S. Gurumurthy Speaks on Gen Z and Indian Civilisation at YGP Centenary Memorial Lecture

Delivering the Dr. (Mrs.) YGP Centenary Year Memorial Lecture in Chennai, S. Gurumurthy, Editor of Thuglak magazine and Chairman of the Vivekananda International Foundation, shared his views on Indian civilisational values, youth trends, and cultural continuity.

What Happened

The event, titled ‘Indian Civilisation Past Glory or Future Guide’, was organised by the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) Group of Schools at Kamarajar Arangam on Anna Salai in Chennai. During his address, Mr. Gurumurthy discussed how Gen Z is being influenced globally and domestically, citing studies on generational behavior and cultural practices.

During the gathering, several dignitaries were honoured, including veteran actor A.R. Srinivasan, Ramcons Founder K. Ramanujam, and Rajan Eye Care Hospital Chairman and Medical Director Dr. Mohan Rajan. PSBB Group of Schools Dean, Director, and Correspondent Sheela Rajendra presented a memento to Mr. Gurumurthy and spoke on the legacy of the late Mrs. YGP in combining academic excellence with Indian traditions.

Key Highlights

• Contrasting Generational Trends: Mr. Gurumurthy referenced studies showing that Gen Z in Europe, Japan, and America often seek out music from the 1970s and 1980s and books from the 1960s, while Gen Z in India is being pushed toward rebellion against systems, parents, tradition, and religion through consumerist communication approaches.
• Civilisational Continuity Among Youth: Despite these influences, he noted that many young Indian professionals—including chartered accountants, software engineers, teachers, and business executives—maintain a strong civilisational connect by actively visiting temples and attending the Kumbh Mela.
• Savings and Heritage: Pointing to comparative savings studies, he noted that Indian families traditionally save for their grandchildren, reflecting a continuity of thought uncommon in Western models.
• Significance of Civilisational Study: He emphasised that remembering the past fosters pride and self-confidence, adding that studying Indian civilisation holds insights into the universe, climate changes, and human interaction with nature.
• PSBB’s Educational Philosophy: Sheela Rajendra noted that under late Mrs. YGP, PSBB established an educational environment blending progressive thinking and Indian traditions to build character, conviction, and compassion beyond standard curriculum.

Why This Matters

The lecture highlighted discussions surrounding modern youth identities, cultural preservation, and intergenerational values within the framework of Indian society and education.

What to Watch Next

Educational institutions and cultural forums continue to hold commemorative centenary programmes and lectures reflecting on traditional values and modern societal shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the theme of the memorial lecture?

The theme of the Dr. (Mrs.) YGP Centenary Year Memorial Lecture was ‘Indian Civilisation Past Glory or Future Guide’.

Who organised the centenary event in Chennai?

The event was organised by the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) Group of Schools at Kamarajar Arangam on Anna Salai.

Who were the prominent personalities honoured at the programme?

Veteran actor A.R. Srinivasan, Ramcons Founder K. Ramanujam, and ophthalmologist Dr. Mohan Rajan were honoured during the event.

Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.