After serving as Vice-President of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) since 2019, Dr Venkataraman Balaji transitioned to the role of Special Adviser to the President in June 2025. In this new capacity, he supports the executive leadership with strategic guidance and contributes to institutional continuity and innovation.
Dr Balaji has been with COL since 2010, initially as Director of Technology and Knowledge Management. A specialist in the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to rural development, his work at COL has focused on pioneering and testing new models for technology-mediated outreach to support learning at all levels.
He has played a central role in initiatives related to MOOCs, the Aptus device for offline learning, and other innovations aimed at improving access and equity in education through scalable, low-cost technologies.
Dr Balaji holds a PhD in Energy Studies and brings decades of interdisciplinary experience in education, development, and digital innovation to his advisory role at COL.
