Radiating hope and kindness

“When you do something you love, it does make a difference in the world”

Compassionate, creative and passionate, Prerana Shah has lived life fully on her own terms. She currently works as the Managing Director of Sigma Interiors and is a Yoga instructor too. Sigma interiors is a family run business that pioneered the selling of rattan furniture 40 years ago. In 2010 she initiated Devoted Radical Environment Animal Movement Society ( DREAMS), an organisation that takes care of stray animals especially cows and oxen. The social entrepreneur has always been interested in working for the environment and animals.
Talking about her business, she says, “ Sigma Interiors is close to my heart because it was initiated by my grandfather. Moreover, rattan furniture is more eco friendly than wooden furniture.” She adds, “ We are the pioneers in Nepal to offer unique, hand- crafted furniture from around the world.” Apart from her family business she is active as a yoga instructor.
According to her, as a child she loved sports and played basketball and was always found outdoors. She was inclined to fitness and yoga since the age of 16. She started teaching yoga in 2015 and now she aspires to travel the world as a meditation guru and a yoga instructor.
She says, “ My biggest achievement is that I have been able to give hope and better health to people through yoga and meditation.” She adds that yoga has taught her to spread positive vibes, happiness and radiance. She says that these days people are more interested in getting fitter and healthier than ever before. This has attracted many people to yoga and meditation. It is a holistic approach that nourishes the body, mind and soul.
She turned into a vegetarian 12 years back and four years ago she became a complete vegan. Her compassion and empathy towards animals led her to live her life as a vegan.
She says, “ I felt like a hypocrite because I loved animals and at the same time consumed them.” She adds, “ I would really appreciate if more people saw animals as another soul. Veganism solves environmental as well as health problems.” According to her, it is not only a way of life but also a means to reduce environmental problems that exists globally.
Shah is now writing a book about her experiences as a vegan so that it can help more people to truly understand the benefits of it. She shares that it is her way of expressing gratitude to the universe.
Shah, who stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, has also lived her life as a renowned and a humble beauty queen. In 2002 she represented her college in Miss Teen and was the second runner up. Similarly, the following year she was crowned Miss Nepal, first- runners up and represented Nepal in Miss Asia Pacific in the same year. She was among the top 10 contestants in the international contest. She recalls, “ It was a wonderful opportunity for me to step out and learn new things.” Shah is also passionate about music and has launched her album ' Prerana' . With her larger than life personality she has inspired people to pursue their dreams. She says that her father has been her greatest mentor and supporter. She has had many people who have inspired her to pursue her dreams.
According to Prerna, she wants to live a meaningful life and contribute to the society. She shares that her dream is to do something that would have a positive impact in the world and for which the world would remember her. “ You live a purposeful life when you do what you truly want. When you do something that you love, it does make a difference in the world,” she says.