Deepa's Jottings

The residents of Casa Ansal, in J P Nagar 3rd Phase on Bannerghatta Road, have been suffering from the shifting of the trash area from the Mini-Forest area to their southern wall, where it was both an eyesore and a major health hazard. On the morning of the 17th of May, with the help of The Ugly Indian   a group dedicated to clean-ups, the residents took up the cleaning of the area. ' The cleaning program was announced on the Casa Ansal FaceBook group, and several volunteers turned up to help.     Two garbage lorries were positioned, one…

As long as I remember, the Shiva Bala Yogo Ashrama has had two locations, one in J P Nagar 3rd Phase, and one on Bannerghatta Road. A couple of years ago, I noticed that the trees in the Ashrama on Bannerghatta Road had been cut down, and the building was no longer being used.  Now it looks as if the building is going to be demolished. I wonder what will come up in its place! This has been a landmark for a long time (the bus stop nearby is still called the "Ashrama" bus stop).  Certainly, the loss of the…

In several years of visiting the Valley School area, I've passed this abandoned house so many times...but it was only yesterday, when we did "waiting" birding instead of "walking" birding, and when Mark went into the house to explore, that I also decided to walk around and in it. I do not know for whom this house was built. It seems a roomy, spacious house. The rooms seem to be of gracious proportions. The arches outside the house look lovely: In fact, with the date palms they give a slightly Islamic look: Were these sheds, next to the huge banyan…

Here are the blooms of summer...the purple of the Jacaranda, the yellow of the Copper-Pod Bearer, and the red of the Gulmohar...     Even the height of summer, a walk in my city is delightful because I am shaded by these trees and delighted by the carpets of their blossoms...

To report cases of human trafficking, child domestic labour or domestic help abuse, please contact Shakti Vahini on +91-11-42244224, +91-9582909025 or Childline on 1098.

Who sees these movies? I often see such posters, and I think that they must be soft porn (eg the title, "Sheila I Love You.". But then, the title of the movie, on the left-hand-side poster is, "Maan Karate". I'm very curious to know where movie theatres such as "Ravi" are, and who goes to see movies there! They, must, I feel, be considerably less expensive than going to a movie theatre in a mall. So...even with movie theatres, Bangalore has a wide variety of experiences to offer!  

If you find a horse in distress...abandoned, abused by its owner, or otherwise in distress, please call Samabhaava's: Sandesh Raju. +91 94495 59767   He deals with equine rescue.

Everywhere, as people park wrongly, we find the police towing away the parked cars, but I find a refreshing interlude when I spotted this van outside IIM, Bangalore: Perhaps they tow two cars at a time?

I went to Langford Town, and was saddened to see another beautiful heritage home hit the dust on Oleff road. This lovely bungalow, typical of old Bangalore architecture, set in small, lovely garden, was already half gone. I tried to see if the year of construction was marked anywhere, but could not find it. The solidity of the construction, and the high ceilings, can be seen: How I wish I had the money to buy up such old homes, and maintain them in the old style! I could sit in them and dream about days when space in the city…

When you're facing the summer sun When your skin burns and it's no fun To walk in the sunshine, it's too bright The summer glare hurts your head and sight... You've got mangoes on your mind....     You pick up the fruit, scattered all round Or in the market they can be found. Small and raw, or with golden ripe sheen Or any of the stages that happen in between, You've got mangoes on your mind....   Made into pickle or eaten with salt Made into milkshakes or a thick juicy malt Any of the numerous varieties you get…