Etymology
Why is the most vulnerable point compared to an Achilles’ heel?
Poor infrastructure can be the Achilles’ heel of a growing economy. A corrupt minister can become the Achilles’ heel of
Murali Duggineni
June 5, 2025
Murali Duggineni
Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
Murali Duggineni
Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
My Blogs
My Stories
- Accidental Discoveries (6)
- Art & Culture (21)
- BackStory (99)
- Blog (22)
- Branding (27)
- Career Development (8)
- Education (11)
- Entrepreneurship (23)
- Etymology (43)
- Food (7)
- Geographical Indications (8)
- Heritage (34)
- History (55)
- India (56)
- Initiatives (24)
- Marcom (20)
- Medicine (2)
- Miscellaneous (9)
- Mythology (7)
- Social Impact (15)
- Technology (1)
- Travel & Tourism (8)
- Wildlife (3)
Travel & Tourism
How did the Silent Valley National Park get its name
The Silent Valley National Park, in Kerala’s Palakkad district, is a biodiversity haven spanning 237 sq km. It is known
Murali Duggineni
June 2, 2025
BackStory
June – the month of youth, love, and new beginnings
Ever wondered why June is such a popular month for weddings? The month of June is named in honor of
Murali Duggineni
May 31, 2025
Art & Culture
The legend behind Hyderabad’s Karmanghat Hanuman Temple
In the southern part of Hyderabad lies the ancient Karmanghat Hanuman Temple, a site that dates back to the 12th
Murali Duggineni
May 17, 2025
BackStory
The Unique Status of India’s One-Rupee Note
The one-rupee note is the only Indian currency note issued by the Government of India, not the Reserve Bank of
Murali Duggineni
May 14, 2025
BackStory
Mother’s Day: Emotion or Enterprise?
Mother’s Day, celebrated globally, honors the invaluable role of mothers. Its origin traces back to 1908 when Anna Jarvis, a
Murali Duggineni
May 11, 2025
Technology
From Middle-earth to Modern Tech: The Story Behind Palantir Technologies
What if your data could show you everything, but also deceive you? That’s the question at the heart of Palantir
Murali Duggineni
May 10, 2025
BackStory
Khaki: The color of camouflage and style
Did you know that the word khaki derives from the Urdu word ‘khak’, meaning ‘dust,’ which aptly describes its yellowish-brown,
Murali Duggineni
May 4, 2025
BackStory
How the month of “May” got its name?
Have you ever wondered where the name “May” comes from? Like many other months, it goes all the way back
Murali Duggineni
May 1, 2025
Travel & Tourism
Krishna’s butterball: The gravity-defying wonder of Mahabalipuram
In the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, visitors will find one of India’s most fascinating natural wonders, popularly known
Murali Duggineni
April 27, 2025
Heritage
Tipu’s lookout: A forgotten watchtower in the heart of Hyderabad
Tipu’s Lookout, also known as Tipu Khan’s Lookout, is a historic watchtower tucked behind the Sant Nirankari Bhawan and adjacent
Murali Duggineni
April 20, 2025
Etymology
Scraping the barrel: The nautical origins of a familiar phrase
Before the advent of modern conveniences such as refrigeration or canned food, sailors relied heavily on salted meat preserved in
Murali Duggineni
April 16, 2025
BackStory
How April got its name: A story of nature and myth
The month April has mysterious origins. The most popular theory suggests that it derives from the Latin word aperire, meaning
Murali Duggineni
April 5, 2025
Art & Culture
The Story and Significance of Holi
Holi, one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated across India, marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the triumph of
Murali Duggineni
March 13, 2025
Etymology
How did March get its name?
Did you know March, the third month of the modern calendar, derives its name from Latin Martius, meaning “month of
Murali Duggineni
February 28, 2025
Mythology
Bheem’s unwavering devotion and the broken clay pot tradition at Tirumala
Bheem, a humble potter, was an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateswara. Though his heart longed to visit the Lord’s temple
Murali Duggineni
February 11, 2025
Art & Culture
Aranmula Kannadi: The Mirror That Reflects Kerala’s Shining Heritage
Aranmula, a temple town in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, is renowned for its boat race and an extraordinary handcrafted artifact—the Aranmula
Murali Duggineni
February 7, 2025
Art & Culture
The story of February – A month born from ritual and renewal
February, the second month of the Gregorian calendar, derives its name from the Latin Februarius mensis, meaning “month of purification.”
Murali Duggineni
February 1, 2025
BackStory
The story behind the word ‘Republic’ and what it means
As India celebrates its Republic Day every January 26, let’s explore the story behind the word “republic.” The word “republic”
Murali Duggineni
January 26, 2025
Branding
Why is it called The North Face, and what’s the story behind its logo?
The North Face is a leading brand specializing in high-performance outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1966 by young climber
Murali Duggineni
January 19, 2025
Etymology
Loophole: The narrow opening that changed the rules
A loophole refers to a flaw or oversight in a rule/system that provides an unintended advantage to those who spot
Murali Duggineni
January 18, 2025
BackStory
What is seersucker, and how it got its name?
Seersucker is a lightweight fabric crafted from linen, cotton, or rayon. It owes its name to the Persian words “shir”
Murali Duggineni
January 17, 2025
BackStory
King Kothi – A royal palace with a clever name
King Kothi, literally “King’s Palace,” is a historic palace in Hyderabad with an interesting story. The palace was originally owned
Murali Duggineni
January 13, 2025
Branding
What connects Appian Corporation to an ancient Roman road?
Appian Corporation, known for its low-code automation and business process management software, derives its name from the Appian Way (Latin:
Murali Duggineni
January 9, 2025
Etymology
Siesta: The power of the afternoon nap and its roots
The word siesta refers to a short nap or rest taken during the afternoon, often after lunch. The practice is
Murali Duggineni
January 8, 2025
Etymology
The story behind January – a month of beginnings
The month ‘January‘ takes its name from the Latin word Januarius, inspired by Janus, a deity in Roman mythology. Janus,
Murali Duggineni
December 31, 2024
Food
What a humble dosa vendor taught me about building a brand
Working the late evenings, I often grab a bite at the nearby Rameshwaram Café in Madhapur, Hyderabad. It was convenient
Murali Duggineni
November 9, 2024
Branding
Hershey’s Kisses: The sound, the shape, and the story
Hershey’s Kisses, the iconic bite-sized chocolates with a conical shape, are beloved around the world. The origin of their name
Murali Duggineni
November 6, 2024
Art & Culture
How a tiny copper coin inspired the phrase “I don’t give a damn”
The phrase “I don’t care a damn” or “I don’t give a damn” is often used when someone means to
Murali Duggineni
November 5, 2024
BackStory
Wild, beautiful, and endangered: The UNESCO-listed Sundarbans
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world’s largest mangrove forest, spanning 10,000 square kilometers in the Bay
Murali Duggineni
November 3, 2024
Medicine
Zinda Tilismath: The Unani ‘magic’ born in Hyderabad
In 1920, during the global Spanish flu pandemic, Hakeem Mohammed Moizuddin Farooqui, a skilled Unani medicine practitioner from Hyderabad, set
Murali Duggineni
November 1, 2024
Etymology
The story behind the word Protocol: How ancient practices shape modern rules
The word ‘protocol’ refers to the rules and procedures governing official ceremonies, diplomatic interactions, and formal events—especially those involving VIPs
Murali Duggineni
October 27, 2024
BackStory
Weaving compassion: The story behind the sarees of Missionaries of Charity
The striking white cotton saree with blue border stripes, worn by the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, is more
Murali Duggineni
October 1, 2024
History
Sidi Saiyed Mosque and its connection with IIMA
The Sidi Saiyed Mosque in Ahmedabad was built between 1572-73 by Sidi Saiyed, a Habshi nobleman. Habshis are people from
Murali Duggineni
September 23, 2024
India
From Flagstaff House to Nehru’s residence: The story behind Teen Murti Bhavan
The Teen Murti Bhavan in Delhi, previous known as the Flagstaff House, originally served as the residence of the Commander-in-Chief
Murali Duggineni
September 7, 2024
Etymology
Why is the word ‘blockbuster’ synonymous with sensation?
The term ‘blockbuster’ is synonymous with anything that creates a huge sensation—be it a movie, a bestselling book, or a
Murali Duggineni
September 6, 2024
Art & Culture
Top 3 reasons to choose a clay idol for Ganesh Chaturthi
The name Ganesha literally means “Lord of the Ganas,” the attendants of Lord Shiva. Ganesha is also known as Vigneshwara,
Murali Duggineni
September 5, 2024
Travel & Tourism
Tawang: A hill station ‘chosen by the horse’
Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill station known for its breathtaking views, snow-capped mountains, scenic valleys and serene
Murali Duggineni
September 4, 2024
India
Sivakasi: Where legend meets industry in Tamil Nadu
Located in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, Sivakasi is a town steeped in legend and industrious spirit. There’s a
Murali Duggineni
September 3, 2024
BackStory
Cyclone: How a Greek term captured the nature’s fury
The word ‘cyclone’ is synonymous with the devastating power of nature. Dictionaries define cyclone as a large, spinning storm with
Murali Duggineni
September 2, 2024