A doyen in the field of education, the passing away of 93-year-old Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy, has been hailed as the end of era by her students and admirers. As news of her death on Tuesday, began to do the rounds on social media, alumni of the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan group of schools in Chennai, including music composer AR Rahman and Indian cricketer Ashwin Ravichandran expressed their condolences.
#RIPMrsYGP We have lost a visionary educator and our #singapen of #PSBB Chennai.
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) August 6, 2019
She changed the lives of thousands of young men and women ...May her rest in peace.
RIP Mrs YGP.. The lady has managed to produce some unbelievable human beings to serve this world with the help of her #psbb family. May her legacy go on and on... Sri gurubhyo namaha
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) August 6, 2019
Knowledge is power.
Alumni recalled the encouragement she gave to students who studied in her prestigious schools and the emphasis she placed on extra-curricular activities. Kollywood Music director Anirudh Ravichander is also an alumnus of the school.
Mrs YGP - The epitome of positivity, self confidence, courage and kindness. An example for many generations to come. You will be missed dearly by me and every single student in every part of this world. Love you and RIP pic.twitter.com/Ejr57R1PPB
— Anirudh Ravichander (@anirudhofficial) August 6, 2019
Mrs.YGP, as she was fondly called, founded PSBB in 1958. When it first began, she had merely 13 students who were taught under a thatched roof. The school placed emphasis on hollistic learning and included yoga, meditation and reciting Vedas as part of its daily activities.
Music and dance classes were part of the PSBB culture and classes began with a traditional greeting of Shri Gurubyo Namaha as opposed to the usually practiced 'Good Morning'.
Very sorry to hear the passing away of Mrs.YGP. A lady with a vision, ensured #PSBB became one of the leading institutions in the country. As a product of the institution, it hits me harder. Am sure all #PSBB students across the world would share my sentiments. #RIP
— RK (@RK_sports) August 6, 2019
In an interview, Mrs. YGP had once said that she was initially ridiculed for what was thought to be an unconventional system. However, word-of-mouth reportedly brought more students and fame to the school.
“People were yearning for a platform that would give them the ‘Indian touch’ they needed. They first said it would become more of a cultural centre than school. The parents were so used to the Anglicised method of teaching and it took a while to grab their attention. But, once it did, we emerged successful,” she told TNIE
Many former students praised for not merely the education provided by the school, but also for the 'values' it insitlled in them.
Extremely sad to know Mrs YGP has passed on. A titan and what a lady she was!
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) August 6, 2019
RIP Mrs.Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy popularly known as Mrs.YGP. A legend in the field of education she was instrumental in setting up the PSBB group of schools. Mother of noted actor Y Gee Mahendra. Om Shanthi. #RIPMrsYGP
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) August 6, 2019
Mrs. YGP was an institution unto herself. Her legacy as an educationist is the stuff of legend. Prayers for her soul. Great Lady! #YGP #PSBB
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) August 6, 2019
I haven’t had many teachers who’ve taken an interest in me/tried to help me figure out what my strengths were without emphasizing on my weaknesses,but whenever I met Mrs.YGP she was always warm,generous and supportive & I’m so grateful for that. An icon;A class apart.#Restinlove
— Aishwarya Kalpathi (@aishkalpathi) August 6, 2019
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Mrs.Y.G.Parthsarathy wife of Late Y.G.P and mother to Y.G.Mahendran a fantastic person and a strong women #padmasheshadri schools and staff will deeply mourn her.
— Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) August 6, 2019
Deeply saddened by the news of the esteemed Smt. YGP's reaching the feet of Sri Narayana.
— Aruna Sairam (@arunasays) August 6, 2019
She was a great educationist, Founder, and Dean of the PSBB Group of schools. Her interest and support for the fine arts are a great contribution to society.
My pranams to her noble soul. pic.twitter.com/V1bUYQOEDy
A doyen of education, the legendary Mrs.YGP, Founder of the #PSBB Group of Schools passed away. It's the end of an era. I will miss you, Ma'am.@narendramodi @PMOIndia @narendramodi_in @nsitharaman Ma'am, I remember your warm interaction on stage with YGP Ma'am last year.
— Sanjay Pinto (@Sanjay_Pinto) August 6, 2019