'Divorced, not defeated': HR professional's inspiring LinkedIn post on 'learning & growing' post divorce goes viral

A heartfelt post by a Delhi-based woman has gone viral on LinkedIn, sparking widespread admiration and conversations about strength, identity, and acceptance after divorce. Gargi Kalra, an HR professional, shared her personal journey following her separation—choosing to reframe her experience not with shame, but with resilience. Her powerful declaration, “Divorced, not defeated,” has since become a rallying cry for many navigating similar paths.

Breaking the Silence: Owning The Truth

In her widely shared post, Kalra openly acknowledged her divorce—not as a plea for sympathy or applause, but as an honest admission to herself. She expressed that simply stating it aloud was a milestone in her healing process. In her words, naming the reality was not about inviting judgment or praise but about embracing her truth without hesitation.

Kalra emphasized how society often labels individuals with a single word, allowing that label to overshadow every other facet of their identity. For her, shedding the weight of those imposed perceptions was a long, emotional battle. Yet, she made it clear that standing by her decision, despite societal pressure and unsolicited opinions, was an act of courage she doesn't regret.

Seeking Validation, Finding Strength

Kalra did not shy away from admitting her vulnerabilities. She spoke candidly about how external validation used to matter deeply—how disapproval from others could sting, especially when her choices were misunderstood or dismissed. She recounted how, in her search for understanding, she often looked in the wrong places and leaned on the wrong people.

However, over time, she came to a pivotal realization: her truth did not require anyone else’s endorsement to be valid. Whether she had the support of ten people or none at all, her journey was still hers to own. Her confidence grew from within, and that internal affirmation became far more powerful than any external approval could ever be.

Changing Within, Hoping to Inspire Change Beyond

Kalra concluded her post with a note of humility and solidarity. She acknowledged that she is still on a path of growth and healing, learning more each day about herself and others. Through conversations with people who have faced similar struggles, she has come to understand the quiet battles so many fight behind closed doors.

Her hope is simple yet profound: that by changing herself and refusing to conform to societal expectations, she might inspire a ripple effect—encouraging others to break their silence, shed shame, and step into their truth unapologetically.

Netizens React

Responding to the post, one LinkedIn user shared her own divorce journey. "I’m in the middle of my divorce process; it’s not been easy but it helped me find out who REALLY my people are.
I’ve heard so many rumours about myself; people talk shit about me because I chose myself and god forbid women prioritise themselves," she wrote.

"More love and power to you, Gargi," wrote another.

Kalra’s story is not just about divorce; it’s about reclaiming identity, redefining strength, and refusing to let a label dictate a life.

Who Is Gargi Kalra?

Gargi Kalra is a seasoned HR professional with over 7 years of experience in talent management. She has an MBA from the Delhi School of Economics.