History, Geography, Culture, and Life Through These Tiny Papers!

Yesterday marked the 77th Telangana Liberation Day. On 17th September 1948, a year after India gained independence from British rule, the princely state of Hyderabad, a kingdom larger than many European countries, was liberated from the rule of Mir Osman Ali Khan of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. After a brief military action, it was annexed into the Indian Union.

Today, one can easily learn about these events through the internet. But for someone like me, born in 1952, decades before the internet, knowledge and curiosity were fuelled by books and magazines. And there was another fascinating source of learning for me, which this article is really about: Philately.

My father began collecting stamps in the early 1930s, and I joined him in a small way, starting with a few stamps I bought during a school excursion to Madras. His collection grew steadily, sourced from letters, purchases from dealers, and constant contributions from colleagues at his office who all knew of his passion.

By the early 1970s, I was able to expand our collection further through my other hobby, DXing (listening to international radio stations), which allowed me to request stamps free of cost from several countries. Later, I began purchasing foreign stamps occasionally, along with regularly buying commemorative issues from the General Post Office (GPO) in Hyderabad.

Today, our collection has grown to nearly 10,000 stamps, about 70 percent of which belong to my father’s original efforts.

As I mentioned earlier, stamps are not just collectibles, they are windows into history. For instance, I recently revisited a few stamps from Hyderabad State itself. The Asaf Jahi dynasty, which ruled Hyderabad from 1724 until its integration into India in 1948, introduced their very first postal stamp in 1869. These small pieces of paper tell stories of rulers, nations, and eras gone by, history preserved in miniature.

Information About the Stamps Depicted Above

All the stamps are bilingual, inscribed in both English and Urdu. Their details are as follows:

1. Victory Commemoration (1946)

This commemorative stamp bears the inscriptions “VICTORY COMMEMORATION” and “HYDERABAD” in English. The Urdu text above the design reads “Sarkar-e-Asafia Yaadgar-e-Kamyabi” (Government of Asafia, Commemoration of Victory). The design shows a soldier returning home to his family waiting outside a house, symbolizing the Allied victory in World War II and the end of the conflict. The stamp has a face value of “ONE ANNA” and is marked “POST & RECEIPT”, indicating its dual use for postal and fiscal (revenue) purposes.

2. Charminar Pictorial (1931)

One of the most iconic pictorial issues of Hyderabad State, this stamp features the famous Charminar. The English inscription reads “POST & RECEIPT” with a denomination of “ONE ANNA.” It belongs to the 1931 pictorial series.

3. Seal of the Nizam (1930)

This issue highlights calligraphic design representing the seal of the Nizam. The English inscription “POSTAGE” appears at the top, while the denomination “8 PIES” is noted at the bottom. The central portion is dominated by Urdu calligraphy.

4. Seal of the Nizam (Variant, 1930)

Similar in design to the previous stamp, this variant carries the denomination of “4 PIES.”

5–8. Silver Jubilee Commemorative Set (1937)

These four stamps were issued on 13 February 1937 to mark the 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of the reign of Nizam VII, Mir Osman Ali Khan. Each stamp features an important landmark of Hyderabad State:

8 Pies – Osmania General Hospital

4 Pies – Unani General Hospital

2 Annas – Osmania Jubilee Hall

1 Anna – Osmania General Hospital

9. Kakatiya Arch (1947)

This stamp depicts the Kakatiya Arch at Warangal Fort, a significant piece of regional history and architecture. Today, this arch is the official emblem of the Telangana State Government. The stamp was issued in 1947 with a denomination of 3 Annas.

Birthday

From My Diary, September 1983: A Chapter for the Family Archive

Happy time travel through words: My September 1983 diary for my family…

Here are a few pages from my 1983 diary that you might find interesting. Since my handwriting can be difficult to read, even when zoomed in, I am reading it aloud for you in the video below.

AUDIO NARRATION:

Visit to a little slice of Paradise! From our residence at Paradise!

 

Happy to be at this marvel of art and devotion! A gifted sculptor has created a serene statue of Lord Buddha and carved the living trunk into a sanctum, as though nature itself has bowed to cradle the Enlightened One. The trunk and roots embrace him gently, while the lush green canopy above rises in perfect harmony, forming a natural temple of peace and shade. This rare blend of sculpture and tree transforms the space into a symbol of serenity, reminding us of the eternal bond between wisdom and nature.

For more of this wonderful garden, you may watch the video below:

VIDEO:

Happy 79th Independence Day!

 

 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! 

Let us remember that our ancestors are the foundation on which our lives are built.

Rakhi Festival at “Srilekha”, over the years!

“Sri Raghavam Dasharatha Athmajam” – Shloka, and its meaning

 

The Shloka "Sri Raghavam Dasharatha Athmajam" is a prayer to Lord Rama, praising his virtues and seeking his blessings. It describes Rama as the son of Dasharatha, the husband of Sita, and a great warrior who destroyed demons. The shloka is a way to invoke his divine presence and seek protection and guidance. 

The above video is the rendition of this Shloka by Smt. N. Lalitha Raghu

In essence, the Shloka translates to: "I bow to Sri Rama, the son of Dasharatha, the immeasurable, the husband of Sita, the jewel of the Raghu dynasty, having arms that reach his knees and eyes like lotus petals, the destroyer of demons."

The meaning of the Shloka in detail goes as follows:

Sri Raghavam: "To Sri Rama," the revered descendant of King Raghu.

Dasharatham: "Son of Dasharatha."

Atmajam: "Son."

Aprameyam: "Immeasurable, boundless, or infinite."

Sitapatim: "Husband of Sita."

Raghukulanvaya Ratnadipam: "The lamp (or jewel) of the Raghu dynasty."

Ajanubahum: "Having arms that reach to the knees."

Aravinda Dalayataksham: "Having eyes like lotus petals."

Ramam: "To Rama."

Nishachara Vinashakaram: "Destroyer of demons (or night walkers)."

Namami: "I bow down, I salute." 

With Mugs of Memories! Amidst Incessant Rain!

 

For three days, the rain has softly stayed,

Veiling skies in a dark shade.

The air is damp, the wind wears chill,

And coffee cups with family pics begin to fill.

Steam rises like a whispered tale,

Of warmer times in sunlit trails.

Each mug is a frame from days gone by,

Love and laughter frozen, spirits high.

Faces beam from ceramic gloss,

Moments held without time’s loss.

Family, friends in printed cheer,

Now warming hands when they’re not near.

These mugs don’t just hold caffeine,

They cradle echoes in between.

A sip, a smile, a thought of then,

Hope we all soon meet again.

Rainfall in Hyderabad

When rain falls hard in Hyderabad,

The streets become a watery bed.

Cars get stuck, and people run,

Their journey home, now barely begun.

But in my house, called 'Srilekha',

I'm warm and safe, no rain problem/Kasta/కష్టా 🙂

Hot food and drinks, a cosy cheer,

While outside, troubles reappear.

I watch the news, my heart feels low,

For those caught out in the rain's flow.

I wish them home, out of the plight,

Safe and sound, before the night.

Diamond Jubilee of Bhadrachalam Bridge.

It has been 60 years since the opening of the road bridge over the River Godavari to Bhadrachalam, the temple town. Until the bridge was inaugurated on 13 July 1965 by President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the only way to reach Bhadrachalam from Telangana and the surrounding towns and villages was by crossing the river using steamers, and in summer, by boats and steamers. From the Rajahmundry side, it was always by steamer, as the road connection was only available from Khammam, where this bridge is situated.

This bridge was a great gift to pilgrims visiting Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple, Bhadrachalam, and to the people of Bhadrachalam and villages, and towns on that side of the State.

The above photographs are of the ‘inauguration slab’ of the bridge and of my father, Sri N. Bhaskarachary, greeting the President with Namaskaram.

The Crescent That Connects Across Time 🌙

Over the course of a lifetime, from the innocence of childhood to the seasoned calm of the seventies, faces change, memories fade, and old acquaintances often drift into the fog of time. It’s natural. Most people, after long gaps, struggle to recognise familiar faces from the past. Names slip away, relationships grow distant, and time does its quiet work.

Yet, I have experienced something rather curious, something I’ve come to see as a quiet marvel. Despite the years gone by, people from different stages of my life often recognise me, not just by face, but by name and connection. This article is a reflection on that wonder, and perhaps the reason behind it, a reason etched, quite literally, onto my forehead.

I carry a prominent crescent-shaped birthmark (5 cm long) on my forehead, curved like a sliver of moonlight in a clear night sky. It has been with me since birth, an ever-present symbol, a quiet but visible part of who I am. Unlike marks that remain hidden, facial birthmarks are part of the immediate impression we give the world. They become intertwined with how we are remembered. And in my case, this distinct crescent has followed me through time as an ageless identifier.

Over the years, this mark has become more than a quirk of nature. It has become a companion, one that sparks curiosity, invites conversation, and connects me to stories far older than my own. People often stop and ask about it, especially when meeting me for the first time. Their interest opens the door to discussions on identity, belief, and the strange, beautiful ways in which the universe touches each of us.

While I don’t believe it holds any magical powers, I do find meaning in the symbolism it carries. In many cultures, and particularly in ancient Hindu lore, birthmarks are considered more than skin-deep. They are seen as divine imprints, fingerprints of fate. And when such a mark takes the shape of a crescent moon, it becomes something more: a talisman, a cosmic emblem.

In Hindu mythology, the crescent moon rests in the matted locks of Lord Shiva himself. It symbolises the cycle of time, the rhythm of creation, and the calming, eternal presence of the Mahadeva. I still remember how elders, upon noticing my birthmark, would pause thoughtfully and say with reverence, “That’s the mark of Shiva’s gaze. He’s watching over you.”

Whether that’s true or not, I hold the sentiment close. It brings comfort, a sense of connection to something vast and timeless. Perhaps it is this mark, this symbol of memory and divinity, that helps people remember me even after decades have passed.

So, here I am in my seventies, still greeted with familiarity, still called by name, and still carrying the crescent moon on my brow, my lifelong companion and silent storyteller.

🙏 Thank you, Lord Shiva, for your watchful gaze and for continuing to bless my family and me.

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.