When Explosions Mean Work… and When They Mean War

 

Years ago, I had the opportunity to witness and film blasting operations at an open-cast coal mine. It was an experience that left a deep impression on me.

The moment the explosives were triggered, a thunderous roar filled the air. The ground trembled beneath my feet, and massive rocks shot outward in every direction as dust and smoke rose into the sky. It was powerful, dramatic, and unforgettable.

Yet strangely, it was also thrilling.

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The reason was simple. These were controlled blasts, carried out with careful planning and strict safety precautions. Every step was designed to ensure that the explosions served a purpose, to extract coal from deep within the earth, fuelling industries and livelihoods. What appeared chaotic was actually the result of precise engineering and disciplined execution.

Today, when I watch the news and see images from ongoing wars around the world, the sound and sight of explosions bring back those memories, but with a very different feeling.

Missiles, drones, torpedoes, and bombs are launched around the clock, striking cities and strategic locations. Buildings collapse, smoke rises into the sky, and rubble spreads across once-lively neighbourhoods. Unlike the controlled blasts at the coal mine, these explosions bring fear, loss, sorrow, and unimaginable destruction.

What once felt thrilling in a safe and purposeful environment now feels deeply unsettling when seen in the context of war.

The rising smoke, shattered structures, and displaced lives remind us of the high cost of conflict. Every explosion in war carries with it the pain of lives lost and communities disrupted.

Watching these scenes, one can only hope that such conflicts come to an end soon.

May the thunder of weapons fall silent, and may peace prevail, so that people everywhere can live their lives in safety, dignity, and happiness.

In God’s Own Country, a meal is never just a meal!

 

Relishing a banana leaf filled with colourful Sadhya, along with the aroma of freshly cooked fish, becomes a celebration of Kerala’s timeless culinary tradition.

In Kerala, everything is a celebration, not just the food, but also its rich traditions and the breathtaking beauty of the land: the misty hills, lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and the vast sea.

Wisdom under three minutes!

 

Wisdom under three minutes! A Video:

(Short Motivational Speeches on Time, Personal Growth, and Kindness)

Kathakali, Bharatanatyam & Beyond – A Fusion of Traditions in Munnar

 

(REACH FOR VIDEO LINK, BELOW)

Our arrival in Kerala on 5th February 2026 was marked by an unforgettable cultural experience. After a scenic drive from Kochi to Munnar, with misty hills and lush tea plantations unfolding along the way, we stepped into the vibrant world of Kerala’s performing arts at The Raga Theatre.

That evening, we witnessed a Kathakali Fusion Dance Show—a mesmerizing blend of South India’s classical traditions. The program featured Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and Theyyam, each performed with grace and intensity.

One of the highlights was watching the elaborate make-up ritual of the Kathakali artistes. The transformation of characters like Dushasana and Bheema was itself a performance, an art form that requires patience, precision, and symbolism. The vibrant colours, intricate facial designs, and towering headgear brought mythological stories to life before our eyes.

For us, this was the first live Kathakali performance, and it felt like stepping into Kerala’s cultural soul. The fusion aspect of the show added variety, allowing us to appreciate the unique rhythm and storytelling styles of Bharatanatyam, the graceful sways of Mohiniyattam, the dynamic energy of Kuchipudi, and the raw, ritualistic power of Theyyam.

This evening was not just entertainment; it was a cultural immersion. The Raga Theatre created a space where tradition met modern presentation, making the experience accessible yet authentic.

Interestingly, 2026 has already been a year of dance for us. We began with a Bharatanatyam Arangetram in Chennai on 3rd January, and now, Kerala has gifted us this unforgettable Kathakali fusion. We hope to continue this journey of live performances throughout the year.

You can relive snippets of this magical evening in my video here:

👉 https://youtu.be/KbP8CsGspZw  

Stay tuned, more posts will follow on Kerala – ‘God’s Own Country’, in the days ahead.

A Blessed Return to Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram ✨

 

On 9th February 2026, my wife and I had the divine opportunity to visit the world-renowned Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, after a gap of 33 years. This visit was the fulfillment of a long-cherished wish, one that had remained in my heart for decades.

We reached the temple in the evening, dressed in traditional attire from our hotel to avoid the need for changing at the temple premises. We purchased tickets for the Special Seva (Poothattu), which granted us a serene, closest possible, and unhurried darshan of Lord Padmanabhaswamy. The experience was deeply satisfying and spiritually uplifting.

Initially, I had thought that if the darshan on the 9th was not fulfilling, we would return the next morning for an early darshan. But the blessings we received that evening were complete, no immediate second visit was needed.

The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is celebrated for its ancient origins, architectural magnificence, and spiritual significance. While most devotees are familiar with its greatness, I am sharing a link for those who wish to refresh their memory or learn more about its rich history:

👉 Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Wikipedia

Here are some pictures and a video of us standing before the temple’s iconic gopuram, a sight that never fails to inspire awe and devotion.

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Valentine's Day Celebration 2026!

 

Little snapshots of love from today’s Valentine’s celebration! ❤️

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A Seafood Feast by the Sea: Lunch at Meenavan Unavagam, Chennai

 

On 2nd January 2026, on the recommendation of my son Srikanth, we visited Meenavan Unavagam, a popular seafood eatery in Foreshore Estate, Chennai, for lunch. This bustling stretch lies just south of Marina Beach, overlooking the sea, the perfect location for a seafood lover’s paradise.

There are scores of seafood joints lined up along this coastal road, but Meenavan Unavagam clearly stands out. The crowd outside spoke for its fame, and the walls were adorned with posters of Prabhu, the owner, alongside several film stars and politicians who had dined there.

Though an air-conditioned dining hall occupies the ground floor, our cab driver suggested we try the rooftop sea-view hall, and we’re glad we did. The sea breeze, the sound of waves, and the casual, lively ambience added a special charm to the meal.

Prabhu himself greeted us warmly with New Year wishes, quickly identifying us as visitors from outside Chennai. He personally introduced the menu, displaying an impressive array of fried fish varieties and recommending a large fish fry, about 13 inches long, served with unlimited rice, fish gravy, dry fish gravy, Sambar, and Rasam.

The fried fish, which he said was Sankara (Red Snapper) or Avoli (Pomfret), I do not remember, was perfectly marinated and deep-fried to a crispy dark crust while remaining soft and succulent inside. It was so large that it easily served the two of us, though we loved it, we had difficulty finishing it. Alongside, we tried the Seer Fish Puttu, which turned out to be equally delightful and flavourful.

While the display of crabs, prawns, and other fish preparations was incredibly tempting, our tummies were already full. Every dish was fresh, hot, and bursting with the unmistakable taste of the sea.

I would highly recommend Meenavan Unavagam to anyone visiting Chennai who loves authentic coastal flavours. The food, the warmth of the host, and the sea-view setting together make it a truly memorable dining experience.