At the heart of Shambhala Art are two women with distinct journeys but a shared vision to create a nurturing, purpose-driven platform for studio potters across India. Together, Devika Sehgal and Ekta Pardasani bring a unique blend of creativity, business insight, and deep respect and love for the handmade.
Devika Sehgal is the founder of Shambhala Art, India’s first collective dedicated to studio pottery. Her journey with clay began over three decades ago, but it was only five years ago that she returned to it with a full heart and unwavering focus. What started as a quiet calling soon grew into a mission to build something larger than herself a space for potters to be seen, and supported.
Devika holds a Master’s in Economics and a Master’s in Finance and Control from Panjab University. Her professional path took her from the dynamic world of television into the fast-paced telecom sector, giving her a rich and varied corporate foundation. These seemingly contrasting experiences ultimately came together through her work with clay, where creativity and structure found balance.
She trained formally at The Cold Mountain Studio in Dharamshala and Studio Re4Clay, experiences that shaped both her artistic voice and her vision for a collective. Today, she operates from her Gurgaon-based studio under the brand मिट्टी Palette, where she continues to create, teach, and mentor.
With Shambhala Art, Devika has created a space where ceramic artists can:Share and sell their work onlineList residencies, courses, and workshopsOpen their studios to learners, visitors, and collaboratorsGrow together as a collaborative creative communityHer belief in the power of community and the importance of shared knowledge is at the core of everything Shambhala stands for.
Ekta Pardasani is the co-founder of Shambhala Art, bringing a strong background in design, brand building, and entrepreneurship. Her creative journey began in her family’s garment business, where she developed an early love for textiles, aesthetics, and the behind-the-scenes workings of product creation.
Over the years, she launched Thingalicious, a curated jewellery brand rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling. From selecting designs to working with artisans and managing logistics, she honed a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of thoughtful retail.
Ekta holds degrees in Commerce (SRCC) and Financial Management (IMT Ghaziabad), grounding her creative instincts with strategic business thinking. After taking time to raise her family and teach, she felt drawn again to hands-on, purposeful work this time, in the world of handmade ceramics.
At Shambhala Art, she leads Operations,. Ekta is passionate about creating a platform where mindful buyers can discover the soulful work of studio potters, and where the beauty of handcrafted objects is given its due space and story.