I hail from a deeply academic and patriotic lineage, a heritage that continues to shape my values, work, and worldview. My grandfather, Ramamurti Pratapgiri, was a distinguished author—best known for his seminal work "The Problem of the Indian Polity"—and a professor at Royal Wilson College, Mumbai in the early 1900s. He was also a committed freedom fighter who served 1.5 years in prison for India's independence. My grandmother, Shantha Bai, was a fearless soul who also joined the freedom movement, spending her last years in jail during the pre-Independence era.

I was born to a family of educators. My father, Rabindranath Pratapgiri, a double postgraduate in History and Public Administration, and my mother, Indumati, a devoted Hindi Pandit and teacher, both dedicated their lives to imparting knowledge and values.

My eldest brother, Ramamurti Pratapgiri (named after our grandfather), is a retired Physics teacher whose 55 years of teaching have left a lasting impact on generations of students. My other elder brother, Dr. Pratap G. Subramanyam, is a PhD scholar and acclaimed author, known for his books on investment banking and for teaching at some of India’s leading management institutions.

My sister, Shantha Krishnamurthy, is a gifted portrait artist, whose paintings capture both realism and soul.

Continuing the family tradition in a new direction, my daughter, Aishwarya Krishna Priya, is a psychologist and founder of Acro Mental Health and Wellness. She holds a postgraduate degree from King’s College London, UK, and represents the evolving spirit of our family's commitment to service and knowledge.

And of course, no picture of my life is complete without my beloved canine children—Lakmé, Vayu, and OM—who bring unconditional love and balance to my world.

As Shashi Preetam, I draw strength and inspiration from this extraordinary lineage—rooted in freedom, education, and expression. These roots continue to guide my creative, professional, and personal journey.