Murali Duggineni

Murali Duggineni

How a Maratha prince gave sambar its name!

Few South Indian dishes are as beloved as sambar. This tangy stew of lentils and vegetables, the familiar partner to idli, dosa, and rice, is so deeply woven into everyday meals that it seems ancient. Yet its story may lead…

Picture depicting The Last Supper of Jesus

Why the world fears Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th occupies a peculiar corner of human psychology. The dread surrounding it has a formal name: paraskevidekatriaphobia, derived from the Greek words for Friday (Paraskevi) and thirteen (dekatreis). An alternate term, friggatriskaidekaphobia, draws from Frigg, the Norse goddess after whom…

Hyderabad’s stone-grilled classic: Pathar-ka-Gosht

Hailing from the regal kitchens of Hyderabad, Pathar-ka-Gosht is a masterclass in culinary improvisation. Literally meaning “meat on stone” when translated from Urdu, this iconic dish features succulent lamb or mutton, cut into thin strips and marinated in a rich…

How did the “blazer” get its name

The lines between formal and casual have blurred, yet one garment remains the ultimate bridge. It’s the blazer. Unlike a suit jacket, which requires matching trousers, the blazer stands alone as a symbol of polished versatility. Origins of the nameThe…

Diogenes, cynicism, and the hunt for integrity

A brief look at one of antiquity’s most provocative thinkers and the expression his legend inspired. Diogenes of Sinope (c. 412–323 BCE) was a Greek philosopher who rejected wealth, social convention, and political authority with a consistency that unnerved his…

Inside the “kitchen cabinet” of power

Not every consequential conversation happens in a boardroom. Some can happen in the kitchen! The phrase kitchen cabinet refers to a small, informal group of trusted advisers who operate outside an official decision-making structure. Unlike formal boards or committees, this…

DMD: a rare diagnosis, and expensive hope

We often see news stories about a child diagnosed with DMD, with families turning to crowdfunding and kind strangers to afford a life-saving injection. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare but severe genetic disorder that mainly affects children, especially…

Why “in the doldrums” means feeling stuck

Some expressions carry entire histories within them. In the doldrums is one such, born from the hardships of ocean navigation and later absorbed into the language of everyday human experience. In the doldrums means being in a state of inactivity,…