About

Dr. R Balasubramaniam

Dr. R Balasubramaniam

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 compilation of narratives and reflections of a development expert and are now globally acclaimed. He is also the Founder of Grassroots Research And Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) A public policy think tank based out of Mysuru. He is currently the full time Member-HR in the Capacity Building Commission of the Government of India. 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.

Organisations Founded

Organisations Founded

Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM)

Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement is a development organization started in the year 1984. It is engaged in building a new civil society in India through its grassroots to policy level action in Health, Education, Socio Economic Empowerment, Training & Research sectors. Acting as a key promoter-facilitator in the community’s efforts towards self-reliance and empowerment, SVYM is developing local, innovative and cost-effective solutions to sustain community-driven progress.

Grassroots Research And Advocacy Movement (GRAAM)

GRAAM is a development research and policy engagement initiative in India.GRAAM’s extensive expertise spans over policy research, Impact Assessment and Evaluation, Community Consultation, Policy Engagement, Strategic Consultation and Academic Programs. GRAAM aims to ensure the ‘voices’ of the communities at the grassroots are significantly accounted for in the process of development. We provide evidence-based and actionable policy/program inputs incorporating grassroots perspectives, aiming towards a citizen-centric public policy. GRAAM strives to impact development through building human and social capital.

Expertise & Associations

Areas of expertise:

• Human Development
• Good Governance
• Public Policy
• Public Administration
• Leadership & Management
• Social Business & Social stock exchange
• Healthcare
• Non-Profits
• Higher Education

Expertise

Associated With :

Member -HR

Capacity Building Commission
Govt of India

Professor

Former Frank H T Rhodes Professor & Visiting Professor, ILR School, Cornell University, USA

Visiting Professor

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi)

Member,Advisory board

The world bank

Short Term Consultant - Health, Social Development & Leadership

Visiting Professor

Former Head and visiting professor, Vivekananda Chair

Member, Management Committee & Academic Council

Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP), Maharashtra

CHAIRMAN, ADVISORY COMMITTEE