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:
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 INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Let us remember that our ancestors are the foundation
on which our lives are built.
Today is the festival of Rakhi, and
everyone enjoyed the rituals and celebrations throughout the day. Following the
video below, I have also shared a few photos from today’s festivities.
The video traces our journey of Rakhi
festivals from the time our children were small up to the present day. I’m sure
it will bring back many fond memories as you watch it. This year’s celebration
photos appear from the 7:05 minute onward.
VIDEO:
Highlights from this year’s festival:
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."
Today, 12th August 2026, is World Elephant Day, a day to celebrate, admire, and above all, remind ourselves of the importance of one of th...
