Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)/Delhi, 27 August (H.S.): A. Balakrishnan, Chairman of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, passed away on Thursday at 12:05 a.m. Born on May 3, 1938, in Kerala, Balakrishnan was a dedicated lifelong worker who devoted more than five decades of his life to the ideals and mission of the Vivekananda Kendra.

After a brief stint with the Indian Air Force, Balakrishnan joined the first batch of full-time workers of the Vivekananda Kendra in 1973. From then on, he dedicated himself to the organisation’s mission of serving the nation and translating Swami Vivekananda’s vision into action.

In a condolence message, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, paid a heartfelt tribute to Balakrishnan, describing his life as an inspiring embodiment of a Karmayogi — one who pursues selfless action with unwavering dedication. It said he devoted his life to fulfilling Eknath Ranade’s vision of transforming the Vivekananda Kendra into a “living memorial” and serving Bharat Mata with complete commitment.

Inspired by Eknath Ranade’s call, Balakrishnan underwent training and was subsequently assigned to Arunachal Pradesh, then a relatively remote region still bearing the scars of the 1962 India-China war. He played a pioneering role in expanding the Kendra’s educational activities there, using education as a means to spread knowledge, nurture human potential and strengthen the organisation’s larger mission of “man-making and nation-building”.

His contribution to education in Arunachal Pradesh was recognised by the state government, which conferred a State Award on him in 2014 in appreciation of his outstanding service and pioneering work in the field.

Throughout his life, Balakrishnan remained steadfast in his commitment to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and the vision of Eknath Ranade. His journey, marked by discipline, selfless service and an unwavering sense of national purpose, remains a lasting example of the Karmayogi ideal.

The Vivekananda Kendra said his passing marks the loss of a deeply committed worker whose life was devoted to the service of the nation and to realising the vision of a strong, enlightened and united India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar