Kamakshi Balakrishnan, CBSE Education Pioneer of Kerala, Passes Away at 99

Kochi mourns the loss of an education icon, Kamakshi Balakrishnan, who passed away recently at the age of 99. Kamakshi Ma'am widely is considered as one of the most important pioneers to introduce and develop the concept of CBSE education in the state of Kerala, and her legacy stretches well beyond the four walls of the classroom she taught in.

As the daughter of the intellectual and cultural family, Kamakshi ji was passionate and disciplined throughout her education, with a strong desire to work with young talents. Together with her sisters she was one of the pioneers in introducing the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum in Kerala in the late 1970s. Her vision made thousands of students exposed to a more nationally-focused academic system, at a time when the state was largely based on state-board education.

As the founder-principal of Chinmaya Vidyalaya and Chinmaya College in Ernakulam, Kamakshi Balakrishnan combined academic excellence with cultural enrichment. She was a lover of the arts (music, dance, and theatre) and an environment where students were encouraged to excel in both academics and arts was nurtured. She was an outstanding leader in Chinmaya institutions and through her leadership, they were ranked among the best learning institutions in Kerala.

Kamakshi also had an impact outside the administration. She was known affectionately as the ‘iron lady’ of education, who was strict about discipline yet was deeply caring. She is remembered by many students as a strict and nurturing teacher who would challenge them to achieve the best of their potential.

Her fascination with arts was driven by the fact that she was trained as a music student by one of the most well known scholars, Sambamoorthy in Chennai. In addition, she was the vice-president of Kerala Fine Arts and a pioneer patron of cultural organizations like SPIC MACAY, where she urged young minds to appreciate the rich heritage of India.

Although in old age, Kamakshi was still busy in the field of education by sponsoring the Tattwa Centre of Learning, she still provided inspiration to both young learners and teachers.

She leaves behind a family , including her daughters Maya Mohan and Rema Jayaram, that is  dedicated to education and culture. Her earthly ashes shall be kept in her home, Kochi, where her students, friends and well-wishers can pay their respects.

The passing of Kamakshi Balakrishnan marks the end of a remarkable era in Kerala’s education history, a life that profoundly shaped academic excellence and cultural richness for generations. She will remain an inspiration to both teachers and learners. 

Edinbox honors her extraordinary legacy; may her soul rest in peace.