SRI.S.P. BALASUBRAMANIAN
Founder
Sri S Ponnuswamy Iyer Educational & Charitable Trust,
Shri Venkateswara Matriculation Higher Secondary School,
Smt Karpagam Ponnuswamy Iyer Memorial Nursery & Primary School, Thanjavur - 613009.
Our esteemed founder, affectionately known as Balu Sir or SPB Sir, was born on August 25, 1942, as the fourth child of Sri S. Ponnuswamy Iyer and Smt. Karpagam. His father was a distinguished teacher at St. Peter’s High School in Thanjavur, where he and his brothers received their education. Tragically, he lost his father while in the eighth grade, which plunged the family into significant hardship. During this challenging time, they were supported by generous relatives and friends, with his elder brother, Sri S. P. Ganesan, stepping in as a teacher at St. Peter’s High School to help support the family.
Upon completing high school, he faced the necessity of finding work due to family circumstances. He took on various roles across different locations, including positions in a grocery store, restaurant, and snuff powder shop, as well as managing land for a landlord and assisting a renowned musician of his time. Eventually, he enrolled in a Teacher Training School and successfully completed his training. He began his teaching career at a Government School in Munayampatti, approximately 20 kilometers from Thanjavur on the Thanjavur-Trichy Highway, commuting daily by bicycle—a testament to his prowess as an avid cyclist who undertook numerous pilgrimages by bicycle.
After a year or two, he secured a teaching position at Jainar Free Elementary School in Karanthai, conveniently close to home. Shortly thereafter, he was offered a role at his alma mater, St. Peter's High School in Thanjavur, marking the beginning of his illustrious educational career. At St. Peter’s, he developed deep expertise in education and became known for his dedication and sincerity as a teacher. When the English medium was introduced, he actively canvassed neighborhoods to enroll over 100 students for the inaugural sixth-grade class and played an instrumental role in upgrading St. Peter’s High School to Higher Secondary status. His teaching and language skills were polished and improved by his head masters like Mr.Kovil Pillai, Mr.S.R.Pandian and other eminent colleagues.
He never regarded any task as beneath him; he approached every responsibility with enthusiasm and commitment. Whether it was cleaning toilets, unclogging drains, or driving the school van when drivers were late or on leave to ensure students were safely transported, he exemplified true dedication to his work.
Driven by an unwavering passion for nurturing young minds, he established Shri Venkateswara Nursery and Primary School at 1062 West Main Street, Thanjavur on October 2, 1976. With dreams of opening a Higher Secondary School, he started a branch of Shri Venkateswara Nursery and Primary School at 37 Giri Road, Srinivasapuram, Thanjavur in May 1987. This eventually evolved into the prestigious Shri Venkateswara Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Thanjavur. A parcel of around 5.5 acres was purchased for a school playground in Mariappa Nagar, Thanjavur. Later, the Sri Karpagam Ponnuswamy Iyer Memorial & Nursery Primary School was founded in memory of his mother on this playground. His visionary leadership laid the foundation for excellence in education and social advancement.
A strong believer in women’s empowerment and self-employment—having witnessed his mother's struggles firsthand—he collaborated with the Central Social Welfare Board in New Delhi to open numerous crèches for young children aged a few months to five years across many locations, particularly in impoverished neighborhoods. Most of these children were from families of daily wage laborers. He also established tutorials for students failing their Xth standard exams and initiated programs such as tailoring, typewriting institutes and music classes for women. Many students who passed these courses went on to become music teachers, typists, and clerks in government offices, earning livelihoods and respect.
He was ably supported by his wife, Mrs. N. Santha, who taught at Sri Sadasiva Middle School in Thathojiappa Lane, Kondirajapalayam, Thanjavur-1. When the management of Sri Sadasiva Middle School faced hardships and had to vacate their building, He took over its management while Mrs. N. Santha purchased the building with her hard-earned savings. She often pledged her jewels to support the school salaries, building construction and maintenance of SVMHSS.
Under his management, two educators of SVMHSS and two from Sri Sadasiva were honored with the Dr. Radhakrishnan Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu; one educator from Sri Sadasiva received the National Best Teacher Award from the then President of India, Dr Sankar Dayal Sharma.
To further support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, he founded the Sri S. Ponnuswamy Iyer Memorial Educational & Charitable Trust, which provides scholarships to deserving students. Throughout his life, he generously provided food, sarees, and dhotis to several hundred individuals in need on the occasion of his mother’s memorial day. During natural calamities there are many occasions where he has donated groceries, bedsheets etc to the needy.
His educational institutions are equipped with modern facilities including advanced biology, physics, chemistry, and computer laboratories; a well-stocked library; and an auditorium with air conditioning and state-of-the-art projection systems that foster an enriching learning environment. Additionally, students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities such as karate and yoga to promote their physical and mental well-being.
His educational philosophy transcended conventional teaching methods; it emphasized personal integrity, diligence, and commitment to service. He instilled in his students a profound sense of ethics and spirituality that shaped them into conscientious citizens excelling in various professions including medicine, engineering, law, company secretarial practices, and chartered accountancy. His steadfast dedication to creating a secure and supportive environment for both students and educators was paramount; he often invited distinguished guests such as District Collectors, IAS officers, police officials, Directors of Education, educational officers, and ministers to motivate staff and students alike.
In addition to his contributions to education, he consecrated the Lord Kabaleeswara (Shiva) temple on the premises of KPN School for the public's spiritual enrichment. He is truly an epitome of how one man can make a difference—his legacy continues to inspire lives.
Though he may have departed from his earthly realm on 22nd September, 2020, his spirit lingers on in the lives he transformed, the smiles he elicited, and the hope he instilled. His presence is felt in every corner of the organization, in every heart he touched and in every dream he helped realized. He is survived by his son B.Pichaimani and daughter Ms B.Kalpana.