Shobita Punja holds a Bachelor degree in Art History, a Master’s degree in Ancient History from JNU, New Delhi, another Master’s degree in Art Education from Stanford University, California and a doctoral degree for her contribution to the field of Art Education in 1982.
She is author of over 15 books including Museums of India, and Great Monuments of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, (Hong Kong). Divine Ecstasy – The Story of Khajuraho and Daughters the Ocean – Discovering the Goddess Within. (Viking Penguin, India).
Dr. Punja worked at Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, and then at INTACH as Chief Programme Officer and established the Heritage Education and Communication Service, INTACH.
She assembled a professional team for the restoration of Chowmahalla Palace and Museum, Hyderabad, Jai Vilas Palace Museum, Gwalior, Reis Magos Fort, Goa and others historical sites.
Her last appointment was as CEO, National Culture Fund, Ministry of Culture, and GOI, 2011-13.
Dr Punja was on the Governing Council and Executive Committee of INTACH. She is a member of the Governing Council of the Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad, Sanskriti Foundation, New Delhi. She has served as Trustee of Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur, the John L. Bissell Foundation and the Helen Hamlyn Trust, UK for several years.
She has lectured on Indian Art at prestigious institutions and universities in India and abroad and offered a popular elective course titled “Whose heritage is it?” for the YIF programme at Ashoka University, Haryana for the last 4 years.