Balakrishnan, the All India President of Vivekananda Kendra and Vivekananda Rock Memorial, has died at the age of 88. He died at 00:05am hours yesterday in a life of decades of public service work and social work and education. His death has been received by political leaders and supporters of the Vivekananda movement across the country.
Balakrishnan was deeply in touch with Swami Vivekananda and worked constantly to translate those principles into grassroots work. His achievements in education and social development were particularly significant in the context of tough places and at the same time to bring young people up and develop them as strong people.
Before joining Vivekananda Kendra movement Balakrishnan was an officer in the Indian Air Force. His transition from military to social work became a crucial part of his career. He became one of the first ‘Jeevanvratis’ of Vivekananda Kendra in 1973 and chose to give up a life of service and service for Swami Vivekananda.
One of Balakrishnan’s most important contributions came in Arunachal Pradesh. He pioneered residential schools in the difficult and geographically challenging terrain of the northeastern state. These institutions were established at a time when access to quality education was few and far between in many remote areas and so they were in charge of providing children with an opportunity to study, as well as discipline, values and national integration.
Over the years his educational projects multiplied and he had thousands of students. His work in the region was recognized for integrating education with community development and for providing institutional support to areas of high logistical and infrastructural challenges.
Balakrishnan’s philosophy was closely associated with that of “man-making” and nation-building at the heart of Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy. Rather than viewing education only as a way to achieve employment, the movement has sought to build responsible, confident and socially conscious citizens. Balakrishnan’s work over the years reflected that much broader approach and education served to develop social transformation.
His contribution to Arunachal Pradesh was also acknowledged by the state government. In 2014 he was honored by Arunachal Pradesh for his service and contribution to the state. It was a representation of his work in education and social development and especially in communities in remote parts of the region.
Narendra Modi expressed his deepest condolences and Balakrishnan will be remembered for his selfless service. Union minister Kiren Rijiju also paid tribute to the former social worker as well, recalling his dedication to Swami Vivekananda's values and contribution to developing the nation.
The tributes have shown Balakrishnan’s contribution far beyond his work at the top level. For Vivekananda Kendra supporters, his life was a continuation of service and education and young people’s growth. His journey from the Indian Air Force to a life of discipline, dedication and public duty reflects the values that the Indian Air Force and other organizations stand for.
Balakrishnan leaves behind a legacy that is closely associated with educational and social projects that spread to remote parts of India. The residential schools and other programs that grew under the larger Vivekananda Kendra movement still reflect the emphasis he placed on education as an instrument of empowerment.
A. Balakrishnan, 88, is one of India’s great social service figures. His many years in the company with Vivekananda Kendra, his work to educate Arunachal Pradesh and his dedication to Swami Vivekananda are all significant, and we will remember him in our history. As his death comes up and we all think about him, we think about him.
