Actor Rajinikanth presents the Dr. Mrs. YGP Award of Cultural Excellence to Vyjayanthimala Bali at the birth centenary celebrations of Dr. (Mrs.) YGP in Chennai on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: R. Ravindran
Actor and former MP Vyjayanthimala Bali received the Dr. Mrs. YGP Award for Cultural Excellence at the birth centenary celebrations of educationist Dr. (Mrs.) YGP organised by Bharat Kalachar in Chennai on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event Ms. Bali said, “Raja amma was not only my aunt but also my guide and mentor in many ways. I really admire and respect her.”
Conferring the award, actor Rajnikanth said, “YGP used to carefully select teachers for her school. Teachers and professors are like drinking water tanks. They must be healthy so that the water given to students is also healthy.”
Founder of Vels University, Ishari K. Ganesh, credited her guidance for starting Vels schools across the world.
“She gave the name Vels Vidyashram and also agreed to run the school. It was her luck and her guidance that I have now been able to establish so many such schools.”
‘Most inspiring’
Stating that YGP was a visionary, singer Nithyashree Mahadevan said that she was the most inspiring. “She’s one of the greatest academicians that our country has seen. She has brought a lot of revolutionary ideas to her schools,” she added.
Recalling fond memories of his mother, Y.G. Mahendran said that they would sing her favourite song sometimes just to get out of trouble. “But she was also very alert and would ensure she disciplined us,” he said.
Various personalities from fields such as dance, music and film also spoke via video about their relationship with YGP.
Cultural performances
Cultural performances such as light music, dramas and Bharatnatyam dances were also part of the event.
Bharatanatyam exponent Padma Subrahmanyam, Carnatic musician Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan and members of the YGP family also spoke at the event.
Published – November 27, 2025 01:09 am IST
