Name:Poonam
Location: Manali
Profession:Single Mother, Homemaker, Local Food Artisan, Spiritual Seeker
Profile
Poonam is a woman of quiet strength and unwavering devotion — a single mother raising her son, Vihaan, with courage and deep love in the hills of Manali. Life took a painful turn when her husband, Bishal, a chef by profession, mysteriously disappeared during a trip to Chandigarh from his workplace in Goa. Since that day, no word has been heard, and the mystery of his disappearance remains unresolved.
Left to navigate life alone, Poonam has become the sole breadwinner of her household. With grace and determination, she began preparing and selling a traditional Himachali dish from her home — a local specialty beloved by shopkeepers and residents alike. Her culinary skills, once shared within her family, have now become her means of survival and independence. Though the income is modest, her food carries warmth, heritage, and the resilience of a woman who refuses to give up.
Balancing her role as a provider and a mother, Poonam keeps the home running and Vihaan cared for — all while managing the emotional weight of the unknown. Though she wears a brave face, Vihaan, mentored through Khachodling’s youth programs, senses his mother’s quiet sorrow and helps out at home in small, thoughtful ways. Their bond is tender and unshakable, built on shared strength and silent understanding.
Spiritually, Poonam finds comfort in the Khachodling community. She attends Sunday meditation and chanting sessions when she can, participating with sincerity and humility. Her faith is a quiet anchor, a source of strength that grounds her amidst life’s uncertainty. She doesn’t speak much, but her presence is powerful — a reminder of how spiritual resilience can blossom even in the most trying circumstances.
Poonam’s story is one of survival, quiet faith, and unconditional love. Through her work, her motherhood, and her inner strength, she continues to build a life of dignity for herself and her son — step by step, with courage that often goes unseen.
Quote:
“I cook with my heart and pray with my silence. Every day is uncertain, but my love for my son gives me the strength to keep going.“
