A decades-old lecture by former IIT Madras professor V Balakrishnan has become an unlikely social media sensation, with thousands of viewers applauding his effortless teaching style and exceptional command over physics. The clip, uploaded as part of the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), has introduced a new generation of learners to one of India’s most celebrated physics educators.
The lecture, which has gone viral on X, shows Professor Balakrishnan explaining complex scientific concepts without relying on presentation slides, notes or digital teaching aids. Instead, his clear explanations, structured reasoning and engaging delivery have drawn widespread admiration, with many users describing the lecture as a masterclass in teaching.
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While the viral video may have brought him to the attention of a wider audience, generations of IIT Madras students have long regarded him as one of the institution’s finest teachers. Popularly known as “Professor Balki,” he spent decades teaching physics at the Chennai-based institute and earned a reputation for making even the most challenging topics accessible.
A Distinguished Career in Physics
Venkataraman Balakrishnan is an Indian theoretical physicist whose academic work spans several areas of modern physics. His research interests include particle physics, many-body theory, stochastic processes, quantum dynamics, dynamical systems and the mechanical behaviour of solids. His contributions have made him one of India’s respected figures in theoretical physics.
After completing his schooling in Pune and Mumbai, Balakrishnan pursued Physics Honours at St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, graduating in 1963. He later completed his master’s degree before travelling to the United States to pursue a PhD at Brandeis University.
Returning to India in 1970, he spent three years at the Tata Institute in Bombay before joining the Reactor Research Centre at Kalpakkam, now known as the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research. In 1980, he joined IIT Madras as a Professor of Physics, where he remained until his retirement. His academic achievements were recognised in 1985 when he was elected a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences.
A Teacher Students Never Forgot
Professor Balakrishnan’s lectures have remained legendary among his former students. Many recall his classes as intellectually stimulating while also being highly entertaining.
One former student, Arun Kannawadi, wrote on Quora that attending Professor Balki’s lectures was “like sitting down to watch ‘Game of Thrones’ or any other favourite series” because students never wanted the class to end. Kannawadi also credited Balakrishnan’s teaching for inspiring him to shift from engineering to physics, even comparing him to renowned physicist Richard Feynman for his ability to simplify difficult concepts.
The recent viral clip has reinforced that reputation, with social media users praising how effectively he communicates without technological aids, demonstrating that outstanding teaching depends more on clarity than presentation tools.
A Family of Accomplished Academics
Academic excellence runs through Professor Balakrishnan’s family. His wife, Radha Balakrishnan, is a theoretical physicist and retired professor at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences in Chennai.
Their two children have also built distinguished careers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Their son, Hari Balakrishnan, serves as the Fujitsu Professor of Computer Science, while their daughter, Hamsa Balakrishnan, is a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Both completed their undergraduate education at IIT Madras before pursuing higher studies abroad.
As the lecture continues to circulate online, many viewers say it serves as a reminder that exceptional teaching never goes out of style. Professor V Balakrishnan’s passion for physics and ability to make complex ideas understandable continue to inspire students well beyond the classroom.
