I met Sunayana in one of my favorite restaurants in Overland Park, KS - Yia Yia’s Bistro. We selected a small table for two. Her eyes were already brimming with tears as we started to speak.
I had agreed to meet Sunayana because I knew it was the right thing to do. Her husband, Srinivas Kuchibhotla was murdered only months prior to this introduction.
Sunayana is Hindu and an immigrant from India. Her husband was targeted for the color of his skin. What the shooter didn’t know was the resilience of his victim’s spouse. Her tenacity, strength and grace would quickly be broadcast around the world.
In our first meeting Sunayana was seeking a connection with someone who had experienced a significant tragedy. She was reeling from the loss of her “rock”, as she calls her husband. I could offer a lifeline to her in the areas of trauma, nightmares, speaking with the press, opening a foundation, hosting an event, creating a board of directors and raising awareness and funding for her cause and the overall reality of how exhausting grieving is.
What I didn’t know about was the multi-decade green card backlog she and Srinivas were experiencing, before he was murdered. I soon learned her deep desire to stay in the United States would prolong her ability to heal from this horrific tragedy. This extra layer of complexity was thrust upon her at his death...Srinivas was the principal holder of the visa allowing them to work in the United States.
I am honored to know Sunayana, consider her my dear friend and my chelli. (sounds like chell -eee) I am her akka. (sounds like ahhh - ka) Take a listen to understand the meaning and depth of our relationship.
Links from this episode:
The Forever Welcome Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/ForeverWelcome1/
A Devastating Hate Crime in Kansas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3iHH5wRMfE
Sunayana Dumala’s advocacy efforts in immigration
https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article236572298.html
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