Could you tell us about yourself and your work?
I am Major Sonia Khatri – a retired Army officer, an All India Inter-University Gold Medalist in yog, Best Yogini awardee, an Avid Biker, a public figure, Motivational speaker and a beauty pageant Crown holder. My journey has been anything but ordinary. From serving the Nation in uniform to now serving society through wellness, motivation and empowerment, I have consciously evolved with purpose.
Today, I work as a yoga trainer, motivational speaker, and mentor, focusing especially on women and youth. My work revolves around promoting a balanced lifestyle – physically, mentally and emotionally. I conduct sessions in schools, colleges, organizations and community platforms, where I combine discipline from Army with the holistic approach of Indian Traditional Yog.
I strongly believe that true success is not just about achievements but about how much change you bring to the society and how many lives you can positively influence. My aim is to make people specially the Youth and Women realize their inner strength & Potential and help them overcome stress and self-doubt.
From the tough terrains of Siachen to the confident walks on the ramp, my journey reflects resilience, adaptability and courage and through my work, I strive to pass on the same spirit to others.
How you and your service is helping society?
My work is centered around one core idea — creating stronger individuals to build a stronger society. Through yog, motivational sessions and awareness programs, I aim to address some of the most common challenges today : stress, poor health, lack of confidence and directionlessness, especially among women and youth.
For women, I focus on health awareness, self-care and emotional strength. I guide homemakers, working professionals and young girls on how to manage stress, maintain fitness and build confidence through simple and practical yogic practices.
For students, I emphasize discipline, focus and mental clarity. In today’s fast-paced digital world, children often struggle with attention, focus and anxiety. My sessions help them improve concentration, emotional balance and self-belief.
I also actively promote yog as a sport and career option, encouraging young talent to explore competitive platforms. What makes my service impactful is its practicality. When people start applying small changes in their daily life and see results, that is when real transformation happens.
What is the USP of your work?
The unique strength of my work lies in its authenticity and integration of real-life experience with practical application. I don’t just teach yog or deliver motivational talks – I bring lived experiences from three different worlds : the discipline of the Army , the wellness of a Yogini and the grace of fashion industry.
This combination allows me to connect with a wide audience – from students to professionals, from homemakers to aspiring achievers. My approach is simple, relatable and result-oriented. I focus on small, actionable steps rather than complicated theories.
Another important ability is to make wellness practical. I understand that people have busy lives, so I design routines and guidance that can be easily followed at home without requiring extra time or resources.
I also emphasize mental strength along with physical fitness. In today’s world, emotional resilience is as important as physical health and my sessions address both.
Most importantly, I lead by example. My journey from a gender-biased environment to achieving recognition in multiple fields makes my message credible and inspiring. People don’t just hear my words.
What are your Vision and Mission?
My vision is to create a society where individuals, especially women and youth, are physically healthy, mentally strong and emotionally balanced. I want to see more confident women who prioritize their well-being and more focused youth who channel their energy in the right direction.
My mission is to make Indian yog (not Yoga) and wellness a daily lifestyle rather than an occasional activity. I aim to take yog beyond traditional boundaries and present it as a practical tool for modern living and also as a sport and career opportunity.
I am also deeply committed to spreading awareness about women’s health, self-care and empowerment. Through my sessions, I want to break the mindset that taking care of oneself is selfish – instead, it is essential and the need of the hour.
Another key part of my mission is mentorship. I want to guide young girls to believe in themselves, overcome societal limitations and pursue their dreams with confidence and dignity.
In the long run, I aspire to create a larger platform – through workshops and digital content that reaches maximum people and creates lasting impact.
What are your achievements in this industry?
My journey has been a blend of discipline, passion and continuous growth. I am proud to be a national gold medalist in yog, which reflects my dedication to the practice and sport. Serving as an Army officer has been one of my greatest honors, shaping my personality with resilience, courage and leadership.
I have also had the privilege of breaking stereotypes by riding Hero Honda Motor Bike from Dehradun to Siachen and crossing world’s highest motorable pass Khardung La at an Altitude of 17,582 feet ( in 2007 ) which was not just an achievement but a statement of women empowerment.
In the field of fashion and pageantry, I am the pageant Crown Winner of Mrs India Glamlight. I have won multiple titles, including Miss Personality, Mrs Perfect Ten, The Best Smile , The Most Charismatic Walk, Mrs Glamorous and top Ten Finalist of India’s Supermodel. These achievements represent confidence, stage presence and self-expression.
Additionally, being invited as a jury member for beauty pageants, conducting motivational and wellness sessions across platforms has been deeply fulfilling.
However, beyond titles and awards, my biggest achievement is the impact I create – when someone adopts a disciplined and healthier lifestyle, gains confidence, or changes their mindset after my sessions, that is my true success.
Does your work ever feel tedious to you? If so, how do you stay driven and motivated towards it?
Like any meaningful journey, there are moments when work can feel repetitive or physically demanding, especially when managing multiple roles and responsibilities. However, I strongly believe that purpose always overcomes tiredness.
Whenever I feel low or exhausted, I reconnect with my “why” — why I started this journey. I remind myself that my work is not just about me, it is about the people I am trying to inspire. Even one life positively impacted is enough motivation to keep going.
Yog itself plays a major role in keeping me balanced. Regular practice of asans, pranayam and meditation helps me stay mentally calm and physically energized.
I also keep learning and evolving. Whether it is upgrading my knowledge, trying new formats of sessions or exploring creative platforms like fashion and media – growth keeps the journey exciting.
Most importantly, I celebrate small wins — a positive feedback, a smiling participant or someone sharing their transformation. These moments remind me that my work has value and purpose.
What are your hobbies and specific interests other than your profession?
Beyond my professional work, my hobbies reflect both strength and creativity. I have a deep love for biking, which symbolizes freedom and courage for me.
I also enjoy music, which helps me relax and reconnect with my emotions. It brings a sense of calm and balance in my busy schedule.
Fashion and styling are another area of interest. For me, fashion is not just about appearance – it’s about confidence, expression and personality.
I also love reading motivational content, which helps in continuous self-growth. Writing short poems and motivational lines is something I do to express my thoughts and inspire others.
My hobbies are not separate from my personality -they are an extension of who I am : strong, expressive and disciplined.
You have achieved so much in life, any specific advice you’d like to share with our readers to grow in life.
My biggest advice is simple -focus on consistency, not perfection. Wait for the right time and the perfect opportunity. But growth begins when you take the first step, even with fear. Discipline is the key to everything. Whether it is health, career or personal growth, small daily habits create big results over time. Stay committed, even on days when motivation is low.
Another important aspect is Self-belief. There will always be people who doubt you or situations that challenge you. But if you believe in your purpose and keep moving forward, you will find your path.
Take care of your health – physical, mental and emotional. Without good health, no success can be truly enjoyed.
And most importantly, never let your background or society define your limits. Instead, you create a Definition of your own.Life will test you but it will always reward you -if you stay strong, patient and true to yourself.
“अगर सूरज की तरह चमकना चाहते हो ,
तो पहले सूरज की तरह जलना सीखो |”
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