Murali Duggineni

Murali Duggineni

The moment that inspired “Bhaja Govindam”

Bhaja Govindam, one of Adi Shankaracharya’s most loved compositions, was born from a moment of deep compassion. According to a traditional account, as Shankaracharya walked through the streets of Kashi (Varanasi) with his disciples, he saw an aged scholar sternly…

Why we call the hottest days “Dog Days”

The expression “Dog Days” refers to the hottest stretch of summer, now considered from about July 3 to August 11 in the Northern Hemisphere — a time symbolizing heat, lethargy, and restless weather. The origin lies not in real dogs…

How a cow’s blister saved humanity

Did you know the word vaccine traces its roots to the Latin vaccinus, meaning “of or from cows.” Ever wondered why? This connection goes back to the late 18th century, when English doctor Edward Jenner noticed that milkmaids who caught…

Why “Happy Hour” started at Sea, not in a Bar

Did you know the term “happy hour” as used today for late-afternoon or early-evening discounted drinks and snacks in bars and restaurants traces its roots back to an unexpected source: the U.S. Navy? Around 1913–1914, the U.S. Navy began hosting…

How Kos Minars guided travelers in Medieval India

Kos Minars are medieval milestones that once dotted the highways of northern India. The name combines “kos,” a traditional unit of distance (2 miles or roughly 3.22 kilometers), with “minar,” meaning tower or pillar. These solid brick-and-lime structures were first…