Bala Iyer (1945–2023)

PGP-68

We are sad to announce the passing of our dear batchmate, Balasubramanian Iyer (PGP 68), due to a cardiac arrest on December 12, 2023.

He is survived by his wife Mohana and his son Akshay and daughter Mayura.

Bala grew up in Ahmedabad, did his schooling in St. Xavier’s School, graduated from St. Xavier’s College, and joined IIMA for PGDBA in 1966.

Inspired by a speaker who asked IIMA students to contribute to the public sector, Bala joined ECIL (Hyderabad) and was involved in the development and launch of the first Indian TTV brand – ECIL in 1972.

Bala married Mohana, a former media and PR professional, in 1975. In the following years, he joined GCMMF (Amul) for 9 years. Guided by the vision of Dr Kurien, Bala was instrumental in launching a range of new Amul products and shaping the brand identity

He then took up an assignment as CEO with Venkateshwara Hatcheries and along with its Founder, Dr B.V.Rao, referred to as the father of the Indian Poultry business, developed the business through diversification and global expansion.

Bala was then with Torrent Pharma, Ahmedabad for 5 years. Subsequently, he took up varied assignments of short duration, abroad and with Apollo Hospitals (Ahmedabad) and Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore.

Bala found his true calling of rendering greater public service at Sankara Eye Hospital (SEH), Bangalore, where he oversaw Marketing for the entire organisation comprising more than a dozen locations across India. He is credited with rapid growth of SEH, Bangalore through his dynamic marketing and strategic initiatives, besides organising a large number of free eye camps, in line with the 80:20 model of business pursued by SEF.

Bala was Co-Founder of Bangalore Apartment Owners’ Federation (BAF) and was its first President. His contribution through representing and protecting the interests of Apartment and Resident Welfare Associations (exceeding 1200 across Bangalore) has been widely acknowledged. Bala was also instrumental in the formation of Nav Nirman Party, a non-political organization, with the sole objective of bringing about better governance in Bangalore Municipal Corporation. He also volunteered to assist several social organizations in Bangalore, including “Namma Bengaluru Foundation.”

In addition, Bala mentored some startups, including “CRAFTIZEN”, an NGO set up and being run by his daughter Mayura, an MBA from ISB. His son Akshay is a media professional with over 18 years of experience and is now a freelance writer and editor.

Bala was active in the IIMA Alumni Association – Bangalore Chapter, and contributed to its programs; very recently, in November ’23, he organized an event and voluntarily sponsored part of it.

Bala was an important part of the IIMA PGP 68 Alumni Group. Apart from attending most of the Batch Reunions, he spearheaded the Reunion in Bangalore in 2019, and won much appreciation from all batchmates and spouses who attended.

Bala was a warm and gentle person, with a strong sense of purpose, commitment to goals, and compassion for the needy. Without an exception, he endeared himself to all batchmates from PGP 68, colleagues in different organizations he worked with, friends, and associates from different walks of life.

Bala lived his life, both personal and professional, with a purpose – of doing what he cherished and of making a contribution to social well-being

He will be deeply missed by his batchmates. May his life and good deeds inspire all of us to take on and participate in activities that help in social upliftment.