Blogs

A non-Bengali friend (we both majored in English) once told me, “I want to read Chandalika (one of Tagore’s greatest plays) right now.” I looked hapless. I had a Bengali copy with me. Where would I get an English version right at that point? I was rather amused that she went on to grudge - “You can read that great poet when you want. Maybe, I should learn Bengali.” I laughed, “His Bengali is not easy to grasp re…let me get you a translation ASAP!”. We, as Bengalis (of course a particular section of the society), have always had the…

#ABetterHebbal Challenge was launched in consultation with BMRCL and DULT as a part of CiFoS’ umbrella for high impact, long-term city wide campaign called #ABetterBangalorean. Hebbal, a fast developing suburb was identified for the pilot. With an exponential rate of development in residential, work and transit density, Hebbal is seeing one of the worst traffic congestions. A new Metro line is being provisioned and being an axis for the North-South & East-West it attracts huge bus traffic as well. #ABetterHebbal Challenge invited citizens to bring about ideas for public transport adoption around the Hebbal rooted in strong belief that involving…

A day-long workshop has been organised on how we can envision alternatives to the smart city and challenge the top-down and exclusionary nature of such policies. The workshop includes a number of speculative and participatory design activities through the day and encourages participants to contribute as part of this conversation, which will particularly focus on how those marginalised by gender, caste, disability and other vectors might propose alternatives that are realistic and constructive for these communities. ‘Gendering the Smart City project’ is led by Professor Ayona Datta, UCL, and Dr Padmini Ray Murray, Design Beku. Event details: Date & Time:…

Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike, a bus commuters’ rights forum, is having a public discussion on the impact that cab aggregators like Ola, Uber have on mobility and livelihoods on 23rd August. Researchers on mobility, the gig economy, and representatives of the drivers will join them. The speakers are: Kaveri Medappa - Doctoral Researcher, University of Sussex Sudeept Maiti - Senior Manager, Integrated Transport, World Resources Institute Tanveer Pasha - President, Ola and Uber Owners and Drivers Association Event details: Date & Time: 23 August, 2019 at 6pm Venue: Vishranti Nilayam, Infantry road, Bengaluru (Opp. 'The Hindu' office) [ This article…

Refer to my earlier post relating to the roads being resurfaced without proper milling: In continuation to what I had said in the above post, I would like to record the recent developments which could be of public interest. On the 15th of May 2019 I happened to pass through Kannabiran Koil Street ( North end of lane where Ayyappan Koil is located) and noticed some workers cleaning the surface of the road. I was wondering if the Roads were being swept clean by the Conservancy Sweepers Gang or if it was being prepared for resurfacing. Later in the evening…

This is in continuation to my  previous blog post. A median made up of concrete blocks was originally installed between the Venkatraman Canal Street - Perambur High Road intersection  to the Perambur High Road - Madhavaram High Road intersection. This median existed until 2015 elections before it was removed, further details relating to this matter can be found in the link above. After repeated follow ups with the AE BRR, AC Traffic and the Zonal Office, a temporary median made of concrete blocks and metal barricades was set up for a small length on the road in front of the…

The inter community quiz contest organised by Inner Wheel Club of Bangalore IT Corridor in association with Forum Neighbourhood Mall and Community Partner Whitefield Rising is just 2 weeks away! Date : August 24th Time: 3 pm onwards Venue: Forum Neighbourhood Mall, Whitefield. The first of its kind in Whitefield, the event has a youth and adult category, 3 to a team. - The event is open to communities and the workplace too! - Encourage your teens to participate in the youth section, forming a team either with friends from the community or from schools for this cause. - Get…

Step back in time, before the explosion of construction and traffic, learn about the heritage of Whitefield. It is a rare privilege to bring back Krupa from Saythu, a collaborative heritage practice led by professionals specialised in heritage conservation and management for a guided unusual walk in Whitefield. Saythu is partnering with Whitefield Rising through this special walk to explore questions like: What is a neighbourhood? Is it a place that locality residents make? Does local history and geography play a role? Does it have any correlation with local area boundaries drawn by planners? How is it connected with communities?…

"Will you walk into my parlour?" Said the spider to the fly. "I've spread a carpet of silk and diamonds! Walk in, and don't be shy! Do come along, for I grow thinner... I've LOVE to have you, ahem, for dinner!" Jokes apart, Funnel Web Spiders also called Wolf Spiders, are named because of the funnel-like web they weave...and the second name is given because they are ferocious predators. They build a flat sheet of nonsticky web with a funnel-shaped retreat to one side or occasionally in the middle, depending on the situation and species. The typical hunting mode is…

Animals, including humans, are curious by nature. Science is what makes the curiosity of the human animal different from that of the others. It is the tool we have developed to explore the world to know more and answer deep and profound questions. This includes the brain asking, and answering, the question, “how does the brain work?”. This is uniquely human and makes humans human. Throughout history, however, society has had a love-hate relationship with science. In this context, society includes the state, organized religion, politics, commerce, citizens, and even scientists themselves. The state has tried to suppress and discredit…