The Debate on Meaning of Life in the Tamil Minor Epic Neelakesi

Drawing Some Inspirations to Engage the Gen Z in Religious Matters

Bibliographic Data

ID24033017
AuthorsSanthosh-Kumar Appu (0009-0000-0812-7741, Sacred Heart College, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume17
Issue8
Pages962
Publication date2026-08-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel17080962
OpenAlexW7203488528
LanguageEN
References cited16

There is a widespread interest in Gen Z today. From a religious perspective, Gen Z tend to, firstly, disaffiliate themselves from institutionalized religion, secondly, find it incompatible with reason, and thirdly, find it exclusivist. In this context, the Tamil epic Neelakesi can be read hermeneutically alongside the three phenomena mentioned above. Firstly, this epic can provide inspiration to Gen Z, who live in a quick-paced world that deprives them of inner peace. Secondly, it inspires religions to intellectually engage with the youth. Thirdly, Neelakesi calls for social justice, overcoming casteism and patriarchal demons that commodify women. This interdisciplinary study uses the hermeneutical method. Firstly, the three elements are drawn from Neelakesi. Secondly, theological foundations, reasonable to the public, are given. Lastly, the discussion is taken up to provide perspectives on how Catholic parishes, and youth groups in particular, can foster better religious practices among Gen Z.

EPIC · Meaning (existential) · Minor (academic) · Religious life · Social life · Tamil · Ego Development and Educational Practices · Media, Religion, Digital Communication · Religion, Gender, and Enlightenment