What can I say about Dr. Balakrishna that isn’t already known by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him? “Dr. Bali,” as we affectionately called him at ViGYAN/NASA, was more than just a respected colleague; he was my greatest mentor and a dear friend.

He is a brilliant man in so many ways. His engineering prowess is second to none. Often times when he and I were discussing projects I’d be plucking away on my computer using the calculator and looking up formulas only to have Dr. Bali spout off the answers in a matter of seconds off the top of his head. His work ethic was equally impressive. He would come in to work around 4-5AM and not leave till 3-5PM. Even after hours, texts with project ideas and eureka moments would come at all hours, even on weekends. He was always thinking. He was a problem solver, almost obsessively so. This is why the extraordinary work ethic, because he was just determined to fix, improve, or invent whatever project came his way. The amount of work and projects he has done just at NASA alone would fill a small library let alone what he has done before his work at NASA.

Besides engineering, you could ask him about virtually anything, History, Biology, even Culture not his own he had answers to. He maintained impartiality and an open mind, especially when there were no definitive answers or when topics were divisive. He was gentle, respectful of all living things, and devout in his faith.

Work aside, he would make time weekly just to chat and keep up on a personal level. Dr. Bali’s greatest gift to me was treating me as an equal, even though he was my senior and mentor. He always valued my input, respected my opinions, and trusted me more than I trusted myself. That gave me confidence and allowed me to grow, both at work and in my personal life.

The world has lost a truly great human being, and I will miss him dearly.

– Michael Makowiec

Summer holidays in the 1980s bring back some of my earliest memories with our Chikkappa. His routine involved leaving for work very early and returning home by early afternoon—a pattern he maintained throughout his life. This midday stretch became our window of “opportunity” to truly have fun. The reason? When he was home, our idea of fun was quickly replaced by his insistence on us singing (without mistakes!), reading complex articles, answering challenging questions, or tackling mental math—all activities that didn’t quite align with our vision of a carefree summer!

My sister, Roopa, and I were especially anxious about being asked to identify ragas in Carnatic music. Reflecting on it now, I realize that if only we had embraced those moments with enthusiasm, we might have excelled in some field, just as he did!

I saw a softer, more loving side of him when I visited the US for the first time in 2001. He generously funded my trip and introduced me to a world of new experiences—freeways, tunnels under the ocean, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, disposable camera pictures, Dillard’s, Food Lion, and so much more. I was in awe of everything, and his detailed explanations made every moment unforgettable. Those memories are permanently etched in my heart!

Over the years, I saw him grow more generous with his praises and gradually shed his rigid facade. What never wavered, though, was his boundless energy, enthusiasm, and insatiable thirst to learn and excel at something new. I’m especially grateful to have spent time with him just a few months ago, supposedly to ‘help nurse him back to health.’ Yet, he showed no signs of someone recovering from major surgery! Instead, he engaged in a lively debate with me about which brand of butter was best for making ghee—a perfect example of his unrelenting zest for life.

I thank him for leaving behind a legacy of discipline, curiosity, and a passion for excellence. His unwavering spirit, even in the face of challenges, will forever remind me of the importance of embracing every moment and every opportunity to learn and grow.  Chikkappa—you will always be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

– Vandana (niece)

As I sit down to write this tribute to Balakrishna uncle, a flood of memories, conversations, and thoughts rush to my mind. I remember meeting him one evening when he was visiting Bangalore after he had relocated to the US when I was there on a summer break from IIT-Madras. I was interested in knowing about control systems and had stopped by to ask him. He explained this area of research with great clarify and presented a very comprehensive picture. It was a delight to listen and I was so engrossed that I had lost count of time passing! I subsequently had long discussions with him on topics ranging from engineering to his research on estimating the age of Mahabharata, astronomy in ancient India, etc. Each time I learnt a lot and was deeply impressed with his intellectual curiosity and rigor. More importantly, each discussion left me with an inexplicable sense of happiness, perhaps because this was a conversation about mere intellectual curiosity with no pressure to complete a project or publish a result.

When I took up a faculty position at Virginia Commonwealth University, Vijaya aunty and Balakrishna uncle were just an hour and a half away, and I visited them periodically with my wife Smitha and later with our kids Advaith and Ananya and enjoyed their hospitality. It is during this time that I learnt more about Balakrishna uncle as a person, his views on politics, travel, philosophy, etc. The depth of his understanding on these topics left a lasting impression on me. He also showed us how he fixed things around the house, his gardening work, his burfi recipes and many more. He gave good advice and was very reassuring when I consulted him about many things! Smitha and our kids also loved to visit and spend time with Vijaya aunty and Balakrishna uncle.

We will miss him a lot. We will cherish the memories of the time spent and look to him for inspiration throughout our lives.
– Jayasimha Atulasimha

Vijaya has been my close friend far more than 40 years. She is very seasoned singer with a beautful voice. She started singing for my Bharatanatyam Programs from 1993. She has also composed music for many of my dance dramas and swaras for many compositions which I have choreographed. My friendship with Vijaya made me and my husband Jayasimha close to Balakrishna. They knew each other earlier as my husband who worked for HAL was closely associated with NAL where Balakrishna’ worked.

Balakrisha has very in depth knowledge about many subjects. I have had many interesting discussions as well as arguments with Balakrishna on varied subjects with Vijaya sometimes intervening as peace maker!

I visited USA in 2006 for my son Atulasimha’ s graduation. I spent two memorable days with Vijaya and Balakrishna in Hamton. They took me around many interesting places. I enjoyed very much the visit to James town where we went on a cruise and I could see many of the historical ships anchored there and the exhilarating car drive in the tunnel under the sea. I had a taste of the cinnamon donut which Balakrishna was very fond of. I think this was the only thing he let himself indulge in. Whenever I subsequently visited him I always took the cinnamon doughnuts for him. I came to know such a lovable side of him in this trip.

I can never forget the patient reading and the very invaluable feedback given by Balakrishna for the dessertation I wrote for my master of dance ” The philosophy of Ananda Tandava Murthy and Nadanta Natama Murthy,” before I submitted it. I have preseved his comments like a treasure!

My son Atul and daughter in law Smitha and grand children Advaith and Ananya who are in Virginia love visiting Balakrishna and Vijaya. All of them have grown very fond of them.

Balakrishna was a good elder and a mentor to me. I will very much miss his presence. May God give Vijaya and everyone in the family the strength to bear his loss. May his soul be one with God.

– Anupama Jayasimha

Dr. Balakrishna: The Scientist, The Engineer, The Dosa Perfectionist

Dr. Balu was one of the finest engineering minds I have ever had the privilege to know. He could explain anything, and I mean anything, with the precision of a NASA scientist, which of course he was. One moment, he would be walking me through the intricacies of an HVAC system, and the next, he would be breaking down why ISRO’s first moon landing attempt did not go as planned. His clarity made you wonder why they did not just call him before launching.

Precision was not just his profession, it was his way of life. At work, he applied rigorous scientific methodology to solve complex engineering problems. At home, he brought the same level of accuracy to his cooking. He did not just guess when the hot plate was ready. He used a handheld laser temperature monitor to make sure it was at the exact temperature before pouring the dosa batter. When making his legendary almond burfis, he measured the sugar syrup temperature with the same attention to detail as liquid rocket fuel.

Dr. Balu was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened. Whether he was explaining thermodynamics or the perfect dosa flip, you knew you were in the presence of a mind that saw the world not just for what it was, but for how it should be—precise, methodical, and maybe just a little bit tastier.

– Sharath Sadashivan

Words are so insufficient to describe not only the enormity of our loss and grief but also our feeling of immense gratitude. How lucky and blessed are we all to have shared a snapshot of time on this earth with you dear Uncle.
You have been such a steady and steadying influence in my life, celebrating all of my major milestones and supporting me through unbearable turmoil. It is the simple and small memories that I will cherish the most – how you saw your best friend in Vedu’s eyes, your crafting amazing burfis for Kriti, the perfectly puffed pooris that you lovingly (and very scientifically!) made for us…. and the sheer joy and admiration in my Dad’s eyes when he spoke of your brilliance.
I know that you and Dad will make good use of the great chalkboard in the sky and you can be assured we will be looking out for your messages.
I will remember you each time we eat apples from our tree that you loved so much. I will think of you when looking at birds in our yard. I will honor your memory when I think of Dad. I will marvel at how fortunate Sarsu and I are to carry on this legacy of friendship and pass it on to our next generation. I will miss you dearly and deeply. Thank you dear Uncle. Your memory is my blessing.

– Shruti

The earliest memories of Dr. S. Balakrishna, my Chikkappa are of his Wedding with Vijaya Chikkamma, when I, as a girl of three, was practically tailing them throughout the ceremonies.

Having lived in a joint family, brimming with love, I thought I had three fathers, my father being the eldest of the three brothers, and three mothers! The Balu Chikkappa I remember, is the one who taught me fundamentals in mathematics; the one who got many many gifts from England for the kids at home; the one who wrote picture postcards with colourful and interesting trivia; the one who cooked fantastic stuff, rice pudding being my earliest favourite. My father couldn’t just stop raving about his brother’s fantastic achievements and his sharp, analytical mind and I would just listen with awe!

I am grateful to have been so closely related to such a magnificent personality, who had an impact on any one who got in touch with him. I feel blessed to have spent quite some time with him in close quarters.

– Bharathi (niece)

When he was at NAL, my contact with him was technical and professional. During that period, he impressed me as a simple, practical and capable engineer who has the knack and aptitude to tackle difficult and challenging tasks and get them done. Our contact then became more friendlier when both of us moved to NASA Langley during late 1980s and our families got to know each other. We met often and our conversations moved from purely technical to philosophical subjects. From these interactions, I learned about the other side of his personality which was very enlightening and enjoyable. For all that experience, I am very thankful to him. From all in my family, we pray that God bless his soul. He was truly a remarkable person.

– Bandu Pamadi

Very great person. I am happy that I have seen him and was with him in NAL Kannada sangha. He will be remembered always as an extremly intelligent, guiding and simple man. Omshanthi

– Nirmala G.V.

Deeply saddened to hear about the loss.
His remarkable life, achievements, and legacy will be cherished forever. My heartfelt condolences to Vijaya aunty, Sarasu Mahesh, and the entire family. May his memory continue to inspire and guide you.

– Savitha H. Shastry

Thatha, I miss you so much.

My grandfather is a huge inspiration to me, and has been my whole life. His love of learning, fiercely independent spirit, drive to work hard, and the love I felt from him every time I talked to him mean the world to me.

I remember sitting next to him for hours, asking him a million questions. That time is precious to me.

Love you, Thatha.

– Vikram

Very sad to learn about the departure of Dr.Balakrishna. I had the privilege of starting and pursuing my career at NAL under his mentorship.
I thoroughly benefited professionally being in his group till he left for US. Subsequently, Dr.Srinathkumar took his place. SSK would always refer to him when we solved tough problems. We always joked that if. Dr.SB was Rama, SSK was Hanuman.
Condolences to all in the family.

– Padma Madhuranath

I knew Balakrishna for the past 70 years, from the time we entered engineering college for our undergraduate studies in Bangalore. I admired his sharpness of mind, wide range of interest, ability to go deep in understanding anything he undertook, and openness and friendliness. We remained close friends since those days. His achievements were remarkable. At National Aeronautical Labs in Bangalore and later NASA in USA. His passing has left a big void in my life. My prayers for him to Rest in Peace and condolences to his near and dear ones.

– Dr. S. Prabhu

Dr Balakrishna, Smt Vijayalakshmi and Smt Rajalakshmi have been well.wishers of our sabha, by giving donations and encouraging us to do better work. They supported our Thyagaraja Aradhane in a big way. Very kind hearted and humble person. Our sincere condolences to the family
May his soul attain Sadgathi.

– Mulakanadu Sabha Mysuru

Dr. Balakrishna led a full life marked by dedication, integrity, and curiosity. He has been an inspiration and role model to us. We will cherish forever the memories of our interactions with him. We will truly miss him. May his soul rest in peace.

– Sudha & Murali

I was very impressed by Dr. Balakrishna’s ability to adress problems practically and efficiently.
His profound and depth of understanding of any subject under the sun impressed me immensely. May his soul rest in peace. I will miss his presence.

– Usha

The one thing that stood out to me was that, he never slowed down. Even as late as May 2024 (when I last met him), he insisted on carrying stuff like a 20 year old. It is amazing that he worked literally till the end. Am just amazed seeing the list of achievements he has had on the website. A true inspiration to all of us. Am sure he must have already started working on his next publication – wherever he is. Om Shanthi.

– Kishor

He was a remarkable man—respected and admired by so many. His integrity and wisdom has left a lasting impact on us.
– Nina

I held Dr. Balakrishna in high regard as did all those who knew him I expect. He was a guiding light for my daughter too. She has fond memories of playing with him as a kid during my music class.
– Jaya

When I sit to write upon my dear, departed brother, I am overwhelmed by the feelings of gratitude to the Almighty for blessing me with wonderful brothers, along with so many others. My earliest recollections of him go back to my mother with Balu in her womb. I was about five at that time and the picture of my mother throwing up (due to pregnancy) appears before my eyes. It was in Rajaram Agrahara and the year 1938. The next are when my parents were in Saraswathipuram and I and my next brother, Narasimha Murthy would be there during summer holidays and Balu, still a toddler, would play all by himself imagining play toys with whatever we had at that time. I came back from Bengaluru for schooling, from Model School, Chamarajapet, Bengaluru to Lakhmipuram, Mysuru for a short period and later on to Dalvoy School. Balu was at that time care my grandmother at Chamarajapet, Bengaluru, schooling at the self same Model School. While I, like all other kids at that time, had 2 years nursery, 4 years primary, and 4 years middle, and was thirteen before going to high school, Balu, if memory serves me right, did all this and completed high school study before he turned thirteen. I remember having gone with him to some less known school for his first state level examination, called Lower Secondary for admission to high school. At that time, Balu was so casual in his studies till he got into high school that we used to tease him that he is not fit for education and would end up cow-herding! His Lower Secondary school results showed otherwise! He was outstanding in High School too, particularly in math, considered a hard nut to crack. No looking back for him!

We were four brothers and I, being the eldest, had a tough time to become a role model. I would occasionally ‘discipline’ my younger ones I dare say not ‘mentor’ them as both of them were excelling in academic pursuits. Balu was unfathomable, and would do things tongue-in-cheek. I recall an occasion when my mother’s diamond nose ring could not be traced. When my mother asked him if he had seen it, on his return from college, he casually, poker faced, showed it saying, “Yes, it was lying there on the ground and I just placed it here”. This trait of his continued and his poker team of NAL was said to be unbeatable and he, as captain, won many trophies!

Our life, the three brothers and their families and our parents staying happily together for over three years is, I would proudly declare, “out of the world!” Our house was well known all around, the “ Dodda mane with three soses ” (the big house with three daughters in law), for in those days our house was considered big! My ailing mother, she had a heart condition, and my father and my crippled brother were all with us! Sarasu, Mahesha and Vandu were born when we were there and I would call my house jokingly a ‘nursery’ as Maheshu and Roopu were born months apart! It thrills me to recall the dinner we used to have, all on silver plates chatting and enjoying the food lovingly prepared by the ladies. Our weekends were equally enjoyable, what with us playing cards, our hearty neighbour joining the five-some – my father, our neighbour and us three brothers, of course without any bets! Shopping, film viewing, sight-seeing, outing, visiting friends and relatives were all Collective! Balu, by nature a recluse, would grudgingly join complaining “It is all because of this silly Appi, who always wants us to go everywhere in a crowd.” If anyone fell sick, it was a collective sharing thing and all would help in whatever manner they could and we never felt lonely for a single moment!

The illuminating, happy time I spent with Balu when I typed his Doctoral thesis for the Indian Institute of Science is always remembered by me for I would enjoy every moment, though I could not understand a word of the technical jargon!

Balu was outwardly harsh but very soft within and it may surprise many when I say this. The hardships he faced when my ailing mother needed attention are many. During her last days, she had trouble breathing and needed oxygen. It was a day when autos were on strike and he had only a two-wheeler. Imagine him carrying the heavy oxygen cylinder on his shoulder all the way from Magadi Road to our house! He did all of this as he loved his mother so much. I was myself surprised when, one day, after her passing he came crying, full of tears, and when asked he said that he was coming by Magadi Road and couldn’t just control himself.

The affection he had towards me made him build a house for me in Saraswathipuram and after a formal gruha pravesha made me live in that for thirty long years just like that! All my problems were thus shared between us brothers, both Balu and Narasimha Murthy. I consider myself Blessed to have had such wonderful brothers!

This is just a brief recount of my feelings towards my dear departed brother Balu, who lives in my thoughts forever!

Sundareswara Ramasesha Sharma (brother)
March 2025

When I try to recall the time I spent with Balu, I find it chequered as Balu remained with Anna (our father) and Sarasamma (our mother) in Mysuru a lot while I used to be in Bengaluru with Appi, my elder brother at my grandmother’s place and my recollections remain restricted to our summer visits to Mysore. At that time, whenever the topic of going to school would come up, Balu would say “I am not going to school, I will go to college directly.” He seemed to be disinterested in conventional “studying”. After a short stint at Bengaluru at the Model School, Chamarajpet, Bengaluru, he attended a school in Mysore, which was far away and he took the lower secondary school exam from there.

My interactions with Balu thus started after he joined Dalvoy High School in Mysuru. I recall that he was using the textbooks used by me and Appi and, to be frank, we were unhappy as he could not read English properly! However, transformation took place in him when I was studying in the College and he was in high school when he began to score high marks, particularly in Mathematics. This went on even in his Intermediate (Pre-University) studies and because of the high marks he scored he got direct admission at University College of Engineering in Bengaluru whereas I stayed back at Mysuru doing my Engineering.

In those days, Neyveli Lignite Corporation was a prestigious project of the Government and they were recruiting Special Grade Apprentices for their project. Those who had taken the final Engineering examination were eligible for the short tenure jobs. Balu and I had both taken the final BE examination and as such we took the jobs and were there for a couple of months sharing a room. Appi was working at the Medical College, Pondicherry at that time and he had visited us to spend some memorable time. However, on receiving the news that he had secured a rank in the Final BE examination, Balu left for Bengaluru while I stayed back to complete the tenure.

I remember Balu staying in a room with a classmate of his, one Chandrasekhar at the Ranganatha Institute of Commerce, on Shankarmutt Road for some time and later on in West Anjaneya Temple street, Basavanagudi with Shivaramiah, a classmate of Appi. Appi joined them after he quit his job at Pondicherry and joined Government service at the Government Press, Bengaluru, while I continued to be in Mysuru with our parents.

On finishing my Engineering Course, I joined Appi and Balu, who had started his career at NAL, at the house they had set up in Jayanagar II Block with our aunt Akka as caretaker. We three bachelors had a very memorable time there, when I had a short stint as Lecturer at the APS Polytechnic. Later on I joined MES and moved to Nagpur. In 1961. When I was there, Appi got married in 1965 and Balu went to Rugby UK on a short assignment. By the time Balu returned from Rugby, my elder brother Appi had set up a house in Shankarapuram, by the side of National College where Balu was with them when Bharathi was born. Appi went to London in 1968, and Balu took it on himself to supervise the construction of Appi’s house in Rajajinagar, 6th Block, Bengaluru. Because of my mother’s heart condition, the marriage of Balu with Vijaya was celebrated as well as the Gruhapravesham of Appi’s house in the absence of Appi who was still in London.

That was the time when I got a transfer to Bengaluru to spend a memorable life with all three brothers and their kids – Bharathi, Shekhar and Sarasu- and my parents lived happily together for over three years till I got transferred to Chennai, Balu went again to the US! Balu resumed his career at NAL. Balu later on got his house built in JP Nagar, Phase II, Bengaluru and lived there till he migrated to the US.

I have sweet memories of Balu’s visit to Delhi with Vijaya, Sarasu and Maheshu when we visited Agra and Red Fort and my visit to Hampton with Shantu and I recall having presented to him a shiva linga which he revered so much that he had placed it near the stairs and had ensured there was continuous abhishekam using a small pump. Balu had also visited Toronto to spend some time with Preeti and Avinash. Balu and Vijaya blessed my son Shekhar when he bought a house in Atlanta, US. I also have pleasant memories of the visit of Balu and Vijaya when we were in Toronto and spent some very blissful days together.

– Sundareswara Narasimha Murthy (brother)
San Diego, March 2025