21 October 2026

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Tomorrow is a very auspicious day in the Sanaathana Dharmaa Calender. This day is celeberated as Paashaankusha Ekaadashi. Tomorrow's Ekaadashi is also known as Sarva Ekaadashi. 

Lord Shree Krishna preaching His Shreemadh Bhaagavadh Geethaa to Arjuna
Shree Mahaa Vishnu's Viswa Roopa is also shown in the image

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

20 October 2026

Maadhwaa Fest

Tomorrow is a very auspicious day in the Maadhwaa Brahmin community. This day is celebrated as Madhwa Jayanthee every year. Shree Madhwaachaarya was the founder pontiff of our Madhwaa Sect of Brahmins.

Shree Madhwaachaarya blessed by Shree Mahaa Vishnu, His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi and Shree Vedavyaasa (Incarnation of Shree Mahaa Vishnu). 
On the sides of Shree Madhwaachaarya: L to R: Lord Hanumaanji and Bheema (previous manifestations of Shree Madhwaachaarya)

Lord Shree Krishnaa

Shree Krishnam Vandhe Jagadh Gurum🙏 

Sanaathana Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. This day is celeberated as Vijaya Dashami by Hindu people all over the world. In South India people perform Aayudha Poojaa on this day. Let me share an informative article on aayudha poojaa here.

Today marks the end of this year's Navarathree/Dusseraa celebrations. On this day  in many Hindu households, children are guided by priests or close relatives such as parents or grandparents to learn the alphabets and begin their life long learning as shown in the image at the end of this paragraph.  Children are guided to write on a plate filled with white rice with their fingers held by the guide. This ritual is known as Akshara Abhyaasam, Vidhyaa Aarambham etc. 



Shree Krishnam Vandhe Jagadh Gurum🙏 

Hari SarvoththamaaVaayu jeevoththamaa🙏

17 October 2026

Musical confluence

Music is said to be universal with no geographic barriers. Today WION TV's Wion Wings telecast as interesting programme featuring Sitar music by Shubendu Rao and didgeridoo played by an Australian musician.



Lumumba's Africa

Today being Friday, I had the opportunity of viewing 'Lumumba's Africa' on RT TV Channel. I tried to provide a link to the program, but in vain. 

In today's episode, Prof P L O Lumumba explained many aspects of  Pan Africanism. Some of the information seem new to me as these are not usually available in popular books or social media. One such is the scarfices made by African leaders such as Dr Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia and Dr Julius Nyerere of Tanzania. Prof Lumumba mentioned that when they were Presidents of their countries, Dr Kaunda's financial assets were only US $6000 and and Dr Nyerere owned just two houses, one in Dar Es Salaam and the other in a Tanzanian village. They were simple. Both were known as followers of Gandhian values. 



14 October 2026

Navarathree: Display of dolls

As Navarathree Fest is being celeberated, it is a traditional custom in South Indian households to display dolls as part of the celebration. 

I came across an interesting article on this dolls display known as 'Kolu'. Let me share it here. Although the article is highly informative and interesting, I differ in the dolls hierarchy mentioned in it. The topmost step is reserved for dolls of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, and His main ten Incarnations. The next one down the line is reserved for Goddess Shree Mahaa Lakshmi, wife of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu. The next step down the line is reserved for Lord Brahma and His wife and Lord Shree Rudraa and His wife, and Lord Shree Hanumaan. Next steps down the line is reserved for other deities, sub-deities, Spiritual leaders etc.

In a few of my previous posts I have mentioned how I, my siblings and friends used to participate in Kolu and enjoy the Fest as children. 

In my post dated 10 October I shared a photograph of Kolu in my landlord's house in Chennai; before shifting to my current residence, I was a tenant in their house.

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

11 October 2026

Religious congregation

As I am typing this post, I derive the joy of viewing Dharma Rakshana Mahothsavam on Sankara TV Channel. Heads of Shree Sankaraa Mutt  (Kanchipuram), Vyaasaraaja Mutt and Ahobila Mutt are the Chief guests in the program. Speakers included the Principal of Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi and Prof Dr V Kamakoti, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai. Principal of Central Sanskrit University spoke in Samskrit.

Prof Dr V Kamakoti 

Principal, Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi 

Chief Pontiffs of Kanchi Sankara Mutt, Vyaasaraaja Mutt and Ahobila Mutt 

Spectators including highly knowledgeable speakers such as Shree U Ve Venkatesh

The program was like a sacred confluence of three oceans. It reminded the fact that although Adwaithaa, Visishtaa Dwaithaa and Dwaithaa differ in their own philosophies, their goal was one: Dharmaa and it's sustenance.

(The program reminded me of my beloved mother's maternal uncle known as 'Vaasu maamaa'; he was no more when I was born; but I have heard about him. As I mentioned in my previous posts, I inherit my spiritual values from my mother's lineage).

Shree Krishnam Vandhe Jagadh Gurum🙏 



Insensitive Governance

While our BJP led Government has brought in many schemes that benefit the middle income and low income citizens and their families, it has made things worse in many areas. One such is the updating of residential address in Aadhaar Card. 

A few years ago, a legally valid Rental Agreement was accepted for updating the address. But now it is history. Today, any legally valid Rental Agreement or Declaration by the Apartment/House owner is not included in the list of documents. A bank passbook, mobile phone bill, electricity bill and gas bill are accepted. But banks, phone connection supplier, Electricity Board and Gas Agency expect the new address to be reflected in Aadhaar Card before they can update the address in their records. This is highly frustrating. Particularly so when it concerns Senior Citizens. I think that citizens in general and senior citizens in particular are treated like beggars.

I have been trying to get my address updated in my Aadhaar Card for the past two months but in vain.

I strongly think that our Central Government is putting more pressure and unnecesssary tension in Senior Citizens in performing simple tasks such as Address Updating. This is very frustrating. I wish that some other political party that is 100% sensitive to citizen rights and 100% free from inefficiency and corruption comes to power in our country. Or else the Supreme Court should instruct the Government to function properly in all areas of development.



My beloved sister

This evening Reshma, my niece, sent a photograph of her with her beloved mother (my beloved sister) taken during Deepaavali Fest at their house in Vellore a few years ago.

As I mentioned in a previous post, my sister passed away nearly six months ago. I fondly remember her with heavy heart.

Nava Raathree Fest

As I mentioned in my yesterday's post, today marks the beginning of Nava Raathree Festival. Hindus all over the world celebrate this auspicious Fest.

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

10 October 2026

Ten Nights Fest

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Navaraathri Fest (Ten nights fest). Women in Hindu households set up dolls this evening and begin the Fest tomorrow. 

I fondly remember how my beloved mother prepared for the Fest. My beloved father, I, my sister and brother helped her in the process to some extent. I have described how we celeberated in a few previous posts.

Before shifting to my current residence, I was residing as tenant in the house of a retired Engineer. As I have mentioned in my previous posts, he and his wife are well qualified Engineers and are adorably simple and good natured.

After shifting residence, I phone to my landlord and his wife; they too phone to me some times. This evening I had a phone call from my landlord's wife on her own behalf and in her husband's behalf. As with all good friends, we inquire about each other's welfare.

This afternoon I received a photo of their dolls arranged for the fest. Following is the photo:

Advanced Nava Raathree wishes to them.

Shree Krishnam Vandhe Jagadh Gurum🙏 

Sanathana Dharmaa Info

Today is a very auspicious day in the Sanaathana Dharmaa Calender. This is the last day of the 15 days long Pithru Paksha (also known as Mahalaya Paksha).  Ancestral worship is performed during this period.

Today is the anniversary of the day on which Shree Madhava Theertha attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna. 

Hari Sarvoththamaa Vaayu jeevoththama🙏

09 October 2026

John Lennon's birthday

Today is the birth anniversary of John Lennon of The Beatles, the legendary  softrock band of 1960s and '70s.

I think that  people of my age at 75 will keep remembering songs written and performed by John and the other three guys (Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr).

I vividly remember the sunny morning on 8 December 1980, the day on which he was shot dead. I was home on 2 months long annual vacation from my work in Bhutan. I and my parents were in Tirunelveli, a town in Tamilnadu; we performed aayush homam for my beloved father's welfare. My brother was working in Tirunelveli as Senior Sales Representative in a popular FMCG Company. My sister was in her matrimonial home in Vellore.

That day was very important to me as it was the birth anniversary of Ramesh, my beloved brother. With heavy heart I remember my beloved brother.

The Beatles

Ramesh, my beloved brother 


Shree Krishnam Sarva Mayam🙏


Time management

Yesterday I booked for an auto (autorickshaw) to pick me up at 9.30 am this morning. I was ready by 9.20 am. At 9.40 am, the auto guy said "Aiyaa, I'll come in 15 minutes after dropping my brother at his school". This kind of lack of time management is unfortunately very common in our country. I think that mamy of us need to learn time management from westerners.

Nana Patekar

Movie actors come and go; some are remembered by their fans for years. One such actor was Nana Patekar. As Shree Narendra Modi, our PM remarked in his condolence message, Nana Patekar has left a void in our movie industry. 

07 October 2026

Inffective e Governance

This evening I tried to update my address in my Aadhaar Card in their website. As it didn't work, I installed the App. As required in the App, I  entered my Aadhar Number and my RMN. The App prompted me to get  my face authenticated. I tried nearly 10 times. Every time it ended with the following message: "Time out". I experienced the same difficulty two weeks ago.

I don't understand how the Aadhaar App lacks quality and thereby puts people into difficulty. It is very very frustrating. 

I think that our Central Government is ineffective in such matters. They do need to fix such issues in a practical manner rather than just promising things glamorously and theoretically.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fests

Today is a very auspicious day in the Hindu Calender. Being Wednesday, Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu is today's Presiding Deity. Being Dwaadashi, Shree Hari manifestation of Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu is today's Presiding Deity. Devotees offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Vishnu today.

Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi 

Hari Sarvoththamaa Vaayu jeevoththamaa🙏


06 October 2026

Shree Mahaa Vishnu Fest

Today is a very auspicious day in the Sanaathana Dharmaa Calender. It is known as Sarvesham Ekaadashi or Indira Ekaadashi. Shree Mahaa Vishnu devotees fast on this day, meditate on Lord Shree Mahaa Vishnu and offer special worship to Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi on this day. Devotees engage in spiritual activities strictly as laid down in our Sanaathana Dharmaa Scriptures.

Shree Mahaa Vishnu and His wife Shree Mahaa Lakshmi 

Jai Shree Lakshmi Naaraayanaa🙏

04 October 2026

Maadhwaa Saint

Tomorrow is an auspicious day in the Maadhwaa Calender as the anniversary of the day on which Shree  Vidyapayonidi Theertha attained the lotus feet of Lord Shree Krishna. 

Lord Shree Krishna in His Viswaroopa Avathaar

Krishnam Sarva Mayam🙏

02 October 2026

Milestones in recent history

Today is a very important day in recent history of Bhaarath, our great country, as the birth anniversary of Gandhiji. 

I nostalgically remember my boyhood days when this day used to celeberated by all communities. 

I also remember my memorable visit to Gandhiji's Phoenix Aashram when I was working in Southern Africa in late 1980s and early 1990s. The Ashram was set up by Gandhiji.

It is odd that our successive Governments have not used his views on Basic Education in our School Systems properly.

Today is also the birth anniversary of Shree Lal Bahadur Shastriji, another great leader that our Bhaarath had.


All TV Channels in our country telecast programs about Gandhiji. One such was Amrita TV. In today's episode of 'Sandhya Deepam', the charismatic anchor explained how Gandhiji used the revered Bhagavath Geethaa in his own life.

Screenshot of today's 'Sandhya Deepam'

Shree Krishnam Vandhe Jagadh Gurum🙏 



01 October 2026

Travelogue

It was pleasure viewing a travel program featuring Ireland on travelXP. I have had a special liking for Ireland as it is a relatively peaceful country unlike it's neighbour Northern Ireland. This country is the birth place of many poets, novelists and dramatists. This country's classical dancing traditions are immensely interesting as depicted in movies such as Titanic in which the hero, played by Leonardo, is a youngster from rural Ireland. 

I remember viewing this movie in Mahesh Reddy's house on a sunny afternoon in Chittoor in 1998. Mahesh Reddy was the CEO of Camford English Schools.

I joined their Senior School as Principal the next day. Chittoor has always had a special place in my heart as my birth place. My maternal grandparents were settled there.

Many formerr US Presidents including J F Kennedy and Bill Clinton are said to be from Irish ancestry.

teavelXP TV Channel is an informative channel. Still, I don't like many of their shows that show half nude women and men. Such shows need to be banned.

About Me

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Kumbakonam , Tamilnadu, India
I am a retired K-12 Education Management Professional. I have worked at different levels in K-12 school systems, textbook publishing, elearning and Education NGOs. I have held memberships in The Association for Science Education (UK), American Association of Physics Teachers and The Malaysian Institute of Physics. I hold a 1st class B Sc Degree in Physics followed by B Ed [English and Physical Science] and M A [Childcare and Education] degrees. My published works include 59 articles in teacher development magazines in India and the US and a book entitled `Creative Classrooms and Child Friendly Schools' (listed in Amazon). This book is almost an anecdotal account of my professional experience in six countries (including Cambodia where I worked as Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Education, Youth And Sports). I served as mentor in the Certificate of Teaching Mastery Program offered by Teachers Without Borders.