Bala Subramanian

Bala Subramanian, Professor Emeritus at Morgan State University, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on September 4, 2023 at the age of 86.  

Bala was born in Madras, India in 1936. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Commerce from the University of Madras, and completed his Masters Degree in Economics at the University of Bihar. Bala also holds an M.B.A from the prestigious University of Chicago.  

In a career that spanned over 55 years, Bala was a scholar, teacher, and business leader. After working as a Special Projects Coordinator in the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Jimmy Carter Administration, Bala put down roots at Morgan State University in Baltimore. As a Professor in the Earl G. Graves School of Business, he loved to challenge his students to think creatively. Beyond the classroom, he rose through the ranks of the business school serving in administrative roles such as Vice President and Dean. He was a champion for educational equality and affirmative action programs to ensure that the doors of higher education remain accessible to as many people as possible. Bala retired in 2011 as Professor Emeritus of Business Administration with a commendation by the Governor of Maryland for his 39 years of outstanding service.   

Bala was a pillar of the Indian community in the Greater Baltimore area. He was passionate about uniting the scattered families & establishing the Indian community’s presence in the 1970s. Tapping into his love for Indian music & arts, Bala helped to establish the first ever Indian radio program that aired on National Public Radio affiliate WEAA-FM as a way to unite and reach the larger community. 

Bala is also a Founding Member and long-term Trustee of the Murugan Temple of North America in Lanham, Maryland. He has been involved with the temple for over 40 years and was instrumental in bringing the temple to its current status. 

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Bala loved to explore new places in the world and had a green thumb that could make anything blossom. He found joy in tending to his backyard garden and going for daily walks in Centennial Park.  He is survived by his wife, Kamala Subramanian; his daughters Sandhya, Sarita, and Sujatha; and four grandchildren. He will be deeply missed, and forever cherished by his family & friends.  

On the day of the service, click HERE to view the Live Stream

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