Dr R Balasubramaniam Honored at Mangaluru Literature Fest 2025

Dr R Balasubramaniam Honored at Mangaluru Literature Fest 2025

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 12, 2025: The 7th edition of the Mangaluru Literature Fest culminated in a grand award ceremony on January 12, 2025, celebrating the achievements of Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, an acclaimed development scholar, author and public policy advocate.

The felicitation ceremony, organized by the Shreshta Sahitya Foundation and Bharath Foundation, was graced by the trustees of Bharath Foundation, who jointly presented the honor to Dr. Balasubramaniam. RJ Abhishek hosted the event, with Shriraj Gudi delivering an engaging introduction of the distinguished guest.

Adding to the occasion, Dr. Balasubramaniam’s latest book, "Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi," was officially launched by Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament, Mangaluru. The book explores the leadership philosophy of the Prime Minister and reflects Dr. Balasubramaniam’s personal journey.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Balasubramaniam expressed humility, stating, "When you get felicitated, if you feel it’s for yourself, there is no greater fool than you. I am simply grateful to have received this honor." He revealed that writing the book was a cathartic process, saying, "I didn’t write for others to read; I wrote it for myself."

The scholar spoke on various themes, including leadership, ethics, and cultural preservation. Reflecting on the concept of ahimsa, he remarked, "Ahimsa is treated as a fashionable term, not taken seriously," quoting Swami Vivekananda to emphasize selflessness in service. He also likened ethical leadership to cleaning a dusty mirror, urging introspection instead of blame.

Highlighting the importance of cultural heritage, Dr. Balasubramaniam expressed concern over the fading recognition of traditional Indian literature, stating, "Our children are unaware of Panchatantra stories. While advanced reading is important, we must also cherish our cultural treasures." He described the pursuit of knowledge as peeling layers of an onion, with endless opportunities for learning.

The event concluded with an enthusiastic response from the audience, who were deeply inspired by Dr. Balasubramaniam’s profound insights on leadership, ethics, and culture. His words left an indelible mark, underscoring the significance of preserving heritage and fostering thoughtful leadership.