An artist, conservationist, designer, social impact leader and pro-activist, 
Shama’s realisation of how tall India stood as a country with a rich heritage happened  at an early age. This was the beginning of her lifelong journey of appreciating, conserving, and nurturing the cultural and natural heritage of India. In 1995, Shama moved to Hampi where her undeterred commitment began with a multitude of projects to secure the future of its environment and community, working on diverse and integrated projects encompassing conservation, community, art, craft and culture.