Over thirty years ago, Shankar's family was forced to fleeSri Lanka after his father, a university lecturer, was detained and interrogated due to suspicion surrounding his engagement with Tamil students and activists. The incident took place at the notorious fourth floor of Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department, known for torture and unexplained deaths. Fortunately, he survived, but the family faced ongoing fear and oppression. 

In 1987, they resettled in Australia through sponsorship and were welcomed by a  warm, supportive community. Shankar remembers the kindness shown to them: gifts from church groups, essential household items, a sense of safety in their new Mount Waverly home, a social housing property managed by the Council and a church, which later became their family home. 

For the past fifteen years, Shankar has dedicated himself to fostering inclusive neighbourhoods, schools, and workplaces. He now serves as a Commissioner for the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Deputy Chairperson of the Migrant Workers Centre.