bangalore journal

Unmindful of the clock nearing midnight, or the on-going IPL, thousands turned up to watch the All India ‘A' Grade Mayor Cup - 2011 Kabaddi Tournament at the Durga Parmeshwari Grounds in JP Nagar. The atmosphere was charged up and the excitement palpable as home team Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) battled Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), New Delhi, in the finals on Sunday, 10th April. HAL and ONGC had earlier beaten BSF and BPCL respectively in the semi-final matches to set the stage for a title clash. The home team arrived on the field amidst loud cheer from the…

I had never heard of Anna Hazare before; Or the Lok Janpal Bill; I was in awe. I asked around and was explained what an icon that man is. Built not of skin and bones, this man is made of Principles and Values. There had to be something that I can do to support his movement. I got an sms the following day from my friend, Dr. Mateen that there is a meeting for the campaign 'India Against Corruption' at Freedom Park. Freedom Park? Where's that. No one has heard of Freedom Park. Well, pretty soon, the World got to…

Anna Hazare's anti-corruption hunger strike of last week resulted in sparking off involvement from around the country. But for Bengaluru, this was not the first major opportunity to hit out  The Saaku campaign of December 2010 was an attempt to send a message to the state government. Santosh Hegde's resignation of June 2010 also sparked an outcry of demonstrations and marches against the government. So much so that Justice Hegde decided to remain is office till the end of his term. Freedom Park on April 9th. The crowd rose up and broke into cheers on news of Anna Hazare breaking…

The recent sensational news of thousands of people being inspired by Anna Hazare should make the people of India wake up and gear up for the second revolution. It required the Mahatma to unite the people of India for a common cause. Now it is Anna Hazare who has achieved this feat. Instead of being passive spectators and constant grumblers, we can do our bit to address some civic problems. Some of our common problems and a possible solution has been given below: 1.  Do you want your locality to be clean? Do not throw garbage on the street. Educate…

BWSSSB's incomplete pipeline project is causing immense suffering to the residents of JP Nagar 8th & 9th Phase, Bengaluru. The trench dug to lay pipelines is a serious hazard for those passing by. Pic: Yograj S Mudalgi After digging up and blocking the main road connecting Kanakpura Road and Bannerghatta Road , work has stopped on this BWSSB project, which started over 4 months ago. Citizen Matters followup K N Rajiv, Assistant Executive Engineer, BWSSB, told Citizen Matters over the phone that pipeline work has been completed and the pipes are being tested for any leakage. "The project will be…

The weather, friendly people and great coffee at any random darshini - these are the reasons I proffer to folks when they ask for the secret that Bangalore became, and continues to stay, home for us. To that list, add the fast spreading delights from the small little Nondescript "Hot-chips" Shop (the NHS) in practically every neighbourhood. It goes amazingly well with Bisibele bath, sandwiches, burgers, regular dal-rice or just a cricket match on the telly. Packets disappear in a jiffy, and you really cannot stop at one. Cholesterol, fat and other such demons are momentarily swept under handily available…

On the third day of the fast in Bengaluru, more than one thousand citizens gathered at the Freedom Park. The candle light vigil today (April 8th) is expected to bring close to ten thousand people. Veteran theatre personality Bhargavi Narayan extending her support to the movement, on the third day. Pic: Navya P K From April 5th, eminent individuals led by anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare have been campaigning from New Delhi for a powerful and undiluted Lok Pal Bill to deter rampant corruption. In Bangalore, eight citizens went on an indefinite fast at Freedom Park during the week, joining tens…

30 vendors, including ten women protested overnight (apr 7) at the BBMP office. They were told that the Mayor will meet them on April 8th at 3 pm. On April 7th, more than 400 street vendors from all parts of Bangalore city, under the banner Beedhi Vyapparigala Hakkotaya Andolana, began an indefinite sit-in at the BBMP Head Office. The organisations that participated in the protest today, included Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (Ambedkar Vada), National Alliance of Street Vendors of India (NASVI), National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), Bridge network, Maraa, Sangama, Samara, Garment and Textile Workers Union (GATWU), People's Democratic Front(PDF),…

In a hearing on April 7, the High Court directed that the report submitted by the committee on March 3 should be implemented. The court order said that the following should be taken up on war footing: surveying lakes to demarcate boundaries and erect fences, identifying and removing encroachments, removing silt and weeds and laying bund where necessary, and stopping sewage flow into lakes. These tasks should be completed and reported to the court for further directions. Chief Justice J S Khehar said that the process initiated to protect Bangalore's lakes will be applied across other districts.  Excerpts from the…