Blogs

Karnataka’s Dalit organisations, Farmer groups, Women’s rights organisations, Human rights organisations and several groups have come together under one forum, called ‘People for Peace and Justice” , “Shanthi Mattu Nyaayakkaagi Naavu” in order to work for peace and justice in the light of the Ayodhya verdict. This is an event calling people of all faiths and groups, to join hands to spread a message of peace. That whatever may be the Ayodhya verdict, let us work for peace. Those dissatisfied may approach courts for legal remedies, but let us not violate peace. Joint Forum Launched to maintain peace and fight…

The Bangalore Literature Festival, Bengaluru city’s flagship literary event, is all set for a spectacular 2019 eighth edition on November 9th and 10th in the breezy green lawns of Hotel LaLiT Ashok in Kumara Krupa High Grounds, Bengaluru.  The two-day event will feature a host of distinguished speakers, authors and artistes including thespian and National Award-winning actor Pankaj Kapur; former CEO of McKinsey and co-founder of the Indian School of Business Rajat Gupta; Historian and author of Savarkar: Echoes from a Forgotten Past Vikram Sampath; inaugural winner of the Restless Books Prize for Temporary People Deepak Unnikrishnan; renowned mythologist, writer…

Many small and startup organic farms struggle because new farmers face a steep learning curve in a variety of areas - including growing skills, farm management and marketing their produce. In this 2-day workshop in Bangalore, organised by New Farmer, Karan Manral and Yogita Mehra will share experiences and best practices derived from hands-on management of organic farms. The workshop will cover a variety of topics and share practical solutions that contribute significantly to success on small organic farms. Where should I start? For a generation that knows little about agriculture, we discuss things that should be considered before getting…

My driving licence expires on 22 Oct '19 (My 65th birthday falls on 23 Oct '19). I found that I have to apply for a renewal within 30 days prior to its expiry, or do it later with a fine. Only part of the process can be done online, and I did it. I went to Parivahan Sewa at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/ and under "Online Services", clicked on "Driving Licence Related Services". I got this page: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice9/stateSelection.do I selected my state (Karnataka). Under "Driving Licence" on the left hand side, I clicked on "Services on Driving Licence (Renewal/Duplicate/Aedl/Others)" I found the following…

Students from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru gathered at their campus on September 17th to extend support to the struggle of Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA). What is happening to the 178 villages in Madhya Pradesh, waiting for rehabilitation even as their lands and homes have been submerged while Sardar Sarovar Dam filled to its full reservoir capacity, is one form of structural violence caused by the State. The student-led meeting was held to show solidarity with the project-affected families, who held a rally in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani district, demanding opening of the dam gates and rehabilitating the oustees. As Prime Minister…

After two successful shows – one in Amsterdam in March 2019 and the other in Bengaluru on August 24th at Courtyard Koota, Kengeri, the dance-theatre piece ‘Goddess and her Magic Broom’ will be performed at Vyoma Artspace and Studio Theatre on September 14th at 6.30 pm. ‘Goddess and her Magic Broom’ is a dance-theatre performance based on poetry and imagery created around a homemaker’s life. Rendered invisible or reflecting the form accorded to her by a patriarchal world, women do not have it easy – whether they operate from a space of choice or role-play. Juggling familial and societal expectations,…

As the country observed Teacher's Day, it was time to celebrate a fundraiser held recently in Bengaluru. The money collected through the first-of-its-kind initiative in Whitefield will help renovation of Government Lower Primary School at Chikkanakundi in Anekal Taluk. On August 24, Forum Neighbourhood Mall hosted InnQuizzitive 2019, a quiz for a cause organized by Inner Wheel Club of Bangalore IT Corridor (IWCBITC). As enthusiastic quizzers vied for the honours in the atrium on the ground floor, scores of visitors watched the spectacle from the sidelines. On a Saturday filled with fun and brimming with questions, Mr Hrishikesh Varma of…

My time in Bengaluru is at its end. I could have never imagined how these ten weeks panned out the way they did. The fact that during this time frame I have ridden on the back of both a scooter and a motorcycle, played in a 63-year-old football tournament, and feel totally fine eating with my hands—although not as efficiently as others—is wild to me.  Even more wild to me are the things that I considered impossible or strange—like crossing the street without being hit or the fact that cows are frequently a traffic obstacle. But they are all things…

Bangalore Little Theatre is ready to present our next production Six Dead Queens and an Inflatable Henry (SDQ). Originally produced by Foursight Theatre Group, United Kingdom this popular play which has been produced worldwide by various theatre groups will now be premiering in India. In keeping with BLT’s socially conscious character and commitment to an enlightened agenda, this  all-women’s production is a small endeavour towards highlighting women’s capabilities through a production where women are involved in the creation process right from its start to finish. To that end, the comedy which had been chosen was not only written by women…

The Cannanore Cycling Club along with the Kannur Sporting Club is organising a 'Bicycle Day' on Saturday, 28th September 2019 to promote cycling in the city. 'Experience Cycling on the streets of Kannur' is the theme of the event and all citizens including public officials, business owners, and students are encouraged to use cycles for commuting.  This vehicle free day is supported by the Kannur District Administration , Kannur District Police , Motor Vehicle Department -Kannur , District Tourism Promotion Council , Kannur Press club , North Malabar Chamber of commerce , Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi - Kannur, Indian Medical…