2 hrs ago
Navya Nanda Says Gen Z Seeks Purpose Alongside Profit
Navya Naveli Nanda is a businesswoman who also works on women’s health and equality.
She says many young people want their work to help society, not just make money.
She believes Gen Z is often unfairly described as lazy or entitled.
Arundhati Bhattacharya agreed that this stereotype is wrong.
Nanda said young people increasingly see men and women as equals.
However, she said unfair ideas and barriers still exist.
She also said artificial intelligence may change people’s lives and careers in uncertain ways.
Nanda comes from a well-known business and film family.
She wants to build an identity through her own work rather than only through her family name.
Navya Naveli Nanda says Gen Z increasingly wants purpose alongside financial profit.
Nanda said young people increasingly view men and women as equals, despite continuing stereotypes and structural barriers.
She identified uncertainty over artificial intelligence as a major concern for her generation.
Nanda works with her father, Nikhil Nanda, at Escorts Kubota, a tractor and engineering company.
She also co-founded Aara Health and founded Project Naveli to support women’s health, gender equality and opportunity.
- Who
- Navya Naveli Nanda, Nikhil Nanda and Arundhati Bhattacharya are central to the discussion.
- What
- Nanda discussed Gen Z’s interest in purpose, gender equality, AI-related uncertainty and personal identity.
- Where
- Nanda made the comments at the launch of Aparajita, the Hindi edition of Arundhati Bhattacharya’s memoir, Indomitable.
- When
- The remarks were reported on September 11, 2026.
- Why
- She was discussing stereotypes about Gen Z and her views on how young people want to work and contribute.
Gen Z Stereotypes
Purpose-Driven Generation
Work ethic
Gen Z Stereotypes
A stereotype portrays Gen Z as entitled or unwilling to work.
Purpose-Driven Generation
Nanda and Arundhati Bhattacharya said this characterization is totally wrong.
Success and work
Gen Z Stereotypes
A conventional view emphasizes profit and career achievement as primary goals.
Purpose-Driven Generation
Nanda said young people want purpose alongside profit and feel committed to contributing to society.
Gender equality
Gen Z Stereotypes
Existing stereotypes and structural barriers can limit women’s opportunities and influence.
Purpose-Driven Generation
Nanda said young people increasingly see men and women as equals and that women should create their own blueprint rather than simply catch up with men.
Key facts
- Age
- Navya Naveli Nanda is 28.
- Company
- She works with her father, Nikhil Nanda, at Escorts Kubota.
- Company valuation
- The article describes Escorts Kubota as a roughly ₹32,500-crore listed tractor and engineering company.
- Book project
- Nanda is co-authoring The Map, a forthcoming HarperCollins India book about Gen Z stereotypes.
- Women’s health venture
- She co-founded Aara Health, a women-focused health and wellness platform.
- Non-profit
- She founded Project Naveli, which focuses on gender equality and opportunities for women.
- Family background
- Nanda is the daughter of Nikhil Nanda and Shweta Bachchan Nanda, and the granddaughter of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan.
Quotes
Navya Naveli Nanda
Escorts Kubota family member, entrepreneur, and co-author of The Map
“I think what has been passed around me is far more than what I might even achieve in my life”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Young people don’t just want profit; they want purpose.”
thehindubusinessline.com










