Every community has a few rare individuals whose vision and passion leave behind an eternal legacy. For the South Asian community in New England, Shobha Shastry was one such extraordinary figure. A pioneering Indian-American entrepreneur, a gifted artist, and a compassionate community leader, she transformed the landscape of wedding décor and event planning while inspiring thousands with her dedication, creativity, and resilience.
Shobha Shastry: Early Life and Roots of Creativity
Born in Mosur, Chennai, to CM Krishna Shastri and Shivagami Sundari Iyer, Shobha displayed an artistic flair from a very young age. Her childhood was filled with laughter, friendships, and a natural gift for painting, drawing, and theater. She wasn’t just creative; she had a magnetic personality that could win hearts and captivate audiences. This blend of artistry and charm would later define her professional journey.
At 19, Shobha became engaged to Sharad Y. Shastry from Vellore, and at 24, she moved to the United States, beginning her married life in Westborough, Massachusetts. Together, Shobha and Sharad shared 25 beautiful years of marriage before his untimely passing, an event that profoundly shaped her strength and determination.
Building Alankar: The Birth of a Dream
In 1999, Shobha co-founded Sajawat, one of the first South Asian wedding décor companies in New England. When her partner relocated, she rebranded the business as Alankar Event Planners & Decorators. With her creative genius and relentless dedication, Shobha turned Alankar into the premier event planning and décor company for Indian and South Asian weddings in the region.
For over 25 years, Alankar was the trusted name for grand mandaps, exquisite decorations, and flawless wedding experiences. Shobha’s vision was not just about beauty—it was about cultural authenticity, attention to detail, and ensuring every couple’s special day was truly magical. Her gold-standard service earned her recognition from publications like The Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, and Maharani Weddings.
Shobha Shastry: Resilience in the Face of Loss
Perhaps one of the most powerful examples of Shobha’s commitment came in April 2004, when tragedy struck. On April 6, her husband Sharad passed away suddenly. That same week, Shobha had two weddings to decorate. With unimaginable strength, she fulfilled both events without telling her clients about her personal loss—because she did not want their joy overshadowed. Only after the weddings did she cremate her husband’s body.
This story of sacrifice and resilience became a defining part of her legacy. It showed her unwavering devotion to her clients and her ability to put service above self, even in her darkest hour.
A Life of Service and Community Spirit
While Alankar was a successful business, Shobha’s work was never just about profit. She was deeply connected to her community and often provided her services for free to charities, cultural events, and families in need. It is estimated that she helped thousands of couples marry, many of them benefiting from her generosity.
Her involvement with organizations like the Indian Society of Worcester and Tamil Sangam highlighted her dedication to cultural preservation and community building. In 2018, her contributions were formally recognized when she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from INDIA New England News.
Legacy and Passing
On March 23, 2022, Shobha Shastry passed away peacefully in Marlborough, Massachusetts, after battling kidney disease. She was 65. She is survived by her father CM Krishna Shastri, daughter Shyla Shastry, granddaughter Sahana Sullivan, brother Ravi Shastri, sister-in-law Malathi Shastri, nephew Mahadev, and niece Revathi. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Sharad and her mother Sundari.
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