Lt Gen K Balaram, PVSM

The passing away of Lt Gen K Balaram has been so sudden and come as a shock to all those who knew him.

He was a highly professional and able Signal Officer, an intellectual and a thinker; who took his Profession of Arms very seriously. Some of his peers called him “Professor” recognizing his tremendous knowledge and the ability to bring it to bear in dealing with important matters!!

An electronics engineer of high technical acumen, who had mastered the intricacies of signal communications. He designed the famous Balaram Aerial for increasing the range of VHF radio communications which came so handy during 1965 War and subsequently. At the same time a devout student of art of warfare. Commanded a brigade and division so ably and was instructor at the Infantry School and Commandant Defence Services Staff College where he left his indelible mark.

Later when he was the Adjutant General, he could take on the Ministry of Defence big wigs on equal terms. As the Vice Chancellor of Kurukshetra University after retiring from the Army, he put this institution of learning on very sound footing.

Gen Balaram was upright, humane, kind hearted and friendly. He was man of few words, simple in habits and down to earth. Fond of playing golf and liked to tinker with mechanical and electronics items.

I had known Gen Balaram since 1953, when he was an instructor at the then School of Signals, now MCTE at Mhow. One was so impressed with his professionalism and dedication even then.

Contributions made by Gen Balaram to the Army and the Corps of Signals will be remembered for long. The Corps will miss his presence and sage advice.

Our deepest condolences to Mrs, Balaram and family members. May God rest the departed soul in peace.

Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh
Former Signal Officer–in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant