In nature's embrace, we are embraced!

 

Happy to be at this lovely place,

Where green surrounds, every space.

Interiors lush, and exteriors grand,

An exhilarating experience, oh so grand.

Nature's tapestry, a vibrant sight,

Leaves a feeling of pure delight.

Amidst the trees, so tall and strong,

I find my peace, where I belong.

The emerald hues, a calming embrace,

In this tranquil, enchanting space.

With each breath, I feel alive,

In this oasis, I truly thrive.

Birds sing melodies, skies so blue,

As I soak in this wondrous view.

Happy to be here, my heart's at ease,

In this haven of nature, I find my release.

The green, the beauty, both inside and out,

A cherished memory, without a doubt.

In this lovely place, I'll forever hold dear,

An exhilarating experience, crystal clear.

Sixty-two years, one month, twenty-one days old memory!

Another old memory, not as old as yesterday's article,

Yet it carries the weight of years in its haze,

Sixty-two years, one month, twenty-one days old,

A tale of school fees, a story to be told.

In the attic's dusty corners, they were found,

Receipts of innocence, a treasure unbound,

For me and my sister, a journey we'd take,

In the halls of learning, our futures at stake.

Class II and V, those days long past,

The numbers on those receipts, they still last,

A testament to a time when dreams took flight,

In the classrooms of wonder, bathed in sunlight.

Oh, the fees may seem quaint in today's view,

A fraction of what modern times construe,

But the value they held, not in coin or bill,

In the knowledge gained, the dreams we'd fulfil.

So, let's cherish these relics of days gone by,

A reminder of innocence under the sky,

For memories like these, forever they'll stay,

In our hearts and minds, come what may.

(Note: The ‘E’ before the Class denotes English Medium. For the students of Telugu Medium at St. Mary’s High School, education was free! I studied at this Girls' High School as there was no English Medium School for boys at Kothagudem in those days) 

Birthdays so close in the family!

 

Birthdays so close in the family!

A calendar filled with love and glee,

In November, a special bond,

With celebrations that go beyond.

On the 14th day, our father's cheer,

His birthday, a day we hold so dear,

Then comes the 16th, a date for me,

With wishes, laughter, and jubilee.

My sister’s birthday is on 17th September,

A day we always fondly remember,

And not far behind, on the very next date,

Our brother's birthday (18th), it's truly great!

Three siblings, three days in a row,

A unique occurrence, as you know,

Numbered 16th, 17th, and 18th we stand,

A family united, hand in hand.

So, let's celebrate this closeness we share,

With love and joy, beyond compare,

Our birthdays so close, a blessing indeed,

In this family, love is all we need.

Happy Sri Krishnashtami / Janmashtami / Gokulashtami!

Today is Sri Krishna Janmashtami also known as Krishnashtami and Gokulashtami, that is the birthday of Lord Krishna an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is a festival celebrated by Hindus all over India and the world with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm. While some sects and regions celebrated the festival yesterday, the Vaishnavites and ISKCON are celebrating the Lord’s Birthday today.

The tradition of celebrating Lord Krishna’s Birthday is over 5200 years old! According to scholars, Lord Krishna was born on 19th July 3228 BC that is on Wednesday the eighth day (Ashtami) of the second fortnight of Sravana Masam (Month of Sravana). He was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell at Mathura. This place still exists and is thronged by pilgrims and visitors throughout the year. It is between Delhi and Agra and all tourists visiting the Taj Mahal make it a point to visit Sri Krishna Temple and his place of birth at Mathura. This is how I and my wife happened to visit Mathura and similarly, my two sons went there separately during their return journey from the Taj Mahal to Delhi. 

The above greeting pictures and the video and photographs following this article are of my grandchildren dressed as young Krishna.

On this happy occasion of Krishnashtami, I wish you and your family, happiness, prosperity and peace. May Lord Krishna bless you richly.

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