Life can turn in unexpected ways. Sometimes it moves slowly, sometimes it hits hard. Awtar Singh Koonar has experienced both. He has faced moments that could have brought him to his knees—losses that caused deep scars, struggles that would not ease, and the challenge of starting over in a new place. As he shares in Unbreakable Spirit: From Shadows to Radiance – From Darkness to Light, he discovered a truth that can profoundly change our lives, yet is very simple: we do not heal alone. Faith holds you firm, and good people help you find your way forward when your own strength feels gone.
The Steady Guide of Faith
To Awtar, faith wasn’t something he set aside for rare moments. It was part of everyday life. It didn’t erase the experiences he had, but it inspired him to confront them. He believed that everyone can find light somewhere, even if they cannot see it at once. That thought in itself was enough to take another step forward.
Not mere believing—but doing what one believes. Waking up and making the decision to be thankful even on the mornings when nothing was in favour. You guarded that hope as you might a spark in the wind, lest it blow out.
Strength in Change
Moving to Canada was not a simple move out of Punjab but the need to let go of the familiar and learn to stand on unknown land. With the move came a different set of challenges—a new culture, new routines, and the silent burden of the past. The practices he had formed—faith and meditation—helped him remember that change can be a teacher, showing us how far our roots can go before they break.
A Silent Retreat into Meditation
Meditation was his place of seclusion in a noisy world. A place to slow down, breathe, and put things in order, letting go of what no longer served him. It was not a matter of clearing his mind, but opening it to allow sense and calm to settle in.
A Gift of Kindness
Human beings played a role. Some were close friends, others he had only met once. Sharing a meal, speaking a kind word, offering a smile—all of it mattered. Those little things lifted his spirit and reminded him that compassion can heal in ways nothing else can.
A Journey Worth Sharing
Unbreakable Spirit is not only the story of what happened to him. It is the story of what kept him standing: faith, inner peace, and the kindness of others. It’s a quiet reminder that we are not walking alone—and that sometimes, offering your strength to someone in need is the way you heal yourself as well.