About Me

Maya means a whole lot of things- magic, illusion. However, in official records, Maya does not exist as my given name is Shashikala. I am at ease with both. 

Student of Development Studies with a Doctorate from Mysore University, I have worked with various institutes, government and non- government sectors as also the UN bodies.  Special focus has been on social development, governance and gender. My work as also my sojourns have taken me to experience India which is raw, real. 

My passion for plants got me interested in the art of bonsai, a collection which I have created, nurtured and grown with. As a collector of Indian art, I have a sizeable collection of traditional Indian board games. With friends, I started a not-for–profit endeavour called ‘’Nitya’’ meaning eternal, to reach out to disadvantaged women and youth in the city I love most-Mysuru. 

I am too frank and outspoken, as per my friends. But I always say- “ನೋಡಿ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ನಾವು ಇರೋದೇ ಹೀಗೆ!”  (I am like this only!)