Balu Sankaran

The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Vibhushan to Prof. Balu Sankaran, at an Investiture-II Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on April 05, 2007

Balu Sankaran (1926–2013) was a renowned Indian orthopedic surgeon, medical educator, and scientist, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the field of orthopedics and rehabilitation in India. He played a pivotal role in establishing comprehensive care for patients with orthopedic injuries and disabilities, significantly advancing the medical infrastructure in India for these conditions.

Early Life and Education

Balu Sankaran was born in 1926 in Tamil Nadu, India. He pursued his medical education at the prestigious Madras Medical College, where he showcased an early interest in orthopedics. After completing his medical degree, Sankaran furthered his training and expertise abroad, including a significant period in the United Kingdom where he honed his skills in orthopedic surgery.

Career

Upon returning to India, Balu Sankaran embarked on a career that would span several decades, during which he made indelible marks on the practice and teaching of orthopedic surgery. He served in various capacities at leading hospitals and medical institutions across the country, including as the head of the Orthopedics department at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. His tenure at AIIMS was marked by innovative approaches to orthopedic care and the training of the next generation of surgeons.

Sankaran's contributions were not limited to clinical practice and education. He was instrumental in the establishment of the National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (NIRTAR) in Odisha, which focuses on the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in the founding of the Central Institute of Orthopedics at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, significantly enhancing the infrastructure for orthopedic care and research in India.

Contributions and Legacy

Balu Sankaran's work in the field of orthopedics and rehabilitation is widely recognized for its impact on improving the quality of life for patients with disabilities and injuries. He was a pioneer in introducing modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods in India, which have saved countless lives and improved the outcomes for patients with orthopedic conditions.

Throughout his career, Sankaran was the recipient of numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to medicine, including the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards from the Government of India.

Death and Legacy

Balu Sankaran passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the field of orthopedics and rehabilitation in India and beyond. His dedication to medical education, patient care, and research has inspired generations of orthopedic surgeons and healthcare professionals.

See Also

• Orthopedic surgery
• Rehabilitation (medicine)
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences
• Padma Shri
• Padma Bhushan