ಕ್ಷಣಪ್ರಭಾ - Kshanaprabhaa

Although not watching the World T20 Cricket regularly, one thing I noticed during the series was the national anthem of Sri Lanka, "Sri Lanka Matha", and have since fallen in love with its meaning and specifically, its tune. There is something in the tune that has made many Southern Asian patriotic songs to be sung on these lines. A bit of Khamas and Dhirashankarabharana in terms of Ragas, as far as I could guess, and they emit patriotism in abundance. The Sri Lankan National Anthem composed by Ananda Samarakoon : Then we come across this awesome piece of lyrics by Sri Basavappa Shastry , in the "State Anthem of the erstwhile kingdom of Mysore". This song " Kayou Sri Gowri " was sung by every school going child in Karnataka region a few decades ago: And finally, the song " Jayati Jayati Bharata Mata " by Mayuram Vishwanatha Shastry is a very melodious one too:

Some pictures from the trip to Infosys Mysore Campus in August. Thanks to Madhura, Thomas, Ajay and Aswathi who "dragged" me along :) Lush green stranded bliss!  A Greater Coucal searches for food Bright and colourful, with stunning stings  Morning sun rays light up the brand new flowers  A Red-vented Bulbul begins its day Crape Jasmine blooms on a gloomy evening Bright yellow flowers with a hostel block in the background  No, not a place for retired folks, probably a place to sit and reflect upon a hectic day?  Indian Cuckoo getting ready to sing?  The Red-vented Bulbul flies with gay abandon  A Little Cormorant dries its wings This bright green little bird is getting ready for a morning breakfast flight  And the bright blue Kingfisher contemplates   The majestic look of the Red-vented Bulbul And a video of these and a few other photos: Infos...

Some pictures from my July Pune trip, showcasing the greenness and freshness of the rainy season: Greenery atop the Parvathi Hill Green and stranded Saras Baug in the morning Female sparrow at Saras Baug White lotus in the Saras Baug pond Indian Pond Heron walks amongst the lotuses in the Saras Baug pond Trees stand tall atop Sinhagad hill station Sinhagad fort walls covered with lush greenery Rains threaten to splash Khadakwasla lake, as seen from Sinhagad hilltop Sinhagad valleys covered with nothing but green A rain drenched Indian Myna Lonesome Stranger Stairs to invisibility Ficus Religiosa with its golden new leaves Endless greenery reminding a well planned tea estate "Two roads diverged in a green wood..." Standing tall in the mountain mist "The road not taken"