•Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, founder of SVYM and GRAAM, was felicitated in Mysuru for his appointment as a full-time member of NITI Aayog.
•The event titled “Celebrating Grassroots Leadership in Nation Building” was held at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre in K.R. Mohalla, Mysuru.
•Speakers included Swami Muktidanandaji Maharaj, industrialist R. Guru, and tribal leader Mudali Madaiah, reflecting on SVYM’s journey and Dr. Balasubramaniam’s contributions.
•Dr. Balasubramaniam spoke about his evolution from a civil society activist to a government policymaker and called for regenerative development and active citizenship.
•A panel discussion on “Mysuru 2050” explored inclusive and sustainable urban development while preserving cultural and environmental values.
•SVYM (founded 1984) and GRAAM (founded 2007) are grassroots organisations focused on development, healthcare, education, research, and advocacy.
Mysuru, June 1, 2026 — The Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) and Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) jointly hosted a special felicitation programme in Mysuru to honour their founder, Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, on his recent appointment as a full-time member of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog. The event, titled “Celebrating Grassroots Leadership in Nation Building,” was held at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre in K.R. Mohalla, Mysuru, and brought together leaders from diverse fields to acknowledge Dr. Balasubramaniam’s contributions to social development and institutional growth.
The gathering was attended by prominent figures including Swami Muktidanandaji Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Ashram in Mysuru; R. Guru, a noted industrialist and philanthropist; and Mudali Madaiah, a tribal leader from H.D. Kote. Speakers at the event reflected on the early years of SVYM and shared personal experiences and long-standing associations with the organisation and Dr. Balasubramaniam. According to a statement released by the organisers, the discussions highlighted “the challenges, milestones, and collective efforts that have shaped SVYM’s journey from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognised institution.”
In his keynote address titled “From Grassroots Action to National Possibilities,” Dr. Balasubramaniam shared insights from his decades-long journey. He spoke about the struggles and uncertainties during SVYM’s formative years and expressed gratitude for the steadfast support of colleagues, community leaders, well-wishers, and partners who contributed to the organisation’s growth. He reflected on his personal evolution from a civil society activist who frequently questioned government systems to becoming part of the government apparatus as a NITI Aayog member. This transition, he noted, gave him a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by public institutions and the transformative potential that arises when citizens and government collaborate effectively.
Dr. Balasubramaniam emphasised that India’s path to development requires renewed commitment to custodianship, active citizenship, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders. He called for a shift from sustainability models to regenerative development approaches that not only sustain but restore and enrich communities, institutions, and ecosystems. The address underscored the importance of integrating grassroots insights with national policy frameworks to create inclusive and sustainable growth.
The programme also featured a panel discussion titled “Mysuru 2050: Cultural, Inclusive, Sustainable and Competitive Development of the City.” The panel brought together diverse perspectives to explore the future trajectory of Mysuru, focusing on pathways to achieve balanced and inclusive urban development while preserving the city’s rich cultural heritage and environmental integrity. The discussion aimed to identify strategies for Mysuru to emerge as a model of sustainable and culturally vibrant urban growth by the year 2050.
SVYM and GRAAM, both founded by Dr. Balasubramaniam, are recognised for their pioneering work in grassroots development, healthcare, education, and advocacy across Karnataka and beyond. SVYM, established in 1984, is a non-profit organisation that has expanded from a small youth initiative to a multi-sectoral development agency. GRAAM, established in 2007, focuses on research, policy advocacy, and movement-building to strengthen democratic governance and social justice at the grassroots level.
The felicitation event not only celebrated Dr. Balasubramaniam’s new role in shaping national policy but also highlighted the enduring impact of grassroots leadership in nation-building. It served as a reminder of the critical role that civil society organisations play in bridging the gap between communities and governance, ensuring that development processes are inclusive, participatory, and rooted in local realities.
