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Tributes showered on life of Dr. Sriram Sonty in Illinois
Born in Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Sonty was a lifelong Gandhian and advocated for non-violence and peace.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 18, Jul 2025
- 01:38 EDT
- 34
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Dr. Sonty's family was presented with a proclamation from the Illinois Senate, honouring Dr. Sonty’s life / Asian Media USA
A celebration of the life of Dr. Sriram Sonty was organized in Naperville, Illinois on July 13.
A grand celebration with heartfelt tributes, music, and stories marked the day, celebrating Dr. Sonty, a distinguished ophthalmologist, and an 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.
Displaying photos of her father, Siri Sonty talked about his lasting impact and said, “I don’t think he’s left for me. This is all very surreal, but it helps to know that we can celebrate him together as a family, as a community.”
Dr. Sriram Sonty was born in 1946, in Ramachandrapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. 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.
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The celebration was led by Dr. Sonty's daughters, Siri and Sita Sonty / Asian Media USAAt the heart of Dr. Sonty’s life was his 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 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.
Remembering her father, Siri Sonty recalled that a word her father had "banned" was “hate”. She said, "He believed nothing in this universe could inspire that much negativity.”
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The attendees talked about Dr. Sonty's personal, professional and socio-cultural contributions. / Asian Media USA
Sita Sonty, Dr. Sonty's younger daughter, 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”.
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.”
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