common-man

[common-man]

Small Story 311.

Small Story 311 Mysore Encounter – A Lost Connection Rekindled"

Ravi was overjoyed when he received his appointment letter from a reputed engineering construction company. He had been assigned to oversee a project in Mysore — the very city where he had studied engineering. This opportunity was the result of his hard work, merit, and strong credentials.

The memories of his college days came rushing back, especially those of his close friend Nandhini. Their bond during those years was special, and he often reminisced about her warmth and companionship.

His father, Chander, was proud that Ravi had secured a three-year project with excellent perks. His mother, Kothai, began planning a visit to Mysore and other nearby tourist spots once Ravi got settled.

Fifteen days later, Ravi reached Mysore and reported to the project site. After an introduction to the chief engineer, he was allotted an independent accommodation near Yadavagiri — a serene and upscale locality. Pleased with the arrangements, he collected his baggage from the hotel and moved into his new home.

As he unpacked, his thoughts drifted to Nandhini. He had lost her phone number, but he still had her email ID. He sat down to write to her when he was interrupted.

“Excuse me, sir. My ball came into your front yard. Can I take it?”

A polite voice greeted him. It was a boy, around 14 years old.

Ravi smiled and said, “Of course. What’s your name?”

“Rajesh, sir. I’m studying in 9th standard.”

Just then, a familiar voice called out from the neighboring house, “Rajesh! What are you doing?”

Ravi turned — and to his astonishment, it was Nandhini!

She, too, was stunned and overjoyed to see her old friend. She warmly invited him over. Ravi quickly locked his house and stepped into hers. It was beautifully decorated, a reflection of Nandhini’s taste.

She offered him tea and biscuits, and they sat down, reminiscing about their college days. Soon, her parents returned from the temple, and she introduced Ravi to them. They welcomed him graciously.

Nandhini confessed she had missed him dearly and often thought about their past. Ravi felt a pang of guilt for not mailing her earlier. “Your name always reminded me of Karnataka Milk Products,” he joked gently. “It’s unforgettable.”

She smiled, “I know, my dear. I, too, wanted to write to you, but I accidentally deleted your email ID.”

It turned out that both of them had lost touch due to the same reason — lost numbers and deleted contacts.

Fate, however, had other plans. A few days later, with the blessings and consent of both families, their wedding was fixed. Two months down the line, their marriage was celebrated grandly in Mysore, attended by old friends and professors from JC Engineering College.

The most heartwarming and humorous part of it all? Two college crushes, separated by time and technology mishaps, were reunited — not by emails or messages, but by a lost cricket ball by Nandhini's cousin and a stroke of destiny. K.Ragavan 19-7-25

[common-man]

Small Story 310.

Small Story 310 The Heart of Poongulam

Janaki arrived at her native village near Batlagundu to visit her ailing aunt and uncle. She was warmly received by her cousin Rama, the only daughter of her aunt. Rama, a 54-year-old schoolteacher working in the local village school, was known for her energy and dedication. Rama’s husband, Venkat, also greeted Janaki with affection.

It had been over two decades since Janaki had last seen her aunt Amirtha—her father’s only sister—now 80, and uncle, who was 85. After sharing a simple breakfast of upma and coffee, Janaki opened up about the purpose of her visit.

Now 64, Janaki had lost her husband and was living alone in their large ancestral house in Annpanagar, Chennai. Her only son had settled in the UK and had no intention of returning. She wanted her aunt’s family to move permanently to Chennai and stay with her.

After a pause, Amirtha gently responded, “I’m touched by your intention, Janaki. But I am deeply attached to this growing village, Poongulam. Your uncle's passion for agriculture and, above all, Rama’s love for teaching children here has rooted us to this place. Since your father’s tragic accident, I lost all interest in the world outside Poongulam.”

Moved by her aunt’s heartfelt words and deep connection to her late father, Janaki remained silent for a while. Then, with newfound clarity, she said, “You’ve given me your answer through your heart, Aunt. I’ve made my decision too—I will come here, live with you all, extend this house, and help develop our native village.”

Hearing Janaki’s words, Aunt Amirtha embraced her tightly. “Your father used to speak just like this, before his untimely death,” she said, her voice trembling.

Janaki smiled and nodded. “In one month’s time, I will return to settle here.”

The next day, she departed for Chennai with a heart full of peace and a new purpose. K.Ragavan 18-7-25

[common-man]

Small Story 309.

Small Story 309

Friendship Beyond Faiths

James and Swamy worked together as Travelling Ticket Examiners in the Railways and, after retirement, both settled in Tirunelveli. Their daughters, Sophia and Smitha, were close friends who studied together and later got married.

Smitha moved to the United States with her husband, Ramu, who works in an audit firm in Boston. She is a homemaker and also offers consultation services for senior citizens. Sophia, on the other hand, lives in Madurai with her husband David, who works as a secretary in the Collector's office. Sophia is an English professor at a local college.

Both Sophia and Smitha have daughters—Helen and Rashmi—who are the same age and currently studying in 5th standard. Despite the physical distance, the two friends, Sophia and Smitha, continue to stay connected. They chat every week, sharing memories and updates from their lives.

James and Swamy still reside in Vanarapet, Tirunelveli, enjoying their retired life. Whenever James visits Swamy’s house, he enjoys the delicious South Indian meals. In return, Swamy never misses visiting James’ house during Christmas to savor the special Eggless cake lovingly prepared by Mrs. James.

God has truly blessed these two friends, who have maintained a deep and beautiful friendship for over three decades, transcending religious and cultural differences.

One day, Smitha called her mother, Parvathy, and said, “Hey Mum! This year, you and Dad are coming to the US with us.” Sophia also promised to join them with her family. A month later, both families traveled to the United States, had a wonderful time, and made many cherished memories.

Sophia couldn’t stop thinking about the trip, the warmth of Smitha’s hospitality, the amazing places they visited—especially Niagara Falls—and the delicious food Smitha prepared. On a quiet Sunday back home, while visiting the temple, Sophia prayed deeply:

"Bless me, O Lord, that in my next birth, I may once again have a friend like Smitha—one who transcends all boundaries of faith and culture." K.Ragavan 17-7-25

[common-man]

Good one.

The return of Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla after his successful mission is not only admirable but also sends a powerful message to people around the world. India has performed exceptionally well in this mission, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.

Astronaut Shukla’s inspiring words — “Even the stars are attainable” — resonate deeply and ignite hope and ambition across generations. His journey stands as a shining example of courage, dedication, and the spirit of scientific advancement.

The entire nation takes immense pride in his accomplishments and his safe return to Earth. It is also a heartwarming moment for his family, whose support and sacrifices are equally commendable.

Kudos to Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla — a true hero and a symbol of India's rising stature in space science! K.Ragavan Bengaluru https://www.narendramodi.in/network/userpost-task/6877b7cd0f49d44a111b4c9e

via MyNt

[common-man]

Small Story308

Small Story 308 Peanut Cake and the Confidence to Learn

Muthu arrived at Pallavaram station and boarded the electric train to reach his office near Beach station. He was lucky to get a window seat and soon noticed his friend Sivan sitting opposite him. Sivan greeted him warmly, and the two began chatting about their usual office routines — both worked for the same private company.

Suddenly, they heard a boy walking through the coach, calling out, “Peanut cake! Peanut cake!” Muthu turned to look — and to his shock, the boy was none other than Lokesh, the son of their colleague, Pitchai.

Lokesh greeted them politely, “Good morning, Muthu sir, Sivan sir. Please don’t tell my dad.”

Muthu asked gently, “Why are you not going to school and selling peanut cakes in the train?”

Lokesh leaned in and whispered, “I’m in 9th standard, sir. My father hasn’t been able to pay my school fees because of Grandpa's huge medical expense. So, I’m trying to manage by selling in the mornings before going to school. The school has given me 15 days' grace time to pay the fees.”

Later that day, during the lunch break, Muthu and Sivan met Pitchai at the office. As they were chatting casually, Muthu carefully brought up the topic.

“Pitchai, I saw your son Lokesh in the train this morning… He was selling peanut cakes. If you had asked, I would have helped with the school fees.”

Pitchai was stunned. “What? I didn’t know this! I’ve been struggling the past two months. My father was admitted to the hospital, and I had to spend ₹16,000 for his treatment. I didn’t want to burden anyone.”

He was heartbroken to learn that his son had been selling in the train for four days — before going to school — without telling anyone.

That evening, back home, Pitchai gently asked Lokesh about the morning incident.

Lokesh looked down and said, “Dad, if I sell in the mornings, I can earn ₹50 per day. In 15 days, I’ll have enough to pay the fees. I know how hard you're working and how tight money is. I just wanted to help.”

Pitchai was moved to tears by his son’s maturity, confidence, and thoughtfulness. He hugged Lokesh tightly.

“You will become a great man one day,” he said, his voice full of emotion.

Lokesh smiled and replied, “Your blessings will surely make me one, Dad.”

K. Ragavan 16-7-25

[common-man]

Small Story 307.

Small Story 307

A Visionary Leader: Ramnath's Approach to Merit-Based Recruitment

Sowmya had seen many top executives come and go in her decade-long career, but none had impressed her like Ramnath. As a Programme Manager at a leading pharmaceutical company based in Chennai, she deeply admired her 57-year-old Marketing Head. His vision, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire the dedicated field force made him stand out.

The company’s headquarters were in Australia, and it was well-known for its range of health products. Sowmya’s personal life was also fulfilling. Her husband, Sanjay, worked as a Training Manager in a bank, while their son, Vibhav, was in the 8th standard and already making a mark as a badminton player, having won many awards.

That morning, as Sowmya arrived at her cabin, she noticed Govind waiting outside.

“Madam, Marketing Manager Ramnath wants to meet you,” he said.

Without delay, she made her way to his cabin.

Ramnath greeted her warmly. “You remember, about two years ago, you recommended a candidate named Vishnu—your friend’s brother—for a position in Bengaluru?”

Sowmya nodded, slightly surprised he remembered.

“I’m considering expanding in Karnataka,” he continued. “Vishnu seems like a strong fit for the role of Territory Manager. He has the right background and experience from a reputed company. Before sending him our offer and terms, I wanted to inform you personally.”

Sowmya was thrilled. Ramnath’s ability to remember and value her recommendation from two years ago meant a lot.

As she turned to leave, Ramnath added with a quiet smile, “Our philosophy is to recruit purely on merit. Your recommendation matched our standards—and that’s why the decision is mine.”

Sowmya walked back to her cabin, heartened. Ramnath was not just a great leader—he was a believer in quality, vision, and values that built strong teams.

K.Ragavan

15-7-25

[common-man]

Tribute 881.

A Tribute to the Late Versatile Actress B. Sarojadevi 881

Today, I wish to pay heartfelt tribute to the legendary and versatile actress B. Sarojadevi, whose remarkable contributions to Indian cinema have left an indelible mark across generations. Hailing from Bengaluru, Karnataka, Sarojadevi rose to prominence in an era when Indian cinema was witnessing a golden age. She captivated audiences with her grace, poise, and powerful performances in films across multiple languages, most notably Kannada and Tamil.

Her illustrious journey in cinema began with the landmark Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa, which received the National Film Award more than six decades ago. From that promising beginning, there was no looking back. With a career spanning over 200 films, she became one of the most sought-after leading ladies in South Indian cinema and earned the affectionate title "Abhinaya Saraswathi" — a testament to her mastery in acting and emotive expression.

Sarojadevi was a household name in Tamil cinema, where she starred in timeless classics like:

Baga Pirivinai

Palum Palamum

Kalyana Parisu

Alayamani

Pani Thirai

Ponmana Selvan

Iruvar Ullam

Even in her later years, she continued to grace the screen, with films like Aadhavan showcasing her enduring talent and screen presence.

What truly set her apart was not just her beauty or screen charisma, but her versatility — she could effortlessly portray roles ranging from a devoted wife to a fierce, independent woman. Her charming smile, graceful demeanor, and the emotional depth she brought to her characters earned her immense admiration from fans and critics alike.

Sarojadevi's contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with numerous awards, including Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, two of the country's highest civilian honors. She is also one of the few actors from her era to enjoy a pan-Indian fan following, earning respect across linguistic and regional boundaries.

Today, as I pen this tribute, I feel proud and privileged to join thousands of admirers in remembering this iconic figure whose legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and film lovers. B. Sarojadevi was not just an actress—she was an institution in herself.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy live on forever through her unforgettable work.

K. Ragavan 14-11-25

[common-man]

Small Story 306.

Small Story 306 "Autograph No. 306 – A Passion Beyond Borders"

Ranjitha received an unexpected call from her aunt in Denver, USA. Her aunt had a special request—she asked Ranjitha to fix an appointment with the respected Chief OO1 for her friend’s son, Vishal, who was visiting India on holiday.

Curious, Ranjitha asked, “Why does he want to meet Chief OO1?”

Her aunt replied mysteriously, “It’s a surprise! I’ll tell you the date in 15 days. For now, just try to secure the appointment. Vishal is coming to Mysore to see a bride, and while he's there, he wants to meet OO1. Take care, dear, and regards to everyone.”

Ranjitha, though curious, was busy investigating another case and couldn't press further.

Thirteen days later, Vishal visited Ranjitha at her home, as the appointment with Chief OO1 was scheduled for the next day. She warmly welcomed him with coffee and snacks and asked about his family and the bride visit.

Vishal replied politely, “The bride selection went well. My parents in the US are thrilled.” He then added, “I work in supply chain management in a senior position. But my true childhood passion is collecting autographs from personalities across fields. I have a big collection back home.”

Ranjitha was surprised. “That’s quite rare these days.”

Vishal smiled. “Yes, and now that I’m here in Mysore, I want to meet Chief OO1 and get his autograph—with your help, thanks to your aunt Vasanthy.”

The next day, Vishal arrived at the OO1 Academy and was welcomed by Ranjitha. She introduced him to Director Pal and later took him to meet Chief OO1 in his cabin. After some pleasant conversation, Vishal took a group photo with Ranjitha, Director Pal, and Chief OO1.

Then, with excitement, he handed over his autograph book. Chief OO1 smiled, signed it, and complimented Vishal on his dedication to such a unique passion.

As he accepted the autograph, Vishal whispered, “With your signature, I complete 306.”

Chief OO1 nodded with admiration. “Amazing, Vishal.”

As they parted, Vishal said, “I’ll be back again—for my wedding here in Mysore, in six months.” Ranjitha smiled as he waved goodbye—this wasn’t just a meeting, but a moment to remember. K.Ragavan 14-7-25

-

[common-man]

Tribute 880.

Tribute to the Versatile Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao 880 The demise of the legendary and versatile actor Kota Srinivasa Rao is an irreplaceable loss to the Indian film industry. With a remarkable career spanning several decades, he acted in over 750 films across multiple languages, portraying a wide range of roles with unmatched brilliance. From intense villains to comic relief, from powerful character roles to deeply emotional performances, Kota garu left an indelible mark on every frame he appeared in.

As someone who has watched and admired countless films featuring this stalwart, I am deeply saddened by his passing. His acting inspired millions, including myself, and his talent transcended linguistic and regional boundaries.

Born in Kakinada, he rose to become a towering figure in Indian cinema. His departure is not only a profound loss to his family but also to the world of cinema that he so immensely enriched.

May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations of actors and cinephiles to come. K.Ragavan 14-7-25

--

[common-man]

Small Story 305

Small Story 305

A New Route, A New Beginning: Bus 305 Serves Its Purpose

Rashmi was receiving continued congratulations from her apartment friends for the initiative she led as the residents’ association president. Thanks to her persistent efforts with the authorities, a new hourly bus service—Route 305—from their Gubbalala apartment to JP Nagar, Banashankari, and Jayanagar 4th Block had finally been sanctioned. Today was its first day of operation.

Excitement filled the air as residents, friends, and committee members gathered at the apartment’s main gate to welcome the first bus. Amid the cheer, Rashmi received a congratulatory call from her father, Ram, who lives in Dubai. He praised her dedication to public welfare, a value he has long championed through his own community-focused writings.

Rashmi felt deeply touched by her father's words. Her happiness only grew as residents brought sweets from the popular Anand Sweets, distributing them to everyone present—including the bus driver and conductor.

It was a proud and memorable moment for Rashmi and her husband, Sandeep. While all acts of service are worthy of appreciation, those that benefit the larger community hold a special place.

Rashmi nodded with gratitude and whispered, “By God’s grace, this is a wonderful start for our residents.” K.Ragavan 13-7-25

[common-man]

Small Story 304.

Small Story 304

Shiridi Mahan’s Blessings in Pyramid Apartment

Sethu had decided to buy a new apartment, but only within a reasonable budget. His wife Lakshmi shared the same dream — a comfortable and modern home, within their means. Sethu worked as a financial controller at Philips’ regional office in Bengaluru. Their only son, Ashwin, was working in the Netherlands as a program manager, and Lakshmi, a homemaker, enjoyed watching meaningful TV programs in her free time.

In today’s market, a modern 3-bedroom apartment in a prime area of Bengaluru would cost no less than ₹4 crores. They also wanted a flat from a reputed builder with all legal documents in order — no compromises.

Lakshmi was particularly interested in the Pyramid Apartment complex in JP Nagar, where three of her close friends had already moved in. On a pleasant Sunday, Sethu and Lakshmi visited the Pyramid Apartments and met Lakshmi’s friend, Malathy, to inquire about availability and the timeline for possession.

Malathy greeted them warmly with juice and some prasadam she had received from a friend who recently returned from Shiridi. After catching up, she took them to see a flat available on her floor. Sethu and Lakshmi both liked the apartment very much. They recorded a video and sent it to Ashwin for his opinion.

Within half an hour, Ashwin replied with his approval. He also sent them a photo with the message:

“Now I need your approval too.”

It was a picture of a beautiful young lady. Ashwin and she worked together in the same office and liked each other. Her parents were also based in Bengaluru, which made Lakshmi especially happy. She showed the photo to Malathy, who immediately exclaimed,

“Hey! That’s Vasanthy — our neighbor Sumathy’s daughter!”

Overjoyed, Sethu and Lakshmi met Sumathy and happily finalized the wedding date for September.

Returning to their current apartment later that evening, Sethu whispered with a smile,

“We’ve been truly blessed — a beautiful new home and a wonderful daughter-in-law, both in the Pyramid.”

Lakshmi nodded joyfully and said,

“All this is because of Shiridi Mahan’s blessings.”

Sethu smiled and agreed,

“Very true.”

K.Ragavan

12-7-25

[common-man]

Letter Published in The National UAE on 11 July 25

Dubai is walking the walk on child safety

I write in reference to the article Dubai setting up a specialised division for child protection (June 30): in today’s world, where child abuse and harassment are sadly on the rise, the decision by the Dubai government to establish a dedicated child protection division is a commendable and much-needed step.

While the international community continues to advocate for children’s safety and rights, Dubai’s initiative demonstrates strong administrative will and a proactive approach to protecting the well-being of children. It reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society and ensuring a secure, nurturing environment for their growth and development.

This move not only aligns with global standards but also sets a positive example for other nations to prioritise child protection through focused policies and dedicated institutions. One can hope this initiative leads to more awareness, better reporting systems, stricter law enforcement, and ultimately, a safer future for all children.

K .Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

[common-man]

Small Story 303

Small Story 303. The Mystery of Book OO1 at Malleswaram Reading Stop"

Suma had always been a lover of books. After completing her M.A. in English, she chose not to pursue a conventional job but instead joined a renowned library in the Malleswaram area as an Administrator. Her love for literature had drawn her to this peaceful place—Malleswaram Reading Stop—a well-known library among book enthusiasts.

The library had a staff of eight members and could accommodate up to a hundred readers at a time. It was founded by Mr. Basavaraj, a retired Deputy General Manager from the RBI. With his own savings of one million rupees and generous donations of twenty-five lakhs from his NRI friends, he established the library to serve readers from all walks of life. A passionate reader himself, Mr. Basavaraj envisioned the library as a space where minds could grow freely through reading.

At 26, Suma was known for her warm demeanor, smart presentation, and the respectful rapport she maintained with regular visitors. One morning, as she entered the library at 9:30 AM, she noticed a small girl looking curiously at her chair.

Suma approached her gently. “What’s your name? Why are you looking at my seat?”

The girl responded, “Madam, my name is Roopa. I was looking for a book but couldn’t find it on the shelf.”

Suma glanced at the slip Roopa was holding. It read: Investigation Tips by International Investigator OO1.

Suma smiled and said, “Ah, that book. It’s very popular. Three editions have been released so far, and all have sold out. We’ve already contacted the publisher’s headquarters. They’ve assured us a new edition is coming soon, and they’ll be sending us multiple copies in the next few days.”

Roopa’s eyes lit up. “Can I leave my phone number and address? Once it arrives, can you call me? I’d like to take it home for two days if possible.”

Suma nodded. “Of course, but we now require a security deposit of ₹250. Earlier, we allowed readers to borrow books without any fee, but unfortunately, a few books were never returned. That’s why we implemented this policy.”

Roopa replied confidently, “No problem. My dad is a popular film director. He’s currently attending a film function in Srinagar. I’ve always wanted to read this book. Once you call me, I’ll come, pay, and collect it.”

Suma was pleased by the increasing demand for the OO1 book. As Roopa left, she whispered to herself, “My friend Ranjitha is lucky to be associated with that genius OO1. His work continues to inspire so many.” K.Ragavan 11-7-25

[common-man]

Small Story 302.

Small Story 302: A Chance Encounter That Turned Into an Opportunity

Radhika took the metro from Banashankari Station. The train was unusually crowded at that hour. She was heading to Vajrahalli Station, where her office was located. Radhika worked at a reputed consulting firm that specialized in overseas recruitment. She held a degree in Business Management, just like her boss, Aravind. The firm employed ten staff members and was known for its fair and transparent recruitment process.

As the train reached Yelachenahalli Station, a young man stood up and offered his seat to Radhika. She politely declined. "Thank you, my stop is just two stations away. I can manage standing."

The young man nodded and then asked, "What is your good name?" Radhika was stunned. A stranger asking her name so casually was a first for her. She felt like saying, "None of your business," but held back when she noticed his innocent face.

When she got down at Vajrahalli, she was surprised to see the same young man getting off right behind her. This made her slightly uneasy. After walking a few steps, both of them stopped at the same point.

Just then, a smart-looking woman in her 50s approached Radhika.

"Are you Radhika, Nandhini’s daughter?" she asked.

"Yes. What do you want?" Radhika replied, still cautious.

"My friend Nandhini told me to meet you at your office regarding a job for my son. He is my son—Rajeev, a Business Management graduate," the woman said, pointing to the young man beside her.

Rajeev smiled. "Madam, I only asked your name to make sure you were the right person. I know it wasn’t appropriate, but I’ve been unemployed for over six months, and I was a bit desperate. My mother, Padma, who was seated next to me on the train, asked me to confirm your identity. You didn’t notice her."

Radhika realized her earlier judgment had been harsh. His face was indeed innocent, and his explanation genuine. She invited them to her office and, after going through the necessary formalities, helped arrange a job for Rajeev in Dubai.

Padma later shared that she was a close friend of Vasanthy, Radhika’s mother. After offering them tea, Radhika felt shy and a little guilty about her initial assumptions.

After successfully registering his name, both mother and son left with a smile. A random metro encounter had turned into a life-changing opportunity. K.Ragavan 10-7-25

[common-man]

Small Story 301.

Small Story 301. Bonding Over Birthdays and Beyond

Rajan was waiting for his friend Rangan at a restaurant, excited to catch up over tea after nearly two years. When Rangan arrived, his face lit up with joy.

"Hey Rajan, how are you?"

"I'm fine! How are you and your Mrs.?"

"All are fine," nodded Rangan, settling into his seat.

"It's been a long time since we met."

"Yes, almost two years," agreed Rajan, as he ordered samosas and hot tea for both of them.

They sat across from each other, sipping tea and reminiscing about how their friendship began five years ago.

It all started when Rajan returned from Chennai. On the train, his neighbor and fellow passenger, Kumar, introduced him to Rangan when they arrived at Bengaluru Cantonment station. Though Rajan was meeting Rangan for the first time, Rangan warmly invited him to his 70th birthday celebration the very next day at a prominent hall in the city.

Rajan was pleasantly surprised—a stranger inviting him to such a personal event? He felt both happy and touched. True to his word, Rajan attended the celebration the next evening. It was a delightful gathering, filled with professors and intellectuals, as Rangan was a retired professor from the prestigious IIM. After enjoying a delicious dinner and a memorable evening, Rajan left with the feeling of having made a meaningful connection.

They met again three years later, and now, here they were, catching up once more after another gap.

Their conversation spanned various topics—politics, stories, films—reflecting the depth and ease of their bond. Before parting, they made a promise: to meet at least once every year, and to stay in touch regularly via WhatsApp.

As they bid farewell, both felt grateful for the bond they had formed—a friendship that began at a birthday party and grew stronger with time and mutual understanding.

Moral: Friendship can blossom at any age or stage of life when hearts connect with understanding and warmth. K.Ragavan 9-7-25

[common-man]

"Heartfelt wishes… May this book become an inspiration to everyone." These were the words of the renowned and versatile director-producer, T.S. Nagabharana, after reading my 300th story. Receiving such appreciation from an award-winning legend made it a truly special and unforgettable moment for me. K.Ragavan 8-7-25

[common-man]

Small Story 300.

Small Story 300.

"300 Stories and a Grand Celebration"

Vedanth returned from office and settled down with his usual cup of tea and biscuits. A Project Engineer at a leading multinational construction company based in the U.S., he lived comfortably in an independent house in Bengaluru, complete with all modern facilities.

His son, Desikan, an Architect Engineer by profession, was also an acclaimed storyteller. His blog had attracted thousands of readers, and his stories resonated with many. Handsome and principled, Desikan always followed the values of his mother Rajalakshmi and his father, Vedanth.

Just then, Vedanth’s phone rang. It was Desikan.

“Dad, I got a call from a lady named Vasanthy — a journalist and Programme Manager at a top U.S.-based media and creative company operating in Bengaluru. She wants to meet me. She’s coming home at 7 PM. I’ll be there before she arrives.”

At exactly 7 PM, a poised and elegant lady arrived. Vasanthy was greeted warmly by Vedanth and Rajalakshmi, who offered her sweets and juice. She accepted with a smile but looked around, clearly expecting someone.

Desikan came downstairs a few minutes later and greeted her politely.

Vasanthy began, “Desikan, I’m with a leading media company in the creative and storytelling sector. Your blog came to us via Google recommendations, and I must say — I was thoroughly impressed. The message and content are outstanding. Today marks your 300th story. That’s an incredible achievement.”

Desikan smiled and replied modestly, “Just a small correction — I had paused after my 100th story. But readers and friends encouraged me to continue. Since then, I’ve written 200 stories without a break.”

Vasanthy continued, “That consistency is what amazed us. Our management has decided to recognize your contribution. Not only are we awarding you a certificate and a cash prize of ₹10 lakhs, but we are also recommending your work to the Guinness World Records for consideration.”

Vedanth and Rajalakshmi were filled with pride at this moment of honor for their son. Vasanthy then invited the entire family to the award ceremony at the Taj Residency Hotel on Sunday evening, followed by a grand dinner.

Desikan quietly stepped into his prayer room and offered thanks to his favorite deity, feeling humbled and blessed.

The ceremony was a grand success. Popular Sandalwood personalities graced the occasion, offering their compliments and applause to Desikan.

In her closing note, Vasanthy smiled and said, “The name Vedanth Desikan itself signifies depth and wisdom — a father and son whose words have power and meaning.”Also I got my youngerbrother Desikan in this programme. K.Ragavan 8-7-25