Voice of chittan @ Dr Swetha Thiruchanuru

Hey all.  Namasthe... You know, emotions are rarely about others. They are mirrors,quietly showing us what is unresolved within. Indeed, jealousy is one such mirror, isn’t it? You know, in nature, growth never waits for permission. It just happens. A butterfly does not pause its transformation because another caterpillar is still crawling. Indeed, it cannot. Growth has its own timing, its own calling. A lotus blooms even when the water is muddy. Isn’t it interesting how it never explains itself? It simply rises....quietly, steadily. And the eagle… it flies higher not to prove anything, but because that is where its vision becomes clear. The ant, on the other hand, carries its load patiently, never comparing its strength with anyone else’s. Nature doesn’t compete. It aligns. And Yet, Among Humans… When you grow, when you evolve, when your work begins to show, something subtle happens around you. Some people feel inspired. Some feel uncomfortable. Jealousy, you know, is rarely loud. ...

 In my Professional Communication class, I recently explored the art of non-verbal communication , how posture, expression, and appearance silently shape our impression before words even begin. A student raised an interesting question: She asked “Ma’am! if first impressions matter so much, doesn’t being simple or shabby make others underestimate us?” I smiled. “Yes, appearances influence perceptions,” and I have a pause to read the class expression , most of them are still curious on how do I justify this .. to break the silence, I said, “but they never define potential. A clean shirt may impress for a moment; a clean heart inspires for a lifetime...and I added,  Never judge anyone by their looks, either too rich or too plain.” Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, despite being one of India’s greatest minds, lived with extraordinary simplicity. He used to polish his own shoes, mend his own clothes, and sleep on a small cot even as President. His focus was never on luxury , it was on liftin...

 ఎన్నో సంవత్సరాలుగా నాకు ఒకే ప్రశ్న పదేపదే వినిపిస్తోంది .... “రెండో పిల్ల ఎప్పుడు ప్లాన్ చేస్తున్నావు?” “ఒక్కరితో సరిపోతుందా?”  నేను చిరునవ్వుతో “ప్లాన్ చేయడం లేదు” అని చెబితే వెంటనే చాలా మందికి ఒక లెక్చర్ మొదలవుతుంది  “ఒకరే ఉంటే ఒంటరితనం వస్తుంది”, “సోదరుడు లేకుంటే ఎలా నేర్చుకుంటాడు?”, “పెద్దవయసులో తోడుండడానికి ఇంకొకరు ఉండాలి కదా”, "సోదరుడు లేకుంటే సంబంధాలు నేర్చుకోడు”, “తల్లిదండ్రుల తర్వాత ఎవరు ఉంటారు?” అని అనేక కారణాలు చెబుతారు.… ఇలా మరెన్నో. వారి మాటల్లో ప్రేమ ఉంటుందని నాకు తెలుసు, కానీ కొన్నిసార్లు ఆ ప్రేమే మనసుపై మౌన ఒత్తిడిగా మారుతుంది. నేను ఒక బలమైన మహిళను, సమాజం మాట్లాడేది పెద్దగా పట్టించుకోను. ఏ నిర్ణయం తీసుకున్నా నాలో నిశ్చయం ఉంటుంది. కానీ, ఇటీవల చాలా మంది మహిళలు ఎదుర్కొంటున్న మౌన ఒత్తిడి నన్ను నిజంగా బాధపెట్టింది. చాలా చాలా బాధపెట్టింది... అందుకే ఈ బ్లాగ్ రాయాలని అనిపించింది.అవును… ఇదే విషయం నన్ను లోతుగా తాకింది. 1. Other side of the coin ,కొంతమంది దంపతులు ఆరోగ్య సమస్యల వలన, ముఖ్యంగా PCOD, హార్మోనల్ ఇబ్బందులు, లేదా ఇతర వైద్య కారణాలు వలన పిల్లలు కలగకపోవచ్...

True growth doesn’t come from ease,it comes when challenges are sustained long enough to awaken our strength. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhutessu Vishnumaayeti Sabthitha | NamasTasyai NamasTasyai NamasTasyai Namo Namah || Here, the Divine Mother is praised as Vishnu Māyā,  the sustaining power of the universe. But what does this really mean? Preservation is not only about protecting life, harmony, or goodness. It also means sustaining ignorance, arrogance, and illusion until their role is complete. Why would the Divine sustain ignorance? Why would darkness be allowed to flourish? The answer lies in the stories we read, which are not just tales of gods and demons but mirrors of our own inner life. I would like to share a few among many from our sacred scriptures and ancestor's legacy... Hiranyakashipu’s arrogance grew unchecked. He wanted to be worshipped as God. Why did the Divine allow such tyranny? Because only in his downfall could Prahlada’s devotion shine. His arrogance had to be prese...

 Life often tests us in ways we never expect. There are moments when our confidence shakes, when the world doubts our worth, or when we ourselves lose sight of who we can become. Yet, in those very moments, someone steps into our lives with quiet compassion. They see what we cannot see. They look at a tiny seed and imagine the giant tree it can grow into. Such people, be it a mentor, a teacher, a parent, or a well-wisher, a friend,carry within them the essence of the Divine Mother. Their ability to believe in us when no one else does is not mere optimism; it is dayā, a compassion that nurtures, uplifts, and transforms. Navratri is a celebration of the many forms of the Goddess. In the Devi Mahatmyam, She is worshipped as the one who resides in every being: “या देवी सर्वभूतेषु दयारूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥” ...To that Goddess who dwells in all beings as compassion, we offer our salutations again and again. When someone believes in our hidden strength, fo...

Namasthe Dear Readers,  Welcome to another sacred Navaratri Blog.... Today, I want to pause and have a conversation with myself on a theme that touches the core of self-transformation. As academicians and working women, our lives often feel like a delicate balancing act. We are constantly moving between teaching, mentoring, writing papers, attending meetings, fulfilling administrative duties, guiding students, caring for family, parenting, and at the same time trying to nurture our own health and well-being. The list feels endless. In the middle of this whirlwind, we begin to carry anxiety like an invisible backpack, always present, always heavy. Deadlines, expectations, and unspoken societal judgments add to this weight. And yet, we continue to walk forward, sometimes forgetting that the backpack can be lightened if only we stop to reflect, realign, and renew ourselves. And then there’s guilt. If we give our energy to research or go out of home, we feel guilty about not being fu...

 Namasthe to the voice of Chittan Readers. A happy Navratri to you all... Every year when Navratri comes, I too decorate my home, light lamps, sing bhajans, Parayana and enjoy the festive spirit. But somewhere in my heart, a quiet question always rises, why do we actually celebrate this festival? Is it just about rituals, or is there something deeper waiting to be discovered? As I reflected, I found my answer in the Devi Mahatmyam , a powerful scripture I keep returning to. On the surface, it tells us stories of the Goddess slaying demons. But if we listen closely, it reveals something far more personal, the Goddess we worship outside is already living within us. When I chant “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita”, I no longer feel I am calling on someone far away. I feel as though I am recognizing the Shakti already flowing in me, in you, and in every being around us. I have felt her as the strength that helps me rise after failure, after every betrayal and vulnerabilit...

 Today, while walking outside, I noticed a tiny insect crawling on the stones. At first, it looked ordinary. But when I looked closer, I saw bright red marks on its back. Such a small creature, yet it carried such striking colors. Image credit: Mother Nature's gift and Captured by me That moment stayed with me. We often try to fit into what others expect of us , their wishes, their desires, their idea of who we should be. In the process, we sometimes forget our own colors, our own truth. But the little insect reminded me of something important: strength doesn’t come from size, or from pleasing everyone. It comes from spirit , from daring to stand out, just as we are. Life may not always place us in easy surroundings. People may not always notice us, or even accept us. Yet, when we carry our true self with honesty and courage, we shine in our own quiet way. Strength isn’t in size. Strength is in staying original, in not hiding our colors to blend in. And when we live this way, w...

 Namasthe, Dear Readers!  I am here with another insightful discussion.... There are moments in life when the world feels overwhelmingly loud. Opinions, criticisms, expectations, they all rush at us, demanding that we measure our worth through someone else’s eyes. It is in these moments that our peace feels most fragile, almost as if it rests in the hands of others. But Indian ethos offers us a timeless reminder: true peace does not come from approval outside...it grows from strength within. One of the most powerful lessons in this regard comes from the story of Prahlada in the Bhāgavata Purāṇa . Among the ten avatars of Vishnu, the story of Lord  Narasimha stands out for its intensity and drama. A half-man, half-lion form emerging from a pillar to destroy the  Hiranyakashipu is a scene etched in our collective memory. But behind this divine intervention lies the quiet strength of a child.. Prahlada,   whose unshakable calm became the very reason Lord Narasim...

 This morning, I had a dream that jolted me awake. In it, I was told that I would die today afternoon. At first, fear and sadness gripped me , thoughts of my little one, my family, and all the unfinished pieces of life weighed heavily on my heart. But as the dream slowly faded, it left behind a powerful life lesson...life is uncertain, but how we fill each moment is in our hands. One second, once gone, never returns. We cannot control time, but we can choose how to use it. That realization made me see the importance of consistency in what truly matters. For me, that is Namasmarana , the repetition of Lord Vishnu’s name. Narayana...OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYAYA NAMAHA...💕 Why? Because His name feels like nectar. Unlike temporary pleasures, it nourishes, heals, and leaves behind a sweetness that stays even when everything else fades. Human life itself is said to be as rare as drinking nectar,and what a waste it would be if we didn’t use it to taste the eternal. The dream wasn’t abo...

 Namasthe to the Voice of Chittan Readers, Glad to connect with you after so many days.  Sometimes life moves too fast, and we forget to pause. In the middle of all the deadlines, noise, and professional responsibilities, I am learning that true peace comes from slowing down and enjoying the little things. Some mornings feel extra special. A cool breeze, a hot cup of coffee, and a little time for myself that’s all it takes to feel calm and happy. When I get tired or frustrated, these small things remind me to slow down. Sitting in silence, spending a few minutes with nature, or just breathing deeply makes me feel fresh again. It’s like pressing a reset button for the mind. Life, in truth, is simple. We are the ones who make it complicated with too many thoughts, worries, and comparisons. Happiness is not always in big plans or achievements. It is hidden in these quiet, everyday moments. So whenever life feels heavy, I try to pause, sip my coffee, look at the sky, and remind my...

 In a world where growth is often measured in deadlines met and milestones achieved, we rarely pause to ask: What truly moves the soul? What if self-development wasn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder, but also about climbing within ..... one quiet step at a time? We often look for inspiration in grand speeches, bestselling books, or powerful personalities. But sometimes, the most profound lessons come from the quiet corners of life , from people who go unnoticed but live with a rare, deep purpose. Recently, I had the blessed opportunity to visit Tirumala , the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara. While the divine darshan itself was soul-stirring, it was the journey , the climb, the people, and the silent stories unfolding around us , that left a lasting impression. Image: Sacred Hills of Tirumala Amid the chants of Govinda Govinda and the rustling of countless bare feet on ancient stone steps, I met a man whose simple spiritual routine shook me deeply. He was in his 60s , a...

  Sarvam Vishnumayam Jagat..... The entire cosmos is pervaded by Vishnu. God is not confined to temples, names, forms, or rituals. He is the essence of everything, every being, every breath, every moment. He is the Atmic principle that resides quietly within and around us. Recently, during our spiritual trek to Ahobilam , a place soaked in the divine energy of Lord Narasimha, we encountered a profound moment of insight. As we descended the sacred hills, a group of fellow pilgrims were discussing the story of Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu . Their view was that Prahlada was the cause of his father’s death. Listening to this, I felt moved to gently intervene not to correct, but to share a deeper perspective. I said, “Prahlada was not the cause of Hiranyakashipu’s death. He was the reason for his moksha. ” Hiranyakashipu’s end was inevitable—not because of hatred or vengeance, but because he had to be liberated from the cycle of ego, delusion, and material obsession. The Lord descen...

  Hey all, Namasthe and Welcome to The Voice of Chittan ! I’m back with another soulful reflection, one that speaks to every heart that’s ever felt unheard, every spirit that’s been tested, and every dream that’s dared to rise above the noise. Today’s blog is a story of resilience, mindful living, and the quiet strength that often goes unnoticed, until it chooses to fly high. Let’s dive in. In a quiet forest, there lived a bird unlike the rest. It wasn’t the loudest, nor the fastest. It didn’t compete for attention or join the noisy flocks that filled the skies with chaos. This bird had a different way of being,it moved slowly, intentionally, and mindfully. Its path wasn’t always clear, but its heart was steady. Every day, it focused on what mattered,its purpose, its values, and its inner peace. But the world around it didn’t understand silence. A flock of noisy birds began to notice this quiet one. They squawked and laughed, mocking its calm demeanor. “Why are you so slow?” the...

 Parenting today is a paradox. While we strive to protect our children, the world around them constantly contradicts our efforts. We say no to inappropriate content, we don’t take our kids to movies like a goon and smuggler will be the iconic hero, we don’t play songs  which shows variety of explicit Feelings at home—but what about peer influence? Even if parents set boundaries, children live in a world where exposure is inevitable. In school, they hear classmates discussing explicit scenes. At a family gathering, an older cousin plays a viral clip. On the playground, kids imitate dialogues, not even knowing their meaning. A child who hears an adult say, "Don’t use bad words," also sees a crowd laughing when another kid in a movie swears. What is the child supposed to believe? Don’t they get confused? The Social Media Trophy Case Once, childhood was a sacred time of innocence. Today, it’s a performance for validation. Parents record and post every moment, unknowingly turning ...

  Greatness is never born in isolation—it is nurtured, guided, and shaped by unseen hands. Behind every leader, every visionary, and every revolutionary, there is an invisible force—one that does not seek recognition, one that gives without expecting, one that molds legacies in silence. This force is motherhood —not just in the traditional sense, but as a universal spirit of nurturing, protecting, and empowering . It is found in the arms of a mother, the wisdom of a father, the guidance of a mentor, the love of a teacher, and the generosity of a nation. It is the quiet resilience that raises warriors, the unwavering love that shapes saints, and the gentle strength that builds civilizations. Motherhood is not just a relationship—it is a purpose, a calling, and the most transformative force in the world.   Have you ever paused to wonder what truly shapes a great soul? We celebrate heroes, visionaries, and legends, but rarely do we ask—who lit the first spark in their heart...

  The world is a battlefield, not of swords and shields, but of attention. Every day,  bombarded with distractions—notifications, endless choices, new tools promising success. But here’s the truth: Most of them are just noise. We live in a world that glorifies more. More tools, more hacks, more information—until our minds resemble an overcrowded marketplace, buzzing with distractions. But  overwhelm is not solved by addition. It’s solved by subtraction. Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, gives us a profound truth: “उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं आत्मानमवसादयेत | आत्मैव हत्मानो बन्धुः आत्मैवारीपुरात्मनः |                           (  भगवत गीता ) (Elevate yourself through your mind, do not degrade yourself. The mind is both your best friend and your worst enemy.) our greatest battle is not with the outside world—it’s with our own mind. And our ...

In life, it often seems that our good deeds and achievements are remembered only until our next mistake. This reality can be both humbling and daunting, but it also offers a profound lesson: never tie your self-worth to praise or criticism. The Fleeting Nature of Praise Human memory is selective. We cherish moments of appreciation, bask in the warmth of recognition, and feel validated when our efforts are acknowledged. But how long does this validation last? The truth is, today’s applause fades into tomorrow’s silence. The world moves fast—your last achievement is quickly replaced by new expectations. If your self-worth is built on external appreciation, you will always be at the mercy of others' shifting attention. Instead, treat praise as a pleasant breeze—enjoy it, but don’t rely on it to move forward. The Weight of Criticism Criticism, on the other hand, tends to linger far longer than praise. A single negative comment can overshadow a hundred compliments, shaking our confiden...

Namasthe to "Voice of Chittan" Readers!  As we sat together for a family movie night, immersed in the gripping tale unfolding on the screen, the hero stood alone, fighting against injustice. The villains, armed with massive weapons, seemed invincible, while the hero wielded nothing but a simple hammer. Watching intently, my son turned to me and asked, "How can he stop evil with just a hammer?" Without a second thought, completely absorbed in the moment, I responded, "Balam aayudham lo undadhu… daanni patte vaadilo untundhi!" (Strength is not in the weapon, but in the one who wields it.) As soon as I uttered those words, something struck me. I paused. I pondered. Wasn't this the essence of every great story, every legend, and every real-life victory? The Gandiva was powerful only because it was in Arjuna’s hands, used for a righteous cause. The Sudarshana Chakra became a force of protection and justice only when wielded by Lord Krishna. Hanuman, though ...