Srikanth Technologies

Looking back at 2025

Another year has gone by. Here is the summary of important events in year 2025.

Entering into 2025

We entered into year 2025 with all kids at home. As kids are studying or working abroad, their presence at home is always a true celebration.

As always, we reflected on the past year, discussing what went well and what didn’t in 2024, and how we look forward to 2025 — before dancing our way into the new year.

Pongal

Pongal is always a joyful time with Bhogi Fire and Kites. This year I got time to fly kites on multiple days. A few times Padmaja etc. joined and at other times I enjoyed it all by myself.

Bhogi Fire

Enjoying Flying Kite

Me flying a kite

Padmaja and mother-in-law flying kite

Trip to Sri Lanka

In the month of February, I, Padmaja along with friends and family members went to Sri Lanka.

We visited Colombo, Kandy, Bentota, Sigiriya and Nuwara Eliya.

We found all the places we visited to be clean, with good roads and disciplined people. We spent four days there and traveled nearly 500 km by road.

At Bentota Beach

At Nuwara Eliya

Bathing Elephant at Kandy

On Banana Boat at Madhu River

Workout

I stopped Swimming by Feb and resumed GYM from March.

I want to start the day with workout. My slot is always the earliest possible. In ABS Gym, it is 5:30 to 7:00 AM.

On Sundays, I love taking a walk along Beach Road with my friends. Occasionally, we stroll by the shore, letting the waves wash over our feet. It’s pure joy when the water splashes against our legs.

Strolling by shore

With my friends

Sunrise

Renovation

We began renovating our home in March, starting with the second bedroom and my study — both done in elegant white.

We didn't have time to complete other rooms as Praneeth's marriage was in June. So we paused it and resumed with Kitchen and master bedroom in July, again all in white.

Except for my study, the entire design was envisioned by Padmaja. Our trusted carpenter, Krishna — who has been with us for over 20 years — handled all the work.

As always, the project demanded plenty of time, money, and effort in design, shopping, and supervision.

Praneeth's Wedding

Praneeth & Namita got married on 8th June at Vizag Conventions.

We had Sangeeth on 6th Night at Sai Priya Resorts.

I danced with all men for songs Na Na Na Na Na Re and Bhale Bhale Banjara and with family for Gallan Goodiyaan song.

We all enjoyed our dance practice with choreographer and the Sangeeth night.

Having danced for Anurag's (my brother's son) marriage in Dec, 2024, I should say we all got used to this process and were not as tensed as we were back then. A little experience can make a lot of difference in all areas.

Groom Ceremony

Sangeeth

Reception

Wedding

Giri Pradakshina

It was my 3rd time doing giri. This time I had the company of Padmaja, Pranav and my friend Manmadh. It was truly a treat to be part of it. We decided to start at my place in Seethammadhara and complete the giri by ending there as well. I know it is not the traditional way, nevertheless it is a giri.

It is a huge hassle to go to Simhachalam on that day by any vehicle. So, we decided to walk from home. We started at 4:00 PM and completed by 12:30 AM.

It was first time for Padmaja and Pranav and we all loved the experience. The divine and festive atmosphere, combined with the physical challenge, made it very memorable.

Starting at home

Half-way

At the end of Giri

Trip to Shillong

During Christmas break, I and my friend Manmadh, visited Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Shillong and Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya.

We visited a couple of nice places in the Northeast India.

We did Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park and saw a lot of Single Horn Rhinos along with some Elephants, Deers etc.

Some of the places worth visiting are - Mawkdok Viewpoint, Wei Sawdong Falls, NohKaLikai Falls and Mawsmai Cave.

We did boating in Dawki river, which is border to Bangladesh.

At Kaziranga National Park - with Rhinos

At Eco Park, Cherrapunjee

Boating in Dawki River

At NohKaLikai Falls, Cherrapunjee

Other Important Events

Here are some other events of importance.
  • In January, Padmaja, Pranav and I went to Simhachalam Temple through steps. We returned by Devasthanam bus. It had been decades since I took steps.
  • I spent two weeks in Perth, Australia, on a project.
  • I experienced the Vande Bharat Express for the first time during my trip to Hyderabad in February. I love traveling by train, especially during daylight, so I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

Kings Park, Perth

At Simhachalam Temple

Ghibli Art of Family

New Course - Gen AI: RAG, Agents and MCP

I introduced a new course - Gen AI: RAG, Agents and MCP - in February.

The first version of the course didn't cover AI Agents and MCP and I added those two topics along with a project later in the year.

I am glad to see students who completed some other courses 10 to 20 years ago returning to upgrade their skills. It is always a pleasure to reconnect with former students and play a small part in their upskilling journey.

For more details and syllabus of this course, please visit Gen AI: RAG, Agents and MCP in my website.

New Udemy Course - Java Language

I launched Java Language course on Udemy.com. It is a very comprehensive coverage of Java Language with 21 hours and 135 lectures. On demand video course is the best option for those who cannot attend my public courses regularly.

I gave this course free of cost to all my Java students to enable them to refresh and also learn a few new things.

Videos

The following are the videos I uploaded to YouTube in this year.

Books Read

I read 28 books (my target was 20 books) this year.

Well, this is the list of books I loved the most out of all that I read:
  • Deep Work - Cal Newport
  • The Let Them Theory - Mel Robbins
  • The Body Keeps The Score - Bessel van der Kolk
  • Nexus - Yuval Noah Harari
  • Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt