Voice of chittan @ Dr Swetha Thiruchanuru

Dear Voice of Chittan Readers Namasthe!! Life doesn't grow us only through experiences; it grows us through perspectives we are humble enough to listen to. Here's a thought that has stayed with me... perhaps it may stay with you too. One of the most dangerous assumptions we make in life is this: "I don't understand what you're saying. Therefore, what you're saying must be wrong." But is that really true? Not necessarily Sometimes, another person's words don't make sense to us, not because they are incorrect, but because our knowledge has not yet reached that point. Our inability to understand is not proof of their ignorance. Often, it is simply a reminder of the limits of our own understanding. Of course, this doesn't mean that every idea we fail to understand is automatically true. Some ideas are genuinely flawed. But wisdom lies in investigating before rejecting, questioning before concluding, and listening before judging. A student doesn...

Dear Voice of Chittan Readers Namasthe!! There are days when nothing is technically wrong, yet your heart feels heavy. No one has criticized you. No crisis has happened. Nothing has gone terribly wrong. Yet, there is an unexplained anxiety. A quiet restlessness. A feeling that something isn't right. As working women, we carry many invisible responsibilities our careers, our families, our aspirations, and often, our own expectations. We are constantly planning, anticipating, solving, and worrying. Sometimes, the mind quietly slips into "What if?" mode, creating fears about things that haven't even happened. Over time, I discovered something surprisingly simple that helps me during these moments. I deliberately look for something good in another person. Not because they need it. Because I need it. It may be a colleague who handled a meeting with grace. A student who put sincere effort into learning. A support staff member who works with quiet dedication. A security gua...

ఒక్కసారి ఆలోచించండి… మనమందరం ఎంచుకునే దారుల్లో ఏది నిజంగా “సరైనది” అని ఎవరు నిర్ణయిస్తారు? మనమా…? సమాజమా…? లేక పరిస్థితులా…? చాలాసార్లు మనం నమ్మేది సరైనదే అనిపిస్తుంది… కాని కాలం గడిచాకే అది నిజంగా సరైందో కాదో తెలుస్తుంది. ఎందుకంటే, “సరైన దారి” అనే దానికి వెంటనే సమాధానం ఉండదు… కాలమే ఆ నిర్ణయాన్ని నెమ్మదిగా వెల్లడిస్తుంది. అయినా కూడా జీవితం మన ముందుకు రెండు మార్గాలు తీసుకొస్తుంది… “ఎలాగైనా బతికేద్దాం…” అనుకునే వారికి జీవితం అంత కష్టం కాదు. ఎదురొచ్చిన పరిస్థితికి తగ్గట్టు మారిపోతారు… నీళ్లలా ఏ పాత్రలో పోసిన ఆ ఆకారమే తీసుకుంటారు. కాని… “ఇలాగే ఉండాలి…” అని ఒక విలువలతో జీవించాలనుకునే వారికి ప్రతి రోజు ఒక పరీక్షలా మారుతుంది. వాళ్లు గాలికి వంగే గడ్డి కాదు… తుఫాన్నే ఎదుర్కొనే వేరు గట్టిగా పాతుకున్న చెట్టు.  వాళ్లు ఎక్కడ పడితే అక్కడ ఎగిరే ధూళి కాదు… అగ్నిలో కాలిన తర్వాతే మెరుస్తున్న బంగారం.  మేఘాలు వస్తాయి… పోతాయి…వాటి దారి గాలే నిర్ణయిస్తుంది. కాని నక్షత్రం మాత్రం తన స్థానం వదలదు…అది తన వెలుగుతోనే నిలుస్తుంది విలువలకు కట్టుబడిన వాళ్లు … తమ స్థానం విడిచిపెట్టని నక్షత్రాలు లా స్థిరం గ...

Hello, Dear Voice of Chittan Readers, Namsthe! I am Dr. Swetha. I am here with another beautiful reflection on life..  Life has many seasons. Some days feel like sunshine. Some feel like storms. And in between all of this, what truly makes the journey meaningful is not success, achievements, or titles. It is the people who walk beside us. A good friend is a rare blessing. Not someone who appears only when life is smooth, but someone who sits with you when things feel confusing… listens to you without judging… and celebrates your happiness as if it were their own. As an introvert, I have always believed in something simple: I may not have many friends, but the few good ones are very close to my heart. Deep connections matter more to me than a large circle. And one such precious friend from my college days is Mamatha Gouraram. We have known each other since 2007, and those days still feel special when I think about them. Life was simple then. We shared lunch boxes, laughter, dre...

Namathe to the voice of chittan Readers,  Today I would like to share a few insights for those carrying the weight of what they've done or failed to do.. You're crying right now, aren't you? The guilt sits in your chest like a stone, and every time you think about what happened, the tears come again. Maybe you hurt someone you love. Maybe you failed when it mattered most. Maybe you broke your own values in a moment of weakness.  I want you to know something important: the fact that you feel this guilt means you're still good. Bad people don't cry over their mistakes. The Purpose of Guilt Guilt isn't your enemy, even though it feels unbearable right now. It's your conscience speaking, telling you that what happened doesn't align with who you want to be. That's actually beautiful, in a painful sort of way. It means you haven't lost yourself completely. But here's the truth many people won't tell you: guilt becomes destructive when we let it...

Namasthe to the voiceofchittan readers I'm Dr. Swetha Thiruchanuru. Today, I want to share another important reflection, one that comes from lived observation or experience, not theory In many situations, when you achieve something or feel genuinely happy, you realize that very few people are interested in celebrating it with you. At best, there may be one or two. Sometimes, even their sincerity feels doubtful. This is a hard truth,but a real one. We often expect: “Someone will appreciate this success.” “Someone will share this happiness with me.” But reality teaches us something else. No one carries your happiness for you. No one truly holds your sadness for long. And that is why self-celebration is not a luxury; it is a life skill. Self-celebration is not ego. It is not arrogance. It is not showing off.   It is self-respect. It is self-acknowledgment &  It is emotional maturity. Think about the journey behind every achievement...  the sleepless nights, silent fears,...

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...