Blogs

Come August 22nd, exercise your right to be heard! Vote! Here's something from Whitefield Rising that tells you why you must.  (Click to view larger image)Related ArticlesBBMP Elections 2015: Special coverage by Citizen MattersMahadevapura zone, Bengaluru

It is a sad reality that nowadays, by the time it's 26th Jan or 15 Aug, the flower displays are wilting and well past their prime at Lalbagh. Why do the displays have to open so much before the actual dates? Or if more days are needed for the general public to attend, surely the display could start fresh on Republic or Independence Day, and go on for a few days thereafter?

Independence Day flag hoisting is traditionally held in schools, parade grounds, community centres and other public places. At mutlistoried apartment complexes too, this has become an event on the cultural calendar. This year, it was a pleasant surprise to see pictures of flag hoisting done at two lakes - Devarabisanahalli Lake in Bellandur ward in south-east Bangalore, and Vibutipura Lake in LB Shastri Nagar near HAL Airport. As reported on the Devarabisanahalli Lake's Facebook group, the flag hoisting at 7:30 a.m. had a good turnout with some of the candidates for the forthcoming municipal elections also making appearances. And the day ended…

"Lakes are essential to every city. They provide means of entertainment, they help local economies and they're beautiful to look at. But many times, human activities destroy lakes, spoil the ecosystems and make them unbearable." Harshvardhan Sanghi's under-six-minute documentary that his mother Suman posted on Facebook caught my attention. This Std XII student of Greenwood High International School lives close to Varthur Lake, one of the large, polluted lakes of Bangalore. Eager to help the ongoing efforts to get the authorities/ community to do something for the lake, Harshvardhan made this short film. He talks about the reasons for degredation and the…

Bellandur Ward candidates have started campaigning and reaching out to residents. Meanwhile residents had a discussion on the Bellandur Forum egroups and Facebook page, on what our needs are and what we want the winning candidate of the Bellandur Ward to address in her term.  This is the Citizen Manifesto that we came up with.  Governance Form a Ward Committee within a month: select 3 representatives from Bellandur apartment/layout RWAs - call out for applications by issuing public notice. Communication Have a public meeting at a fixed day, say first Saturday of the month to hear grievances and review execution. Liason with other agencies including traffic…

On Sunday, 16th August 2015, 7:00 a.m. onwards, MAPSAS is organising a bird walk at Kasavanahalli Lake, Harlur (off Sarjapur Main Road). To know where exactly Kasavanahalli Lake is located see here. You can get regular updates about the lake from its new Facebook page here. A view of Kasavanahalli Lake, as posted on its Facebook page Sumanth Madhav, of the Gerry Martin Project, an avid and entertaining speaker will be conducting the walk. Open to all ages, but note that there will be a bit of walking to do. Young children are bound to enjoy it. Go prepared with comfortable shoes, water bottles…

On the occasion of Independence Day on 15th August, Yelahanka United Environment Assocation (YUVA) along with Karnataka Amateur Rowing Association (KARA), an affiliate of Rowing Federation of India (RFI) is organizing Karnataka's first Inter-lake Rowing Championship, at the splendid rejuvenated 44-acre Allalasandra Lake in Yelahanka New Town.  Young rowers in action  More than ten children from schools located in the Yelahanka area have won medals in various National Rowing Championships. These young boys and girls travel all the way from North Bangalore to Ulsoor Lake which is over 35 kms away for practice early every morning.    KARA and RFI have been promoting the…

Should moms be expected to dress like, well, moms? Meaning, they shouldn't look like attractive women, avoid “sexy” clothing, and only wear shapeless outfits and er, those dreaded “mom” jeans. On the other hand, if a mom is comfortable with herself and, her body, shouldn't she wear exactly what she wants? Even if it is to pick up her child from school. Actually, the answer is not so simple. Because sometimes, a mom in sexy, figure-hugging clothing, is considered “inappropriately-dressed” and her parenting skills, called into question. Because sometimes a mom in a sphagetti top and shorts can be considered…

Dear reader, who I may know well or not at all, you are going to get to know all sorts of strange things about me. Let’s be forward with each other, shall we? Today, for instance, I am going to write about my toilet. Of all of the things I’ve been itching to share with you, I think I need to talk about my toilet. And while I’m at it, I might throw in some interesting details about the rest of the bathroom as well. You see, this isn’t really the type of restroom I’m used to. Pic: Holly Thorpe Had…

‘Cycle Day’ was organized by Yelahanka United Environment Association (YUVA) in partnership with Directorate of Urban Land Transport, Government of Karnataka, BCOS, Praja RAAG, EMBARQ and ESAF with support from Bangalore Police (Traffic and Law & Order) and BBMP in Yelahanka on 2nd August 2015, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This Cycle Day was dedicated to the memory of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Cyclists observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to the late President of India before the start of the cycle rally. Dr Kalam has a residence in Kendriya Vihar Apartment which overlooks the Yelahanka Lake. The cycling route was around…