Orbituary and Tribute: Dr. K.S. Balakrishnan

It is with great sadness and distress that the family of Dr. Balakrishnan announce his demise which occurred due to heart attack on 5th of March (Thursday)

Dr. Balakrishnan, born on 5th January 1961 is my maternal uncle (my mother’s younger brother). But most know him as a professor, lecturer of University Malaya. Not only that, he has bee a consultant to various ministries, especially foreign and defence related.

I have known him all my life. When I finished my STPM, he took me out of the plantation in Johore where I grew up, and threw me into the city jungle called Kuala Lumpur. He taught me life.

Dr. Balakrishnan was the last child to a family made up of parents, R.K Suppiah and Meenakshi, and he had five sisters before him. There was a brother in between, Ramanathan, who died young.

They were living in Paya Rumput, Melaka in the 1960s. Then when he was in his early teen, in 1971, the entire family moved to Kampung Padang Tembak in the town of Kluang, Johore.

He studied in Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tengku Aris Bendahara (STAB) Kluang, Johor. A well-known bright student from the beginning and especially an active athlete, his speciality being running. Till recent, at his sixth decade he participated in various marathons.

All the family members, right down to my generation and including me, are semi-literate. Most hardly made it pass higher secondary school. Dr. Bala made it to University Kebangsaan Malaysia. The first in the clan. The subject: International relations.. Makes one wonder if this is connected with name STAB (school).

Right after finishing his B.A, he was invited by Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS, not that ISIS) to be a researcher. He worked there for a while before being invited by University Malaya to a lecturer on the related subject. It’s a unique subject. Slippery, that is, since the art of diplomacy is of highest order and can’t be easily mastered.

 He continued as a lecturer, got himself a Master degree and in later years, double Phds in the field of defence, strategy and international relationship.

During his stint with Institute and International Studies (ISIS) as a researcher and published many books on the related subjects. In fact, every time I conferred him discussing various issues, he would use his defence and strategic knowledge and would clarify that subject of discussion and plan the right way to deal with it.

He had always been very concerned about his physicality. As mentioned, he would participate in the marathons, and be involved daily workout. Not to mention yoga practices.

Therefor it was shocking for the family to find out that he had passed away due to heart attack on Thursday, 5th March, 2026

Here are some of the responses in his and my Facebook pages after the announcement of his passing:

- Goodbye, Dr Bala. Was fortunate to be his student circa 2019/2020. He was an inspiring lecturer and an even more valuable undergrad thesis supervisor. His patience in guiding me to complete my thesis will never be forgotten. Rest well, Dr Bala. You will be sincerely missed.

- Prof Dr K.S. Balakrishnan was my 6th Form student, Class of 1983/84 in Sekolah Tinggi Kluang, Johore.

- I have many, many fond memories of this, my maiden batch of students, them being only 6 years my junior. Our interactions in class were often happy and hillarious. That was one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling seasons of my teaching career.

- It is hard to accept the passing of our dear varsity mate and a good buddy. He was a man of discipline, a dedicated lecturer, and someone who lived with strong spiritual values. His presence, wisdom, and kindness will always be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him. I will always cherish the memories we shared during our varsity days. My deepest condolences to his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Om Namashivaya

- Dr. Bala was my International Studies lecturer from 2002–2005. He was more than just a lecturer — he truly cared for his students and was always willing to stand up for us.

- His passion for teaching and his genuine concern for our progress left a deep mark on me. Even after more than 20 years, those memories remain strong and meaningful.

- Every time I saw him on television sharing his views on domestic politics and international events, I felt proud to say that I was once his student.

- I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my beloved professor, Dr.

Bala. A mentor who inspired many of us through his knowledge, wisdom, and kindness.

- I feel truly grateful to have been his student. The lessons he shared went far beyond the classroom and will stay with me for life. Rest in peace Dr. Bala. Your guidance and legacy will always be remembered. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him..

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Yes, I shall miss you too, my uncle, my mentor, my buddy....my Guru. And now, you are up there with your mentors and YOUR own mentors, teachers and saintly scholars that you studied being a spiritual person you are. I know you are in a better p

lace. I love you and miss you, see you there one day. 

Thaai Kelavi (2026)

 I wouldn’t be where I am today without the women in my life. Chiefly, my mother, my aunt (Dad’s eldest sister, under whom I spent half of my childhood and who is my bestie today), and my cousin sisters, namely the late Malini chechi (the aunt’s daughter) and cousin Kalpana (she’s only 8 months older, and I was ordered to call her Chechi as well, and I love it).

Now, the movie. When I watched the trailer, I knew this. The film can be mediocre, but Radikaa’s performance is going to be the engine and anchor to the boat.

This is one of those rare Tamil films that exceeded my expectations. I am glad that they didn’t do too much revelation in the trailer, as they wont to do. The trailer just showed Radhikaa in her older make-up going around showing her devil-may-care attitude.

But that Radhikaa you will only see perhaps the first half hour and then the climax, as the character would be bedridden throughout the film.

Yet, you will still feel her presence.

It’s a simple story. Apparently, she has some heavy jewelry stashed away. And she has sons and daughters-in-laws wanting to have their paws on the assets.

Speaking of jewelry, you can still melt the old gold and make new ornaments. That is exactly what director Sivakumar Murugesan did. Those old film lovers like myself knows KS Gopalakrishnan, P.R Banthulu and later Visu, and how they made what you would call “family” genre into very entertaining thrillers where characters clash.

Sivakumar did exactly that. It brought me back to that time. All the actors delivered their best. Background score? It did what it should, not interfering where it should.

The story is not original, as mentioned. Cliche. But what mattered was the performance, and Radhikaa was phenomenal. I want her to win that prestigious National Award for best actress. She bloody delivered. Even in three-quarters of the film she was just shown in a hospital bed. She ruled. What an actress. I even saw shades of her dad, M.R. Radha, at some point.

No bloodshed, no hero worship.

I hope the film does well in its run. Most reviews and YouTubers, as well as crowds coming out of theaters are euphoric about it. But there's something I am not sure about. Apparently the film talks about women empowerment. Sure, Radhikaa's character is super strong. But there is not much advocation on gals' empowerment. The daughter-in-laws, all three, are portrayed as opportunist female canines. Perhaps, the scheming men are portrayed so negatively that women surfaced as better souls. I don't know.

Anyway, thank you Sivakumar Murugesan for this wonderful film. And yes, Sivakarthikeyan who
produced it. Who knew, eh?