Three cheers to the Afghanistan cricket team for their three victories!

 

In a remarkable turn of events at the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 championship, the Afghanistan cricket team has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. With an unexpected streak of victories, including a recent triumph over the formidable Pakistan team, the spirited Afghan players have showcased their exceptional skills and resilience on the international stage. As a sports enthusiast and admirer of the game, it's heartening to witness their ascent, knowing that Indian support has played a crucial role in their journey to success.

Afghanistan's cricketing journey has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, marked by numerous challenges and hurdles. However, their relentless determination and dedication have now culminated in a string of victories, capturing the attention and admiration of cricket enthusiasts. Yesterday’s comfortable win over Sri Lanka has further solidified their position as a rising star in the global cricketing arena.

The significance of India's contribution to the development of Afghanistan's cricket cannot be overstated. Over the years, India has extended a supportive hand to foster the growth of cricket in Afghanistan, providing crucial training facilities, coaching expertise, and exposure to international tournaments. This collaborative effort has not only elevated the standard of cricket in Afghanistan but has also fostered a strong bond between the two nations, transcending the boundaries of sportsmanship.

Despite the turbulent socio-political landscape in Afghanistan, the triumphs on the cricket field have acted as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the nation, instilling a sense of optimism and resilience among its people.

I wholeheartedly wish well to Afghan Cricket Players and Peace and Prosperity to Afghanistan, a country introduced to me as a small boy by Rabindranath Tagore’s  Kabuliwala story and a movie by that name which I watched at Yellandu Club, Kothagudem,  more than once. I remember all the songs from the movies, especially the evergreen masterpiece, Ganga Aaye Kahan Se Ganga Jaaye Kahan Se:

Cutlery tutorial for all grandchildren in the family

 

Here is a video lesson for all grandchildren on cutlery etiquette. This is a video I made many years ago, for the benefit of children then.

You may watch it and very soon you will certainly master the cutlery etiquette if you have not yet.

Any time you are in doubt and want guidance, you may reach this blog post through any search engine by typing “Raghu’s column cutlery tutorial for all grandchildren in the family” or search on YouTube by typing “srisrilaran Handling Cutlery…” 

VIDEO:

As shown in the above pictures, in the Continental style, the fork prongs face downwards; in the American style, the fork prongs face upwards.

Saddula Bathukamma Festival @ Srilekha!

 

బతుకమ్మ పండుగ @ శ్రీలేఖ!

Bathukamma Festival @ Srilekha!

(Bathukamma is Goddess Maha Gauri/Parvati Devi, the patron Goddess of women)

Today, 22nd October 2023 is the festival of Saddula Bathukamma. Bathukamma translates to "Mother Goddess come alive" and it is in the form of a floral extravaganza as you see in the attached pictures. Flowers of various colours are expertly arranged in circular rows, one layer on top of the other, on a plate. We then offer prayers to Bathukamma, seek blessings, and the ladies of the house rejoice by clapping and going around Bathukamma in circles, singing very meaningful Bathukamma songs. Finally, we bid farewell to Bathukamma by leaving her in a water body.  

Happy Bathukamma Festival! – Videos from not so long!

A verse on the existing tragic situation

 

Instead of peacefully fighting for a cause,

Or waging a battle against an enemy force,

Terrorists are born to bomb, kill, and kidnap innocent neighbours,

Less for the cause and more for the terrorists’ power and prosperity,

And that of their top leadership, which enjoys life in foreign countries.

I see a similarity here during election contests,

Parties kidnap voters through destructive bribing weapons,

Like distribution of cash, liquor, and obvious enticement through freebies and sops,

At the cost of good administration and development and bankruptcy,

Just for the ‘power and prosperity’ of the greedy party leaders and their coterie.

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.