TAWANG, AUG 28:
A Balakrishnan, president of Vivekananda Kendra and chairman of Vivekananda Rock Memorial Kanyakumari, died at a private hospital in Nagercoil on August 27 at the age of 88.
His death has drawn condolences from leaders across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Balakrishnan’s passing holds particular significance for Arunachal Pradesh, where he spent the formative years of his association with Vivekananda Kendra and played an important role in expanding its educational activities in remote and difficult-to-reach areas.
Born on May 3, 1938, Balakrishnan initially served in the Indian Air Force. Inspired by Eknath Ranade and the vision of Vivekananda Kendra, he left his career in 1973 and joined the organisation as a Jeevanvrati, dedicating himself to a life of service.
He was subsequently assigned to the Northeast and worked extensively in Arunachal Pradesh between 1973 and 1981. During this period, he travelled through remote parts of the state at a time when infrastructure and access to education were limited, helping expand the Kendra’s educational initiatives.
The first Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKVs) in Arunachal Pradesh were established in 1977, followed by the residential school model in 1979. His work during these formative years contributed to the Kendra’s effort to use education as an instrument of social transformation and nation-building.
Balakrishnan maintained a close association with Arunachal Pradesh throughout his life. The state government honoured him with a State Award in 2014 for his contribution to education and social service.
At the national level, he served as All India General Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra from 1981 to 2001, vice-president from 2001 to 2020 and president from 2020 until his death.
Condoling his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled Balakrishnan’s more than five decades of service and his deep association with Northeast India, noting his contributions to education, social service and nation-building.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu also mourned his passing and remembered him as one of the pioneers who helped establish Vivekananda Kendra’s educational movement in Arunachal Pradesh during the challenging years of the 1970s.
The Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya network paid tribute to Balakrishnan, describing him as a dedicated karmayogi who played a pivotal role in shaping its educational work in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Balakrishnan’s legacy in Arunachal Pradesh remains closely associated with the spread of education to remote communities and the vision of schools as centres of learning, social transformation and national integration.
His final rites will be held in Kanyakumari on August 29, according to the Vivekananda Kendra.
