Dr. S Balaji

Janapada Balaji or Jogi Balaji as he is fondly known by well wishers, Dr. S Balaji is the founder of Kannada Janapada Parishath, a center dedicated to the folklore of Karnataka. Janapada Kutira - a physical hub initiated by him - is a space offering residency programmes and awareness building through its museum of folk instruments. Among many achievements, Dr. S Balaji has facilitated a youth association (Folklore Youth Brigade) engaged for outreach and to address the difficulties of the folk artistes. In total there are currently over 730 active members across 31 districts and 170 taluksof the state.
Dr. S Balaji has surveyed and documented over 250 diverse folk artforms and its artists making it the largest network of folklore artists across the state. He continues to felicitate, support and advocate for their rights both at grassroots and at policy level. Dr. S Balaji is also Government of India ICCR RAC Member and NSS State Advisory Member Govt of Karnataka.