It's with a heavy heart that I write, legendary researcher Sivagnanam Balasubramani or commonly known as Orissa Balu (ஒரிசா பாலு) is no longer with us.
On October 6th 2023 Sivagnanam Balasubramani passed due to a cardiac arrest while at Rela Hospital.
Orissa Balu was a world renowned researcher, scientist and archaeologist from Uraiyur, Tamil Nadu. He got his name Orissa Balu from his first comparative works and time spent in Orissa, India.
For decades, Orissa Balu travelled around the world and studied Tamil history and ancient wisdom. He mapped out ancient Tamil migration paths through integrated ocean culture research, famously known for his study of sea turtles. His contributions to the research and understanding of Kumari Kandam, evolution of Tamil language and communities, and global ancient Tamil influence is beyond impressive.
I do not think one can simply box in the many talents and interests of Orissa Balu.
During a presentation in Singapore Orissa Balu spoke about the importance of looking at the world through an explorative lens.
This meant documenting insights from those neglected by history such as women - both from the past and present, giving importance to oral traditions, conducting our own fieldwork.
He ended this segment with a message to Tamil parents, to encourage children to pursue various career paths and interests as pieces of our suppressed history can be traced through a variety of subjects.
Though I never got the chance to meet Orissa Balu iyya, his work is what inspired me explore the Tamil way of life so deeply.
Despite fighting cancer for the last few years of his life, Orissa Balu was eager and dedicated to continue his work.
Orissa Balu encouraged Tamils around the world to come together by creating a sense of community and collaboration. He created and coordinated different research groups including: World Tamil Youngesters Team, World Tamil Women’s Group, Integrated Ocean Culture Research Foundation, and Thenpulathar Global Tamils’ Group.
If I can describe Orissa Balu to you in one sentence it would be someone who understood the bigger picture. From the way he encouraged collaboration, persevered for research and spoke about Tamil history, I believe, Orissa Balu deeply understood the true essence of Tamil.
Orissa Balu paved the way for a deeper understanding of Tamil history and heritage. Although we mourn his loss, his contributions will forever remain an inspiration, and aid for generations to come.
An introduction to Orissa Balu's work:
Related books to Tamil history and culture:
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