By Harinder Pal Kaur

“I was kicked out, broken—literally—and had no one to turn to. But I didn’t chop my wings. I rebuilt them.”

I’ve always been a competitive person—not with others, but with the version of myself I was yesterday. I believe the only race worth running is the one where you push to become your best self. And for the last 12 years, that’s all I’ve been doing: working on me.  

My journey hasn’t been easy. I lost both my parents early, and the man I trusted with my life—my ex-husband—shattered it. One violent night, he broke my left ankle and threw me out of his house. I had no home, no family, and no one to lean on. 

But I had something else: hope.

With the support of my current company’s management and the strength God placed in my heart, I slowly began to restart my life. Even then, financial struggles and emotional emptiness often knocked on my door. The loneliness of those days—I truly have no words for it.

Still, I fought.

I underwent ankle surgery and got back to work. Two years later, I found some stability—emotionally and financially. That’s when another unexpected challenge appeared: a severe skin condition. Treatments, painful peels, laser sessions, medications—I endured it all. I was born with dark skin, but I never let that dim the light in my eyes or the dreams in my heart. When doctors suggested I chop my hair, I did. But I never chopped my wings.

I bought my first home—a small yet proud milestone—and was just settling in when life struck again: a pancreatic tumor. Another surgery. More recovery.

But giving up? Never.

I returned stronger, started running marathons, joined the gym, and found peace in yoga. Alongside my healing body, my mind and career were also growing. Then, one day, on a whim, I gave an audition—and was selected for Miss India Classic.

I was overjoyed.

I started training in ramp walk, catwalk, dance, and acting. My fitness goals became even more focused. But life had more tests—I was hospitalized twice, once in the ICU. And yet again, I bounced back.

Today, I manage my professional responsibilities, continue my education, practice dance and modeling, and train at the gym—all with passion and discipline. Every night I sleep by 8:30 PM and wake up before 4:30 AM, without fail.

And today, while coming to the office, a thought struck me:

How is this even possible? A woman, completely alone, with no nightlife, no family, no shortcuts—only grit and grace, showing up for herself, day after day?

The answer came softly: God.

There is some higher power guiding me, motivating me, carrying me through the storms I didn’t think I’d survive. And so, I just want to say:

Thank You, God.

I know it’s You who gave me this power. And I promise You—I won’t stop.

Harinder Pal Kaur is the General Manager at Northern Cargo Services, a leading logistics firm in India. She holds the distinction of being the first female member of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). Beyond her professional achievements, Harinder is a motivational speaker and the creator of the YouTube channel Courage on Heels and Wheels, where she shares inspiring stories from India’s trucking community, aiming to empower women across various walks of life.