SOCIETY

On the sixth day of the IAC protest at Freedom Park, more than five thousand people gathered to show their support. Thousands signing the banner supporting Anna Hazare. Pic: Padmalatha Ravi Master Hirannaiah, a theatre personality, known for his ability to deliver scathing views on politics, did not dissappoint. Dr Devi Shetty who gave a brief speech got a rousing welcome from those gathered. Hundreds of organisations pledged their support. Many of the particpants were joining in for the first time. A businessman, Anup, in his mid-thirties, said 'I was holding back because, I have paid a lot of bribe…

With rising petrol prices, electric bikes are fast becoming popular in the city. Those below 18 years are opting for low speed bikes, which have maximum speed of 25 km/hr. These bikes are not categorised as motor vehicles and hence do not need a driver's license, registration or insurance. Like any retail product, they can be purchased and used directly.Not yet 18 but can ride a bike Jayanagar-based Kushal Pabbi, 16, owns iStar, a 25 km/hr electric bike. A Ist PUC student in St Joseph's PU College in Richmond Road, he uses the bike mainly to travel to college and…

Recycle, reduce, reuse, replenish, renew, rethink... just a few of the Rs that led to the formation of a group that aims to promote reuse, recycling, and hopefully a greener, healthier place for us to live, through a series of flea markets in Bengaluru - Second to None (in short, 220). We organised our first flea market at Jaaga on Double Road, in the last week of July and the entire experience was a completely enriching one. Pic courtesy: Second to None The idea behind 220 was to provide a space for folk in the city to come, buy and…

In its third day, the Bangalorean protest for Jan Lokpal at Freedom Park does not seem to be slowing down in the least. What began with large masses of students in support of Anna Hazare has now broadened into drawing Bangaloreans from several other walks of life. Thousands more gathered on Thursday August 18th, stepping up their demand for passing the Anna Hazare version of the Lokpal bill in Parliament. An overcast sky with dark clouds looming did not dampen the spirits. One of the most spirited moments of the day came when thousands sang ‘Vande Mataram' in unison. By…

At Christ University, the just concluded intra-collegiate fest 'Darpan' was a milieu of interesting activities. The students eagerly await the events designed for them such as the Western Electricals and Indian Non-theme Dance. Aditi Kashyap, 18, a journalism student at Christ University who participated the various art events says "taking part in Darpan is refreshing and a break from the hectic schedule that we have. I go with the intention of participating, and not winning." Since the winners of the events held here get to represent the college in inter-collegiate fests, there is a lot of hype surrounding the events.…

At 12 15 pm every Wednesday, a blue bus halts near Padmanabha Nagar BMTC bus stop. It is not a BMTC bus, however, and is one of the only two vehicles in Bangalore that travels around the city to satisfy the reading needs of bibliophiles. Board announcing the timings and contact details of the mobile library: Pic: Yogaraj S Mudalgi These are the government operated libraries on wheels. Within seconds of the blue bus pulling up near the bus stop, men and women board the bus, return books and browse for new ones to borrow. Returns and issues happen quickly…

Bengaluru is food world, everything is about food and everything is about choice. The days when there was one eatery in one area are now gone. Food lovers love the variety. Pic: Sherene David Shanthinagar, once a quiet place, is now a place of booming business for small eateries. Places like Kashivishwanath, and Kolkata chaats are gaining wide popularity among the residents and is fast becoming the favorite hangouts of many students. "I started this shop around 6 months ago," says the owner of ‘Kaashivishwanath samosa shop'. "I used to work with my uncle at the main shop, he taught…

Hasiru Usiru a citizen's group kicked off a weekly event to identify problem spots for pedestrians in the city on July 11. The group invited citizens to participate in the 'come, cross the road' event at various city junctions and collected data on problems. Broken footpath makes it even more harder. Pic courtesy : Kilikili Here's the report Why the event? In Bangalore, the majority of commute happens through public transport/cycle or walk.  This means that more than 50% of the people are pedestrians. But unfortunately, the projects touted by our authorities are aimed at the vehicle users.  We wanted…

Cyclists no longer have to scramble for parking space when they visit Lalbagh through the South Gate. On Sunday, 10th July, a bicycle stand was opened to the public by Suresh Kumar, Minister for Urban Development. Speaking at the inauguration, Suresh Kumar, a supporter of bicycle for commuting, said that there is a need for a clean and green way of commuting. He added that he would make provisions to create cycling infrastructure at bus and metro stations so that commuters can make effective use of public transport. Newly installed cycle racks at lalbagh. Pic Courtesy: RAC-F The event was…

The Joy of Giving Week (JGW) is India's largest "festival of giving"! Launched in 2009, the festival is celebrated every year, in the week including Gandhi Jayanti, i.e., October 2, and brings together Indians from all walks of life, to celebrate "giving" The first event from JGW - Bangalore will be ‘The Road' event. (www.theroad.fr) A Royal Enfield Ride has been organised where three French bikers and one Indian biker will ride on their bullets from Bangalore to Paris. Purpose of the ride - JGW Awareness and fund raising for NGO - Baale Mane. The ride will be flagged off…