Late. Prof. Dr. (Col.) A. Balasubramanian
Late Prof. Dr. (Col.) A. Balasubramanian was a visionary educationist, a decorated soldier, and a transformational leader whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Born into humble beginnings, he rose through sheer grit and determination—joining the Indian Army as a sepoy and retiring as a subedar after 28 years of exemplary service. While in uniform, he earned three postgraduate degrees and later became the first Indian Armed Forces veteran to be conferred the Honorary Rank of Colonel post-retirement—an honor shared with legends like Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar.
Driven by discipline, dedication, and a deep sense of service, Bala Sir founded Sri Balaji Society, now known as Sri Balaji University, Pune (SBUP)—a premier management education hub. He also played a pivotal role in establishing Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) and pioneered India’s first PG Management Institute exclusively for Defence personnel and their dependents.
Under his leadership, SBUP flourished into a vibrant academic ecosystem housing institutes like BIMM, BITM, BIIB, BIMHRD, and others offering UG and PG programs across management, commerce, arts, and technology. Today, over 20,000 SBUP alumni are making a mark worldwide—as entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and change makers.
Bala Sir’s enduring philosophy—“Problems are opportunities” and “Be selfish”—continues to empower students to excel, lead, and transform the world.
Founder President & Chancellor,
Sri Balaji University, Pune (SBUP)
Individuals who realise ‘Problems are Opportunities’ and take advantage of the cards they are dealt with to come out on top of situations with ‘Discipline, Dedication and Determination’ will continue to learn and overcome set backs to achieve their dreams and goals.
‘Be Selfish’ and first prepare yourself to stand on your feet - health wise, skill wise and financially. Take care of your parents and family. If each one of us does that, we will have vibrant families, stronger communities and wealthy nation.
Late. Prof. Dr. (Col.) A. Balasubramanian
Founder President & Chancellor, Sri Balaji University, Pune
Late. Prof. Dr. (Col) A. Balasubramanian was the first Indian from the Armed Forces in the history of India to be conferred the Honorary Rank of Colonel after retirement. Standing tall with him on this exclusive dais are famous sportsmen like Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Abhinav Bindra, Mahender Singh Dhoni, and the famous actor Mohanlal.
A firm believer in the values of Discipline, Determination, and Dedication, he inspired and inculcated these values in the students of Sri Balaji University. Bala Sir’s golden words to his students are ’Problems are Opportunities’ and ‘Be Selfish'.