Hansa Pankhania is an Author of Self-help books for adults and children available on Amazon and through her website. She is a Speaker and Founder of Aum Wellbeing Consultancy which offers personal and corporate wellbeing solutions.
In her street to success series of books, she is passionate about sharing natural wellbeing techniques which do not cost anything but nourish your body, mind, and soul in powerful ways. Her Chakraji children relaxation series of books passes natural wellbeing tips to primary age children using colourful illustrations.
She has also published her memoir best of three worlds about being born in Kenya as a British subject of Indian origin and the fusion of these three histories and cultures.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Home is where the heart is. My parents originate from Gujerat in India. I was born in Kenya and moved to UK at the age of 16 and lived in Birmingham for nearly 50 years. Recently I moved to Surrey. I have felt at home in all these places because of the love and psychological safety I feel from my loved ones. I have written a lot more about this in my memoir BEST OF 3 WORLDS.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Without doubt, these are my children because they have turned out to be wonderful, kind and caring adults who are respected by their peers. My other proud achievements are my seven published books, which were created and nurtured in the same way. Every time a reader or client says their lives have changed for the better due to my input, is also a proud moment for me.
3) What inspires you?
Everything and anything big or small. It can be the innocent smile of a child or a few words by a famous person. Nature is also inspiring. It has that inherent magic in it that makes the creative juices flow with ease for me.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
The lack of resources and time. There are so many people I want to help either by personal intervention or through my books, but I do not have all the resources I need.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My parents, husband and family who have always supported me with my vision. I am truly blessed because I was brought up surrounded by love, acceptance and humanitarian values, so I endeavour to make a difference to peoples lives rather than measure personal worth through material things.
I was also influenced by Dipak Chopra after I met him at his Centre in California in 2004. He inspired me to set up my own Natural Wellbeing Centre in the Midlands and to help others through writing and publishing books about body, mind and spirit.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Almost every aspect. I love my work. In fact, it does not feel like work to me, instead it is a labour of love and worship. What can be better than spending time in your office and with likeminded people that eventually improves the lives of others?
7) And the worst?
Hurdles and challenges are an opportunity to learn and grow so in essence, all experiences are there to take you to the next level of your vision and purpose in life.
8) What are your long-term goals?
I am writing two more books on the link between wellbeing and living sustainably which I hope will not only boost the wellbeing of people but also our beautiful planet. One of them is a sequel to my memoir which will be called BEST OF ONE WORLD. The other is a self-help book about living an eco-friendly life that will also accelerate physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
I would also love to set up a Wellbeing Sustainable Centre in Surrey like I had in the Midlands if I got support with running costs, as property is very expensive in my area. I have the experience and passion, but again it is the lack of resources that is the hurdle to this project.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
We need to shift our priorities. Governments tend to focus on economic growth instead of focus on love, peace, compassion and humanity which eventually lead to economic growth because people would be healthier, fulfilled, creative and motivated. In the absence of that, hatred and conflict compromise economic output and causes illness. We are stuck in this downward spiral that needs to be reversed with a shift in values.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
David Attenborough. Just imagine the conversations we would have about the countless species on our fascinating planet and the wonders of nature. I would be intrigued to learn how we can preserve all this treasure and variety of living forms for our future generations.