Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision of Non-Violence: Celebrating Dr. Sriram Sonty’s Enduring Legacy

Chicago, IL: 
On a warm Sunday evening, July 13, 2025, the Matrix Club in Naperville, Illinois, was filled with the warmth of memories, love, and reverence as friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honour the extraordinary life of Dr. Sriram Sonty. From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the venue resonated with heartfelt tributes, music, and stories that painted a vivid portrait of a man who was not only a distinguished ophthalmologist but also a cultural pillar, a devoted father, and a passionate advocate for peace. The event, emceed by Dr. Sonty’s elder daughter, Siri Sonty, wove together reflections on his professional achievements, cultural contributions, and profound commitment to Gandhian principles.

The evening opened on a sacred note, with Sri Siva Namuduri delivering a prayer mantra crafted by Sri Vedala Srinivasacharya. Siri Sonty, standing before a screen displaying cherished photographs of her father’s life, set a reflective tone with her speech. “I don’t think he’s left for me,” she said, her voice steady yet touched with emotion. “This is all very surreal, but it helps to know that we can celebrate him together as a family, as a community.” Her words framed the evening as a collective embrace of Dr. Sonty’s legacy—a legacy rooted in service, wisdom, and an unwavering dedication to humanity.

Dr. Sriram Sonty, born on July 10, 1946, in Ramachandrapuram, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India, was a man of remarkable depth. A graduate of Andhra Medical College, he completed his ophthalmology residency at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences before moving to the United States in 1975. His distinguished career included training at esteemed institutions like Tufts Medical Center, Boston Children’s Medical Center, and the University of Pittsburgh Eye and Ear Infirmary. In Chicago, he served as a clinical associate professor at the University of Illinois Chicago Eye Center, specializing in glaucoma. His expertise resulted in over 125 publications, leadership roles in organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the prestigious Vamsee International Lifetime Achievement Award.

At the heart of Dr. Sonty’s life was his fervent devotion to Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, a guiding light that shaped his actions and aspirations. He firmly believed that if Gandhi’s principles of non-violence were embraced by young people and all U.S. citizens, countless conflicts could be prevented, fostering peace and harmony. This conviction was not merely philosophical; it was a lived practice. Dr. Sonty curated an extensive library of Gandhi’s writings and a remarkable collection of archival images chronicling the leader’s life. His commitment took him across continents, frequently traveling to West Africa to participate in events commemorating Gandhi’s legacy. A dreamer with a purpose, he tirelessly advocated for a U.S. postal stamp honouring Gandhi, collecting signatures to realize this vision, believing it would inspire future generations to adopt non-violence as a way of life.

Beyond his advocacy, Dr. Sonty’s personal and professional impact was profound. His elder daughter, Siri, shared a glimpse into his character as a father who was both strict and nurturing. “Four-letter words were not allowed in our house,” she recalled, “but the one he banned was ‘hate.’ He believed nothing in this universe could inspire that much negativity.” Instead, he fostered love—for family, community, and the rich heritage of Indian culture. His home was a haven of joy, filled with puns that sparked laughter and shaped his daughters’ perspectives with optimism and compassion.

Sita Sonty, in a deeply reflective speech, portrayed her father as a protector, jester, scholar, and explorer. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, she said, “The soul is neither born nor does it ever die… It is not destroyed when the body is destroyed.” She spoke of his protective instincts, recalling a conversation where he asked about her experiences in Baghdad in 2004, ensuring he had safeguarded her from harm. Sita highlighted his humour, quoting Shakespeare: “Alas, poor Yorick… a fellow of infinite jest.” His wit, she said, was “proof of life,” a reminder that joy could illuminate even the darkest moments. His scholarship was evident in his final hours, as he led a Zoom call on Gandhian principles, and his exploratory spirit inspired her to attend Rafael Nadal’s final tennis match in Spain, honoring his call to “never stop exploring.”

Dr. Sonty’s cousin, Srinivas Vijaykumar Sonty, shared a light-hearted memory that underscored his warmth. “His very first injection when he went to medical school was to me,” he said, laughing at the memory of the needle stuck in his arm. “He was my dad in the US, my role model, my icon.” This sentiment resonated throughout the evening, as speakers emphasized Dr. Sonty’s ability to make everyone feel uniquely valued. Dr. Vasantha Reddi, his wife’s youngest sister, shared a touching anecdote: “He used to call me his favorite sister-in-law—until I found out he said that to all my sisters!” Her poem, “The Light That Was Sriram,” captured his essence: “He came as light, in joy he moved… His essence shines, a sacred flame.”

Colleagues also honored Dr. Sonty’s professional contributions. Dr. Afzal Ahmad, a long-time colleague and owner of Midwest Eye Center, recalled meeting him at a 1982 Boston conference. “I offered him a job at Midwest Eye Center, and he’s been with me ever since,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I call him my brother and I have lost a brother.” Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, a public health physician and chairman of GSA Global Eye Magazine, praised Dr. Sonty’s dedication to Gandhi’s principles. “He lived Gandhi’s legacy every day,” he said, announcing a special magazine issue and a new award in Dr. Sonty and his wife Sharda’s name.

Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam presented a proclamation from the Illinois Senate, honouring Dr. Sonty’s life. “He was a leader in holding on to our religion, culture, and language,” Villivalam said, noting his efforts to establish June 7 as Global Youth Founding Day in Illinois. The proclamation, accepted by Siri and Sita, underscored Dr. Sonty’s far-reaching influence.

The evening celebrated Dr. Sonty’s cultural contributions as well. Sri T.E.S. Raghavan, director of Chicago Thyagaraja Utsavam, spoke of Dr. Sonty and Sharda’s dedication to the Sri Annamacharya Project of North America (SAPNA). “They put their money where their heart was,” he said, urging the Telugu community to continue this legacy. Rakesh Asthana of Metropolitan Asian Family Services announced a posthumous lifetime achievement award for Dr. Sonty, to be presented on November 1, 2025, at the Matrix Club.

Dr. Sonty’s niece, Dr. Madhavi Reddi, and nephew, Ravikrishna Durga, offered personal reflections. Madhavi, an assistant professor at Lehigh University, emphasized her uncle’s ability to find joy: “He made having fun look so easy, and that joy is what life is all about.” Ravikrishna, a strategist at TIXR, called Dr. Sonty “Badanana,” a big daddy whose dedication was unwavering. “He would drive from far away to work with me on a school project,” he said, “then go back home because he had patients to care for.”

The evening concluded with a Bollywood music concert featuring Dr. Sonty’s favourite tunes, as attendees left memories on notepads adorned with his photograph, to be bound into a book for his family. Sticky notes with Gandhi’s quotes and Dr. Sonty’s beloved dad jokes adorned the tables, a fitting tribute to a man who lived with purpose and joy.

Dr. Sriram Sonty’s life was a testament to service, wisdom, and love. His legacy, as reflected in the words of those who knew him best, is a call to live fully, embrace wisdom, and love deeply. In a world often shadowed by conflict, his light continues to shine, urging us to embody the peace he championed.

Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media and a close friend of Dr. Sonty, reflects on his life, we are reminded that true greatness lies in the lives touched, the wisdom shared, and the love given freely. Dr. Sonty’s story challenges us to build lives rooted in non-violence, to seek peace in the everyday, and to uplift one another. In honouring him, we honour the best in ourselves.