We’ve enjoyed watching over 100 K-Dramas!

 

Delighted by the experience, my wife and I have indulged in over 100 South Korean television dramas. Our journey began amidst the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, with our inaugural watch of 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim,' igniting an emotional addiction to K-dramas. Just yesterday, on May 2nd, 2024, following the conclusion of another captivating series, 'Queen of Tears', I felt compelled to share our unmistakable fondness for K-dramas.

Each of the 108 dramas we've savoured on Netflix comprises either 16 or 20 episodes, with each episode spanning just over an hour, totalling over 16 to 24 hours per drama! Our selections were made meticulously, guided by K-drama news and a discerning eye for quality. For instance, 'Queen of Tears' currently reigns as the most-watched drama worldwide across different languages, with its final episode airing in South Korea just a week ago, on April 28th, 2024.

For those uninitiated or unfamiliar with K-dramas, allow me to shed light on their unprecedented global popularity. These dramas have transcended borders, captivating audiences far beyond South Korea's shores. They're even available on Indian TV channels, dubbed into various regional languages, including Telugu. This phenomenon owes itself to several factors contributing to the unique charm and widespread appeal of K-dramas.

Foremost among these factors is the storytelling prowess embedded in Korean dramas. Renowned for their finely crafted narratives spanning a diverse range of genres: romance, historical, fantasy, and suspense, K-dramas delve into themes of love, friendship, family, and societal issues with depth and sensitivity, resonating universally with viewers.

Moreover, the consistently high production quality of Korean dramas further elevates their appeal. From breathtaking cinematography to meticulously designed costumes and sets, no expense is spared in delivering an immersive viewing experience. This commitment to excellence extends to the musical score, complementing the emotional dynamics of the storyline and leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The format and duration of Korean dramas also play a pivotal role in their popularity. With most series comprising a manageable number of episodes, typically 16 to 20, viewers find them easily accessible and binge-worthy. This compact storytelling approach ensures that each episode is a carefully crafted piece of the larger narrative, maintaining a steady pace that keeps viewers engaged throughout.

Moreover, the global appeal of K-dramas stems from their ability to transcend cultural boundaries. While rooted in Korean culture, the themes explored resonate universally, fostering empathy and connection among viewers from diverse backgrounds. The exploration of traditional Korean values, intertwined with modern perspectives, provides a cultural bridge that invites international audiences to explore and appreciate the richness of Korean storytelling.

In essence, the widespread appeal of Korean dramas can be attributed to their exceptional storytelling, high production quality, cultural resonance, and the global connectivity fostered by avid fans. As the world continues to embrace the diverse narratives that K-dramas offer, it's evident that these captivating stories have firmly entrenched themselves as a cultural export, transcending borders, and uniting people through the magic of storytelling.

You may see below the posters followed by a list of titles of the various K-dramas seen by us:

 

01. What is wrong with Secretary Kim

02. Her private life

03. Crash landing on you

04. Love Alarm

05. She was pretty

06. Shopaholic Louis

07. Something in the rain

08. It’s Okay to not be Okay

09. The king eternal monarch

10. Touch your heart

11. Descendants of the Sun

12. Beauty inside

13. Secret Garden

14. Happy once again

15. Itaewon class

16. Memories of the Alhambra

17. Man to man

18. Hyde, Jekyll, Me

19. Still 17 (Thirty but seventeen)

20. Record of youth

21. Legend of the Blue Sea

22. Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol

23. Clean with passion for now

24. I’m not a robot

25. My Secret Romance

26. Fight for my way

27. Put your head on my shoulder (Chinese)

28. Crash landing on you

29. Love in the Moonlight

30. Chocolate

31. Cinderella with four knights

32. Strong girl Bong-soon

33. Guardian the lonely great God

34. The world of the married

35. The sound of your heart

36. Marriage contract

37. You are my destiny

38. The doctors

39. Start-up

40. A love so beautiful (Chinese)

41. Pasta

42. Wok of love

43. Accidentally in love (Chinese)

44. My sassy girl

45. The tale of Nokdu

46. That winter, the wind blows

47. My shy boss

48. Coffee Prince

49. Birth of a beauty

50. High Seas (Spanish)

51. The Miracle

52. Vincenzo

53. Rooftop Prince

54. The fiery priest

55. When the Camellia blooms

56. Lovestruck in the city

57. Tempted

58. Tale of the Nine-tailed Fox

59. Million Yen Women (Japanese)

60. Oh my Venus

61. Giri Haji (Japanese)

62. Couple on the backtrack

63. Warm and cozy

64. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

65. 100 days my Prince

66. My name

67. Nevertheless

68. Rookie historian Goo Hae-Ryung

69. Replay 1988

70. My first first love

71. Weightlifting fairy Kim Boka-Joo

72. The king's affection

73. Thirty-Nine

74. Our beloved summer

75. Business proposal

76. Twenty-Five Twenty-One

77. Remarriage and desires

78. One the women

79. Shooting stars

80. Once upon a small town

81. Our blues

82. Little women

83. First love (Japanese)

84. Mad for each other

85. Sweet munchies

86. Mom, don’t do that (Chinese)

87. Café Minamdang

88. Move to heaven

89. Love to hate you

90. You are my spring

91. Under the Queen’s umbrella

92. Sound of Magic

93. So not worth it

94. The fabulous

95. Forecasting love and weather

96. See you in my 19th life

97. When I fly towards you (Chinese)

98. I hear you (Chinese)

99. My man is Cupid

100. My Demon

101. Welcome to Samdal-Ri

102. Glory

103. Ready Set Love (Thai)

104. Dali and Cocky Prince

105. Behind your touch

106. Castaway Diva

107. Strong girl Nam-Soon

108. Queen of tears

109. Doctor Slump

110. Daily dose of sunshine

111. Crash landing on you

112. King the Land

113. Hierarchy

114. Miss Night and Day

115. The Atypical Family

116. Cheer up

117. True Beauty

118. Mr. Queen

119. Love Next Door

120. Love in Contract

121. Mr. Plankton

122. Romance in the House

123. Hwarang

124. A Virtuous Business

125. Backstreet Rookie

126. Hidden Love

127. When Life Gives You Tangerines

128. Our Unwritten Seoul

129. Heavenly Ever After

130. Can this love be translated

131. Sold out on you

132. My Royal Nemesis

133. Teach you a lesson

134. Made with love (Indonesian)

135. Chicken Nugget

136. Wonderfools

137. Agent Kim Reactivated

Happy World Book Day!

 

Today, 23rd April is World Book Day. World Book Day is a special event celebrated globally to promote the joys of reading and the value of books. It’s a day recognized by UNESCO to honour authors, books, and copyrights, encouraging everyone to access books and fostering a love for reading.

The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the deaths of several prominent authors, including William Shakespeare (23rd April 1564 – 23rd April 1616) and Miguel de Cervantes (29th September 1547 – 22nd April 1616). It’s also a symbolic date in the literary world, with several distinguished authors having been born in April.

On World Book Day, people in over 100 countries come together to celebrate literature’s power to connect us across time and cultures, to share knowledge, and to bridge generations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to pick up a new book, revisit an old favourite, or share a story with someone else.

We have a tradition in our family of gifting books to our children and grandchildren on the birthday (14th November) of my father, Sri N. Bhaskarachary Garu. To see several photographs of our family enjoying books you may Click On The Title Below:

  “Age does not matter or deter the magic and wonder of books”

HAPPY READING!

Where Have the Birds Gone, from Srilekha?

Where have the birds gone, from Srilekha?

Their wings, once vibrant, are now silent in flight,

The birdbaths, forlorn, yearn for their cheer,

And water bowls, untouched, gleam in the light.

I, too, am disappointed, my heart aching,

As dawn breaks, their melodies once sweet,

Perhaps they visit, a fleeting greeting,

A whispered “good morning” before retreat.

Yet the water remains untouched, unclaimed,

As if I’ve become a stranger to their song,

Am I a problem, a shadow they’ve disdained?

Or does Hyderabad hold secrets that prolong?

Perhaps the city’s pulse beats too fast,

Its concrete heart drowning out their tune,

Yet hope lingers, a fragile thread cast,

That someday, they’ll return, under the moon.

So I wait, at Srilekha, by the birdbaths’ edge,

With water rippling, an invitation extended,

Hoping the birds find solace, take the pledge,

To grace our home once more, their absence mended.

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple Stamps Table Top/Wall Hanging Souvenir from INDIA POST!

This is a unique addition to our family’s Stamp Collection (starting from the 1930s!), a FRAMED Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple Stamps  Table Top/ Wall Hanging Souvenir! which I just received from ‘INDIA POST’.

In the attached photos you can also see the Ram Temple commemorative souvenir stamps sheet which was released by our Prime Minister on 18th January 2024.

As you can see, the components of the design of the stamps include the Ram Temple, the verse ‘Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari’, the sun, the Saryu River and sculptures in and around the temple. The six commemorative stamps are those of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri - all key figures and symbols associated with Lord Rama.

I am exceedingly happy to collect these historic and precious souvenirs!

An appeal as Lok Sabha Elections 2024 schedule is out!

 

In the midst of Lok Sabha's grand affair,

With schedules laid out, we're now aware.

Excitement brews within my kin and me,

To choose leaders of character, you see.

Our pictures attached, from the past, do impart,

Our joy as voters, is a cherished part.

Yet, some dates now cause concern and dismay,

For they may hinder the turnout's sway.

First, the second, fourth, and fifth schedules stand,

On Mondays and Fridays, as planned.

Long weekends beckon, tempting allure,

For some to shirk their duty secure.

Irresponsible acts could mar the scene,

As citizens opt for leisure serene.

Skipping the polls for rest or play,

Dims the beacon of democracy's ray.

The Chief Election Commissioner, wise and just,

With leaders, agencies, and common trust,

Urges all to heed the call,

To cast their vote, one and all.

Despite the pleas, the numbers still dwindle,

Especially in urban lands, where minds should kindle.

Education's grasp seems to slip away,

As many remain deaf and dumb to the election day.

But hope remains, a flickering flame,

That wisdom will guide, and all will acclaim.

Let's celebrate elections, with voices clear,

By casting our votes, the future we steer.

Wired whispers to smart symphonies…

 

From wired whispers to smart symphonies, we've spun,

A journey from dial tones to screens that outshine the sun.

Wired phones tethered us, bound by a cord,

Now smart devices wield a power unexplored.

In the palm of our hand, a universe unfolds,

Endless stories, connections, a tale to be told.

Yet in this progression, a dichotomy is spun,

The dance of advancement, shadows and sun.

Gone are the days of patience, a slower pace,

Now instant gratification, in this digital embrace.

But with the good, the bad intertwines,

Lost in screens, we miss the real-life signs.

Connections severed by virtual strings,

A paradoxical dance, where freedom sings.

Privacy lost in the web's intricate maze,

Yet knowledge blooms in the smartphone's blaze.

Wired to wireless, a seamless transition,

Yet the price we pay is an ethical admission.

In the dance of progress, let's find our way,

Balancing the bright and the shadows at play.