Girl power: Bhojwani digs deep to make dream of pond reality
October 25, 2019
CHS9 student Taara Bhojwani refills the water in her pond on Wednesday in the backyard. Bhojwani spent hours in the sun to build the Koi pond by herself.
The doubts of her friends would not deter CHS9 student Taara Bhojwani.
“[Peers would say], ‘You can’t build a pond, you’re too small and girly’,” Bhojwani said. “I wanted to prove them [wrong].”
After spending hours in the sun in her backyard, Bhojwani silenced her critics and constructed her own pond. From designing the dimensions and determining the location of her pond to using her house’s irrigation system to adding Koi fish several months later, Bhojwani built the pond with little help from anyone else.
Her vision started as a child when she visited her family in the Philippines.
“[In the Philippines], it is very common to have Koi ponds,” Bhojwani said. “I always thought those were really cool but never thought I’d actually [have] one.”
Bhojwani’s desire to build a pond is a combination of her interest in art and her fascination with aquatics.
“I’ve always had an obsession with water,” Bhojwani said. “I also love anything that has to do with art, like fashion and jewelry. People don’t believe it when I tell them I built a pond.”
CHS9 student Taara Bhojwani constructed a 5-by-8-by-3 feet pond in her backyard. Bhojwani spent hours in the sun to build the Koi pond by herself.
As she grew older, her desire to build a pond stayed the same, though her purpose changed.
Her determination to fight stereotypes resulted in her spending hours digging a 5 feet long, 8 feet wide and 3 feet deep pond. However, getting the pond to a healthy state wasn’t easy.
She had to learn about her home’s irrigation system to ensure safe plumbing to her pond and how to dig it. After it was filled, she had to maintain the correct pH level and add a tarp and Koi fish, all with little help.
“She has done it all by hand.” Bhojwani’s father Raja Bhojwani said “She got some help, but most of her friends gave up. The majority of it she has done by herself.”
Even after completing development, Taara’s pond faces many challenges.
“I realized there were so many other problems, like the water turning green,” Taara’s said. “I had to empty it more than seven times.”
Bhojwani continues to ensure her pond is in the best condition.
“Once she starts a project like this, she wants to finish it,” Mr. Bhojwani said. “She really proved that if you put your mind to something you can do it.”
Follow Anvitha (anvithareddytx) and @CHSCampusNews on Twitter.
