Aruna Ravikumar

Restore Heritage, Reinforce Safety

Tank Bund — the stretch by the beautiful Hussainsagar Lake between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad — has always been a stretch of memories, of brisk walks coupled with the exchange of views with fellow walkers, of a city breathing by the lake.

I still remember walking from the Secunderabad side to where Hyderabad begins, along with my grandfather, holding on to the leash of our little Dachshund Prince, who fearlessly darted at the bigger dogs on the way. Those were simple, beautiful moments.

On the way, we passed by the small but elegant red-bricked police station, always alive with activity. We’d often pause and watch the change of duties as the morning-shift policeman took over from the one on night duty. It gave us a sense of reassurance, order and safety.

Recently, I took a friend from abroad to see Tank Bund. While the lake, the wrought-iron lamps and benches still hold their own charm, one sight was deeply disappointing. The old police station now stands abandoned, dilapidated, almost forgotten. It feels out of place on an iconic stretch.

Why let this fade away?
Reviving the police station could serve a dual purpose — restore a heritage structure and reinforce security in a busy public space.
Some places aren’t just structures. They are part of our shared memory.
Let’s preserve them, not lose them.

Building Confidence: Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Health Care

I had the opportunity to speak with pharmacy students this week about confidence, decision-making, and communication.

It was inspiring to see young women preparing to enter healthcare reflect not only on what they know, but also on how they communicate, make decisions, and lead.

Confidence grows not just from learning, but from asking questions, sharing ideas, and speaking up.

Interestingly, while the session was in progress, I received LinkedIn requests from several students—even as many remained quiet in the classroom. It was a reminder that today’s students are more digitally connected, yet often less vocal in person. I hope to see more of them engage directly and confidently in future discussions.

Grateful for the chance to connect with the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Knowledge + Confidence = Future Leaders Who Make a Difference

StudentEngagement
WomenInHealthcare
CommunicationSkills
PharmacyStudents
LearningCulture
LeadershipDevelopment
HealthcareEducation

Echoes in the Present

The shadows of the past are best left
undisturbed.
They dim the eyes,
like a mirror veiled in dust,
unable to return a faithful reflection.

The past steps forward when the present is bright—
unbidden,
as though light itself summons old ghosts.
It tries to stir
what should remain settled,
to breathe again into memories better laid to rest.

What was left behind
belongs behind.
Let the voice of caution remain—
for experience is the truest mirror,
clearer than longing,
sharper than regret.

People.
Moments.
Bonds that endured their quiet trials
and silent breaking.
They shaped us—
but they are not meant to hold us.

The past is only a blot on time’s page,
the future yet unwritten,
and the present is all that breathes.

Let yesterday drift with its pleasure and pain.
Do not grant it passage again.
There is nothing there to gather
but the knowing—
steady and certain—
that it can never be now again.

Some voices remain timeless. Sri M. V. Soundararajan’s was one such voice.
​I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sri M. V. Soundararajan, Chief Priest and Hereditary Trustee of the Chilkur Balaji Temple—revered worldwide as the "Visa Temple."
​Holding an M.Com, an LLB, and a Doctorate in Commerce, and having been long associated with Osmania University, he seamlessly combined scholarship with spirituality. A rare blend of academic excellence and unwavering faith, he remained a principled voice for temple autonomy and Dharmic governance.

​He introduced path-breaking reforms at Chilkur:
​No hundi system
​No VIP darshan
​A single queue for all devotees
​No tickets or paid Arjitha Sevas

​His conviction that all devotees are equal before the Lord made Chilkur a powerful symbol of spiritual democracy.
​I had the privilege of interviewing him nearly two decades ago—in what was perhaps one of his most extensive recorded conversations. Today, as we remember his life and contributions, I am sharing this interview as a humble tribute to his legacy and vision.
​May his soul attain eternal peace. His ideals will continue to inspire generations.

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/MK_0gR7M1cI?si=flkmZ31tjr1ypm2S
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Under the stage lights at Ravindra Bharati, dressed as Bharata, I didn’t fully understand the story that I was part of.
I was a child playing the son of King Dushyantha and Shakuntala in Abhignyana Shakuntalam by Kalidasa — born in an ashram, raised in simplicity, yet destined to shape a legacy.
At that age, it was about costumes, dialogues, rehearsals, and applause.
Theatre gave me confidence before I knew what confidence meant.
It gave me courage before I knew fear.
I may not have pursued theatre — but theatre never left me.
We must encourage children to step onto the stage — because theatre doesn’t just teach acting; it builds voice, empathy, discipline, and self-belief.
Some roles end with the curtain.
Some stay with you for life.

Here's my review on the captivating mythological play staged by Surabhi theatre group () at Saptaparni () .

Global City, Shabby Roads, Broken Sidewalks

Many global cities feature wide roads and extensive sidewalk networks as central components of their urban infrastructure. Clean and smooth roads for vehicular movement, and footpaths for walking and social interaction, are crucial public spaces that define them. Hyderabad, a city that takes pride in branding itself as global on every available platform, strangely lacks proper roads that it not so long ago boasted about, and shows little thought for pedestrians and clean spaces.

Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills—home to the rich and powerful and a booming commercial hub—have no sidewalks. Shining cement roads don’t last even a month, as they are dug up every now and then, seeming to be in a constant state of repair. It’s the same story in other colonies, old and new, dotting the city. Where footpaths exist, they are broken, encroached upon, or taken over by petty vendors and makeshift eateries, and walking safely is a daily struggle.

GHMC has purportedly become the largest municipal body in the country after the recent mergers of urban local bodies and is all set to make a statement through its huge presence. But does size alone qualify as success when citizens can’t even get proper roads and decent sidewalks?

Development isn’t just about flyovers and glass buildings.

It’s about walkability, safety, and dignity for pedestrians.

It’s time citizens rally together and bring pressure on the Corporation to do its duty diligently.

Forget rhetoric—get down to action!

I am honored to be the chief guest at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Vasavi Mahila Samajam, a remarkable women’s club whose work exemplifies sustained social commitment.
Over five decades, their initiatives—ranging from the construction of a 200-bed hospital to providing scholarships for underprivileged students, and supporting old-age homes and orphanages—have made a tangible difference to countless lives.
In my address, I shared that true greatness lies in continuously evolving as human beings, learning something new every day, and giving back to society.
Institutions like this remind us that leadership and service go hand in hand.

I’m excited to share my article on the from a recent trip to Japan — a journey filled with unforgettable experiences and reflections on culture, design, and natural beauty.

🌏 Read the full article here:

🔗 https://epaper.thehansindia.com/Home/ShareArticle?OrgId=1412763c0efd&imageview=0

Remembering Gadepalli Jagannadham
Freedom fighter, philanthropist, patron of the arts.
A proud participant in the Salt Satyagraha and other protests during India’s freedom movement, he was ever filled with patriotic fervour.
The son of a Vedic scholar at the Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple in Pithapuram, a well-known Shaktipeetham, he broke norms by marrying a child widow and was known for being a reformist with a golden heart.
Losing his father at a young age, he rose through resilience and grit to become one of the wealthiest people in the city and also served as Deputy Mayor.
A generous host to several eminent musicians of his time and a quiet force for change, he supported 400 families during his lifetime.
To us, he was a loving grandfather and fearless role model.
His legacy lives on.
Fondly remembered on his birthday.
More about him in my book 'There I Was'.

The climb may be steep, but the summit awaits you!