Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, popularly known as Dr. Balu, is a full-time Member of NITI Aayog. A widely respected development practitioner, leadership trainer and author, he brings to this role a rare blend of grassroots and macro perspectives, drawn from nearly four decades of multifaceted experience in development and public policy.

He is the founder of the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and the Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement, both of which have been instrumental in advancing community-driven development and policy advocacy in India. A former Rhodes Professor at Cornell University, USA, he has coached and mentored senior leaders across the non-profit, corporate, government, and education sectors globally, and has regularly conducted leadership workshops for institutions in India and abroad.

His academic journey began with a medical degree (MBBS) from Mysore Medical College, followed by an MPhil in Hospital Administration and Health Systems Management from BITS, Pilani. He later pursued a Master's in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, where he was a Mason Fellow. He holds a PhD in Leadership and Management. He has also received an honorary doctorate from the Government of Karnataka's Nrupatunga University for his social work and tribal development.