Balasubramaniam Ramamurthi obtained MS (1947) from University of Madras, and FRCS (1947) from Edinburgh, UK. He was Head, Department of Neurosurgery, Voluntary Health Services Medical Centre, Chennai; Professor of Neurosurgery, Government General Hospital, Chennai (1958-78); Principal, Madras Medical College, Chennai (1976-78); and Visiting Professor at eight foreign and twelve Indian universities.

Academic and Research Achievements: Ramamurthi’s researches span injuries to nervous system, surgery of brain tumours, tuberculous infection of brain, neurophysiology, stereotactic surgery, consciousness and biofeedback techniques. A study of neurophysiology of the deep structures of the brain he made during stereotactic surgery, led to a better understanding of movement disorders, pain and epilepsy. He investigated the yogic states of meditation and established the value of biofeedback techniques. He also studied the correlation of neurology with ayurveda and yoga. He developed techniques of prevention and treatment of head injuries.

Other Contributions: Ramamurthi was a member of the INSA Council (1988-90).

Awards and Honours: Notable awards won by Professor Ramamurthi are: INSA-TS Tirumurti Memorial Lectureship (1985), Honorary Surgeon to President of India; Dhanwantari Award; Honorary Brigadier; Padma Shri; and Padma Bhushan. He was elected Fellow of the International College of Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Indian Academy of Sciences at Bangalore, and National Academy of Sciences (India) at Allahabad; President, National Academy of Medical Sciences (India), Neurological Society of India, Association of Surgeons of India, Neurosciences Society of India, Indian Association of History of Medicine, Indian Association of Biomedical Sciences; Honorary Member, Australian Society of Neurosurgeons, Society of Neurological Surgeons, USA, American Academy of Neurosurgeons, Japanese Neurosurgical Society, Scandinavian Neurosurgical Society, Congress of Neurological Surgeons; and Honorary President, Asian and Australasian Congress of Neurosurgery and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.