Harleen Bagga, a Sikh originally from Bengaluru who moved to Hyderabad, interacts with The Pioneer for our weekly piece, Hyderabond, and discusses her roots in the city.
Shraddha Neware
A well-known multi-disciplinary psychotherapist and hypnotherapist from the city, Harleen Bagga communicates with people on an emotional level, guides them through it, and improves their quality of life. She infuses an awareness of human psychology into her leadership and empowerment courses, assisting Hyderabadis in dealing with their demons.
Despite being a Sikh who was born and raised in Bengaluru, she has fallen in love with Hyderabad. A city that is hungry for expansion and curious about what comes next, as she beautifully expresses during our chat, she raises her concerns about overpopulation and points out that Hyderabad has a population advantage over Bangalore. She recalls visiting Hyderabad prior to making the permanent move: “When I visited the city during my adolescent years, I didn’t have any responsibilities, so I came here to have fun and relax. I felt like a tourist.”
After spending a few years abroad, she felt that returning to India and residing in Hyderabad would be advantageous. “Hyderabad appeared to be rising at a rapid pace, with effective governance. The city is growing. Policies are being developed in areas where, at least, the urban section of the city is expanding. And it’s been great for the city. We are looking into it. We’re living it!”
She has a lovely family of four, including two children, who are all grown and ready to face the world. When questioned about her favourite re-collections of Hyderabad, she responded emotionally: “We are Sikhs. We held a Pagdi-tying ceremony. And having done that for my son, he grew into an adult. It was a great recollection because it encapsulated everything, including our humility, God’s grace, how small we are in this vast universe, and God’s kindness to us.”
She credits the city with her career as one of the most sought-after wellness trainers in the thriving corporate hub. She adds, “I believe your work speaks for itself. I believe that is where the city can really benefit me. The city is willing to seek support. It has greatly aided my work, but I do not rely just on them in Hyderabad, as my clientele is global.”
She is particularly outspoken about the Hyderabad corporate world’s approach to addressing mental health issues, stating, “The mistakes a lot of corporations make are employing these dime-a-dozen coaches straight out of school, only because of some of the corporate policies and CSR that are in place. There is no emotion or comprehension involved. Each person has unique factors, and no two people are likely to experience the same level of anxiety or stress reaction.”
Despite criticism, stigma associated with mental health disorders, and judgement when seeking help, she applauds the city for taking the essential measures in the correct direction. She continues, “There are many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that support people. However, I believe there is still room for growth, particularly among IT organisations. I wish they could raise awareness and mandate it for IT companies as well.”
Change is unavoidable, and a fast-paced metropolis like Hyderabad has ups and downs. Harleen expresses concern over the city’s future. She considers Hyderabad her home and feels that ‘home is where the heart is’. It’s natural to be terrified of change.
When asked about her family who visit her, she answers, “We are a very emotional family. We only focus on memories, love, and laughing. We enjoy food in Hyderabad. But we enjoy just talking, laughing, and creating memories. Rather than going shopping in the city, it is crucial for me and my family to spend time together.”
Harleen feels deeply bonded to Hyderabad, calling it “home.” “For me, it is both the beginning and the conclusion of existence. Hyderabad is more than just a city; it is a way of life that is deeply ingrained in my soul.”
