“Before guiding others, I learned to understand myself, and that became the strongest foundation of my journey.”

Introduction

The story of Dr. Poonam Kumari does not begin with big achievements or defining moments. It grows slowly, shaped by lived experiences, quiet decisions, and the strength to keep moving forward even when the path is not clear. It is a journey that reminds us how life unfolds gently, teaching us something new at every step.

She grew up in Haryana in a middle-class family. Life was simple there, but it was also very value-based. Her father’s discipline and sense of responsibility, along with her mother’s emotional warmth and constant presence, gave her a strong base for her life. Her mother’s support was never loud, but it was always there, quietly holding things together and giving her a sense of comfort she could count on.

Her early years were full of changes because her father was in the military and they had to move around a lot. Every new place she went to brought its problems that she had to deal with, watch, and learn from. Even though these experiences weren’t always easy, they slowly helped her learn how to understand people and situations with a calm sense of acceptance.

As she progressed in her education, her interest naturally inclined toward science. With a background in biology during her graduation, she chose to pursue an M.Sc. in chemistry. At that stage, building a stable and independent life mattered deeply to her. During this time, a teacher left a quiet but lasting impression by guiding her with patience and focusing on solutions rather than mistakes. That way of thinking stayed with her and gradually became a part of how she approached life itself.

Her entry into professional life was not without its struggles. There were moments when she had to rely only on herself, make difficult choices, and move forward without certainty. The journey was not smooth, but it taught her how to stand firm and trust her own strength. Those early experiences did not discourage her; instead, they shaped her into someone who could handle life with greater confidence.

“Life did not begin with ease, but it gave me values. And somewhere in those values, I found the strength to keep moving forward.”

Phase 1: Where It All Quietly Began

The story of Dr. Poonam Kumari does not begin with anything extraordinary. It begins in a small, simple setting in Haryana, in a middle-class farming family where life was not always easy, but it was real. There wasn’t much in terms of comfort, but there was a sense of togetherness that held everything in place. People didn’t talk much about values. They simply lived them.

Her father, Late Subedar Bhim Singh, served in the defence sector. He carried his responsibilities quietly, without making much noise about them. Being the only son in a large family meant that a lot rested on him, but he handled it in a way that never looked heavy from the outside. As a child, she didn’t always understand what he was going through. But she noticed. The way he stayed steady, the way he managed things without showing stress. Those small observations stayed somewhere within her.

Her mother, Rajindri Devi, was different in her own way. She didn’t say much, but she didn’t need to. Her presence itself was enough. There was a kind of comfort in just knowing she was there. No matter what was happening, things felt a little more manageable because of her. Over time, that quiet presence became something she depended on, even without realising it.

Her early years in the village were simple. Life moved slowly. People knew each other, helped each other, and shared what they had. There was nothing extraordinary about those days, but there was a kind of warmth in them. It was in these small, everyday moments that she began to understand how relationships work, not through big gestures, but through consistency.

Then came a shift. Because of her father’s service, the family moved into a defence environment. Everything felt different. Life became more structured. There were routines, discipline, and a certain order to things. It took time to adjust. She didn’t immediately fit in or feel comfortable. But instead of resisting it, she slowly began to accept it. She watched, learned, and adapted in her quiet way.

“There was a time when I kept waiting for things to become easier. Then I slowly understood that life does not become easier, we simply become stronger if we keep going.”

Phase 2 : Stepping Into the Classroom With Purpose

As Dr. Poonam Kumari moved beyond her early years, life slowly began asking more of her. It was not a sudden change but a quiet shift where she started understanding that she would now have to make her own choices. Gradually, she took on the responsibility of deciding her own path instead of relying on the comfort of being guided.

Her move to college in Sonipat marked the beginning of this phase. For the first time, she found herself in a space where independence was not optional. It became a part of daily life. Along with new surroundings came new questions. What direction should she take? What kind of future did she want to build? These were not easy questions, and answers did not come immediately.

Her inclination towards science continued during her graduation, with a clear interest in biology. It was not just about academics. There was a natural curiosity in her to understand things beyond the surface. She approached her studies with sincerity, not out of pressure, but out of genuine interest.

However, this phase was not defined only by books. It was a time when people learned by doing. It became a part of her daily life to get used to new places, deal with uncertainty, and handle situations without clear instructions. Some days, everything seemed easy to handle, and other days, even small choices felt like a lot of work.

Being away from familiar surroundings meant relying on herself in ways she had never experienced before. There were moments of doubt. Moments when she questioned whether she was moving in the right direction. But even in those moments, she did not step back. She continued, even if progress felt slow.

Gradually, she began to understand something important. Life does not always provide clarity at the beginning. Sometimes, clarity comes only after we take a few steps forward.

“I was not always sure if I was ready for the roles life gave me, but I kept showing up, and slowly, I learned how to carry them.”

Phase 3 : Learning to See Beyond What Was Visible

As Dr. Poonam Kumari moved ahead in her journey, life began to feel different. Not suddenly, not in a way that could be clearly pointed out, but in a way that she could feel within herself. The phase of simply learning and adjusting was slowly fading. In its place came something more real, something that asked her to take responsibility, not just for her choices, but for the life she was now building.

Her marriage to Pushpender Kumar Pannu, who was serving in the Air Force, marked one of those moments that quietly change everything. It was not just about entering a new relationship. It was about stepping into a completely new environment, where everything felt unfamiliar at first. New people, new expectations, new ways of living. There were moments when she did not fully understand how to respond, moments when things felt slightly overwhelming. But she did not rush to react. She gave herself time. She chose to observe, to understand, and, slowly, to find her place within it.

In the middle of all this, her husband’s support became something she could rely on without hesitation. His simple encouragement to continue her education and build her own identity stayed with her. It was not said in a dramatic way, but it carried meaning. It gave her a sense of permission to keep going, even when things felt uncertain. There were days when balancing everything felt heavy, when personal responsibilities and her aspirations seemed to pull her in different directions. Some days felt manageable, others did not. But she did not stop. She didn’t try to solve everything at once either. She just kept moving, one step at a time, figuring things out as she went.

Being part of a new family brought its own quiet lessons. Relationships were not always simple. Every person carried their own experiences, their own way of thinking, and their own expectations. There were moments when differences could have turned into conflict. But instead of reacting immediately, she chose to stay patient. 

Note of Thanks

In the life journey of Dr. Poonam Kumari, there have been many quiet presences that have held her, supported her, and gently guided her forward. This note stands as a heartfelt acknowledgement of those who have remained by her side, not always in visible ways, but in ways that have deeply shaped her strength and spirit.

At the very heart of her journey lies the unconditional support of her parents. The values of discipline, resilience, and integrity instilled by her late father, Late subedar Subedar, continue to live within her, guiding her choices and grounding her in moments of uncertainty. Alongside this, the unwavering emotional strength and constant presence of her mother, Rajindri Devi, whom she lovingly calls her backbone, have been her greatest source of comfort. Her mother’s quiet strength has been something she has leaned on, time and again, without ever needing to ask.

Just after her mother, the presence of her husband, Pushpender Kumar Pannu, stands as one of the strongest pillars in her life. His support has never been loud, yet it has always been deeply felt. Through his understanding, patience, and silent encouragement, he has given her the confidence to move forward, even in moments when the path felt uncertain. His presence has brought a sense of balance and reassurance that words often fail to express. Prateek Pannu is her lifeline and driving force for doing everything, she always feel blessed having him as son, she proudly qoute that he is in IAF as an officer and serving nation, she is living her dreamlife with him. Being his mother She always feel satisfied and complete.

Her journey has also been made lighter and warmer by a beautiful circle of friends who have stood beside her like a family. Ambika Gemini, Suresh Rao, Aarti Bhatiya, Deepti Aanand, and Rajni have not just been friends but a constant source of strength, laughter, and emotional support. Together, they have shared moments of joy, understanding, and quiet companionship that have made every phase of her life a little easier. Among them, Rajni, who has been a patient listener since 2012, has held a special space, always ready to listen without judgement, offering comfort in the simplest yet most meaningful way.

The strength of her extended family has also been an important part of her journey. Her father-in-law, Sarpanch Pratap Singh Pannu, has been a respected and steady presence whose guidance and support have added a sense of stability and reassurance that has remained constant over time.

Finally, the support of the Jaglan Family has held a special place in her life. She learned life lessons from them.

Each of these individuals has touched her life in ways that she may not always speak about but that she deeply feels. Their support, in its simplest and most genuine form, has helped her become who she is today. And it is with a heart full of gratitude that her journey continues, carrying their presence within her, every step of the way.

Thanks,

– Dr. Poonam Kumari