“Seva is not just what one does; it is who one becomes.”

Introduction

The life of Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur is an extraordinary reflection of faith, courage, and lifelong service. Born on 9 December 1965 in Karnal, she grew up in an environment where compassion was a way of life. Her mother, Abnash Kaur, worked as a nurse, and her grandfather served as a surgeon. From her earliest days, she was surrounded by the spirit of seva—selfless service. She often recalls walking hand in hand with her mother to the clinic as a child, absorbing the language of care even before she learned to write. The atmosphere of healing and service around her home nurtured her gentle yet determined heart.

Her father, Late Makhan Singh, was a man of humility and deep principles. His simplicity and kindness became the moral compass of her life. Growing up in a small town in Haryana, Dr. Kaur learned that strength lies not in titles but in the quiet perseverance of good deeds. Her early years in Pinjore and Chandigarh shaped her understanding of human compassion. She completed her schooling up to seventh grade in rural Haryana and later moved to Chandigarh, where she pursued higher education. It was here that she began to realize that her purpose extended far beyond personal ambition—it was to heal, guide, and uplift others.

Her journey in nursing began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, one of India’s most reputed medical institutions. She later pursued an MBA from Punjab University, expanding her understanding of healthcare administration. Her academic achievements reflected not only her intellect but also her desire to blend leadership with empathy.

In 1988, she moved to the United States, a turning point that demanded courage and adaptability. Arriving in a new land with unfamiliar customs and language, she faced the cultural shock that many immigrants experience. Yet, she transformed every challenge into a lesson. Her husband, Dr. Manjit Chauhan, stood beside her as an unwavering pillar of strength, encouraging her to continue her education and career despite the difficulties of settling in a foreign country. She often says that his support gave her the wings to fly higher. Her sons, Dr. Gurinder Singh and Dr. Maninder Singh, have followed in their parents’ footsteps, both becoming doctors, a testament to the values of dedication and learning passed down by their mother.

Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur began her nursing career with sincerity and precision, working in diverse clinical environments across the United States. Her early experiences as a floor nurse in acute care, surgical units, and outpatient clinics shaped her approach toward patient-centered care. Over time, she transitioned into leadership roles, becoming Director of Nursing, ICU Manager, and Clinician Instructor at renowned healthcare institutions such as Good Samaritan Hospital, Prosser Memorial Hospital, and Norse Home Long Term Care in Seattle. Her expertise grew across multiple domains—med/surg, labor and delivery, pediatrics, wound care, and rehabilitation. Each position deepened her belief that healthcare is not just a profession but a sacred responsibility.

“Seva karo, dil ton karo, kyunki seva sirf karam nahi, ik ardaas hai.” (Serve from the heart, for service is not just an act, it is a prayer.)

Phase 1: Roots of Compassion : The Making of a Healer

The story of Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur begins in the humble town of Karnal, where her journey into the world of care and compassion quietly took root. Born on 9 December 1965, she entered a family where healing was a way of life. Her mother, Abnash Kaur, served as a dedicated nurse, while her grandfather was a surgeon whose reputation for skill and kindness was known across the region. From her earliest memories, Dr. Kaur recalls watching her mother and grandfather attend to the sick with gentleness and patience. The image of her mother’s white uniform, the scent of antiseptic in the hospital corridors, and the rhythm of a healer’s life became the background music of her childhood.

She grew up in a household that valued education, integrity, and empathy. Her father, Late Makhan Singh, was a man of strong principles and humble character. He instilled in her the belief that respect is not demanded but earned through sincerity and compassion. Her mother, Abnash Kaur, was a woman of deep devotion and discipline who balanced family responsibilities with her demanding nursing duties.

From her, Lakhwinder learned the art of multitasking, the strength to stand firm in hardship, and the grace to smile even when life demanded sacrifice.
The family’s living quarters were located at the back of a government hospital. It was here that young Lakhwinder spent her earliest years, often accompanying her mother to the wards. She would hold her mother’s hand as they walked through the hospital corridors, absorbing the atmosphere with innocent curiosity. While other children of her age played with toys, she memorized the names of medicines and observed how her mother dressed wounds and comforted patients. Her fascination with caregiving was not taught in a classroom; it was nurtured by observation and experience. Even as a six-year-old, she understood that a kind word could heal as much as a medicine could.

Her childhood in the small town was filled with both simplicity and meaning. The people around her were warm-hearted, and the sense of community was strong. Life revolved around work, family, and faith. The family often visited Gurudwara Sahib, where she learned the essence of humility and service. Her mother would remind her, “Beta, seva vich rab da vaas hai”—God lives in service. These words became her lifelong guiding philosophy.

“Mehnat da phal hamesha meetha hunda hai.” (The fruit of hard work is always sweet.)

Phase 2 : Nurturing Dreams : The Path of Purpose and Learning

The journey of Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur from a curious young girl in Karnal to a dedicated nursing student in Chandigarh was guided by discipline, faith, and the desire to serve humanity. Her childhood fascination with medicine had now transformed into determination. Each step she took in her education reflected her deep-rooted belief that service to others was a sacred duty.

After completing her early schooling in Pinjore, a small but culturally vibrant town in Haryana, Lakhwinder moved to Chandigarh, where she began shaping her professional identity. The move marked a significant transition in her life. Chandigarh, known for its structured beauty and academic atmosphere, became the place where her dreams took a concrete form. She was no longer the little girl holding her mother’s hand in hospital corridors; she was now a young woman determined to follow her mother’s path in nursing, yet ready to build a legacy of her own.

Her admission to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh was the turning point that changed her future. PGIMER was not just a college; it was an institution of excellence known for discipline, innovation, and service. Being accepted there was a mark of both her intelligence and her sincerity. She began her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with dedication and humility, aware that every lesson she learned would one day shape the lives of others.

The initial days were not easy. Nursing demanded both academic excellence and emotional endurance. The long hours of classes, practical sessions, and patient care routines tested her strength, yet she remained steadfast. She approached every challenge as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle. Her professors recognized her commitment early on. She was not just a student memorizing procedures; she was someone who cared deeply about the human side of medicine. Her empathy toward patients and discipline in learning made her stand out among her peers.

Her life at PGIMER was not limited to textbooks and classrooms. It was an experience that taught her the rhythm of hospital life—the tireless movements of nurses, the quiet prayers of families, and the unspoken gratitude of patients. She understood that nursing was not merely about curing illnesses but about restoring dignity, hope, and strength. She learned how to comfort the anxious, encourage the weak, and celebrate every small recovery.

“Jithe hausla hove, othe har mushkil raah asaan lagdi hai.” (Where there is courage, every difficult path becomes easier.)

Phase 3 : The Business of Purpose – Dr. Ritchie & Christie’s and the Spirit of Enterprise

The next great chapter in the life of Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur began in 1988, the year she left her homeland and stepped onto foreign soil. It was a decision that would test her endurance, faith, and adaptability in every way. The move from India to the United States was not merely a geographical change; it was a complete transformation of environment, culture, and identity. Leaving behind her family, language, and the familiarity of her world, she entered a land that spoke in a different rhythm. It was the beginning of a new dawn, filled with both opportunity and uncertainty.

When Lakhwinder boarded the flight from India, her heart carried equal parts excitement and fear. She had completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and MBA with distinction, yet she knew that in a new country, she would need to start afresh. The professional world she was stepping into had different standards, different expectations, and a culture unlike anything she had known. But she carried within her the lessons of her parents—hard work, humility, and faith. Her mother’s words echoed in her heart: “Seva karo, duniya chhoti laggi.” (Serve selflessly, and the world will seem small.)

The early days in the United States were filled with challenges. Everything around her seemed unfamiliar. The cold weather, the accent, the customs, and even the hospital environment felt alien. She often found herself longing for the simplicity of home, the warmth of her family, and the comfort of her native language. But she had made a choice—to step forward, to adapt, and to make her mark in this new world.

Her first job was not glamorous. Like many immigrants, Lakhwinder began her journey by accepting small assignments, working shifts, and proving her capability in an unfamiliar system. She soon realized that the American healthcare structure was rigorous and deeply technology-driven. She had to unlearn and relearn many aspects of nursing to fit the new standards. But she refused to be daunted. Every night, she would return home, study, and prepare herself for the next day. Her resilience became her greatest ally.

Those who worked with her during those initial years remember her as a quiet yet determined professional who observed everything carefully and absorbed every detail with sincerity. She was not one to complain or dwell on hardships. Instead, she approached every challenge with grace. Her philosophy was simple—if you keep your intentions pure and your effort consistent, success will follow.

Note of Thanks

With heartfelt gratitude, this biography extends sincere appreciation to everyone who has been part of Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur’s remarkable journey. Her life is not only a story of professional achievement but also of deep faith, family values, and selfless service. Every step she has taken has been guided by love, humility, and the blessings of those who shaped her path.

Dr. Kaur expresses her deepest thanks to her husband, Dr. Manjit Chauhan, whose unwavering support and belief in her dreams made every milestone possible. His encouragement became her strength through every challenge and every success. Her sons, Dr. Gurinder Singh and Dr. Maninder Singh, remain her greatest pride and inspiration. Their achievements and kindness continue to fill her life with joy and purpose.
She also extends her gratitude to her parents, Late Makhan Singh and Abnash Kaur, whose teachings of honesty, compassion, and service became the foundation of her values. Their sacrifices and guidance remain the light that continues to lead her way.

A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to her colleagues, mentors, and students who have been part of her professional and academic journey. Their collaboration, trust, and respect have enriched her career and strengthened her commitment to healing and education.
Most importantly, Dr. Kaur gives thanks to the Almighty for every opportunity, every lesson, and every blessing. She believes that without divine guidance, no success holds meaning.

This note stands as a tribute to all who have touched her life with kindness and faith. Through them, she continues to find the courage to serve, to learn, and to give back. For Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur, gratitude is not a word—it is the spirit that defines her journey.

Thank You
– Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur