Orissa Balu

Orissa Balu Biography

Orissa Balu is a historian and Tamil researcher from Indian state, Tamil Nadu. His real name is Sivagnanam Balasubramani, popularly known as Orissa Balu. Known for his extensive research on Kumari Kandam, he also conducts research on Sea Turtles and Human Migration happened in the past by Tamil Community. In 1989 he travelled to Orissa, which was a turning point of his life when he kindled his interest on the Orissan culture, and it also earned him the nickname Orissa Balu. Currently he conducts research works in ‘Culture through Geography’.

Siva Balasubramani was born on April 7, 1963 in Uraiyur, Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Sivagnanam and Rajeshwari are his parents. He completed his graduation in physics and later also completed engineering through self-study followed by library science and remote sensing. In 1989 he moved to Orissa and his stint with the Indian state earned him the nickname Orissa Balu too. He conducted research works in in lost cities and turtle guided him to ocean routes for mapping the turtle corridor along the Indian coast and Indo Pacific Ocean. He established rapport with the coastal community of Tamil community through the close communication he did during his extensive travels. He also conducts research works on ancient ships, sea routes, trades etc.

He also conducts experiments on the Tamil coastal belt, effectively using the traditional knowledge of the coastal community. In his opinion, traditional sailors and fishermen have given some amazing contributions towards our knowledge of navigation and also natural calamities like Tsunamies. As a researcher he began with Kalinga-Tamil relationship, and he grew interested in this field leading to more research works. Apart from interacting people belonging to fisherman group and coastal belt, he also communicates with research students.

Published: September 08, 2018

Updated: September 08, 2018