Blogs

"Is your dog well tied up?" "Yes, he is." I found this picture amongst other dog photos, in Lalbagh.

Bellandur Buzz Issue # 32 Date: 27th March 2015. This fortnightly newsletter is published by the citizen group bellandur.forum@googlegroups.com   Water Tanker rates in the neighborhood Based on the inputs from some residential communities in Bellandur Sarjapur road region, current water tanker rates appear to be hovering in the range of Rs 460 to 500 per tanker. Summer is approaching and the tanker guys are demanding for a revamp in the rates. New rate being asked for in most places in Rs 525 – 600. Residents wonder why the raise in prices when diesel prices have dropped last year. Perhaps the water sources are…

On my train journeys, recently, I have come across this sign in the A/C 2-Tier coaches: I fail to see any sense or logic in this. The air-conditioner in the railway coach is running (or, is at least supposed to run...on the 21st of March, I travelled in an A/C 2 Tier coach where the air-conditioner did not run, and since the train started at 22.40 hrs and reached at 04.40 hrs, there was no way of getting a written complaint lodged, and hence a claim for fare refund....but that's another story). The fan is running, the lights are on,…

Looks can be very deceiving. Pic: Eden Ezsak When people ask about my daily discoveries in Bengaluru, I have a hard time recalling what I still find surprising in India. After two months, I have moved past the innumerous cows that so nonchalantly add to the congestion on the Bengaluru roads. The symphony of barking dogs, shouts, calls to prayer, traffic and endless horns has drifted quietly into the background of my consciousness. I no longer feel like rickshaw rides are similar to my childhood experiences at amusement parks. The perpetually burning mound of garbage near my apartment has become…

Method 1: I found this mobile number on Quikr mfor obtaining Senior Citizen Cards in the J P Nagar area: +91 9945837981. I called the number and after a while, the person called back. He wanted me to keep ready three passport photos, and the xerox of ONE of the following: Aadhar Card Voter Id Driving licence Passport He said that someone would come and collect these, and also bring the Senior Citizen card to my address. Method 2: The alternative is going to the BJP Office in Jayanagar Address:“Shasakara Kacheri”, 18th Main, 35th Cross, 4th ‘T’ Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560…

File pic. Pic: Yograj S Mudalgi Let’s take a break from the “informed consent” conversation. Recently, a major hospital in Bengaluru was vandalised by a patient’s family. Equipment was broken, personnel were threatened and the care of other patients was disrupted. The incident generated an anxious response from the medical community. Several well-known healthcare professionals from Bengaluru expressed their concerns. As doctors, we work for the well-being of our patients. For most of us, a life saved, a morbidity avoided or a patient’s satisfaction at the end of the day is more rewarding than any amount of money. In fact,…

As the month of March rolls on, thousands of children across the country write the 10th and 12th board examinations. Its a time fraught with tension for students and their families. Music is known to be a great stress-buster. Here's a list of musical pieces that can help alleviete stress and keep the mind calm. Shanthamu Lekha  This composition by Carnatic composer Tyagaraja is in raga Sama which is meditative in nature.  Strings of Mohan Veena Nature has a calming effect on the human mind. Listen to how Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhat soothes the soul with the strings of his instrument in…

Message from MAPSAS   For World Water Day we will be organising three events at three of the lakes we are involved with. SOUL KERE RUN FOLLOWED BY BREAKFAST: 6.30-8.00AM We'll be conducting a run around Soul Kere at 6.30AM (please gather at 6.15AM).  You will need to bring a two-litre bottle(like some old coke/pepsi-type bottle that you can pick up from a kabadi wala) filled with water.  We will have volunteers who will puncture the lids of the bottles and tie them to the trees and saplings we have planted so it will drip irrigate the saplings.  We encourage each of you who…

One of the major problems with Bangalore lakes is sewage inflow - either secretly or openly. The various citizen groups working to save their neighbourhood lakes have repeatedly approached BWSSB and KSPCB, the agencies in charge of handling Bangalore's sewage and monitoring pollution, but if recent feedback is an indication, the agencies do not care. Arakere Lake (in South Bangalore) rejuvenation work was started by BDA in Feb 2014 and supposed to be completed by Feb 2015. Arbind Gupta who is an active member of the Arekere Lake team ANIT says that while work is still in progress, no effort seems…

With our trees sprouting new leaves or bursting into flower, each day is a celebration of our lake. The World Water Day (March 22nd) is but an excuse for us to get together and do our bit for Water. Post Ugadi, please join us on Sat. 28th March to clean the dry parts of the lake bed. Help us remove the plastic, pull out weeds and plant bamboo perches for the birds. For just a couple of hours of work on one day in a year, get the satisfaction of preparing your lake for the monsoon.    We are delighted to have the…