SAD DEMISE OF OUR BALARAM SIR, JOINT COMMISSIONER, SERVICE TAX-VII MUMBAI

With profound sadness, CESA informs that Shri R. V Balaram, Joint Commissioner of Service Tax-VII, Mumbai, collapsed while on duty in the Headquarter office at Satra Plaza, Vashi, Navi Mumbai,  around 1 pm on 10.06.2016. Within no time, he was rushed to the nearest Hospital for medical assistance, but within 20 minutes, the Almighty took him to his Kingdom. 

Balaram Sir joined as a Direct Recruit Appraiser and has served the Department in Kolkatta, Delhi,  Vizakhpatanam and Hyderabad. Promoted as Assistant Commissioner in the year 2005, he was first posted to Bellary Division of Belgaum Commissionerate. In Bellary, he developed health problems and got his lever transplanted in London. He continued to serve the department as AC/ DC at Hyderabad Central Excise Commissionerate as well as in NACEN, Hyderabad. He graduated from Loyola College, Vijayawada and did his higher studies in Sociology. He got his M.Phil in Political Economics from the University of Hyderabad, and later studied Economics from London School of Economics.  He was much in demand as a guest Lecturer in various European Universities including Oxford University.

He is survived by his wife, two children and his ailing parents. He is blessed with twin sons, who are already bright stars in their own right - one is a School level Maths Olympiad Champion. He had planned to shift his children to Mumbai and had already got their admission in Orchid International School at Thane. His equally qualified spouse had got an open invitation from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.  But destiny was too unkind by not allowing his family to be shifted and settled in Mumbai with him. His father is a retired Indian Forest Service officer, settled at Tiruvar near Vijayawada. His brother was an IPS officer, who was martyred in the line of duty by alleged Naxalites, 2 years back in Andhra Pradesh.

He had multiple health problems but on the unfortunate day, he was cheerful and active as usual. But the attack he suffered was too massive and he could not be revived even with prompt medical assistance. His body was taken to his native place on 10^th June and the cremation and last rites were performed today on 12th June, at his home town.

A condolence meeting is scheduled on 13.06.2016 at 11.30 hours at Satra Plaza Conference hall to pay tribute to the departed soul. Though he was with us only for a small period, as an able and well respected academician, teacher and guide, his memories are stamped permanently on all those who had a chance to work with him. By his ever friendly and humble nature, soft and calm attitude and the care and support he gave to the subordinate staff to have a tension–free office atmosphere, he will be remembered for ever.

He was popular wherever he was posted, among the fellow staff as well as Seniors. Whoever had the oppurtunity to listen to his lecture, were mesmerized with his depth of knowledge in the subject and the command of language with smooth narration. Everybody will miss his presence and his passing away is a great loss to the Department. An honest, knowledgeable and down to earth officer is lost for ever.

CESA-Mumbai prays to the Almighty to let the departed soul rest in peace and to give courage & strength to his ailing parents, spouse and children to overcome this irreparable loss.

***************