He is well-known for his pioneering work with rural and tribal communities in Sargur and Heggadadevana Kote Talukas of Mysuru, Karnataka. A physician by training, Dr. Balu also serves as a Rhodes Professor at Cornell and is a recognized leader in social change. His contributions extend to national governance as Member- HR at the Capacity Building Commission of the Government of India and as Chairperson of the Social Stock Exchange Advisory Committee of the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI).