@ Thrissur : The Cultural Capital of Kerala

 (August 2025 - Thrissur / Thrissivaperoor & Guruvayur,  Thrissur District, Kerala) 

@ Sakthan Thampuran Palace, Thrissur

The view from the train after crossing Coimbatore Junction was exquisite. The mighty beauties of the South - those imposing and wild Western Ghats kissing clouds; further afar - Kerala's longest river, BharathaPuzha runs parallel, teasing with occassional, shy & sneaky glimpses.....

Our Lady of Dolours Basilica - India's tallest Church

Lord Parashurama - Mural from a Saiva Temple, Thrissur

It was late night when I alighted at Thrissur, abode of the holiest and oldest Shaiva temple of Kerala - Sri Vadakkumnathan. Thrissur, formerly Thrissivaperoor is the third largest city of Kerala, regarded as God's Own Country's cultural capital. Associated with Lord Parashurama, the Avatar of Lord Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Vadakkumnathan Temple, an example of Traditional Kerala architecture, is located in the centre of the city, on a hillock. A morning visit to the large and sprawling temple is a divine experience. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vadakkumnathan, and has subsidary shrines dedicated to Lord Sankaranarayana, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati. The Chootambalam / Akathe Balivottam has mural paintings with Mahabharata theme and the Shiv Linga is covered in Ghee oblations, resembling and representing Mt.Kailash i.e, Dakshina Kashi. The Paramekkavu Bagavathy temple, with Goddess Bagavathy (a local manifestation of Goddess Adi Sakti / Durga) as presiding deity and the Thiruvembady Krishna Temple dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna are other two towering temples of Thrissur. Interestingly, in temples of Kerala, men are not allowed to visit the shrine of the deity (Chootambalam / Akathe Balivottam) with upper garments.

 

@ Sri Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur

@ Sri Guruvayurappan Temple, Guruvayur

   

Although a few centuries old, the city of Thrissur, in it's modern sense, was planned and developed largely by Raja Rama Varma Kunji Pillai / 'Sakthan Thampuran' (r.c.1790-1805 CE), the Raja of Kochi. The iconic annual Thrissur Pooram festival organized in Thekkinadu Maidanam surrounding Sri Vadakkumnathan Temple is also a practice traced to Sakthan Thampuran. The Sakthan Thampuran Palace / Vadakacchera Palace, the official residence of Sakthan Thampuran is a great example of Kerala Dutch architecture and now houses a museum, with a Sacred Groove / Heritage Gardens nearby. The Kollengode Palace & Mural art museum, the Zoo & Museum, Our Lady of Dolurs Basilica (incidentally, India's tallest Church with Asia's tallest Church tower) are other attractions of Thrissur.

 

Ann Kotta / Punnathur Kotta Elephant Camp

@ Ann Kotta / Punnathur Kotta Elephant Camp

  

I took a train (Morning Passenger) to Guruvayur, also located in Thrissur district from Thrissur, which took almost 45 minutes. The iconic red tile gabled Guruvayurappan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna, is a legendary temple, attracting teeming millions. It is truly unfortunate that I could not have a Darshan, as it was a Friday, and Special Pujas were being conducted, and there was a heavy rush. The Devaswom museum nearby is a good place to acknowledge various artifacts on display. Mammayur Mahadeva Temple (Saiva), Parthasarthy Temple (Vaishnava) are other famous temples of Guruvayur, which I had the good fortune of visiting and praying. 3 kms away from Guruvayur, Ann Kotta / Punnathur Kotta possesses an Elephant Sanctuary / Camp, under the aegis of Guruvayur Devaswom, and it is a great place to observe Elephants in their element. 

 

Western Ghats near Palakkad - view from Train

Western Ghats near Palakkad - view from Train

 

The Cultural Capital of Kerala offered me a much needed break from the humdrum of monotony.            

         
@ Thrissur : The Cultural Capital of Kerala.

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
26th of August, 2025.

A day in Fort Kochi : The Queen of the Arabian Sea

(August 2025 - Fort Kochi, Ernakulam District, Kerala)

@ Indo Portuguese Museum, Bishop's House, Fort Kochi

Basion Bunglow / Ernakulam Distirct Heritage Museum

A row of neatly suspended Chinese fishing nets greeted me, as I alighted at Fort Kochi Water Metro station - a curios and iconic Chinese innovation of Medieval times, that was brought by  the Portuguese and mastered by Local fisherfolk. The ride on Lake Vembanad from High Court Metro Station to Fort Kochi took around 45 minutes and Rs.50/-, and is a part of India's first water metro, and the largest of it's kind in Asia, the Kochi Water Metro (KWM) service. Fort Kochi is the western part of Kochi, separated by Lake Kochi / Lake Vembanad from Ernakulam owing to flooding of rivers like Periyar in late 14th Century CE, which, from that point of time, rivalled Kozhikode and excelled in due course. The legend of Lord Parashurama , an Avatar of Lord Sri Mahavishnu, reclaiming land from the Sea with a Parasu (Axe) is an apt theme, earning the moniker, Parasurama Kshetra to God's Own Country, Kerala.

Ernakulam Marine Drive - View from Water Metro

@ High Court Water Metro Station

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Fort Kochi offers a palate of diverse experiences - it's a vibrant place juxtaposing natural spots, souvenir shops, museums, cathedrals - a mix of India's colonial past and promise of a happening future. Bastion Bunglow, site of Fort Manuel, Asia's first European fortification exists a few yards down the beach road, now housing the District Heritage Museum. Two streets away, Vasco Da Gama's residence and his final resting place at St.Francis CSI Church is a must visit for the curious and the devout alike. The Portuguese first visited India via Sea route and set foot on Kerala, which was divided into various Independent Kingdoms (Swaroopams). Later, in succession - the Dutch and the British played the White Man's Burden - a violent progression that can be witnessed in the present day churches of Kochi - Originally constructed by Portuguese, but destroyed / renovated by Dutch, and finally falling into British hands.

@ Indian Naval Maritime Museum, INS Dronacharya Fort Kochi

St Francis CSI Church, Fort Kochi

Vasco Da Gama's Tomb @ St Francis CSI Church, Fort Kochi

The cloudy day offered a perfect foil to roam on the neat streets of Fort Kochi. The Indo-Portuguese Museum at the Bishop's house and the Grandiose Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica offered terrific insights into Kochi's vibrant past. INS Dronacharya -India's naval base housed the Indian Naval Maritime Museum, with exhibits on INS Khukri (Indo-Pak War of 1971), Indo-Portuguese war over Goa (1961) evoking pride.

@ Water Metro

@ Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi

(To be Continued..) 

         
A day in Fort Kochi : The Queen of the Arabian Sea.
Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
24th of August, 2025.

Around Sri Kshetra, In awe of the Goddesses of Puri..

(Puri District, Odisha, October 2023)

Me at Gangeswari Temple, Bayalish Bati, Erabanga - Gop

 

It was the first time that I got into a State Government operated MO bus from Puri to Bhubaneshwar, and after getting down at Gop Bus stop, I reached the scenic and unassuming village of Bayalish Bati, literally meaning the village of forty houses. Away from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Triangle of Odisha tourism, the little village possesses the temple of Maa Gangeshwari Devi, the kul devi of the Eastern Gangas of Kalinga. 

 

Lord Surya, the Sun God on his seven horse chariot - on the backside of Barahi Deula, Chaurasi

The temple seems forgotten, with thick shrubs and creepers making their mark on the Deula. The Eastern Gangas, at their zenith (c.11th-14th Centuries), with stalwart kings like Aanantavarman Chodagangadeva, Langula Narasingha Deba, were responsible for the proliferation and perfection of Kalinga style of Rekhi architecture, with Puri and Konark remaining the greatest examples. A legend refers to Bayalish Bati as a village of architects and sculptors including Sebei Mahapatra, of Konark Sun Temple fame. The temple at this village could have been a prototype of the more famous Sun Temple of Konark. The sculptures and images, including Saptamatrikas, Mithun, and especially Varahi Devi are amazing. 

Barahi Deula, Chaurasi, Lateral View

 

The Varahi Temple / Barahi Deula located in Chaurasi village of Prachi river valley,  located on Nimpada - Katakpur road is another interesting temple. Attributed to Somavamsa Gajapatis of Early 9th Century CE, the main idol in the sanctum santorum is dedicated to Goddess Matsya Varahi, representing Tantricism and Saktism, and is unique. Seated in lalitasana, the divine woman with a boar head and a Kapala and Fish in each hand, invokes awe. The temple itself is planned on Khakhara model, with Sandstone material and  images like Lord Surya, the Sun God driving his seven horsed chariot are arresting. Bhog (Mahaprasada) of Jagannatha Temple is taken to this temple everyday.

 

Inside the Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur

 

The Chausath Yogini Temple / Mahamaya Temple, is located 20 Kms away from the capital of Bhubaneshwar, and is another unique, but lesser known masterpiece. Yoginis are mythical, auspicious practicioners of Tantra and Yoga, associated with Sanatana Dharma and Buddhism. This little,  hypaethral, circular shaped shrine is dedicated to the 64 Yoginis (Hence the name Cahusath i.e, 64), with most of the images in a damaged state. Sadly, there is no proper maintenance. Eastern India, since ancient times was a stronghold of Shaktism and Tantricism and this temple is a living proof. This is the oldest Yogini temple in India, dated c.864 CE, commissioned by Queen Hiradevi of Bhouma Dynasty. A famous local legend ascribes to Goddess Durga taking 64 forms to defeat demons and now consecrated as Mahamaya Devi, the main deity of this temple.  

A Yogini inside the Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur

It was a fruitful day for me, as I got to offer obeisance to the Goddesses of these iconic temples, and to witness the unsung glory of Kalinga.

 

Me Outside the Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur

 

Around Sri Kshetra, In awe of the Goddesses of Puri..

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
11th of June, 2025.

కొండపల్లి

(కొండపల్లి కోట, నవంబర్ 2023) 

 

కోట వద్ద నేను

కృష్ణానదికి ఉత్తరాన, విజయవాడ నగరానికి పశ్చిమంగా కొండపల్లి అనే గ్రామముంది. ఇక్కడికి దగ్గర లోనే    తూర్పు కనుమలు, కళింగ ఖరవేలుడు 'కన్నబెన్న' నదిగా అభివర్ణించిన కృష్ణానదిని  తొలిసారి  ముద్దాడాయి, మరియు గోదావరి-కృష్ణా డెల్టా ప్రాంతం ముగిసింది. ఈ గ్రామం పొనికిచెట్టు కలప నుంచి తయారు చేసిన కొండపల్లి బొమ్మలకు, గ్రామపేరు తోనే వున్న కొండపల్లి కోట / ఖిల్లా కు సుప్రసిద్ధి. కొండవీడు కోట తో సమానమైన ప్రశస్తి కలిగిన ఈ కోట తెలుగు వారి మధ్యయుగ చరిత్ర తెలుసుకోవడానికి ఉపయుక్తం. 

శిథిలాలు 

ఈ కోట కాకతీయులపతన కాలానికే  (1323 CE) వున్నది అన్నది నిర్వివాదాంశం. ఆ కాలం లోనే ఈ కోట  ఓం ప్రధమంగా ముదిగొండ చాళుక్యులు, ముసునూరి నాయకులు వంటి  సామంత రాజ్యాలు, చిన్న చిన్న స్వాతంత్ర్య రాజ్యాల స్వాధీనంలో వుండేది అని శాసన సాక్ష్యం. 14 వ శతాబ్దంలో ప్రోలయ వేమారెడ్డి రెడ్డి రాజ్య స్థాపన తో ఆంధ్రదేశం లో ఒక నూతన సూర్యోదయం మొదలయ్యింది. ఇదే కాలం లో ఆంధ్ర దేశ మధ్యభాగాముగా, కొండపల్లి వాసికెక్కింది. అటు తర్వాత కళింగ సూర్యవంశ గజపతులు, గోల్కొండ కుతూబ్షాహీలు, మొగలాయిలు, హైదరాబాద్ నైజాం సంస్థానానికి చెందిన అసాఫ్ ఝాఈలు వరసగా కొండపల్లి ని ఏలారు. చివరకు బ్రిటీష్ వారి హయాంలో కొండపల్లి సైనిక అవసరాలకు స్థావారంగా (Garrison) గా మారింది.                                               

కుతూబ్షహీల శాసనం 

'ఖగపతుల్, నరపతుల్, గజపతుల్ సాగించిరి సమరము' అని ఒక మధ్యయుగ కవి తెలిపినట్టుగా,  పదిహేనవ శతాబ్దం లో బహమనీలు, గజపతులు, విజయనగర సమ్రజ్యాధీశుల మధ్య మొదలైన త్రైపాక్షిక రణం లో కొండపల్లి ని వశపరుచుకోవడం కీలకమైంది. మొదటగా, సూర్యవంశ గజపతి కపిలేంద్ర దేవుని కొడుకైన హాంవీరదేవ రౌత్రాయా కొండపల్లి ని జయించాడు. సుమారు అర్ధ శతాబ్దం తర్వాత, తన కళింగ జైత్రయాత్ర లో శ్రీ కృష్ణదేవరాయలు, కొండపల్లి కోట ని ముట్టడించాడు. గజపతుల కళింగ రాజ్యానికి కొండపల్లి సుమారు నూరు ఏళ్ళ పాటు దక్షిన సరిహద్దు అయ్యింది.  

కోట ద్వారం

నేడు శిథిలమైన కొండపల్లి కోట అత్యంత సుందరమైన ప్రకృతి వడి లో, పచ్చని చెట్ల మధ్య, పూర్వ వైభవం కొదవైనా విరాజిల్లుతోంది. కోట ని రెందు విధాలు గా చేరుకోవొచ్చు - మొదటగా కొండపల్లి గ్రామము ప్రధాన వీధి (కొండపల్లి బొమ్మల చేతిపనివారి ప్రధాన వీధి) నుంచి కొండ వెనకవైపు గా కాలిబాటన ఒక దారి, రెండవది, ఇబ్రహీంపట్నం నుండి రోడ్డు మర్గాం ద్వారా. శిథిలమైన బురూజు దర్వాజాలు రెండు, గదుల తో వున్న తనీషా రాజభవనం, చెరసాల, అత్యంత గంభీరంగా, గత వైభవాన్ని చాటుతూ స్వాగతిస్తాయి. రాష్త్ర ప్రభుత్వం ఎప్పటినుంచో కొండపల్లి కి విశేష జనాదరణ కల్పించాలి అని కృషి చేస్తొంది. ప్రభుత్వ నూతన పర్యాటక విధానం ఈ దిశగా ఒక మంచి అడుగు.

   

కొండపల్లి బొమ్మ 

 

కొండపల్లి 

మహీత్ వెలువలి,
16 సలాది జమీందార్ వీధి , పాలకొల్లు ,.
31 మే , 2025.

     

The Hill Fort

(Kondapalli Fort, November2023) 

 

Me at the Fort

To the north of river Krishna, to the West of the city of Vijayawada, lies the village of Kondapalli, literally meaning hill village / hamlet / settlement. The irregular Eastern Ghats touch the banks of River Krishna, and the fertile Godavari-Krishna Delta ends here. The village is noted for Kondapalli Toys, sourced from local soft wood called Tella Poniki. It also houses the eponymous Fort of Kondapalli. Together with Kondaveedu Fort, it is a well noted Fort of Andhra Pradesh, that harks back to Medieval ages.

Ruins

The fort had humble origins, and was reportedly in existence during the fall of the Kakatiyas in c.1323 CE. Sources attribute it to various fighting factions and feudal dynasties viz, Mudigonda Chanakyas, Musunuri Nayakas. During 14th Century CE, a new dawn arrived in Andhra Desa, however shortlived. Under Prolaya Vema Reddy, the Independent Reddi Kingdom emerged and Kondapalli's stature rose, as a central location of Telugus in an increasingly fragmented polity. The next centuries lent much credence to Kondapalli's prominence, as Suryavamsa Gajapatis of Kalinga held sway, followed by Qutubshahis of Golconda, short lived Mughal Suzerainty, AsafJhais (Nizam) of Hyderabad, and eventually,  the fort turned into a military bastion and garrison under the British.  

A Qutub Shahi Inscription

In 15th Century, when the tripartite struggle peaked between the Bahmani Sultanate, Rayas of Vijayanagar and Suryavamsa Gajapatis of Kalinga, Kondapalli changed hands frequently, and was initially captured by Hamvira Routraya of Kalinga, feat replicated half a century later by Sri Krishna Devaraya in his famed Kalinga campaign (c.1513-1520 CE). Kondaplli marked the Southern extent of Gajapatis. 

Entrance to Fort

Today, the ruins and ramparts of the fort offer a picturesque site, and it is accessible on foot from the village of Kondaplli through the Toys Street,  as well as by road from Ibrahimpatnam, with the Ghat road dotted by Quarry lorries on a long queue. The Darwazas, ruined Jail Khana, Tanisha Palace with chambers, offer a sombre sight, pointing to a lost era. There is a huge scope for development, and the State Government of Andhra Pradesh has taken due note of it, vide it's new Tourism Policy. 

   

Kondapalli Doll

 

The Hill Fort

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
31st of May, 2025.

     

The 'Jewel Box' of Agra

Tomb of Itimad Ud Daula

 (Tomb of Itimad Ud Daula, Agra, Uttar Pradesh - March 2023)

The itinerary that was supposedly planned for me by the auto wallah was modified with my caveat - that I'd like to visit the tomb of Itimad Ud Daula. From the perspective of Agra Cantonment Railway Station (locally called 'Chavani'), and regarding tourists in general, this monument is usually skipped as people remain in perpetual awe and throng the Taj Mahal in droves ignoring other lesser known places. It is located across the Yamuna river, a bit far from Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. The auto passed through the dusty lanes of Agra, bypassing sweet shops selling Petha. Agra wasn't modern in any sense, and the civic amenities are found lacking. And, one fine late March morning, I stood before the Tomb of Itimad Ud Daula, and I was the only visitor there.

Me @ Tomb of Itimad Ud Daula

 

There are three iconic monuments of Mughal Architecture, primarily and loosely based on the Tomb of Tamelane in Uzbekistan :-

1. Tomb of Humayun

2. Tomb of Itimad Ud Daula

3. The Taj Mahal 

@ Tomb of Itimad Ud Daula

 

The first two were commissioned by women and the third was in memory of a woman. The tomb of Itimad Ud Daula, built between 1622 and 1628 CE, was commissioned by Nur Jahan, Consort of  Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Mirza Ghais Baig, a noble who started his career under Akbar, the Great. The noble was honoured as 'Itimad Ud Daula' i.e, "pillar of the state".  The building, essentially a mausoleum, marks a paradigm in Mughal architechture, as the Red Sandstone was replaced by White Marble. By early 17th Century, the Mughals were an established power in North India, with their confidence aided by imperial consolidation reflected in their buildings.

@ Tomb of Itimad Ud Daula

 

The mausoleum's exterior is betrayed by it's rich interior. The European technique of 'Pietra Dura' was first applied here, wherein exquisite precious stones and gems were used in creating beautiful paintings and decoration, often embellished in the form of flower vases, symmetrical objects etc,. The minarets and the overall façade point to a methodical and mathematical precision. Few years later, the tomb would inspire the Taj Mahal, now a Wonder of the World. Verily, it stands up to the moniker, ‘Baccha Taj / Baby Taj’ and ‘Jewel Box’.   

 

Pietra Dura Work @ Tomb of Itimad Ud Daula

The 'Jewel Box' of Agra

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
24th of May, 2025.

The Birth of Pax Magadha

Dad @ the iconic rock cut elephant, Dhauli

(Dhauli, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, 

November 2021)

The Afternoon Sun was merciless upon us, menacing with a dash of urgency, even though it was November. 8 Kms to the South of Bhubaneshwar diverted from the oft taken Puri Road, lays the hallow ground of Dhaulagiri, the legendary battleground of India's most famous Ancient War. Dhauli / Dhaulagiri now houses an Asokan rock Edict, a rock cut Elephant and a new, large Buddhist Shanti Sthupa. 

In 261 BCE, the Mauryan Emperor of Magadha, Asoka the Great, as per his own recorded inscriptions, defeated and annexed Kalinga, with one decisive final battle at Dhauli / Dhaulagiri (?). After the bloody battle, the Emperor, dejected with violence, increasingly took solace in Hinyana Buddhism, and pursued the concept of Dhamma with a renewed zeal, and became a Pacifist, as per Buddhist tales. Modern day historians are more balanced, and view Asoka's Dhamma as merely an extension of his Statecraft, a tool to consolidate his empire, albeit with peaceful means and within practical ends. A code of conduct was envisaged for people and officials, and ostentation and rituals were frowned upon, as Asoka, being a 'Benevolent Despost', was stretching the Chanakyan adage of 'King as a Father to his subjects' to it's most logical extent.   

"The beloved of the Gods declares that victory of Dhamma (Righteousness) to be the true victory" proclaims the victorious emperor's Rock Edict XIII at Dhauli, now protected. A rock cut elephant, perhaps, the first of it's kind in the Sub Continent welcomes one to the site. Today, the small hills and nearby meadows are peaceful, as people visit the Dhauli Shanti Sthupa located nearby. I looked around, and wondered aloud, as to what would inspire men to take up arms, and wage great battles? Under the weight of the titles of Kings, How did the common man fare and suffer? How could abstract concepts and material pursuits combine to create bouts of war and peace?  Doesn't Time destroy everything? Centuries thence, empires of yore crumbled into obscurity, in what way? Perhaps in the words of Ernest Hemingway, "gradually and then suddenly."     

Dhauli forms a lesser known part of the East Indian / Odisha Triangle comprising Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar. Yet the place's significance cannot be missed, for it marked the death of a war and the birth of Pax Magadha....  

Dhauli Shanti Sthupa

 

The Birth of Pax Magadha

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
21st of May, 2025.

The Benevolent Ugra Narasimha

@ Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Hampi

 

(Group of Monuments at Hampi - Vijayanagara, Vijayanagara District, Karnataka 

December 2024)

 

"Это Вишну

This is Vishnu"

A lively group of Russian tourists passed by on foot, when their guide finished description of the Vasihanava Insignia including Sudarshana Chakra and Panchajanya Conch in Russian. It was already late in the evening and we were exploring Hampi-Vijayanagara, the once crowned capital of Vijayanagara Samrajyamu, noted for it's grandeur and splendor, the likes of which the naked eye has never experienced, to quote Abdur Razaq, the Persian Safavid Ambassador in early 15th Century.

The Group of Monuments at Hampi is an iconic international tourist destination - one that beckons to the glory days of Vijayanagara Era (c.1336-1565 CE). One of the iconic monuments is an Idol.  

This so called Ugra Narasimha Idol is dedicated to Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in his Narasimha Avatar (Man-Lion). Hindu Scriptures speak of the devout Prahlada, who invokes Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. The Great God appeared in his Narasimha Avatar and slew Prahlada's father, the embodiment of  evil, Rakshasa Hiranya Kashyapa. As per an adjacent inscription, the idol was the sole surviving part of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, commissioned by Krishna Bhatt, in c.1528 CE on the express instructions of the greatest Vijayanagara Emperor, Sri Krishna Devaraya. One would be amazed at the gulf between reality and perception - the idol is wrongly but popularly mentioned as Ugra Narasimha, with Ugra referring to fierce, but is originally Lakshmi Narasimha i.e, Narasimha with his consort, Goddess Lakshmi Devi.

 

The badly damaged Idol, the chopped off limb that could at one point of time seated Goddess Lakshmi Devi, could be due to the disastrous sack of Hampi after the Battle of Tallikota (c.1565 CE). The idol is located adjacent to the Bhadava Linga, a large Linga partially submerged in a well like small temple. "Bhadava" in Kannada means poor and the name ascribes to the installation of the Linga by a poor woman, but that is a tale for a different day!

 

The Benevolent Ugra Narasimha stood the test of time, although bereft of his beloved consort, continues to awe admirers from centuries and far off places, and would continue to do so.......

 

  

The Benevolent Ugra Narasimha

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
20eth of May, 2025.

Tribute to Sri Manmohan Singh

Dr Manmohan Singh Ji with Sri P V Narasimha Rao JI

 

"History will be kinder to me" - Dr Manmohan Singh Ji (January 2014)

Dawn brought with it the sad news of the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh Ji. For a man who disliked Politics and yet was a Member of Rajya Sabha for over three decades, and an economist who served all top finance related posts in Republic of India, his life remained a contrast of humility and economic excellence. His role as our Prime Minister is much studied, maligned and poorly resembles a film that has a decent first half and a disastrous second half. In unshackling the reins of the Indian economic giant and waking it out of the Quota Raj induced stupor, his role as Finance Minister, although in near past is sweeter. 

As he humbly quipped, two phone calls spaced 15 years apart went on to change his life, and the fate of our country, if that is not so much of an overstatement. The first one made him the Finance Minister and the second and more popular one was in 2004. In his illustrious life, Dr Singh straddled with ease as an Economist, Educator, Bureaucrat and Political Statesman. He was mocked for his silence and the so called Policy Paralysis (2011), but he could address the most troubling and gargantuan press conferences with ease and grace. Under his watchful gaze, India reinforced her place as the World's fastest growing economy, pulling the 123 Deal with USA. A slew of welfare measures marked the reformer's era, but alas there was always much to be desired. A dash of courage and creativity perhaps... 

As I am from Andhra, I've seen his wish of Special Status to the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh (Rajya Sabha Statement, February, 2014) wither into a cruel call in wilderness - was that a genuine concern or simply wishful thinking of a work in progress politician - no one knows. Three decades prior, his Political mentor Sri PV Narasimha Rao Ji, famously quoted in USA -  "Not being a historian, I am under no obligation to remember the Cold war, and I'd skip it." But, in Dr.Singh's case, it's a twist of fate that a great political statesman looks to history for some genuine appreciation. And, he deserves our respect.

Tribute to Sri Manmohan Singh 

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
27th of December, 2024.