A Heartwarming Father's Day Celebration – 2025!

In our father’s quiet strength, we find our way,

A guiding light by night and day.

With every smile and every care,

A father's love is always there.

The Father's Day celebration (15th June 2025) was truly special for our family. We gathered at a cozy restaurant, surrounded by love, laughter, and some delicious food. It was a day to pause and celebrate the quiet strength, care, and guidance that fathers bring into our lives every single day. We were three fathers at the celebration, Sudhir, Srikanth and I.

Sharing stories, exchanging smiles, and simply being together made the occasion even more meaningful. The joy of family time was captured beautifully in the photos we took, each one a reminder of moments we’ll always cherish.

I take this opportunity to wish all fathers in the family a very Happy Father’s Day!

Our Visit to Sri Panduranga Swamy Temple, Chilakalapudi

 

While holidaying recently at a beach resort in Chirala, nestled in the Bapatla District of Andhra Pradesh, our family was unexpectedly blessed with an opportunity that turned our coastal holiday into a spiritually fulfilling journey. On the 6th of June, 2025, we made a serene visit to the sacred Sri Panduranga Swamy Temple at Chilakalapudi, located in the historic port town of Machilipatnam, Krishna District, 120 km from where we were holidaying. I visited this temple with my parents when I was around five years old. Although I have no recollection of the visit itself, the photographs clicked then, at the nearby Manginapudi beach, constantly remind me of our trip to Chilakalapudi.

For devotees of Lord Vitthala (Panduranga Swamy/Lord Krishna), this temple holds special significance. It is considered the second most revered shrine of Sri Panduranga Swamy, next only to the famous temple at Pandharpur in Solapur District of Maharashtra. What makes this temple especially divine is that the idol of the Lord here is Swayambhu (self-manifested). The presence of saints and devotees at the time of its manifestation adds to its mystical and spiritual aura. The temple also resembles the one at Pandharpur.

As we stepped into the temple premises, there was an unmistakable sense of peace and reverence in the air. The idol bears an uncanny resemblance to the deity at Pandharpur, standing tall, hands on hips, exuding compassion, patience, and infinite grace. We could feel the same divine energy that millions seek in Pandharpur, right here in Chilakalapudi.

The temple’s origin story added another layer of personal joy for us. We learned that it was constructed by Bhakta Narasimham, a devout Vishwabrahmin (Goldsmith) belonging to the Suparnasa Brahmarishi Gothram, the same lineage that we and Niranjan bava proudly belong to. This shared heritage stirred a deep sense of connection and pride. Knowing that someone from our own Gothram had the divine calling and devotion to build such a sacred space filled our hearts with immense gratitude and inspiration.

Our visit was brief but profound. We left with prasad in hand, peace in our hearts, and blessings that seemed to transcend words. This unexpected spiritual interlude reminded us that the divine often reveals itself in the most unplanned moments, when you're simply open and present.

We hope you'll enjoy these photographs I have attached, which capture the timeless grace of Sri Panduranga Swamy and the serenity of this lesser-known yet powerful temple. Whether you're a devotee of Vitthala or a seeker of quiet sanctity, this gem in Machilipatnam is worth a visit.

May Lord Panduranga’s (Lord Vitthala’s/Lord Krishna’s) blessings be with us all.

coming soon!

This is a timeless capture that warms the heart

Sometimes, the simplest joys come from traditions,

Crispy, flavourful snacks passed down through generations,

Perfect for any time of the day,

And in any season here, or any country far away.

This is a timeless capture that warms the heart.

Where golden crisps and laughter meet,

And age-old recipes whisper comfort sweet,

For every little hunger, and every big smile,

Tradition serves joy, stacked on a plate,

As beautifully as this moment.

Sudhiksha holds the plate just right,

While Lalitha beams with pure delight.

The snacks are crisp, the flavours deep,

But it’s their bond they’ll always keep.

Operation Sindoor: A Triumph of Justice and Resolve

 

In the face of unspeakable tragedy, India has risen, undaunted, unwavering, and united.

The brutal massacre of Hindu tourists at Pahalgam on 22nd April 2025 was not merely a terrorist attack. It was an assault on humanity, on faith, and the spirit of our Nation. Innocent lives were taken in cold blood, men executed before the eyes of their families. The grief that swept across the country was heavy, personal, and unforgettable.

But from that grief emerged a resolve stronger than ever before: ‘Operation Sindoor’.

The launch of Operation Sindoor has been a masterstroke, both in strategic precision and symbolic power. This is not just a military operation; it is a statement. A declaration that India will not bow to fear, will not tolerate terror, and will never forget the death of the innocent.

The name itself, Sindoor, is deeply emotional. In Indian culture, Sindoor is a sacred symbol of marriage, of a woman’s bond to her husband, of family, continuity, and life. To name this mission after it is to reclaim what the terrorists tried to destroy: love, sanctity, and peace. It is a tribute to the women whose lives were shattered, whose Sindoor was stained with blood, not by fate, but by the cowardice of those who kill from the shadows.

Operation Sindoor is our answer.

Executed with precision and unparalleled bravery, the mission has struck deep at the heart of the terrorist infrastructure. Camps have been decimated. Launchpads dismantled. The nation that shelters and breeds these enemies of peace has been given a lesson they will not forget. Our armed forces, intelligence agencies, and government have shown what it means to act with resolve and righteousness.

This mission is more than just retaliation, it is justice.

I salute our soldiers who, with courage in their hearts and duty in their veins, carried out this operation with brilliance and efficiency. I commend the leadership that greenlit such a bold and meaningful move. And I stand with every agency, every operative, every decision-maker who contributed to this proud moment.

Operation Sindoor is a reminder to the world: India is not a silent spectator. We value peace, but we are not afraid of war. We mourn our dead, but we do not surrender. We will protect our people, our culture, and our honour, no matter the cost.

Let every enemy of peace take note. This Nation does not forget. And this Nation will never forgive acts of terror.

Jai Hind!

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

May God continue to be with us.

May peace return, and may justice always prevail.

A Serene Encounter: Sun and Moon Together Over Hussain Sagar Lake

VIDEO:

On a tranquil evening, as the sun began its descent over the horizon, my wife and I found ourselves gazing at a mesmerising scene that felt almost surreal. The sun, in its full round shape, was setting over the serene waters of Hussain Sagar Lake, casting a golden reflection that danced on the surface. But what made this moment truly magical was the presence of the moon, positioned side by side with the sun, as if posing for a photograph. Both celestial bodies were in full round shape, creating a rare and captivating sight.

Hussain Sagar Lake, located in Hyderabad, is a heart-shaped lake known for its picturesque views and the iconic statue of Buddha standing tall in its centre. On this specific evening, the lake was bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, with the sky painted in shades of orange and gold. The reflection of the sun on the water created a shimmering pathway that led the eye towards the horizon.

In the distance, the Indian flag stood proudly, fluttering gently in the evening breeze. The trees on the small projecting bank within the lake added to the natural beauty of the scene, their silhouettes creating a perfect contrast against the glowing sky.

The sight of the sun and moon together, both in full round shape, was a rare and enchanting moment. It felt as though nature had orchestrated this beautiful display just for us, allowing us to capture photographs and videos that would forever remind us of the serene beauty of Hussain Sagar Lake.

As we stood there, soaking in the tranquillity of the scene, we couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for witnessing such a unique and harmonious alignment of the sun and moon. It was a reminder of the simple yet profound beauty that nature offers, and the importance of taking a moment to appreciate these fleeting wonders.

A Sonnet to Celebrate Our Anniversary!

 

Happy to share glimpses from today's celebration of our 46th wedding anniversary, along with a Sonnet I wrote for the occasion!

Once again, thanks a lot for the greetings and good wishes I received from family and friends. 🙏

A Sonnet by Me, to Celebrate Our Anniversary: Anchored in Love, Buoyed by Prayer

I met her young, when tender days were new,

A spark was lit that time could not erase.

Through years of courtship, steadfast and so true,

Love blossomed deep in every silent grace.

At nineteen, she stood beside me as my bride,

Two souls entwined beneath the hand of fate.

Through joy and trial, always side by side,

Our bond grew strong, serene and deeply great.

For forty-six full years, our hearts have sung,

Through storms and sun, through laughter, loss, and gain.

With sons and grandsons around us, old yet young,

Our love endures, untouched by time or pain.

We bow to God, whose mercy lights our way,

And pray our family's joy shall ever stay.

VIDEO