Episode 26: The Grassroots Physician: Dr. R Balasubramaniam

The Mindful Initiative

Dr. R Balasubramaniam (Dr. Balu)

In Episode 26, I speak to Dr. R Balasubramaniam (Dr. Balu). Dr. Balu is a Grassroots Physician. His life has been inspired by the work and life of Swami Vivekananda. Like Swami Vivekananda, Dr. Balu has dedicated his life to upliftment and to the betterment of the underserved. His kindness, wisdom, and clarity of thought stand out for anyone who speaks to him but his sheer dedication and willingness to end human suffering is what separates him from his peers.

Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | RSS

Dr. Ramaswami Balasubramaniam (Balu) is a development scholar, author, public policy advocate, leadership trainer known for his pioneering development work with rural and tribal people in Saragur and Heggadadevana Kote Taluks of Mysuru in Karnataka, India. He founded the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM), a development organization based in Saragur when he was 19. After spending 26 years in development work among rural and tribal people, he pursued academic degrees in leadership, organisational development and public policy. He was the Frank H T Rhodes Professor at Cornell University between 2012 to 2014, and continues to hold academic positions in Cornell and other universities

His books ‘Voices from the Grassroots’ and ‘i, the citizen’ are a compilation of narratives and reflections of a development expert and are now globally acclaimed. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Grassroots Research And Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) A public policy think tank based out of Mysuru. Inspired by the message of Swami Vivekananda, he sees his life’s mission as building a resurgent India by inspiring leadership in the youth of the country.

If you enjoy listening to our podcast, please share it with your friends and family.

Please click the Show Transcripts tab below on this page to read the transcript of this conversation.

We now have a social media presence. If you like our work, please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter for updates.