Citizen Matters JP Nagar-BTM-Jayanagar
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The powerful property law
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BYOB, say Vasundara Das, Malavika Avinash, Sunil Raoh and Bhavana! Meet them on Jun 5, World Environment Day at Jayanagar See Page 17
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MLC Elections Jun 10th
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www.citizenmatters.in Vol-4 Issue-09
2 - 15 June 2012
Citizen Matters Vol-4 Issue-09, 2 - 15 June 2012 KARENG/2009/28904. Published & printed by Meera K for Oorvani Media Pvt Ltd. Printed at Lavanya Mudrana, 19, 15th cross, Vidyapeeta Circle, BSK I Stage, Bangalore 560060 Place of publication Oorvani Media, 165, I cross, I block, Kmgla, Bangalore 560034. Editor Subramaniam Vincent.
All about eye glasses Sixty percent of the 161 million Americans who wear prescription eyewear choose eyeglasses. Wearing eyeglasses is one of the simplest ways to correct vision problems. There are different kinds of focusing problems: ● Refractive errors - which may require corrective lenses. ● Myopia or nearsightedness - light rays focus before reaching the retina and images appear blurry. ● Hyperopia or farsightedness- light rays are not focused when they reach the retina. ● Astigmatism - light rays hit the retina in more than one place. Eyeglass lenses compensate for an eye that is too long or too short by adding or subtracting focusing power. Lenses are available in glass, regular and high-index plastic, and polycarbonate. Scratch resistant coatings can be applied to plastic and polycarbonate lenses but some of these coatings crack if exposed to extreme heat or cold. Frames come in many shapes and sizes, so it is important to pick a frame that is best for you. Eye glasses for infants and children
Advertiser Feature
Most lenses today, especially for children, are made of plastic, which is stronger and lighter than glass. It is a good idea to get a scratch-resistant coating on plastic lenses and the tint should not be so dark that the child has trouble seeing indoors.
Lenses are available in glass, regular and high index plastic, and polycarbonate. Scratch resistant coatings can be applied to plastic and polycarbonate lenses but some of these coatings crack if exposed to extreme heat or cold. Frames come in many shapes and sizes, so it is important to pick a frame that is best for you. Children often do not like their glasses. Distraction, positive reinforcement, and bribes can help. If all else fails, your ophthalmologist can prescribe an eye drop that blurs vision when not wearing glasses. This often overcomes the child’s initial resistance to wearing glasses. There are also devices available to keep glasses in place, a good idea for active children and young children with flat nasal bridges. Cable temples, which wrap around the back of the ears, are good for toddlers. Infants may require a strap across the top and back of the head instead of earpieces. Flexible hinges hold glasses in position, allow the glasses to “grow” with the child, and prevent the side arms from being broken.
Sunglasses Sunglasses are popular for comfort and fashion, but now there are medical evidences that have shown that spending hours in the sun without proper eye protection can increase the chances of developing age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. Ophthalmologists now recommend wearing UV-absorbent sunglasses. UV protection comes from a chemical coating applied to the surface of the lens. Shop for sunglasses that absorb 99 or 100% of all ultraviolet (UV) light. Polarized lenses cut reflected glare, like sunlight bouncing off water, pavement, or snow. Polarization has nothing to do with UV light absorption, but many polarized lenses are now made with a UV blocking substance. In addition to UV light, sunlight also has low levels of infrared rays. Infrared wavelengths are invisible and produce heat. The eye seems to tolerate infrared well. Research has not shown a connection between eye disease and infrared light ray exposure. Wraparound glasses are shaped to keep light from shining around the frames and into the eyes and should be considered by commercial fishermen, mountain climbers, skiers, or anyone who spends time at high altitudes or on the water.
Dr Raja Shekar Y L is the Medical Director, Shekar Nethralaya
633, 100 feet Ring Road JP Nagar 3rd Phase, Bengaluru - 560078 Tel: 08026593210 fax: 08041209197 drrajashekaryl@shekarnethralaya.com Ph:9980562020 info@shekarnethralaya.com www.shekarnethralaya.com
To find your name and booth information on the voters list, visit www.ashwinmahesh.in
in & AROUND
Who’s responsible for this Sarakki market mess?
A
t the Sarakki junction, early morning traffic jams come with an additional problem - garbage piled up by the informal market set up by vendors. The vehicles coming from JP Road, Kanakapura and Banashankari go through this junction.
Pic: Sankar C G
This informal market has been operational at this junction for over 30 years now. It is set up every morning at around 6 am and closes around 9 am. It has survived despite the fact that Sarakki has two other designated market areas. When the vendors wind up for the day, they leave the garbage behind, spilling onto the roads, inconveniencing the commuters and shopkeepers around the areas. “The dirty and slippery road affects our business. Our customers are reluctant to come to our office due to the mess,” says Nazim M, an office staff of Majestic Developers, Sarakki Junction. He adds that the pourakarmikas also don’t clear up the garbage regularly. The residents have complained to the BBMP Health Officer, Shivakumar M. He acknowledges that there have been complains. He says the garbage has become unmanageable because the number of people using the market has gone up over the years. “We have already
discussed the issue with BBMP and will find a permanent solution to solve the issue shortly,” he says. Pourakarmikas say they cannot clear the garbage earlier because the garbage keeps piling up till the traders leave at 9 am.
Sankar C G
sankar@citizenmatters.in
Jayanagar playground gets staking rink
C
handragupta Maurya Playground has a skating rink, net practice space, auditorium, and concrete gallery steps around it now. The ground is also known as Shalini Ground, after an erstwhile hotel nearby. Minister R Ashoka inaugurated the renovated playground in 10th main, Jayanagar 5th Block on
Children skating in Chandragupta Maurya playground. Pic: Anisha Nair
Saturday, May 19th. This playground will be used for outdoor activities like cricket, football and volleyball among others. This 6.5 acre playground took almost one and a half years and a budget of `1.5 crore to get done. There is a rainwater harvesting system installed in the playground.
Children practicing cricket at newly inaugurated Chandragupta Maurya playground. Pic: Anisha Nair
6 CITIZEN MATTERS 2 - 15 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-09
The Vivekananda Auditorium and Theatre can be used for cultural activities and competitions like drawing, etc. The gallery steps around the ground can accommodate over 1500 people. The 25x65 m skating rink has Tandoor blue marbles from Andhra Pradesh.
anisha Nair
anisha@citizenmatters.in Want to book an ad or classified? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 614
local matters
‘Creating something new is fun’ Pic: Abhishek Angad
It took me long time to figure out what entrepreneurship means. Be it restaurants or Asklaila or Bhoole Bisre Geet, I have created something new.
RWH pits likely to fail
A rainwater harvesting pit in 27th main, 9th block, Jayanagar. Pic: Madhusudhan.
B
avoid crossing the road as it involves a al Krishna Birla, who hails from some amount of risk. Thus a scope for Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has ZopNow. made a mark in Bangalore as a serial entrepreneur. Graduating from IITTell us about ‘Bhoole Bisre Geet’. Kanpur in 1995, he moved to Bangalore as a software engineer with Infosys. He This happened around two years ago. I worked in the IT industry for 11 years like listening to old Hindi music songs. before deciding to do something on his So the next thing I did was to introduce own. His first entrepreneurial venture the songs to my friends on Twitter and was in July 2006, coFacebook. I realised that a founding Potluck lot of people liked it, as they Nimma restaurant in BTM had forgotten these songs neighbour Layout. and this paved the way for a community page on Facebook. He then went on Then in April 2011, I took a stride to co-found Asklaila (an information forward and took this virtual set up to a service portal), ‘Bhoole Bisre Geet’, physical event. We got people together a Hindi film music community and in a place and created an interesting recently Zopnow, an online grocery participative format, that let all of us store. This Bannerghatta Road resident sing. We have held the event in 12-13 lives with his wife Bhuwaneshwari cities so far. Vishwanathan and two children, Srashti Abhishek angad and Srajan. abhishekangad@citizenmatters.in What was the reason to start ZopNow? Daily shopping is a pain for everybody in my opinion. There is so much traffic and chaos that I get orders from people who live right next to departmental stores and grocery stores. People
I
n the early 80s, the city had abundant ground water available just a few feet below the ground. Today, borewells even below 600 feet are a failure.
The next edition of Bhoole Bisre Geet will be held in Rotary Club, 16th E Main Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar at 4 pm. For more, see http://facebook. com/BhooleBisreGeet. BBMP officials should have ensured that the rainwater enters the drain and reaches the rainwater harvesting pit. If this exercise was done, the amount of money, time and energy spent would have been worth it. The recently constructed puts have developed cracks and may turn out unsuccessful.
There is no area in Bangalore today where rainwater directly seeps into the ground except a few parks like Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. Almost The holes meant for all roads are cemented or water to seep inside the pit are blocked by tarred. Natural garbage, due to lack of lakes and ponds Citizen maintenance. have become Reports foundations for Every pit is numbered. huge residential There are a few places apartments and commercial where numbers are painted on the complexes. compound walls but there is no BBMP has miserably failed in sign of the pit. This gives room for suspicion that they may not exist at managing rainwater. The idea of all. having a 12 feet deep pits reinforced with concrete rings in storm water H C Madhusudhan is a resident of drains is good but is shabbily Jayanagar executed in Jayanagar.
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Vol-4 Issue-09 2 - 15 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 7
Check outs
A piece of Tibet in Koramangala T
he waiter opens the door for me with a warm smile. It is a breezy rooftop restaurant at the four floored Tibet Mall. Though the ambience is simple, Hotel Tibet serves some of the most popular and authentic Tibetan cuisine.
dish that you shouldn’t miss out on. With a generous amount of capsicum and onions, the diced chicken cubes in mustard sauce were delicious, accompanied by chicken Chowmein. And finally, the Tibetan butter salted tea, known as Po Cha, arrived. If you are a butter lover, you surely must not miss out on this.
Though this restaurant serves continental and Indian cuisine too, Tibetan cuisine is definitely the first choice. Tingmo is the Tibetan soft bread rolled and baked with orange colour on the
Apart from the regular Indian and continental food, if you want to savour the taste of authentic Tibetan What stands apart is the Silky Noodles Clockwise from Top-Right: Spicy cuisine, Hotel Tibet is just the place to be. with vegetables soup, also called Mustard Chiken, Chowmein and Tibetan Veg Platter with Po Cha. Average cost for two is `400 (without alcohol). Thenthuk. The silky noodles are prepared Pic: Anisha Nair Alcohol is served here. from rice flour. As the name suggests, Address: 47, 5th Block, Tibet Mall, Near Jyothi Nivas College, it is very smooth. I struggled my way Koramangala. Ph: 40934050, 9900603388 to get hold of it in my fork. Woodear mushroom along with boiled Anisha Nair vegetables, makes up the rest of the anisha@citizenmatters.in ingredients. Tastes heavenly. sides.
Citizen Matters reviews restaurants anonymously. The expenses for the food are met by the magazine.
Spicy mustard chicken is another
Briyani, Ambur style anyone? W
ith all the traffic around, it is easy to miss Star Biryani near Silk Board junction. But once you step inside, the food will definitely catch your attention. The menu seems rather short. But the taste more than makes up for the length of the menu. They have only three types of biryani - chicken, mutton and egg. In fry or kebab, we were left with limited chicken,mutton and fish items.
Ambur is a little town in Tamil Nadu. This biryani has evolved from the Nawabi Biryani of Arcot. We ordered one chicken biryani and one mutton biryani along with a boneless chicken kebab. The biryani was served in traditional style on a banana leaf with an accompaniment of onion raita and brinjal curry. The rice was well cooked yet light and fluffy. The chicken and mutton pieces were juicy and succulent. All the flavours blended perfectly and it tasted perfect. Boneless chicken kebab was
tender with a hint of chilli and pepper. Though fried, it wasn’t greasy. The portion seemed small and that was the only disappointment. The biryani and kebabs may be easily found in most restaurants across Bangalore but this joint is worth trying out. The ambience is plain and the service quick. We also learnt that mutton biryani is popular among the customers. Average cost for two is `400. Alcohol is not served here. 38, BTM 1st Stage, 1st Phase, Opposite Silk Board. Phone number- 080 26689973, 8553027373
abhishek angad
abhishekangad@ citizenmatters.in
Mutton Biryani served with onion raita. Pic: Abhishek Angad
8 CITIZEN MATTERS 2 - 15 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-09
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Check outs
Stops for school shopping New academic year, new class and probably brand new set of uniforms. What about the bags, lunch boxes, pencil boxes and notebooks? We’ll tell you all about the deals.
` 200 to ` 1300 Fixed Price Staples ` 525 to ` 1499 Discount of 50% on select range. Big Bazaar ` 299 to ` 899 Discounts upto 25%
Pencil Boxes and Pouches Purohit Stationery HSR Complex ` 75 - 85. Discount: 20% if bought in bulk. Colourful and varied
W
Whether it’s a pencil box or a tiffin box, everyone’s looking out for the best deals.
School Bags Bags and Bags, Koramangala Complex
Venus Stationary Koramangala complex Discount of 10 to 15% on bulk orde ` of Classmate notebooks
Pencils Purohit Stationery HSR Complex 10% discount Venus Stationery Koramangala Complex 10 - 15% Discount on Apsara and Nataraj pencils ( set of ten, includes eraser and sharpener)
ith schools reopening in a few weeks, everyone’s rushing to buy school related items.
Our city however has lots to offer, and it’s right at your doorstep. From the streets to the big shopping complexes, there are discounts and combo packages available, and here’s your chance to get the best deal from a variety of choices.
Classmate notebooks.
Fixed price Staples ` 299 to 799 Cartoon character bottles and sturdy metallic ones
Combos Staples Lock and Lunch kit - 15% off Cartoon Character kit -` 499 23% off ( Lunch bag, box, pencil case and two pencils) Big Bazaar Disney Cars Stationary Set with Sipper Bottle - ` 649
Pens
Staples `199 Soft animal pencil pouches
Notebooks Staples 5 long notebooks for ` 99 Discount of 32% on most notebooks when bought in bulk Purohit Stationary HSR Complex Discount of 15% on ITC/
Staples Flat 15% discount on entire range (includes Parker, Linc, Uniball) Venus Stationery Koramangala BDA Complex ` 5 to ` 300 Discount of 10% on bulk purchase Purohit Stationery HSR BDA Complex ` 5 to ` 649 Discount of 10-15% on bulk purchase
Lunch Boxes HSR BDA Complex- Safa Shopping Store ` 75 to ` 85 Fixed Price Staples Discount of 25% on select lunch bags
Water Bottles HSR BDA Complex- Safa Shopping Store Plastic water bottles from `50 to `80 Got feedback on our articles? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 615
With such wide price ranges and so many deals and combos being offered, here are a few tips and suggestions. Jayanagar shopping complex is certainly the ‘happening’ place in terms of the varieties of products offered and for their cheap prices. Bigger stores like Big Bazaar and Staples offer a range of of funky products at higher prices but more combo deals with fixed prices. Gaana Srinivas, Maitreyi Ananth, Salonie Rego are interns with Citizen Matters from Mt Carmel college. All pics : Maitreyi Ananth
Vol-4 Issue-09 2 - 15 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 9
exclusive
Meet the MLC candidates Who is running for the June 10th election for a seat in the legislative council? Get to know them.
J
une 10th is the date for Bangalore’s graduate constituency election - the one in which only graduates can vote. The winner will become a member in Legislative Council (MLC), the upper house of state legislature. Here is an overview of some major candidates:
Ramachandra Gowda (BJP) Gowda, 74, is the incumbent MLC from this constituency and has been so, for the last 24 years (four terms of six years each). He is an agriculturist and engineer. He became a BBMP corporator in 1970 and has served as minister twice. The second time - as Medical Education Minister in Yedyurappa cabinet - he was accused for irregularity in medical college staff recruitment, and had to resign in 2010. Gowda says that there was no scam as the court had regularised his appointments. “I am second in line to Yedyurappa and my performance speaks for itself. I will repeat the kind of work I have done so far.” His campaign pamphlet says that as Medical Education Minister, he had increased government seats in private medical colleges and developed hospital infrastructure.
Ramoji Gowda (Congress) Ramoji Gowda (Ramojam), 39, a postgraduate in political science, became a full-time politician three years ago. He used to be a government primary school teacher until then. He has been an office bearer for associations of school teachers, government employees etc., and these groups are supporting him now. His work includes book distribution to school children, organising blood camps etc. In addition to graduates’ problems, Ramojam says that he will focus on environment conservation, improving literacy and controlling population growth.
A Deve Gowda (JD-S) Deve Gowda - not to be confused with H D Deve Gowda 10 CITIZEN MATTERS 2 - 15 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-09
- is contesting graduate constituency election for the third time; he had lost the last two times. Gowda, 51, is a postgraduate in political science and teaches in Darshan First Grade Degree College which he founded. He has worked in the state secretariat earlier, and has been office bearer of many associations, like Ramojam. He says that his best work was in pressurising the SM Krishna government to increase teachers’ salaries and school grants, and that he will focus on graduates’ and teachers’ problems if elected.
Ashwin Mahesh (Lok Satta) ABIDe member Ashwin Mahesh, 41, has trained as an astronomer and atmospheric scientist. He is currently Urban Strategy Advisor to government, Special Advisor to BMTC, and is part of six state government committees including BBMP’s TAC. He is associated with introducing Big10 bus system, and was active in the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement for introduction of Jan Lokpal Bill. His campaign uses social media and is geared towards IT community, unlike other candidates. He says he will push for citizen participation in governance, and will maintain public records of his votes in the council.
Nagalaxmi Bai (Independent) Nagalaxmi, 50, has been a Kannada journalist for the last 23 years, and is currently Chief Reporter at the news agency Kannada Suddi Samsthe. She is known for the court cases she has filed, including the recent PIL against Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda for illegal use of his HSR Layout BDA plot. Her campaign is geared towards rural graduates. “They have difficulty competing for jobs in Bangalore. I will focus on their education and employment, along with teachers’ problems and women’s issues.”
>>Continued on page 15>> Want to book an ad or classified? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 614
cm special
Apartment Associations cannot be registered under Societies Act The Karnataka Societies Act is not the right law to register apartment owners’ associations. This has already to legal battles between owner communities and builders. Here is what you must know.
A
n apartment complex on Sarjapur road is now in the midst of a legal battle with the builder. The builder had the apartment owners’ association registered under the Karnataka Societies Act (KSA). Subsequently, the residents discovered that the builder was carving out 20,000 sq. ft from their property for a commercial venture. When the residents took the matter to court, the builder contended that the owners’ association was not qualified to fight the case since it was formed under the KSA and not the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act (KAOA), as required. The KSA is the wrong law for registering an apartment owners’ association. Section 3 of the KSA defines various types of societies and none of them meet the definition of an apartment association.
The Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act (KAOA) When an apartment is built and eventually occupied, a few questions do the rounds. Registering the owners’ association is one.
The Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act or KAOA was written with the view to make apartments heritable, transferable and mortgageable and to address aspects related to management of the property. A little more about KAOA before we get to the association part. KAOA makes the purchase of an apartment along with its proportional undivided share as equivalent to an immovable property bought under the 1882 Transfer of Property Act. The purchaser is the absolute owner with a clear title. He or she holds a percentage share in the land, common areas and amenities. The KAOA’s sister-law is the Karnataka Ownership Flats Act (KOFA) which regulates the process of promotion, construction, sale, management and transfer of the apartment. As per KAOA, the builder has to initiate the formation of the owners’ association. Once the apartments are sold and registered, the builder is to approach the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (identified as the competent authority by the act) with copies of several documents to register the association. Documents include the apartment’s registered Deed of Declaration (DoD), bye-laws, Deeds of Apartment (sale deed), and an additional declaration called Form-B.
Deed of Declaration (DoD): A document that describes the property, i.e., the building, all of its apartments, the common facilities such as lifts, generators, fire fighting equipment, pool, gym etc., along with the ownership scheme giving the percentage share of each apartment. KAOA requires the builder to register this. KAOA also requires that the Deed of Apartment (sale deed) refers to this DoD, along with information regarding registration of the DoD, so that the ownership scheme is fully traceable and the title clear. Form–B: This is a declaration signed by purchasers of apartment where they agree to abide by the rules of the KAOA.
Reality Unfor tunately, very few builders do things the right way. Most apartments have associations registered under the KSA. Banks continue to give mortgages, and registrars and subregistrars continue to register apartment sale deeds without following KAOA’s requirements. Could we hope that the state will begin to ensure adherence to the law, educate its citizens as well as builders, and maybe even amend these acts soon to make them modern and more functional?
Sanjay Veeraraghavan lives in an apartment near Kundalahalli, Whitefield. Read the complete article online.
In the association, the builder/ promoter is allowed to represent unsold apartments. This completes the formation of the association.
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Vol-4 Issue-09 2 - 15 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 11
for your Info
Itching for solutions E
Pics: wikimedia commons
czema in children, is health matters a condition typically Col (Retd) Dr Mukul Saxena characterised by skin lesions along with itching, in babies. In older children, areas sometimes watery discharges, a f f e c t e d often complicated by infections, include the and noted for relapses. fold behind knees, Some of the causes being studied, the inside the are changes in environmental elbow and pollutants and breastfeeding neck. patterns. It is also known to be more prevalent in winters than summers. Male children are more likely to be affected than females, and family history is known to play a part. The onset of disease is mainly between 3-5 months of age, and eczema is likely to affect mainly face, elbows, knees or manifest as diaper rash
L
ast time we discussed about handling pests in general. Here are a few examples to show how pests can perhaps be dealt with without the use of chemicals and dangerous pesticides.
Some facts Eczema is not contagious. It is most common in children and at least half of them will grow out of it.
Good preventive measures Use of soft natural fabrics Keeping babies skin soft Use of moisturisers Using warm and not hot water for bath
Avoiding known potential allergens like perfumes, fragrances, detergents, artificial jewellery etc. There are certain items in diet which may be suspected to cause allergy. However, diet restriction merely on suspicion may lead to nutr itional imbalances, and should only be resorted to, on doctor’s advice. A Humidifier may be needed in winters when heating dries up atmosphere. Also needed in summers, if air-conditioning is used because it depletes the moisture content of air. Skin hygiene goes a long way too.
What a pest (Part II)
Powdery Mildew Caused by fungi, the leaves in this case develop cloudy whitish spots are a common problem faced by several terrace gardeners. Starting out as a few spores on the leaves, powdery mildew quickly spreads, ultimately yellowing the leaves and causing leaf drop. It stunts plant growth, distorts the flowers and fruits and weakens the plant in general. Spores never stop producing more spores, so if infected leaves are not destroyed, the problem will only worsen. Infected plants parts need to be destroyed and cannot be composted. Some experts suggest that a spray made with baking soda, if applied weekly at the first signs of
Powdery mildew. Pic: Vinita
infection, can protect plants against further damage. Dr Viswanath also suggests using turmeric powder in combination with wood ash. One of the most effective measures believed to prevent and treat powdery mildew is to spray the leaves of plants daily with plain water from the hose. Powdery mildew hates water! However this
12 CITIZEN MATTERS 2 - 15 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-09
must be done early morning so that the leaves dry by evening; otherwise it would serve as an optimum situation for other fungal diseases, such as black spot, in the garden. We’ll discuss how mealybugs next time.
to
handle
Vinita, a resident of Frazer Town adopts environmentally-sensitive alternatives in her day-to-day activities.
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EDITORIAL
Bangalore’s own interactive newsmagazine
Citizen Matters Associate Editor Padmalatha Ravi
Community Editor Meera K Editor Subramaniam Vincent Staff Journalists Abhishek Angad Anisha Nair Navya P K Sankar C G Design & Publishing Shivakeshava M Sub-editor (New media) Nagashree Gururaj edit@citizenmatters.in MKTG/CIRCULATION Raghavendra 9845506477 circulation@oorvani.in mktg@oorvani.in ADVT SALES Ramachandran P 080-30088614 (leave missed call) adsales@oorvani.in ©Oorvani Media Pvt Ltd. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.
contact@oorvani.in Ph: 080 — 41737584 Longer versions of all articles are available online. Citizen Matters is published by Oorvani Media Pvt Ltd to chronicle current affairs of India’s cities, in depth, with a focus on governance, community and culture. More at: citizenmatters.in/main/about. Editors note: The advertisement features in this issue are paid-for articles. They are presented by the advertiser to readers for information and promotion. No journalists were involved in preparing them. www.citizenmatters.in, feedback@ citizenmatters.in facebook.com/citizenmatters twitter.com/citizenmatters
Cover credits Pic: Meera K Errata
In the last issue dated 19th May, page 7, article on the summer camp programme: The programme was organised by Youth International Sports Academy (YISA) We regret the error.
Citizen Matters and politics - our charter
A
s some of you know, ABIDe member and urban affairs strategist Ashwin Mahesh is running for a seat in the Karnataka Legislative Council under the graduates constituency this month. He is the Lok Satta candidate. We must also let you know that Mahesh is one of the directors of Oorvani Media, the firm that publishes Citizen Matters and India Together, the national e-magazine covering public affairs and development. All over the world, it is true that politicians starting media outfits, and media, have tended to play a dubious role in politics. We know questions may linger in your mind about Citizen Matters too, and we are writing this editorial to tell you about our charter. We are a newsmagazine being built and expanded on the premise that independent journalism is worth
Is BMTC exempt from tinted glass rule? T
he rule banning opaque sun screens on vehicle windows was a welcome move. This would help pedestrians negotiate their way outdoors, because it was often impossible to see whether drivers were responding to the flow of traffic. It remains to be seen how effectively the rule will be enforced after the extended deadline of June 5th – the nominal fine of `100 for offenders seems inadequate for law breakers. But I have a question: what about the new, fancy window screens on public buses that carry huge advertisements (for everything from underwear to fizzy drinks) and hide the interior? It becomes difficult to check whether the bus is crowded. The filigreed screens are
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pursuing and cherishing. All three promoter-directors - Subramaniam Vincent, Meera K and Ashwin Mahesh are committed to this. How do we practice this? There is no magic. Mahesh, for example, recuses himself from the editorial review process for any stories that he is involved in or has interests in. All our stories on the MLC race so far have been edited by a different editor and Mahesh has had no say, except being quoted. As a second and necessary practice, we also do full disclosure that he is a director at the firm, in the articles themselves. At no time will you see us being partisan to candidates. We will however, write editorials giving you our opinion on politics and elections. Our opinions will be separate from our reporting, as must be for all news organisations.
Subramaniam vincent
edit@citizenmatters.in
What BMTC says BMTC has sought extension of the black film removal deadline to traffic police, but has not received any response yet. Veeregowda G N, Chief Traffic Manager (Commercial) at BMTC, says, “Our advertisement contract is on for some more days, so we have sought extension of deadline. Since this is a SC order, it has to be implemented; so we may not ask for exemption.”
see-through only one way. I know senior citizens and those with disabilities, who let a bus go rather than squeeze themselves into an overcrowded bus. From the outside, the buses look like giant hoardings on the move. In the name of collecting revenue from ads, are we not inconveniencing commuters?
Sakuntala Narasimhan
Vol-4 Issue-09 2 - 15 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 13
Local Matters
Revive Puttanna theatre! With single screen theatres falling by the wayside in the age of multiplexes, Puttanna Theatre’s revival is essential.
Citizen Reports
Puttanna theater. Pic: Sankar C G
P
uttanna Theatre has remained shut since 2004 when the then Bangalore Mahanagara Palike promised to reopen after refurbishing the theatre with stateof-the-art facilities. The theatre today lies decrepit.
Later the then Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa visited the damaged site and promised revival of the theatre within 36 months. Unfortunately the situation remains unchanged and is causing huge loss to the state exchequer. The project has since been handed over to BDA
by BBMP. Concerned authorities must look into the matter at the earliest and accelerate the reconstruction. N Mukund is member, executive committee, Jayanagar 5th Block Residents Welfare Association.
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BIAS-5
JP Nagar 6th Phase
Jayanagara 4th Block, Shanthinagara Bus Stand, Hotel Ramanashree, Hotel Woodlands, Bangalore Club, High Grounds, Le Meridian, Windsor Manor
5:15 am
10:45 pm
BIAS-8 A
Kuvempu Nagar
Central Silk Board, Agara, Marathahalli Ring Road, K.R.Puram Railway Station, Kalyana Nagara
5:30 am
11:35 pm
BIAS-12
Kuvempu Nagara (BTM Layout)
JP Nagara Phase III, Jayangara 9th Block East, Jayanagar Bus Station, Vijaya College, Minerva Circle, Corporation, Kasturba Road, Basaveshwara Circle
5:40 am
11:40 pm
500A
Banashankari
BTM Layout, Agara, K R Puram Rly Stn, Kalyana Nagara
6:00 am
8:30 pm
500CA
Banashankari
Jayanagar 5th block, BTM Layout, Agara, Kundanahalli
6:10 am
8:30 pm
500KM
Kalyani Magnum (JP Nagar)
Jayanagar 9th Block East, SI Apartment (HSR), Agara, Kadabisanahalli, Kundanahalli Gate, Sri Sri Sathya Sai Hospital
6:20 am
8:30 pm
500N
Vijayanagar
Kathriguppe Cross, Banashankari Bus Stand, Sarjapura Road junction, Graphite India Ltd.
6:45 am
8:30 pm
500C
Banashankari
Jayanagar 5th block, BTM Layout, Agara, Kundanahalli, ITPL
6:15 am
8:30 pm
14 CITIZEN MATTERS 2 - 15 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-09
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Classifieds & Listings
<<Continued from page 10<<
Meet the MLC candidates K S Lakshmi (CPI-M) The CPI(M) candidate is K S Lakshmi, 41, a post graduate in Economics from Bangalore University. She is state General Secretary of CPI(M)’s women’s wing, AIDWA (All India Democratic Women’s Association). She had contested in the 2006 election too, and was endorsed last month by CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat. She claims to have enrolled about 13,000 new voters.
Navya P K
to place your ads & classifieds - CALL
Ramachandran-9901685368 or give a missed call to 08030088614 adsales@oorvani.in
navya@citizenmatters.in
HEALTH & Nutrition SRINIVASA DENTAL CARE CENTRE Dr. VISHWAS # 383, 8th main, 7th cross, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd stage, Bangalore- 76. Ph:41201345, 9845195605. Multi specialist Dental clinic & Implant Centre. CHILDRENS DENTAL CLINIC DR. NERAJA RAJU Consultant Pedodontist. For appointment : 9845195605, 41201345. Address: # 383, 8th main, 7th cross, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd stage, Bangalore-76
Realty BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS Manjunatha Architectural Plan, Structure Design, Sanction Plan, Vaastu Plan, Estimate & Constuction Of Bldgs Shop #1, 5th Main, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd Stage, Near SBI. Call Mune Gowda 9845416748, 9844468507, 3297645 LAVANYA REAL ESTATE 2 & 3 BHK Flat for Rent / Sale in BTM Layout, Bannerghatta Road, J.P. Nagar, Jayanagar & Koramangala. Contact: 9916706389, 9611444944. Email: ganeshc.srisai@gmail.com
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Jayanagar 9th block Near jayadev Excellent alternative to the BTM Ring Rd & Bannerghatta Rd Carpet area – Ground 800sqft, 1st flr 1000sqft, 2nd flr – 1000sqft. No noise and traffic hindrance, Excellent parking, North East corner. Vaastu Chandra Shekara (owner) 9980102040
BANGALORE TIMBER & PLYWOODS All Types OF Plywoods & Laminates. Dealers In : Teak, Honne, Sall, Neem, Beach, Silver, Round Logs & Cut Sizes. # 647, 16/2/3, Arekere Gate, Near BPL Bus Stop, Bannerghatta Road. Call: 9845604013, 26583501
aprt for sale Available 7/12 3BHK apartments for sale at Narayananagara I block, “STHIRA AASTHI”, 300mtrs from kanakapura road and 600 mtrs from the prposed METRO station. Rs.3450/- per sft. Possession July 2013. Contact: Mehar- 9902029296 / 26587848.
INTENSIVE COACHING Foreign programs: ACCA/ CIMA/ CMA / CPA, Indian Programs: BE (merit coaching)/ Bank exams, CA, CS, ICFAI, ICWA & MBA (all disciplines) supported by latest corporate case studies. Contact: Lalitha Group, #5, Behind Smart, 19th Cross, 24th Main, JP Nagar 5th Phase, Bangalore-78. Ph:080-26490907, 9902888485, 9448117457 Email: lalitha.class@gmail.com
Others HERBAL PEST CONTROL SERVICES FOR ANT, Cockroach, Bedbug, Termite, Rat etc. 100% Safe & Effective. No Smell/Stain. 2BHK Rs. 450. We also do Annual Maintenance Contract: Rs 1200/ year only! Call: 9972711444/ 8971223206.
Visit www.indiatogether.org
education
Land for sale Situated near Jigani one acre land for sale. Interested people call +91 9901652706 (we don’t entertain brokers)
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see & do
Theatre
Rangashankara 1 Fri, 2 Sat, Neenaanaadre naaneenena? (K) 110 mins 3 Sun, Ashtavakra (E) 60 mins (also at 3.30 pm) (a puppet show for children above 5 years) 5 Tue, Mayamruga (K) 100 mins 6 Wed, 7 Thu, Treadmill (H) 55 mins 8 Fri, Vanity Bag (K) 75 mins 9 Sat, 10 Sun, Once on that Street (E) 75 mins (also at 3.30 pm on Sat & Sun) 12 Tue, Anabhigna Shakuntala (K)100 mins 13 Wed, Miss Sadarame (K) 105 mins 14 Thu, Nam Thimthana (K) 90 mins 15 Fri, Sanje Haadu (K) 90 mins 16 Sat, 17 Sun, Hayavadana (E) 120 mins (also at 3.30 pm on Sat and Sun) Rangashankara, 8th Cross, JP Nagar, Phase II, Ph: 2649 3982 Comic Hiphop Show Friday, June 8 Alliance Française de Bangalore P.B. 108, Thimmaiah Road Vasanthanagar
Children
Rhythm N Rhyme Training for kids (below two years) in basic motor skills, rhymes etc.. Ph: 96329 61700 Fridays from June 15 -August 17, 5 pm, Just Books, 5th Block, Koramangala Meet Ruskin Bond Celebrate the publication of Ruskin Bond’s latest poetry book ‘Hip Hop Nature Boy and Other Poems’ 7pm Wed 6 Jun, Landmark, Forum Mall
Exhibition
The melting pot of culture John Devraj, Sculptor, proposes to build a ‘Melting pot of culture’ which will become the world’s largest earthen terracotta pot. It will rise up
Music Gear
Dealers in Musical Instruments and accessories
JP Nagar Call
9880599956
www.musicgear.in to 25 feet and weigh about 2000 kilos. The ‘Melting pot of culture’ will be embellished with leaf motif from all trees in Lalbagh.The proposed work is being registered for the Guinness book of world records. Registration coupons available at Shoppers Stop and Lalbagh. Ph: 09886306366 10 June-15 Aug, Lalbagh The Flâneur in the City A Comic Art Exhibition - Works by Appupen, EP Unny and Gokul Gopalakrishnan Till 30 June, Galleryske 2, Berlie Street, Langford Town
Music
KALAARNAVA - 2012 A dawn to dusk cultural festival. 10.45 am BharathanatyamYakshagana fusion 12 pm: Chandrashekara Kambar’s Alibaba 3.15 pm: Tandava: A Bharathanatya thematic presentation 5.30 pm: Music ensemble by Praveen Rao 7 pm: Carnatic Vocal by Varijashree Sun 3 Jun, JSS auditorium, Jayanagar 8th block.
Workshop/CONFERENCE
Appreciation of Hindustani Khayal music Lecture demonstration by Dr K S Vaishali. Ph: 080-25359680 Friday, 8 June, 6.30pm, Bangalore International Centre, TERI Complex, 4th Main, 2nd Cross, Domlur II Stage
16 CITIZEN MATTERS 2 - 15 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-09
Kala Madhyam Mela With handmade handicrafts, terracotta work, fabrics, jewellery, antique display items, and much more. With over a hundred stalls spread out right from the entrance of the Chitrakala Parishath, the mela features artisans from all over India, selling and displaying their work. On till 3rd June. Entry is free, open from 10am to 8pm everyday.
Art4public Frames of the city Citizen Matters and Red Frames present a unique exhibition for award winning photographs in your own neighbourhoods. On June 16-17th weekend in JP Nagar and BTM parks. Look out for more details in the next issue. LIST your event free! Submit your events online www.citizenmatters.in or mail events@citizenmatters.in
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happening
Everybody! BYOB! B
ring Your Own Bag!! Yes, this is the message Bengaluru city will get on June 5th, World Environment Day. It is a chance to get the bags autographed by Vasundhara Das, Malavika Avinash, Bhavana, Sunil Raoh and many more newsmakers who will be there to support this initiative for cloth shopping bags.
Vasundara Das, the well known singer-actor, is excited to be part of the campaign and says, “we as people must stop taking the use of plastic for granted”. Adds Sunil Raoh, actor and musician,” It is the need of the hour to do as much as possible to stop using plastic”. The campaign is initiated by Citizen Matters, and the event is organised in partnership with Prakruthi, an NGO focussing on ‘eco-centric infotainment’. M S Prasad, cofounder, Prakruthi, explains how the campaign is a way of reawakening
movie listings Cinepolis: Banerghatta Road
Gabbar Singh (Telugu) (U/A) - Telugu 10 am 03:10 pm Rowdy Rathore (U/A) - Hindi 10 am 10:50 am 11:30 am 12:35 pm 01:30 pm 02:10 pm 03:05 pm 04:10 pm 04:45 pm 05:40 pm 06:50 pm 07:25 pm 09:30 pm 10 pm Jaanu (Kan) (U) - Kan 10 am 12:45 pm 04:20 pm 07 pm Adhinayakudu (A) - Telugu 10 am 01:25 pm 09:45 pm
Join us on June 5th, Tuesday, World Environment Day! 6 pm, Jayanagar Shopping Complex. Get your own ecofriendly bag, autographed by your favourite star! ourselves to be more responsible towards nature. Citizen Matters cofounder Meera K says it is a good excuse for citizens to “show off an
eco-friendly attitude with the funky “I love Bengaluru” cloth bags”! The bags will be available at the event in Jayanagar IV block Shopping Complex.opposite Ganesh Juice Centre. It will also be available in many retail outlets across South Bangalore. Jayanagar MLA B N Vijaykumar also extends his support and says “it is a very good initiative where people are not just told to stop using plastic bags but they are being given an alternate option”.
Plastic bags clog drains and waterways and are often eaten by cows. Citizen cleaning Agara Lake of plastic bag trash. File pic.
News desk
Daruvu (Telugu) (U/A) - Telugu 10:05 am Chhota Bheem And The Curse Of Damyaan (U) - Hindi 12:55 pm
pm 06:15 pm 08:10 pm 10 pm Vicky Donor (U/A) - Hindi 05:35 pm Hero (Malayalam) (U/A) - Malayalam 10 pm
Gopalan Cinemas: Bannerghatta Road
INOX: JP Nagar Central, Mantri Junction
Jaanu (Kan) (U) - Kan 10 am 02:20 pm The Avengers (3D) (U/A) - Eng 10 am Rowdy Rathore (U/A) - Hindi 10 am 12:35 pm 03:05 pm 04:45 pm 07:20 pm 10 pm Snow White And The Huntsman (U/A) - Eng 12:15 pm 07:45 pm Chhota Bheem And The Curse Of Damyaan (U) - Hindi 12:40 pm 04:30 pm Men In Black 3 (3D) (U/A) - Eng 02:30
Got feedback on our articles? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 615
Rowdy Rathore (U/A) - Hindi 10 am 11:45 am 12:50 pm 02:35 pm 03:40 pm 05:25 pm 06:30 pm 08:15 pm 09:20 pm Chhota Bheem And The Curse Of Damyaan (U) - Hindi 10 am 03:25 pm Gabbar Singh (Telugu) (U/A) - Telugu 10:15 am Men In Black 3 (2D) (U/A) - Eng 10:40
am 05:15 pm 10 pm Jaanu (Kan) (U) - Kan 12:50 pm 04:20 pm Daruvu (Telugu) (U/A) - Telugu 01:15 pm Vicky Donor (U/A) - Hindi 06:55 pm Thadaiyara Thaakka (A) - Tamil 07:25 pm Ishaqzaade (U/A) - Hindi 09:25 pm
This information is subject to change. Please check with the cinemas for exact details. NOTE. Patrons between 3yrs to 18yrs will not be allowed to watch the “A” Rated movies.
Vol-4 Issue-09 2 - 15 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 17
last word
Mind your manners on the move!
BMTC bus services have improved, but bus journeys aren’t always pleasant. What’s good and what’s rude while on the move?
O
ne traffic laden evening, I was travelling by bus from Sultanpalya to RT Nagar. I told the conductor that I had a pass. He insisted on seeing it - and rightly so. But my lapse spawned a few harrowing minutes! The conductor stared at my decrepit year-old pass for a long time before showing it to the driver. Both exchanged sniggers and continued staring. Wild thoughts floated in my head. “Has my pass expired? Will I be kicked off? Will they arrest me?” While I was going crazy with worry, the conductor returned my passmocking me for the unrecognisable photo before the entire bus. I’ll grant the man was bored and correct in his vigilance. A few minutes later, he targeted another passenger. But I felt unnecessarily humiliated and I could feel him enjoying it! Sometime back, a woman was almost kicked off a bus. Her crime? Not having change. On failing to produce `2, the conductor had the driver stop the bus and refused to let it move till she got off. It was 8 pm and the woman pleaded not to be left in an unfamiliar and unsafe place. It was only after some passengers noticed her plight and gave her the change that the bus finally left. While such behaviour is uncalled for, passengers are not entirely innocent. The conductor was probably frustrated at yet another person- after a hundred othershanding over a large denomination
It’s easy to forget courtesy in a crush. Pic: Salonie Rego
Manners in Motion - A few pointers for commuters. I f you have a back-pack and you are standing, give it to someone seated, or else put it down. This saves space for another person to stand. eep your passes or cash ready K for the conductor. If you use a pass, do not assume the conductor to just accept you have a pass, but show it to him. Some conductors insist on seeing the pass, some go further and examine it. Most however, do not bother to check. e considerate of fellow B passengers- when sitting, do not spread your legs. This prevents the other person from sitting note and requesting for change. After all, they do deal with plenty of travelers and it is impossible to give them all change. Most people are pleasant to travel with- including the personnel- but there are a few wolves present. “We are a rude bunch at the end of the day.” explains Aishwarya Kirit, 18, a college student and a regular commuter. “We’re tired and
18 CITIZEN MATTERS 2 - 15 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-09
properly. When standing hold on to just one pole, or hand-rail. o give up your seat to a senior D citizen or someone with a childeven if he is a man. hen you board a bus, allow W passengers to alight first. is might seem insulting, but it Th is important - dress hygienically and maintain a decent body odour on the bus. Nobody likes the smell of sweat, or alcohol or cigarette smoke- especially on a crowded bus! Avoid loud cell-phone conversations and playing music on speakers. frustrated,” she says. Scenes at bus-stands like Shivajinagar are evidence: people rushing for the doors even before the bus stops, pushing and pulling at each other to get in first and grab seats. Even pushing people out of them! Salonie Rego is a student of Mt Carmel College and a summer intern at Citizen Matters.
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