A passionate teacher turned Digital Marketer.
Just like filter coffee, the age-old idly has its own secret sauce recipe. Each family guards its little secrets for that spongy, fluffy malligai poo idly. And heaven help the poor soul who gets it slightly wrong—looks of disdain, even pure disgust, follow. “கல் போல இருக்கு…” or “மொழுக்குனு இருக்கு…”—the harsh verdicts of hardcore idly connoisseurs on the efforts of...
Those days, families that had a phone, a landline, were considered truly elite. As a child, I remember our black rotary phone. It had a shrill ring that could be heard even two houses away. That sound itself felt important… like news was arriving. Calling outstation relatives wasn’t simple. We had to book a trunk call. Then came the wait. And when the call finally...
My mother fondly narrates this story about the origin of my name. When I was born—yet another girl—her grandfather apparently said, “Kannagiyin pen Manimegalai aagattum.” And that is how I was named. Her younger brother is named Ilango, after Ilango Adigal, the author of Silapadhikaaram. So in our family, we have Kannagi, Manimegalai, and Ilango—three names drawn...
Vanaja was running late. Breakfast was done. Lunch was packed. But Tiger still needed his morning walk before she could drive to school. Venkat was glued to an early morning office call, so help was out of the question. “Tiger… come. Let’s go down.” Tiger, her jet-black Labrador, sprang up from his favourite spot near the swing — the perfect vantage point to watch...
I have always had a soft corner for lesser-known temples. The quieter they are, the closer they seem to the divine. There is something deeply comforting about sitting in a prahāram without the hum of crowds or the shuffle of hurried feet — just a hush that settles around you so gently, it stirs something within. A stillness so complete that you feel like breaking...
It was a Pradosham evening. Around 5 pm, we parked our car at the temple entrance. The first act, as always, was to offer our respects to Surya Pillayar—a magnificent, towering form of Ganesha, striking in both scale and presence right at the entrance. From there, we walked barefoot into the ancient Kaameswarar Temple at Madavilagam, Kalkulam village, carefully...
Saint Thirugnanasambandar, the child prodigy and the boy saint who is one among the Naalvars (the four great Saivite saints) is considered as an avatar of Lord Murugan by learned scholars. Thirugnanasambandar has performed many miracles, but the one associated with Thirumarugal touches the heart in a deeply human way. Thirumarugal is a quiet, unassuming village...
We were heading for a 6:30 lecture in Mylapore, and Senthil had a meeting at 4:30. The plan was simple—he would finish his meeting, and then we would go straight to the lecture. So I settled myself in a coffee shop nearby, ready to enjoy my newly downloaded Kindle book, while he wrapped up his work. The café was packed, so when two ladies asked if they could share my...
Every time I drive past the stately white Ripon Buildings, I can’t help but turn and admire its timeless grace. Built in 1913, this magnificent structure, which now houses the Corporation of Madras (Greater Chennai Corporation), is one of Chennai’s most enduring colonial landmarks. Recently, I finally got to step inside this architectural gem, thanks to the Heritage...
“Amma, you’ve been so busy since morning! Come on… let’s watch this scene from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire together,” said Laya, tugging at Shreya’s hand and pulling her toward the living room. It was the Pongal holidays — five days of pure bliss for children — and eleven-year-old Laya was determined to enjoy every bit of it. But her beloved mother always...