Governance

Over the years, I have had one debate repeatedly - is 'solving public problems' worth anything politically? I think so, and pretty much all of what I think is political in my life revolves around this thinking. I like the idea of solving problems, I believe it excites those who try, and is a real contribution to tackling the problems the country faces. That's why, day in and day out, I talk about problems and their solutions - especially in cities. The argument I have heard the most against this, is that this is not political enough. Winning elections takes…

Over the years, I have had one debate repeatedly - is 'solving public problems' worth anything politically? I think so, and pretty much all of what I think is political in my life revolves around this thinking. I like the idea of solving problems, I believe it excites those who try, and is a real contribution to tackling the problems the country faces. That's why, day in and day out, I talk about problems and their solutions - especially in cities. The argument I have heard the most against this, is that this is not political enough. Winning elections takes…

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,…

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,…

Ameen Ahmed writes from his  home near Hebbal : I get a frantic call during a critically important meeting with a client in south Bengaluru, by my wife taking care of our child suffering from another bout of asthma for the past two days, alone at home about 2 hours away in North Bengaluru. Apparently a bunch of armed policemen, all but one in civilian clothing, behaving more like gangsters of a B-grade Bollywood flick were forcing their way into our home around 4:20PM today (Fri., 19 Feb. '15). Trying to piece the information collected from the building's security guards,…

Ameen Ahmed writes from his  home near Hebbal : I get a frantic call during a critically important meeting with a client in south Bengaluru, by my wife taking care of our child suffering from another bout of asthma for the past two days, alone at home about 2 hours away in North Bengaluru. Apparently a bunch of armed policemen, all but one in civilian clothing, behaving more like gangsters of a B-grade Bollywood flick were forcing their way into our home around 4:20PM today (Fri., 19 Feb. '15). Trying to piece the information collected from the building's security guards,…

At the Neralu 2014, a discussion on the cultural meaning attached to some of the older, shade-giving trees in the city led to the awareness that people continue to worship the Peepul tree AND informally generate community spaces within their neighbourhoods. This led me to research this idea further and to look at how the peepul tree (Ficus religiosa) shrine with its serpent stones and the raised platform around it, locally called the Ashwath katte, contributes to the making of urban space in the city of Bangalore. The origin of the ashwath katte lies in the rural areas of India. In…

At the Neralu 2014, a discussion on the cultural meaning attached to some of the older, shade-giving trees in the city led to the awareness that people continue to worship the Peepul tree AND informally generate community spaces within their neighbourhoods. This led me to research this idea further and to look at how the peepul tree (Ficus religiosa) shrine with its serpent stones and the raised platform around it, locally called the Ashwath katte, contributes to the making of urban space in the city of Bangalore. The origin of the ashwath katte lies in the rural areas of India. In…

When government officials do not perform their duties, we are quick to publicise their shortcomings, but how often do we take the effort to recognise them when they've done a good job?    The Yelahanka United Environment Association (YUVA) on behalf of the citizens of Yelahanka in North Bangalore organised a unique event on 27th December 2014.   Officials from BBMP, BWSSB, Forest Department, Police Department and Ezzy Group were felicitated for all that they have done in Yelahanka during the past year - supporting and coordinating environment-related programs like lake rejuvenation, Cycle Day, wet waste management, kitchen gardening, cleanliness drives…

When government officials do not perform their duties, we are quick to publicise their shortcomings, but how often do we take the effort to recognise them when they've done a good job?    The Yelahanka United Environment Association (YUVA) on behalf of the citizens of Yelahanka in North Bangalore organised a unique event on 27th December 2014.   Officials from BBMP, BWSSB, Forest Department, Police Department and Ezzy Group were felicitated for all that they have done in Yelahanka during the past year - supporting and coordinating environment-related programs like lake rejuvenation, Cycle Day, wet waste management, kitchen gardening, cleanliness drives…