Wishes from Nithila

I'm chasing words, but none seem enough-

To describe the light of my life.

You have showered me with so much love,

You're my eternal strength and guide.

Nothing hurts me quite as much 

As not being there for your special day.

But how much did it hurt you?

When you sent your only child miles away?

For you always put my dreams first,

You made my aspirations yours.

Through every turmoil, every outburst,

You wiped my tears and helped me endure.

Though my new life keeps me apart,

Through words that come from aching hearts,

I hope these words can compensate,

My absence on your special day.

I send my love across the skies,

May it brighten the candles in your room,

I still long for your wisdom that never dies,

And I hope to be as strong as you.

Here's to you, my beacon of pride,

To 50 years of joy and love!

The blessing of you, by my side-

Everyday, I thank the heavens above.

From Nithila Ashok

Missing my daughter on my 50th birthday... as she sends a touching poem for me from miles away... 

College Cultural Competitions

During my college days , I had played my part to help our college win the overall championships in cultural festivals held across many other colleges in Tamil Nadu. 

Some of them were Meditract  ( Madurai medical college), Razzmatazz  (Thiagaraja college of engineering ), Karmount (Karunya institute of technology), Yufonec (National engineering college) etc. Those were the best days of my life 😀

With the overall championships shield 

My own college annual culturals was called "Ecstasy".  Few surviving certificates from my 1st and 2nd year competitions...

School Cultural Competitions

CAFRONIA 90 - a grand cultural competition event was held by the Rotaract club at the Lakshmi Sundaram hall, Madurai in the year 1990. I was in my 10th standard and remember winning quite a few prizes in the art events. 

Few Surviving certificates from few other competitions...

LOSA 92 - the culturals organized by the TVS Lakshmi old students association. One of the prestigious events in those days... 

Cine quiz conducted by Karu.Palaniappan was way ahead of its time. There were audi & visual rounds too , quite unheard in school quizes in those days...

Lookup

Iconsiam mall
 

Bangalore Palace visit

After living in Bengaluru for almost 2 decades, yesterday we finally visited one of the renowned architectural monuments of the city - The Bengaluru Palace. 

The Palace is built in a land that was owned by the Rev.John Garrett, the first principal of the Central High School in Bangalore. The palace was commissioned for the Maharaja of Mysore, Chamarajendra Wadiyar X. Construction started in 1874 and completed in 1878. The building reminded me of Hampton Court palace in England. The architecture can be classified as Tudor style with a touch of Baroque.

The building is inside a humongous 400+ acres property belonging to the Maharaja of Mysore.  The entry fee was a shocking Rs.300 per person. For that fee one would expect a better world class maintained campus and facilities. Also to restrict photography (after charging 300 Rs)  inside the palace in today's age is highly irritating. 

The interior of Bangalore Palace is as awe-inspiring as its exterior. As you step inside, you are greeted by an opulent display of royal grandeur, with spacious rooms, high ceilings, and regal furniture. The palace houses several rooms and halls, each with unique features such as Victorian-style furniture, stunning chandeliers, and elaborate wooden carvings.

Among the most prominent features of the palace is its Durbar Hall, where royal ceremonies and gatherings were once held. The hall is adorned with paintings and artifacts depicting the history of the Wodeyar dynasty. The royal family’s private chambers, including the bedrooms and the dining hall, give visitors an insight into their lifestyle, preferences, and the opulence they enjoyed.

The palace also showcases a fascinating collection of photographs, portraits, and memorabilia, allowing visitors to connect with the history and culture of the Mysore Kingdom. The blend of regal aesthetics and historical artefacts makes the interior of the Bangalore Palace a must-see for anyone interested in India’s royal heritage.