Prof. P. L. Ballaney was born on Dec. 1, 1927. He graduated in Mechanical as well as Electrical Engineering in 1952 from Poona University. He completed his Master’s degree M.S. (Mechanical Engineering) from Michigan State University, East Lansing, U.S.A in year 1960.

Prof. Ballaney joined Delhi College of Engineering (then Delhi Polytechnic) in the year 1959 as Sr Lecturer, and became Asstt. Prof. in 1963. He was made Professor in 1965, which he continued till 1985 when he superannuated. He was Head of Mech. Engg. Deptt. and was Dean Faculty of Technology University of Delhi.

Prof. Ballaney contributed immensely to the learning of Mechanical Engineering subjects through his books which are particularly suited for Indian environment. He authored books on ‘Thermal Engineering’, ‘Theory of Machines’, ‘IC. Engines’, ‘Applied Thermodynamics’, and ‘Refrigeration and Air-conditioning’. All the books were approved by National Book Trust of India and were recommended text books in engineering colleges throughout India. The books are popular even now and have seen many editions and scores of reprints. Prof. Ballaney is one of the Founder Members of ISHRAE (Indian Society of Heating, refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers) and had been its President also. He is Fellow of Institution of Engineers (India). Prof. Ballaney was also honoured with “The Best Citizen of India Award” by International Publishing House.