A.V.Balasubramanian (Balu) had his basic training in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Physiology, having studied at Bangalore University and the  Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and at the State University of New York at Stonybrook in the USA. Since 1982, he has been interested in various aspects of traditional Indian knowledge systems. He was part of the PPST group from 1982 when  he moved to Chennai and in 1986 when PPST Foundation was registered as a trust he became the secretary and he continued till 1991. He was involved actively in the  Congresses of Traditional Sciences and Technology   organised in 1993 and 1995. He has also been  associated with several organizations and efforts which are working on various aspects of Traditional Indian Knowledge Systems such as - Ayurveda, Yoga, Traditional Metallurgy and Metal working.  . He is also interested in the methodology and the epistemology  of traditional knowledge.

 

In January 1995, Balu founded CIKS (Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems) ( www.ciks.org ) which is dedicated to explore the contemporary relevance and application of Indian Knowledge Systems particularly in the area of sustainable agriculture. Currently he works with CIKS and he is based in Chennai .

Balu has been married to Dr. K.Vijayalakshmi since 1986 and they have a daughter who is an advocate practicing in Chennai. (Contact : ciksbalu@gmail.com and info@ciks.org ).