karnataka

 We (Bhavita, Kannan and I...the smallest group I've gone on, in a long time!) were returning from Nandi Hills when the sight of this Chameleon brought us to a screeching halt.What a beauty! Luckily, it had not been flattened by traffic on the other side of the road, and was already on our side. It goose-stepped, or should I say, chameleon-stepped, into the grass verge. Watch this video, the progress of the reptile is funny, to say the least!  Here it is, closer to the grass verge:It then climbed on to a rock:And disappeared into the shelter of the leaves and…

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…

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…

You are visiting Bangalore and want to spend a few hours outside with your family or friends, preferably in a clean and green environment. Or are an 'old' Bangalorean who wants to relive her/his childhood. Where do you go? Cubbon Park, a lovely lung space in the heart of the city is a great option. And the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, a place for children inside the one hundred and forty year old park is a lot of fun too. Spread over 12.5 acres, it has a toy train, swings, slides, boating and a lot of trees and grassy patches for…

You are visiting Bangalore and want to spend a few hours outside with your family or friends, preferably in a clean and green environment. Or are an 'old' Bangalorean who wants to relive her/his childhood. Where do you go? Cubbon Park, a lovely lung space in the heart of the city is a great option. And the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, a place for children inside the one hundred and forty year old park is a lot of fun too. Spread over 12.5 acres, it has a toy train, swings, slides, boating and a lot of trees and grassy patches for…

They ensure that we are well fed and clothed. But sometimes do not enjoy these privileges. Actually, some of them barely survive. Or do not all. I am referring to India's small farmers who commit suicide. So why do our agriculturists and sericulturists take their lives? As they are often deep in debt. Is that all? Insufficient availability or access to institutional credit, i.e., minimal bank loans is a major cause. Unfortunately, banks which were set up to support poor farmers, do not! So the agriculturists borrow from private moneylenders and microfinance institutions at high interest rates. Climatic changes result…

They ensure that we are well fed and clothed. But sometimes do not enjoy these privileges. Actually, some of them barely survive. Or do not all. I am referring to India's small farmers who commit suicide. So why do our agriculturists and sericulturists take their lives? As they are often deep in debt. Is that all? Insufficient availability or access to institutional credit, i.e., minimal bank loans is a major cause. Unfortunately, banks which were set up to support poor farmers, do not! So the agriculturists borrow from private moneylenders and microfinance institutions at high interest rates. Climatic changes result…

An Act that entrusts commoners with the authority to question the government and its actions. The only legislation that stipulates a response time of 30 days (48 hours in the case of human rights violations). A fairly inclusive law that was created with the involvement of social workers, ordinary people, non-governmental, community based and grassroots organizations.We learnt this and more during an invigorating session on the "Introduction to Right to Information Act" that lasted three hours and a half (an hour longer than originally planned) and left us hungry for more. Organized by the Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) in…