Jayanagar

When the festival is over, Ganesha does not always merge with the elements and reach Kailasa as he is supposed to. He is often abandoned in public places:Similarly, when the patriotic frenzy of "Pandrah August" fades, our country's flag is cast aside with disrespect:Both these photos were taken in Lalbagh. Devotion of any kind...whether to God or to country...is something that should be practised and lived, daily, not indulged in for one day in a feel-good token display. ⊕

When the festival is over, Ganesha does not always merge with the elements and reach Kailasa as he is supposed to. He is often abandoned in public places:Similarly, when the patriotic frenzy of "Pandrah August" fades, our country's flag is cast aside with disrespect:Both these photos were taken in Lalbagh. Devotion of any kind...whether to God or to country...is something that should be practised and lived, daily, not indulged in for one day in a feel-good token display. ⊕

The Bangalore District Chapter of the Right to Food (RTF) Campaign - Karnataka organized a public hearing on the Public Distribution System (PDS) on 23rd April 2011 from 2.30 - 6.30 PM in Bangalore (at the United Theological College on Millers Road). The meeting focussed on the functioning of fair price (ration) shops, vigilance committees, grievance redressal mechanisms, Ahara Adalats and distribution of ration cards. Participants included Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), Stree Jagruti Samiti (SJS), Citizens Voluntary Initiative for the City (CIVIC), Domestic Workers Rights Union (DWRU), South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM), Association for…

The Bangalore District Chapter of the Right to Food (RTF) Campaign - Karnataka organized a public hearing on the Public Distribution System (PDS) on 23rd April 2011 from 2.30 - 6.30 PM in Bangalore (at the United Theological College on Millers Road). The meeting focussed on the functioning of fair price (ration) shops, vigilance committees, grievance redressal mechanisms, Ahara Adalats and distribution of ration cards. Participants included Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR), Stree Jagruti Samiti (SJS), Citizens Voluntary Initiative for the City (CIVIC), Domestic Workers Rights Union (DWRU), South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM), Association for…

Growing up in a town of traditional sandalwood and ivory carvers can influence the aesthetic sensibility of its residents. It was no different for Ganesh Laxminarayan Bhat. G L Bhat with the sculpture of St Dunstun. Pic: Uma Swamy. In fact, even as he helped his priest father in the flower decoration of the temple idols in the Idagunji Ganesha Temple in Honnavar, District Uttara Kannada, young Ganesh was a keen observer of the shape and perspective of the idols. After completing his 10th Class in Idagunji, Ganesh learnt about carving under the tutelage of eminent sculptors. These were State…

Growing up in a town of traditional sandalwood and ivory carvers can influence the aesthetic sensibility of its residents. It was no different for Ganesh Laxminarayan Bhat. G L Bhat with the sculpture of St Dunstun. Pic: Uma Swamy. In fact, even as he helped his priest father in the flower decoration of the temple idols in the Idagunji Ganesha Temple in Honnavar, District Uttara Kannada, young Ganesh was a keen observer of the shape and perspective of the idols. After completing his 10th Class in Idagunji, Ganesh learnt about carving under the tutelage of eminent sculptors. These were State…

When we were children, the term ration card (or family card) meant something crucial for survival. From our family's short stint in Mumbai, I recall that it was mandatory for school admissions too. Well, it was perhaps because it was the only acceptable document that proved the identity and location of a person and his or her family members - not many had passports, telephone connections or driving licences. And there were no voter identity or income tax PAN cards then! Further, the gas connection was usually in the name of either the husband or wife. Importantly, the family card…

When we were children, the term ration card (or family card) meant something crucial for survival. From our family's short stint in Mumbai, I recall that it was mandatory for school admissions too. Well, it was perhaps because it was the only acceptable document that proved the identity and location of a person and his or her family members - not many had passports, telephone connections or driving licences. And there were no voter identity or income tax PAN cards then! Further, the gas connection was usually in the name of either the husband or wife. Importantly, the family card…

  Our pavements (or footpaths or sidewalks) are very interesting places. No bland stretch of tiles or cement for us; we have a rich variety of life teeming on our footpaths (indeed, I often think they are called footpaths because the local Government makes them a foot higher than the road...so they are not meant for the easy use of pedestrians, but for people to earn their livelihoods on space-without-rent!)I walked to Jayangar 9th Block a few days ago, and got...The "alteration" tailors.They set up shop with their treadle (note, no electricity..very green!)machines, and for a pittance, will mend tears and…

  Our pavements (or footpaths or sidewalks) are very interesting places. No bland stretch of tiles or cement for us; we have a rich variety of life teeming on our footpaths (indeed, I often think they are called footpaths because the local Government makes them a foot higher than the road...so they are not meant for the easy use of pedestrians, but for people to earn their livelihoods on space-without-rent!)I walked to Jayangar 9th Block a few days ago, and got...The "alteration" tailors.They set up shop with their treadle (note, no electricity..very green!)machines, and for a pittance, will mend tears and…