Balan Madhavan Biography 
Balan Madhavan is a nature conservation photographer who hails from Thiruvananthapuram. He runs the N Madhavan Pillai Foundation for Conservation Communication, and is a Senior Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers. A former banker, Madhavan became one of the 5 selected photographers from Asia to be a part of the International League of Conservative Photographers in 1992, aimed at environmental and cultural conservation through photography. He serves as a member of the board of directors. Currently Balan Madhavan is one of the most sought after travel photographers in India.
Balan was born in Munnar. He hails from Thiruvananthapuram to N. Madhavan Pillai and Valsala Devi. He is married to Latha Mangesh. Balan completed his graduation in commerce. Balan took to photography way back in 1987, quitting a bank job. A nature lover, he took to nature’s call and took camera in his hand. His father who was a DFO became his inspiration, for wildlife and nature. He is the only Indian in the International League of Conservation Photographers. He was the winner of the United Nations (UNEP) photography Award, 1992.
He has published a few works such as Sanctuary for the soul of Kerala Tourism, Periyar in Her Elements and Water Taken for Granted. In 2017 he travelled to Antarctica on a photo expedition. Though mostly associated with nature conservation projects, he often does commercial projects too. Balan is also an Associate of Royal Photographic Society (ARPS), England. Photos from the Western Ghats, Mexico, US, Himalayas and South Africa adorn his walls. He started Madhavan Pillai Foundation in the memory of his father which awards forest guides and worker. It annually awards 1 lakh rupees to the winner, most commonly the unsung people like field workers.
Published: December 13, 2018
Updated: December 13, 2018
