed to the One Star National Service Commission Board by Governor Greg Abbott in 2014. She encouraged and helped get First Lady Cecilia Abbott to visit CAFB and support their efforts. She has also served many leadership roles and is still actively involved in the Child Advocates of Fort Bend board and the City of Sugar Land Board Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture, and Streetscapes (PARCS). She was a board member for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend, ACCESS Health, Sugar Land Cultural Arts, Sugar Land Heritage, the Indo-American Charity Foundation and the Texas Medical Association Alliance.
On January 25th, 2019, Bhuchar was the recipient of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit Award. Presented by Malisha Patel, CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Bhuchar was honored for her years of service to Sugar Land and the greater Fort Bend County community. “She embodies the soul, the essence and the energy of the Fort Bend Chamber’s Community Spirit award,” said Patel. Thank you, Sonal Bhuchar, for your prodigious commitment to philanthropy. You are a blessing to the Fort Bend County community.
