We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Mr. Ajay Balram, WTI’s Emiritus Member of the Board and Honorary Treasurer.

Mr Ajay Balram was a business manager who was formerly Managing Director of Tate & Lyle Investments (India) Pvt Ltd. Having spent many years in the industry, he brought in vast expertise in management and finance to WTI. Mr Balram was also an Olympic judge in yachting and a well-known theatre personality in Delhi. He represented South & Central Asia on the Council of the International Sailing Federation (the apex body for the sport of sailing) for eight years and was awarded the ISAF Silver Medal for ‘Services to the Sport of Sailing’. He had a long-term interest in wildlife conservation.

“Ajay Balram was a truly remarkable individual. I’ll always remember him for his sharp wit, insightful thinking, and out-of-the-box ideas. Despite his brilliance, he remained incredibly humble and grounded, always taking the time to genuinely connect with those around him” remembers Dr. Parimal C Bhattacharjee, Emeritus Member of the WTI board.

“He had a unique gift for breaking the tension in serious moments with his clever and creative humour — a true reflection of his warm, approachable, and social nature.His passing is a profound loss. We haven’t just lost a brilliant mind, but a man with a heart of gold” adds Dr. Bhattacharjee

“Ajay Balram will be greatly missed for his quietly wise presence which was confidence inspiring. He guided and gave direction to our work with warmth and gentle humour” remembers Ms. Tara Gandhi, Founder and Life Trustee of WTI.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many colleagues who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. Yet even as we grieve, we are strengthened by the foundations he laid. The organisations he helped build, the lives he influenced, and the landscapes he fought to protect are part of his lasting legacy. His work will continue in the hands of those he has trained, inspired, and loved. May his soul rest in peace, and may we honour his memory by carrying forward the passion, courage, and compassion with which he served.