The Great Speeches I Failed to Memorise

I recently created the attached two videos for a friend, where I read aloud President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Mark Antony’s Funeral Oration from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. These speeches have always held a special place in my memory. Back in 2012, I attempted to memorize these popular pieces from my school days, and despite my 7-year-old granddaughter Sudhiksha’s patient help in holding the speech papers and correcting my mistakes, I failed rather miserably. Ironically, Sudhiksha, at that young age, mastered them by heart with ease 🙂

My friend, who attended a speed‑reading course, shared that he could read at nearly 800 words per minute, though with little comprehension, and at 400 words per minute with full understanding. Speed may be useful for reading, but when it comes to delivering a speech, clarity and cadence matter more. The ideal speaking pace is generally 130 to 150 words per minute. For instance, the Gettysburg Address, of 300 words with an introduction, took me 2 minutes and 2 seconds to read. That pace is acceptable, though a touch slower might feel more thoughtful to some, while others could find it dragging.

Hope you will like my narration of these speeches:

Mark Antony’s Oration at Caesar’s Funeral:

President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address:

Discovering Sri Kamakshi Amma Ekambareshwara Swamy Temple, Secunderabad.

 

Some discoveries happen in distant places during carefully planned journeys. Others are found surprisingly close to home, quietly waiting to be noticed. Our visit today to Sri Kamakshi Amma Ekambareshwara Swamy Temple in Kalasiguda, Secunderabad, was one such discovery.

Although we have been residents of Secunderabad since birth, it was only yesterday that we came to know about this beautiful temple. Curious to learn more, we visited early this morning and were immediately struck by its serene atmosphere and rich spiritual heritage.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi and Lord Ekambareshwara. It reflects the sacred association found in the ancient Kamakshi Amman Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple of Kanchipuram, one of the most revered Shaiva–Shakta centres of South India. Goddess Kamakshi is worshipped as the Divine Mother, embodying compassion and grace, while Lord Ekambareshwara represents Lord Shiva in his benevolent form. In addition to the main shrines, the temple also houses subsidiary shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya Swamy, making it a complete spiritual centre for devotees.

We were told that the temple is more than a hundred years old. According to local tradition, it was established by a Tamil Mudaliar family along with members of their community, who sought to preserve their religious and cultural heritage in Secunderabad. Over the decades, the temple has remained an important place of worship, sustaining the devotional practices and traditions of generations.

During our visit, we had the privilege of performing Abhishekam for Lord Shiva and offering Pooja to Goddess Kamakshi. Participating in these sacred rituals brought a deep sense of peace and fulfilment, and we sought the blessings of both the Divine Mother and Lord Shiva for the well-being of our family.

What surprised us most was learning that this temple is well known among many residents of the surrounding localities, yet we ourselves had remained unaware of its existence until now. It made me reflect on how often we overlook the treasures hidden within our own neighbourhoods. We frequently travel great distances in search of history, culture, spirituality, and beauty, while remarkable places often exist just around the corner.

Our visit to Sri Kamakshi Amma Ekambareshwara Swamy Temple was not merely a temple visit; it was a reminder that exploration need not always involve distant destinations. Sometimes, the most meaningful discoveries are those that help us see our own city with fresh eyes.

As I left the temple, one thought lingered in my mind: why does it take us so long to discover the fascinating stories, traditions, and sacred spaces that have quietly enriched our own neighbourhoods for generations?

The Legacy of a Coffee Filter

 

In an age of capsule machines, automatic brewers, and instant coffee, it is easy to forget that some of the most treasured objects in our homes are not the newest or the most sophisticated. Sometimes, their value lies not in technology but in the stories they carry.

The photographs above show three different types of coffee-making equipment. On the left stands the traditional South Indian coffee filter, in the middle a stovetop coffee maker, and on the right an electric coffee machine. Each represents a different era and approach to brewing coffee. Yet among them, it is the humble South Indian coffee filter that occupies a special place in our family.

More than a kitchen utensil, it is a family heirloom.

This stainless-steel coffee filter is sixty-eight years old and remains in perfect working condition. It was purchased by my father, Late Sri N. Bhaskarachary, on 14th November 1957, his birthday. In those days, it was common practice to mark significant purchases with the owner's name and the date of purchase. The faint but still visible engraving on the lid bears witness to that tradition, preserving a moment in time that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Every scratch, every polished surface, and every cup of coffee brewed through it carries a connection to him.

The filter itself is a simple yet ingenious device. Consisting of two cylindrical chambers, a perforated pressing disc, and a lid, it produces the rich coffee decoction that has been the foundation of South Indian filter coffee for generations. Despite the arrival of newer methods and machines, it continues to do its job with remarkable efficiency. Its design has scarcely changed because it never needed to.

What is perhaps most remarkable is its condition. After nearly seven decades of regular use, the filter remains sturdy and functional. This speaks volumes about the quality of manufacturing from an era when products were built to last. Many household items of those times, from utensils to motor vehicles, were made with durability in mind. Stainless steel was thick, workmanship was meticulous, and longevity was expected rather than exceptional.

Today, when appliances are often replaced within a few years, such endurance feels almost extraordinary.

Looking at the filter alongside the stovetop and electric coffee makers, one sees not merely different ways of brewing coffee but a timeline of changing lifestyles. The newer machines may offer convenience and speed, yet they cannot replicate the sense of continuity embodied by the old filter. It has survived changing fashions, evolving technologies, and decades of daily life, remaining a faithful companion through it all.

For our family, its significance extends far beyond coffee. It is a tangible link to my father, a reminder of his tastes, habits, and the simple pleasures he enjoyed. Every morning brew carries with it memories of him and of a time when possessions were chosen carefully and kept for a lifetime.

The old South Indian coffee filter continues to serve its original purpose, but it also does something more profound. It preserves history, not the grand history found in books, but the quiet history of a family, lovingly remembered. 

A Summer Without Relief

 

The concrete glows beneath a heavy glare,

A breathless heat is hanging in the air.

May’s final days are burning fierce and bright,

With no relief to cool the stifling night.

​In summers past, a sudden cloud would form,

A brief, chaotic, beautiful-mad storm.

The dust would settle as the raindrops fell,

Breaking the season’s suffocating spell.

​But now, the June horizon whispers near,

And still, the stubborn skies remain too clear.

The storm clouds gather, but they drift away,

To bless some distant land, but not today.

Quest for the hidden bloom!

 

A dash of white, a secret prize,

Hidden well from searching eyes.

Beneath a leaf of emerald green,

The shyest flower was barely seen.

​Atharv and Avyaansh began their quest,

To find the bloom at its hidden best.

Though the garden path was long and wide,

They found where the lovely flower hides.

​It brought a smile to every face,

Tucked away in its leafy space.

A tiny treasure, soft and bright,

Turning their hunt into pure delight.

VIDEO:

Sharing the Joy of Our Wedding Anniversary 2026, With Love

 

We are grateful for your wishes and share our joy with love…

VIDEO:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

On this day of gentle remembrance,

When love first found its voice in us,

We stand again,

Not at the beginning,

But further along the path we chose together.

Beneath one quiet umbrella,

Tilted just a little more toward you,

Is a promise unspoken yet always kept,

That your comfort is my care,

Your smile, my shelter from every storm.

The rain may fall in restless rhythms,

Sometimes soft, sometimes fierce,

Yet we walk on,

Hand in hand, step by step,

Trusting not the weather,

But each other.

Around us, the world bursts into colour,

Golden hopes, crimson courage,

Green whispers of renewal,

And skies that clear when we least expect.

We shall see them all,

Through tears and laughter alike.

If shadows lengthen,

We shall be each other’s light.

If roads grow uncertain,

We shall be each other’s way.

And if storms gather unannounced,

We shall not turn back,

For we have learned,

That love is not the absence of rain,

But the strength to walk through it together.

From dawn’s tender glow,

Into the fullness of day,

We move forward,

With faith as our compass,

Hope as our horizon,

And care as our quiet, constant guide.

May our steps never falter in doubt,

Nor our hearts in trust.

May we always find warmth,

In the nearness of one another.

And may every season we pass through,

Leave us richer in love,

Than the one before.

For in all weathers,

In all colours of life,

We are,

And shall always be,

Together. 

A Symphony of Flavours - My Colourful Salad Story!

 

Cooking is often described as an art, but occasionally, it transforms into something more, something poetic. This colorful salad I prepared recently was exactly that, because of the several ingredients I used. It became a composition of flavours, colours, textures, and aromas that came together like a well-written verse on a plate.

What made this salad truly special was the way it was enjoyed, relished leisurely in bits and pieces, each mouthful offering a different blend and a new experience. It wasn’t just food; it was an exploration of flavours, a joyful culinary journey shared and savoured.

The base was a medley of fresh vegetables - Garlic, Green Chilies, Onions, Carrots, Zucchini (green and yellow), Peppers (green, red, and yellow), Cherry Tomatoes, Mushrooms, and Long Green Sprouts. Stir-fried lightly with a touch of Cajun Spice and blended with the richness of creamy and tangy Chipotle Southwest Dressing, this vegetable ensemble was set aside for those who preferred a purely vegetarian delight.

For the non-vegetarians, the same vibrant base was elevated further with chunks of Chicken Cheese–Chilli Sausages, Pulled Smoked Chicken, Bacon Bits, and an extra drizzle of Chipotle Dressing. The result was a dish that carried both the freshness of the garden and the depth of smoky, savory indulgence.

On the side, crisp Iceberg Lettuce offered a cooling counterpoint, a refreshing bite that balanced the warmth of spices and the richness of meats.

This was truly a feast for the eyes, enjoyed and relished leisurely in bits and pieces, with each mouthful offering a different combination of tastes.

Several shrines, a thousand blessings - may Buddha’s light guide our path 🌸

 

On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, may peace, wisdom, and kindness illuminate every step we and our nations take. 🌸 Happy Buddha Purnima! 🌸  

This video, woven from over a hundred photographs of our visits to the sacred shrines of Gautama Buddha, is a humble offering to his timeless teachings. Each image is a reminder of compassion, mindfulness, and harmony, guiding us to walk gently and live wisely.

VIDEO:

Smile Bridges Worlds

 

(My wife’s post on Facebook)

Serene in tradition, radiant in wander,

From temple silk to garden bloom,

From saree to sunhat, I carry smiles,

A spirit woven in tranquillity and joy,

Two sides of me, one timeless soul.  🙂

-    N. Lalitha Raghu

A Canopy of Stars at Noon!

 

Today, around noon, I captured a moment of pure wonder: sunlight streaming through our trees, scattering into countless twinkling rays that looked like stars woven into a canopy. Though the summer sun blazed fiercely above, beneath the trees, there was shade, coolness, and a gentle breeze that turned the space into a sanctuary where I could carry out the morning walk I had missed today.

A VIDEO:

Nature has its own way of balancing extremes, brilliance above, serenity below, reminding us that beauty often hides in contrasts.

Beneath a tree that has sheltered and blessed countless souls!

 

In the heart of bustling Vijayawada, amid the sacred shadows of Goddess Sri Kanaka Durga, at the Temple's guest house, stands a colossal banyan tree that commands awe and reverence. As you might be aware, banyan trees are cultural icons in India, symbolizing immortality, longevity, and divinity. The banyan tree is also known as Kalpavriksha, meaning: wish-fulfilling tree. This ancient giant, with its towering canopy and massive, gnarled trunk wrapped in sacred threads and vermilion, defies the urban sprawl surrounding it.

Locals revere this banyan tree as a timeless landmark, its roots plunging deep into the earth like the temple's spiritual legacy on Indrakeeladri hill. Adorned at the base with vibrant idols of deities, Goddess Kanaka Durga, Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, Naga Devatha, and others, on a sturdy concrete platform with adorned steps, it serves as a mini-shrine where devotees offer prayers and flowers. The tree's sprawling branches shelter the guest house courtyard, parked cars, and passersby, creating a green oasis against the concrete buildings.

What fascinated me most was not just its size, but its survival. There is no visible water source nearby, no open soil in the conventional sense. Enclosed within cement and urban structure, one wonders, how does it sustain itself? Perhaps its roots run deeper than we can see, reaching hidden veins of moisture beneath the city. Or perhaps, like many sacred things, its existence defies simple explanation.

Standing beside it with my wife, we felt a sense of calm that is rare in urban spaces. The sunlight filtering through the leaves felt like divine blessings from the nearby Kanaka Durga Temple. It was not just a photo opportunity; it was a moment of quiet reflection. The tree seemed to whisper stories of the past, of countless pilgrims who must have stood in the same spot, looked up at the same branches, and felt the same sense of wonder.

This banyan not only endures but inspires, a testament to resilience amid city life. It reminds us that some wonders root deeper than steel and stone, guarding the divine in plain sight.

A Simple Booking, A Sacred Discovery!

 

On March 30, 2026, we set out on a three-day trip to seek the blessings of Goddess Kanaka Durga at the Sri Durga Malleshwara Swamy Temple in Vijayawada. Yet the journey held a surprise for us; it gently led us beyond our plan to Jammi Doddi, the sacred enclosure of the Jammi (Shami) tree, a place little known outside Vijayawada but rich in history and spiritual depth.

For our stay, I had booked accommodation online at the temple-managed Jammi Doddi Guest House, mainly for its convenient 8:00 am check-in and check-out time, air-conditioned comfort, and proximity to the temple. Located on Brahmin Street in the One Town area, it appeared to be a practical choice, though we soon discovered it was far more than just a place to stay.

Our first glimpse into the significance of Jammi Doddi came from a kind autorickshaw driver, who took us from Vijayawada railway station to the Guest House. He proudly spoke of its importance in Vijayawada’s cultural and spiritual landscape. He mentioned the grand Dasara celebrations held here and the sacred Jammi tree that once stood in this area, giving it the name “Jammi Doddi.” According to local belief, it is here that Goddess Kanaka Durga rested before manifesting herself on the Indrakeeladri Hill.

As we learned further from the guest house staff, the Jammi/Shami tree holds deep significance in Hindu tradition. Worship of this tree, especially through the ritual of Shami Pooja during Vijayadashami, symbolizes victory, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. Devotees believe that offering prayers to the Jammi tree invokes divine blessings, a practice rooted in ancient scriptures and continued with devotion to this day.

Jammi Doddi is also associated with the revered saint Sripathi Panditharadhya, a great Shiva devotee whose spiritual presence is believed to have sanctified this area. It is said that this locality once served as a foundational center, a “root temple”, from which the worship traditions of the Indrakeeladri deities gradually expanded. Over time, the hill shrine grew in prominence, but Jammi Doddi retained its importance as a spiritual starting point.

Even today, during major temple festivals, especially Dasara, ceremonial processions are known to originate from or pass through this area, reinforcing its continuing role in the sacred traditions of Vijayawada. Adding to its historical depth, inscriptions discovered in and around Jammi Doddi are believed to date back several centuries, offering glimpses into the religious practices and temple administration of earlier times.

Staying here, even briefly, gave us a sense of being connected to a living field of devotion, history, and tradition. What began as a simple and practical accommodation choice turned into a deeply enriching spiritual experience.

This visit, shared with my wife, remains memorable not only for the divine darshan at the temple but also for the quiet and meaningful discovery of Jammi Doddi, where mythology, history, and devotion come together.

A Journey Across Centuries at Undavalli Caves

Though we have visited Vijayawada a few times over the years, drawn to the sacred pilgrimage to the Indrakeeladri hill, home to Goddess Sri Kanaka Durga, we somehow always missed the ancient nearby Undavalli Caves. That changed on 31st March, 2026, when we finally made the short trip and discovered a treasure of history and serenity.

Undavalli caves are just six kilometers away from Indrakeeladri across the Prakasham barrage over the Krishna River. These four-story caves, carved out of solid sandstone in the 6th-7th century, stand as a remarkable testament to India’s layered religious and architectural history. Originally associated with Jain monks, later serving as Buddhist viharas, and eventually transformed into Hindu shrines, they embody the cultural transitions of coastal Andhra. It is recorded that the caves were under the patronage of the local kings until the 16th century. The architecture reflects the Chalukya-period rock-cut styles, with multiple levels, pillared halls, and sculpted deities that speak of devotion and artistry across centuries.

We wandered leisurely through the caves, admiring the elevation, the sculptures, and the atmosphere steeped in antiquity. Out of sheer excitement, we photographed almost every idol and carving, each frame capturing a piece of timeless heritage. There are idols of all our Hindu Gods and Goddesses, as you can see in the attached pictures. The absence of crowds allowed us to soak in the grandeur at our own pace, making the experience deeply personal and fulfilling.

The highlight of our visit was the magnificent, almost 18-foot-long idol of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture, carved from a single block of stone. Standing before it, praying and posing for photographs, we felt a rare intimacy with the divine, unhurried and serene.

Today, the caves are under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has ensured their preservation with neat pathways, gardens, and greenery that enhance the visitor’s experience.

Undavalli Caves are not just monuments; they are living echoes of India’s spiritual journey, preserved with care yet offering a rare tranquility. Our visit, long delayed but finally realized, became a cherished memory, an encounter with history, devotion, and beauty that will remain etched in our hearts and in the photographs we brought home.