citizen matters 7 Apr 2012 Koramangala edition

Citizen Matters Koramangala - HSR Layout

# 54/2, Roopena Agrahara, Bommanahalli, Hosur Road, Bangalore-68.

Ph: 9738004199

Local news like no one else does

RusselL market crisis

Who’s side is

BBMP on?

Page 11

12 Property tax Guide 14 Summer camp listings

8 Forget the Gobi Manchuri 9 Somebody to take care of your dog when you are away 10 All you need to know about Sakala - get your job done!

18 The basics of baby proofing

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Vol-4 Issue-05

7 - 20 Apr 2012

Citizen Matters Vol-4 Issue-05, 7 - 20 Apr 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.

Don’t hate tears, they serve a purpose

Advertiser Feature

The nasolacrimal duct (sometimes called the tear duct) carries tears from the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity.

Obstruction of the tear duct, known as dacryostenosis, leads to the excess overflow of tears called epiphora. A congenital obstruction can cause cystic expansion of the duct and is called a dacrocystocele or Timo cyst.

About Tear Ducts Lacrimal (or tear-producing) What are blocked tear ducts? glands secrete the watery part of tears.

A blocked tear duct is a fairly common These glands are located under the and usually temporary browbone behind the problem that occurs in Many children are born upper eyelid, at the edge infants. Having blocked with an underdeveloped of the eye socket, and in tear ducts does not mean the lids. Tears keep the tear-duct system, a that you don’t make eyes lubricated and clean problem that can lead to tears. It actually means and contain antibodies tear-duct blockage, excess that the drainage system that protect against tearing, and infection. is blocked, so the tears infection. They drain that are made can’t Blocked tear ducts are out of the eyes through drain out, and the eye two openings (puncta, common in infants; as becomes flooded. or lacrimal ducts), one many as one third may be Blocked tear ducts on each of the upper and born with this condition. occur in up to 20 lower lids.

Fortunately, more than percent of newborns.

From these puncta, 90% of all cases resolve The condition can tears enter small tubes by the time kids are 1 affect just one eye or called canaliculi or year old with little or no both. For some babies, ducts, located at the treatment. blocked tear ducts aren’t inner corner of the immediately evident at eyelids, then pass into birth and may not be noticed until the the lacrimal sac, between the eyes and baby is a month old. the nose).

What are the symptoms?

From the lacrimal sacs, tears move When an infant has a blocked tear duct, down through the nasolacrimal duct the eye looks wet or tears may spill and drain into the back of the nose. over onto the cheek, even when he or That’s why you usually get a runny she is not crying. There is often mucoid nose when you cry — your eyes are material, a mucus-like substance, on producing excess tears, and your the edges of the eyelid. nose can’t handle the additional flow.

What causes blocked tear ducts?

When you blink, the motion forces the lacrimal sacs to compress, squeezing For most children born with a blocked tears out of them, away from the eyes, tear duct, there is only a small membrane and into the nasolacrimal duct.

blocking the opening, which opens spontaneously as the infant grows. Usually the membrane opens by 10 to 12 months of age.

How is it treated?

Since the majority of cases resolve without treatment, most doctors suggest waiting to see if the duct opens on its own. There is spontaneous remission in 95 percent of cases by age 1.

In the meantime, doctors typically recommend keeping the eye clean, and may prescribe an antibiotic eye ointment to help reduce the discharge from the eye If the condition doesn’t resolve itself, a quick outpatient procedure, called a probe and irrigation is done.

It’s performed under brief, general anesthesia so the child is comfortable.

A small metal instrument is passed through the nasolacrimal duct to open the membrane. This procedure cures more than 90 percent of the cases that haven’t resolved on their own.

In the rare situation that the probing doesn’t help, other measures, such as the placement of tubes, using a balloon instrument to stretch the opening, or surgery to create a new passage between the tear sac and the nose, can be done. But it’s usually not necessary.

While there’s no debate about how to treat blocked tear ducts, there is some controversy about when to perform a procedure.

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

Cosmetic dentistry? Whom and what to look for?

An attractive smile makes a person more appealing, it boosts your confidence level, makes you feel g ood on the inside as well as outside, breaks barriers and makes you more approachable.

However this does not always come naturally, it has to be acquired or honed at times. While smiling comes naturally, how attractive that smile is and how often or spontaneously you smile, depends on how comfortable you are with your mouth. While we all wish we were born with a great set of teeth, this is not always the case-so whom do you turn to for help – Your Cosmetic Dentist !!

Choosing a cosmetic dentist can be a great first step to creating that wonderful smile you’ve always wanted and dreamed of. BUT WAIT..Do not go to the first dentist down the street – take time to look around. With every dentist out there claiming that they perform cosmetic dentistry, it’s difficult to discern who is right for you. Here are some things to think about when choosing the person who will give you that great smile !!

1. Level of Post-Graduate Dental Education-Minimal amounts of cosmetic dentistry are taught by dental colleges at graduate level. Make sure to look at the post-graduate credentials when choosing your cosmetic dentist.

What membership affiliations do they have? Do they update themselves with continuing dental education?

2. Is it their focus? Are they experienced in this line of work?

- Look for a dentist who has made cosmetic dentistry a focus in their practice. Obviously, the more cases a dentist has done, the more likely she/he

can deliver consistent results.

3. Before and after photos- This one is important. During your initial consultation, ask to see cases he/she has already done. Make sure that the dentist you are selecting has copious photography of their work. Before and after pictures are essential for evaluating the level of performance you can expect from that dentists’ work.

Advertiser Feature

Clinics that are ISO certified are on par with International standards in all fields and hence the smarter choice for your treatment. Dentists who will go the extra mile to provide a better facility,are more likely to show the same precision in your work too as they apparently care about standards.

6. Are you comfortable with the dentist? It is important that you get a sense of honesty and have a high level of communication with the dentist that you choose. They need to understand your needs & you will be spending some time with the dentist , so if you get a bad feeling, it might be best to move on.

During the consultation a dentist may explain to you “ideal” treatment and a variety of other options.

4. Other patients-Testimonials on a website are great, even better is for the dentist to have patients that you could call and discuss how their experience went. Other patients sometimes give you a better idea of what to expect before, during and after treatment. The dentist should be proud to give you a list of his “raving fans” to call or email.

5. Technology and Office Standards-

For comprehensive dental care solutions, contact:

Sandhya Ramanujam

Have a look around the office. This is your opportunity to see the equipment, ask questions about available technology and procedures, and check out the sterilization areas.

Clinical Director and Owner - Perfect 32, Consultant at Fortis Hospitals Consultant-Dental Legal Advisor & Auditor Clinical Director of International Certification Training programs in Dental Implants, Dental Law and Rehabilitative & Aesthetic Dentistry

Perfect 32 “Green Arch” 45/A, 1st Floor, 1st Main (Next to Parkview Hotel), J.P Nagar 3rd Phase, Bangalore www.perfect32.in Ph: 40989896, 40981767, 9880027728. email: care@perfect32.in

7. Expect treatment options- During the consultation a dentist may explain to you “ideal” treatment and a variety of other options. Options are important because ultimately you are responsible for your own decisions.

8. Don’t always look for the cheapest deal – As humans we always try to get a bargain. It is a well known fact that ‘you get what you pay for’. Give yourself sufficient importance that if you are seeking expertise and quality, you should be willing to pay for it too.

An experienced dentist will charge for his expertise, trying to skimp will result in loss of quality… this is a once in a lifetime investment-you might as well go for something that will provide you satisfaction... and more often than not the Best does not come Cheap!!

PERFECT 32

Keep the sparkle in your smile The Dental Care and Implant Centre Dr.Sandhya Ramanujam D.D.S (USA), B.D.S India),C.B.M.(USA), P.G.D.M.L.E (India), Fellowship in Implantology (USA)

Koramangala & HSR LaYout

3rd block celebrates annual day Koramangala 3rd Block RWA held its Annual Day programme on 31st March at the Post Office Ground in 3rd Block.

The programme commenced with a children’s talent programme. A number of children, the youngest just three, sang classical music and folk songs. A Bharatanatyam dance and a Michael Jackson “moonwalk”

were some of the highlights of the children’s presentation.

A group of six children - Aditya S M, Chaitanya Sindagi, Shriank Kanaparti, Pranav Prabhas, Arnav Mhaske and Anuj Tambwekar - who had won the Indian leg of the First Lego League (FLL) robotics competition,

Citizen Report presented a skit. The skit was based on their prize-winning demonstration on how to detect pollution in mangoes. The group will represent India in the global round in St. Louis, USA Thereafter, a Karaoke programme was organised for adults. The residents had a great time crooning the hits of Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and some of the popular recent film songs as well.

Ramalinga Reddy, MLA, BTM Layout, was the chief guest, and inaugurated the fence between the playground and park, constructed with the MLA’s fund grant.

Pic courtesy: Nitin Seshadri/

Nitin Seshadri is Secretary, Koramangala 3rd Block Residents Association.

Finally, 27th Main Road cleared up to HSR extension The road block on the 27th Main Road has been Citizen cleared.

HSR Report Layout residents Admiral Narayanan and Brigadier Murthy helped coordinate with Army authorities and with BDA Engineer Vinay kumar to get this done.

This is a major achievement since the issue had not seen any progress for the past five years Kudos to all who helped make it happen!

Balasubramanian Thirunavukkarasu is Convenor, HSR-x residents federation.

Left top: The road was barely usable with debris jutting into the road. Bottom: The cleared road now. Pic courtesy: HSR-x residents federation.

6 CITIZEN MATTERS 7 - 20 Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-05

Be a Citizen Journalist!

Submit your stories at www.citizenmatters.in We welcome all citizens to share their stories about this city.

We look for ideas for stories that other citizens will find useful or enjoyable. Sometimes there is no point writing about the obvious. For example, enough stories have been written about the traffic situation. But if you have a particular angle about an issue that has not been covered, or a lead about somebody who is working to solve a problem, that works.

local matters

The man behind SAHAI Bangalore is known as the suicide capital of India, recording the highest number of suicides, according to the recent data. National Crime Records Bureau 2010 data states that 1778 committed suicide in Bangalore. In such a scenario, support networks and helplines like SAHAI play an important role. SAHAI is run by volunteer counselors who respond to distressed callers and talking them out of suicidal thoughts.

SAHAI is Bangalore’s telephone helpline for people in emotional distress. Dedicated, trained volunteer counsellors are available to answer your calls between 10 am - 6 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Call 25497777.

KK Rajagopal is the person behind SAHAI. A confident and energetic man of 66, this former BEL employee moved to Bangalore in 1972. In 2002, he took the initiative to start the organisation. Excerpts from the interview:

How was the idea of starting SAHAI helpline conceived?

I was unable to cope with simple problems and used to get depressed in my childhood. It used to be troublesome. Later, I lost my daughter in an accident. My wife and I were completely devastated.

We had only one daughter and we couldn’t take the pain, so we Pic: Arun Jadav

Pic: Abhishek Angad

underwent psychiatric treatment in NIMHANS. After that, I always used to think of helping depressed people but did not know how. I joined Rotary Club in 1997 and this was the place where I thought of starting something.

How did you operationalise it?

practice yoga regularly to keep my mind stable. Most importantly I share my problems with my wife so I can feel that I am heard out. Reading keeps me engaged and I and listen to old Hindi film songs.

After SAHAI, any future plans?

I want to start a suicide prevention In 2002, I became the President of helpline again with a fresh Rotary Club. I spoke to erstwhile approach… by targeting small localities... As of now NIMHANS Professor, Nimma Mohan K Issac. He we do not counsel neighbour during night but this suggested I start a helpline to respond to is a very important depressed people. I immediately time. Getting local volunteers started it, manned by volunteers will solve this problem and trained by professionals in Koramangala would be a great place psychiatry. We launched it on to start with. Passionate people may contact me on 9845578224 or October 2nd 2002. kkrajagopal_2006@yahoo.co.in.

How do you handle your stress now?

I exercise in the evening and also

Burning brightly on a bright morning Citizen Report Street lights are seen burning till 8 am in a residential area.

Location: 5th Block KHB colony, Koramangala.

Arun Jadav

abhishek angad

Citizen Matters contacted N N Shrinath, Executive Engineer, Electrical, South Division. He says, “I will check if it is manual or automatic, lights are supposed to be switched off by 6.15 am.”

Vol-4 Issue-05 7 - 20 Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 7

check outs

Forget the Gobi Manchuri

Do you want to taste the authentic chinese cuisine without tadka? Here are some of the options you can check out in South Bangalore.

The urge to eat Chinese cuisine made me hunt for a smaller version of China here in Bengaluru and I searched for some genuine

vases and wall hangings with Chinese alphabets give you a feeling of being in China.

A plethora of dishes on the menu will certainly put you into a dilemma of what to choose and what to save for the next time. Tofu is the main ingredient here, used in

Chilli Basil Fish in a Clay Pot Pic- Main Land China

popular for their clay pot cooking.

It is a unique technique of cooking food in an unglazed clay pot, which has been soaked in water to release steam during the cooking process.

The most famous dishes here are Chilli Basil Fish in a Clay Pot and Sapo Tofu with Vegetables in Clay Pot. Liquor is served here. The average cost for a meal of two people here is ` 1350 excluding alcohol.

The ambience of Hunan makes for a very relaxing atmosphere and their menu is exhaustive.

Chinese cuisine restaurants here. When that sour and spicy taste mixes on the tongue, China does not seem far away. Check out some of the best restaurants serving Chinese cuisine in Koramangala and HSR layout.

The pungent aromas from the Sichuan province attracted me to Sichuan, a Chinese restaurant in Koramangala. The vegetarian dishes here prominently feature Broccoli, Zucchini, Red and Yellow Bell Peppers, Bok Choy leaves that adds a different flavour to the food.

Some of their specialties include Lemon Coriander Chicken, Chicken Teriyaki, Prawn Kungpao, and Sizzling Chongqing Chicken.

almost every dish.

The don’t-miss here is definitely the soups. Some of the popular delicacies there include Stir-fried Chinese greens with oyster sauce and Luo Han delight flat noodles with Soya ham.

Hunan: 23, 1st Floor, Above Costa Coffee, Jyothi Nivas College Road, 5th Block, Koramangala. Ph: 080 25520154

The average cost for a meal of two people here is ` 400.

Luo Han: 666, 27th Main Road, 13th Cross, HSR Layout, Sector-1, Ph: 64505304

If a perfect mix of ambience, service and above all, a perfect taste is what you look at, then Mainland China is the place to be. Well known for their authentic Chinese cuisine, the place is especially

Sichuan: NO.1016, 1st Block, 80ft road, Koramangala, Ph: 41317636, 89703 12864

The average cost for a meal for two is ` 500.

It is not often that one finds pure vegetarian chinese restaurants so Luo Han in HSR Layout was welcome change. The Ming style

Braised Duck in Chilli Oyster Sauce and Stir fried Tofu in Tausi sauce are some of the most recommended dishes here. The lemon-grass ice cream is a must-try when you are at Hunan.

Snow Peas Greens Pic: Mainland China

8 CITIZEN MATTERS 7 - 20 Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-05

Liquor is served here. The average cost for a meal of two people here is ` 800 excluding alcohol.

Mainland China: 136, 1st cross, 5th block, Opp Java City, Jyoti Nivas College Road, Koramangla. Ph: 25504445

Anisha Nair

checkpouts

Doggie Day care in Bengaluru Dogs, cats, rabbits and even hamsters can find a friendly daycare or hostel while you are away at work or on a holiday.

Are you at your workplace worrying about your pet left alone at home?

Or having nightmares of seeing your dog caged in with no proper food while you are out on a holiday? There are pet care centres in Bengaluru that promise to take good care of your pets while you are away.

Set in a green open place with trees around and free of confined places is Pet Space, located on Sarjapura Road. One rule that is strictly followed at Pet Space is ‘no leash’ for pets. All pets based on their temperament test results are put into a playgroup that suits them.

These temperament tests are done at the time of check-in. Pet Space has an option of daycare and longer boarding facilities for dogs and cats.

Pets get to follow the diet they are accustomed to. It costs about `350 -425 per day depending on size of the dog and food.

If your dog is fond of water, then Paw and Claw is the right place.

Spread over 5000 sq ft of area, Paw and Claw also provides a dog pool. They give importance to the physical fitness of pets. Their routine involves a mid-day walk for dogs.

Owners who request specific diets for their dogs are asked to provide them. They also provide daycare and longer term boarding for dogs.

Rates are `350 per day and `250 per session in the swimming pool.

If you are looking out for boarding spaces for your cats or rabbits along with your dogs, then PetStepin’ is the place. They have facilities for day care and long stays for dogs, cats

Pic: Petspace Pic: Petstepin

Pic: Petstepin

and small pets like hamsters. The dogs are left open to play around all day, cats are kept in individual kennels with toys and are let out for a couple of hours. They have a menu on board but are open to accommodate specific diet as per the owners requirements. The prices ranges from `300-450 a night, depending on breed and age of dogs. `350 a night for cats. `100 per night for small pets. Day care costs `200-350.

If the idea of leaving your pets with other dogs is not comfortable, then Anvis can make arrangements for a foster home stay for your pets.

Foster homes are selected by Anvis after careful consideration of their knowledge in taking care of pets. To avail this facility, one has to register as a member of Anvis. Depending

upon your dog’s temperament, suitable foster homes are made available for a short period of stay.

Prices vary.

Pet Space: Near Wipro Corporate Office, Between HP petrol bunk and Indian Oil petrol bunk, Off Sarjapur Road. Ph: 9900-020-364, 9900-142-117 Paw and Claw: #27/3, Chikka Bellandur, Sarjapur road. Ph: 9845207866, 8884571185 PetStepin’: 38, Rustam Bagh, HAL Airport Road (Behind Manipal Hospital) +91 97422 79644, +91 98865 84925 Anvis: Ph: 9972524880, 9060923349

Deepthi M S

Vol-4 Issue-05 7 - 20 Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 9

SAKALA Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act

Government’s guarantee not just promise?

WHAT’S NEW

Pic: Abhishek Angad

Sakala may not be faster than Bangalore One, but the government guarantees that your job will be done. Here’s how.

The pilot launch of the Guarantee of Services to Citizens Act 2011 (Sakala) in Jayanagar saw only 31 applications filed. The pilot was on between March 1st to March 31st at the Jayanagar Revenue office.

The number 31, however contradicts the government figure of 72, 505 applications for the same period.

This office covers four BBMP wards (168-171).

An official at the revenue office on condition of anonymity explained why the numbers were so low.

“Here we have minimum three days to deliver services. People prefer availing Bangalore One services as their delivery model is quicker,” he said.

The Act has been implemented in the entire state from April 2nd.

What is the Act for?

The Act is to help citizens get government services without hassles and on time, and to hold government officials accountable.

It covers all government bodies,

In every DO office, there will be a board displaying information on services and how to apply for them.

On submitting the application, you will get an acknowledgement slip with date of delivery of service, and an acknowledgement (GSC) number.

You will get an SMS once your request is processed. If your application is incomplete, the acknowledgment will mention this and not give a date of delivery. If the application is rejected later, DO has to record the reason for that.

You can check your application status using GSC number at http:// www.kgsc.kar.nic.in or by calling the helpline 44554455. In case of delay, you can file complaint at the helpline or mail kgsc@nic.in. public sector companies and nongovernment bodies funded by government.

What are the services covered under the Act? The Act covers 151 services under 11 departments. These include issue of khatas, ration cards, permission for holding protests etc. Check the procedure for getting different services at http://sakala.kar.nic.in/ kgsc1/gsc_home.aspx.

Who are authorities under the Act? Designated Officers (DOs): Specific officers designated for providing each services. Competent Officers (COs): Officers whom you can appeal to if DO does not provide the service. Appellate Authority (AA): Deputy Secretary or above who can take action if the CO does not respond.

For different services, different time

10 CITIZEN MATTERS 7 - 20 Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-05

limits are set for DOs to deliver it, and for COs and AAs to dispose the appeals. For example, if you want to get a driver’s license, the DO for this is the RTO / Assistant RTO. If they do not issue license within the deadline of 30 days, you can complain to Deputy Commissioner of Transport (DCT) who is the CO for this service. If the DCT does not dispose your appeal within his 15day deadline, you can complain to Joint Commissioner of Transport (JCT), who is the AA. JCT has to respond to your appeal in 30 days.

What if I do not get an acknowledgement or the service itself?

You can file an appeal with the CO within 30 days of default/denial of service; appeal does not require any payment. You have to fill a form and submit information about your application.

What relief can you get?

CO will acknowledge your application, hold hearings and get the service delivered. He will also give compensation within 30 days of your appeal. Compensation is Rs 20 per day of default of service, at maximum of Rs 500 per application.

This amount will later be recovered from DO. Only if DOs are habitual offenders will their lapses be recorded in service records.

What if my appeal is rejected or I do not get a satisfactory order?

You can file a second appeal with the Appellate Authority (AA) within 30 days of CO’s order, with a self attested copy of the CO order and copy of documents mentioned in the appeal. AAs may hold hearings, get compensation levied from them, order departmental enquiries, or even appoint another officer to investigate the issue.

Navya P K

navya@citizenmatters.in

russel market crisis

WHO’S SIDE IS BBMP ON? A traders’ initiative to rebuild Shivajinagar’s gutted-Russell Market after the February 25th fire mishap has led to a standoff between them and BBMP. BBMP has sent an eviction notice to Russell Market traders citing dilapidated conditions.

Though the fire weakened the market structure initially, renovation seems to have restored strength. To rebuild the structure, traders employed a third party, KK Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. All the affected traders contributed funds along with money received from the government.

Work has started on the ground floor and the full restructuring of gutted first floor will begin. The construction company claims to have extended the life of the structure by 100 years.

Foul play suspected?

The origin of the fire on February 25th, though reported as short circuit, is rumoured to be be a case of arson.

The reason: an unconfirmed report that BBMP was anyways planning to evict the shopkeepers to make way for a multi-level parking complex.

Traders fear that the fire was an arson caused by BBMP’s plans, to force them to vacate.

However, local corporator, Shakeel Ahmed (Congress, Bharathinagar), denied rumours of BBMP plans to evict the market for a parking complex.

“Russell market was never meant to be rebuilt for parking. There are plans to construct a parking lot but it is on the opposite side of the market, for which a sum of Rs.40 crores has been approved by the central government.”

business now, have had no power after the fire. BESCOM cut electricity for the entire market just after the fire, forcing the traders to use kerosene or gas lanterns and regulars emergency lights.

Russel market pitch in BESCOM however Kaveri Sinhji, CEO of a cultural consulting wants a letter from company, is a regular visitor to the market. BBMP to restore power She decided to start a postcard campaign supply. A BESCOM to aid fire victims. The process started a official, under condition of anonymity, says, day after the mishap.

“BBMP has to send us Photographs of the market (before the a request for restoring fire), is available for sale for Rs 100 in the supply for the part the form of postcards. The postcards also of market unburnt.” So include a cartoon from well known cartoonist far there is no proposal Paul Fernandes. Postcards worth Rs 11000 from BBMP to restore the supply. have been sold so far. Log on to www.

bluefoot.in for details.

KK Infrastructure has also asked Civil Aid, a Bengaluru based organisation that verifies structural quality of buildings. BBMP has also setup a committee to look into the issue of fire and the building’s stability, says K R Niranjan, Special Commissioner (Project, Resource & Finance)BBMP. “Until then Russell Market will continue to work as it is. We are also awaiting Civil Aid’s report on the stability of Russell Market”, says Niranjan.

Pic: Abhishek Angad.

He does however disagrees with BBMP officials’ plans to evict shopkeepers and says, “Russell Market attracts buyers from all over Bangalore and eviction is not a solution.”

The situation is further complicated

by BBMP’s unwillingness to cooperate with traders wanting to continue with their business, after the fire. BBMP has now locked up the public toilets in the market, which the traders find a problem.

Power supply not restored Over 400 of the shops open for

Despite hostility from BBMP, the traders feel confident of their local corporator and MLA’s support. Pervez Ahmed, SecretaryRussell Markets Union said, “We have got full support from our Corporator, Shakeel Ahmed and MLA, Roshan Baig and therefore we will be able to start our work again. Negotiations are continuing with BBMP and we hope that electricity will be restored soon.”

abhishek angad

abhishekangad@citizenmatters.in

Cover credits: Russel Market shops without power. Pic: Abhishek Angad.

Collage: pics courtesy: Kaveri Singhji

Vol-4 Issue-05 7 - 20 Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 11

for your Info

Steroids: bane or boon? pains and inflammatory Ask a person who would have died health matters conditions, injectible for of an adverse drug reaction if not for Col (Retd) Dr Mukul Saxena brain tumours or head injury, steroids, what does S/he thinks of for inhalation as in cases of steroids. The answer would be, it is a of use of any other drugs / history asthma, nasal mucosal inflammation, boon. of diabetes, any lingering infection sinuses, airway, chronic lung diseases Ask a man whose wife, suffering from which may flare up, or symptoms of and so on. arthritis and on long term steroid ulcer disease like pain in upper In a layman’s mind, there is always medication, dies due to a perforated abdomen, related to meals, history a debate about pros and cons of bleeding peptic ulcer: what does of vomiting, history of bleeding with steroids. Some of the he thinks of vomiting or passing dark coloured important side-effects steroids. The stools . noted in literature include answer would f In children, there are a few situations effects on endocrine glands be – a curse. where steroids are advised. They have causing insulin resistant Steroids or reduced the morbidity and mortality diabetes, hypothyroidism anabolic significantly in children afflicted with and hypogonadism. steroids have leukemia, asthma, rheumatic diseases, Other adverse effects been in the and other inflammatory disorders. include osteoporosis, and news for all However one needs to watch for sideaggravation of peptic the wrong Pic: Wikimedia Commons effects like mood changes, increased ulcer disease. It is known reasons, hunger, problems falling or stay to cause gastrointestinal bleeding. A especially with sports people and asleep, nightmares, acting withdrawn, major side-effect is, it decreases the doping scandals. Most drugs used in weight gain, pain (such as muscle immune reaction. To sum up: sports are anabolic steroids or their cramps), indigestion, growth of body derivatives. f Steroids if used judiciously have a hair and red/flushed cheeks. great beneficial effect.

Steroids are used in various forms: f Should never be used without being applied in cases of skin diseases, f If the doctor is prescribing steroids prescribed by a doctor. administered orally for arthritis, joint then you must inform the physician

Pay your property tax for 2012-13

BBMP has started property tax payment collection for 2012-13.

Application forms for tax payment are available at all offices for a fee of Rs 5. Garbage cess should be calculated and paid along with property tax.

TAX RATES & REBATES • No revision in rates. No change in self-declared tax and building depreciation.

• Pay by 30th May 2012. After that, additional interest of 2% for every month of delay.

• Get a rebate of 5% by paying the full amount by 30th April.

WHERE TO PAY • All BBMP offices and Bangalore One centers on all working days. Payment hours are from 9 am to 12.30 pm, and from 3 pm to 7 pm. Locate your Bangalore One centre here: http:// www.bangaloreone.gov.in/public/ b1centres.aspx

• You can pay in two half-yearly installments. The first installment is due without interest by 30th May 2012 and the second without interest by 29th November 2012.

are legalised under ‘Sakrama rule’.

(Editor’s note: Readers, Sakrama Bill not yet approved by Governor of Karnataka)

ONLINE PAYMENT

• Pay by cheques/DD/pay order or by credit/debit cards.

• Those who have already declared tax for 2008-2009, can use their credit/debit cards to pay tax online on BBMP website.

For 2011-12 and 2012-13, pay at: http://1113.sasbbmp.com For 2009-10 and 2010-11, pay at: http://sasbbmp.com B REGISTER/SAKRAMA • All property owners with property in B Register (temporary Khata) and those who have not yet obtained a Khata can also pay tax in the nearest office.

• Owners of properties in revenue layouts and apartments can pay self-declared tax in B Register in the nearest office until those sites

12 CITIZEN MATTERS 7 - 20 Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-05

CASH OR CHEQUE OR DD?

• If tax amount is less than Rs 1,000, it can be paid by cash.

• Those who pay by DD/pay order for amounts above Rs 15,000 will be given acknowledgement receipt immediately. For cheque payments, receipt will be given after cheque realisation. If cheque amount is less than Rs 15,000, acknowledgment will be given immediately.

NEWS DESK This article was compiled with information from a BBMP release.

For detailed guide, see: http:// bangalore.citizenmatters.in/topic/ property%20tax

Namma Bengaluru awards this weekend Mary Issac from Jayanagar started Child Fund Association in 1982. providing children shelter and support. She has also helped several families by sponsoring fees, books, uniforms and clothes.

Mary is one of the 47 nominations for this year’s Namma Bengaluru Awards.

that can be sold.

Mary Issac

Namma Bengaluru Awards were constituted by Namma Bengaluru Foundation, convened by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MP, to honour such unsung heroes and institutions for their exemplary work towards society. Nomination were collected under six different categories; groups and organisations, citizens, public officials, public institutions, social entrepreneurs and elected representatives. NGOs, Residents Welfare Associations, educational institutions, NGOs, Public Officials, Social Entrepreneurs, Elected representatives are among the nominees. Out of the shortlisted candidates, a select few will be awarded on 7th April in a glittering ceremony at National College Grounds in Basavanagudi.

On being nominated Mary says, “If I win I could use the prize money on the education of children. I am helping 12 girls doing SSLC and they need money to go to college including fees, bus pass etc.”

SAAHAS, an NGO has been nominated under Social Entrepreneurs category from Jayanagar. It is focusses on zero waste projects in Bangalore. It collects used packaging like the tetra paks, recycle them into products

Other nominees Citizens Dr Narpat Solanki Fr. Anthony Sebastian Uday Vijayan G Manohar Row Auto Shivakumar Dr Meenakshi Bharat Dr B S Venkatesh Dr B Ramana Rao Meena K Jain

feature

Lata Krishnarao Shrishail S I Krishna Murthy

Public Institutions Lokayukta Bangalore One Bangalore Traffic Police

Social Entrepreneurs Harish Hande Pavithra Y S Daily Dump

Public Officials

Elected Representatives

Vidya shankar U V Singh P Manivannan Sudhindra Rao Lakshmamma

Krishna Byre Gowda Rajendra R Shoba Karandlaje Suresh Kumar

Wilma Rodrigues, Director, SAAHAS says she is “delighted to learn that there is an acknowledgement and acceptance of waste management problems and solutions.”

Wilma Rodrigues

Another nominee is Jayanagar based Dream-a Dream. This organisation helps develop life skills in disadvantaged urban children and youth. “Getting nominated in Namma Bengaluru Awards 2011 was a very proud moment for us. We are strongly focussed on upliftment of urban youth and this will definitely help us,” says Vishal Talreja, Co-founder and Director, Dream-a-Dream.

KAS Officer, H M Mujeeb Ahmed is the Chief Executive officer of the Roerich & Devaki Rani Roerich Estate Board. Nominated in the Public Official category, this Koramangala resident enjoys a clean record and has been a role model for colleagues and subordinates. A very delighted Ahmed says, “remaining honest is the ardent duty of any public servant. It is an one in a lakh opportunity to be a public servant and I am happy that I am able to keep my hands clean.”

Another public official from Jayanagar, Dr P R Krishna Prasad, Scientist, Head of University of Agricultural sciences, Bangalore is also a nominee. He has developed and improved varieties of wheat, rice, sugarcane, brinjal.

Filmmaker and environmentalist, Suresh Heblikar from Jayanagar has made two dozen short films and documentaries on solar energy, wildlife, lakes, Western Ghats, and conservation. He is also the founder of Eco Watch, an organisation aimed at protecting the fast disappearing forests and water resources. Heblikar has been nominated under Citizen Category. He says, “It increases my responsibility, makes me feel more committed towards the society. “ Shanti Raghavan who founded Koramangala based Enable India, which trains and counsels people Shanti Raghavan with disability, is another nominee. She works with corporates and helps a large number disabled find employment opportunities.

Abhishek Angad

Vol-4 Issue-05 7 - 20 Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 13

EDITORIAL

summer camp listings ARTS & Science Fun work shop: Adventure, painting, art & craft, drawing, and much more. Starts: 16th Apr-15th May, Mon-Fri, Age-3-6, Fees-2300, 230/A 18th main road 6th block Koramangala, Ph:25531727, anubhavplayhouse@gmail.com Summer splash: Art & craft, Music, Different types of dance, personality development, magic classes, puppet shows, games etc Start: May 2nd-22nd, 10 am -12 pm , Age-2-10 561 8th main 4th block Koramangala B’lore-34 Ph: 9448507149, 08041217787 littleparadise. kml@yahoo.com Kidzee: Art & craft, painting, reading etc; Starts: 15th Apr14th May, 10 am -1 pm. Age-310; Fees-2000, 224, 4th cross 5th block KHD Colony Koramangala-95, Ph: 9449544760; steppingstoneskidzee@gmail.com.

Kids Paradise: Western and classical dance, painting, art & craft and many more; Starts: 9th Apr-25th May 9 am to 12 pm; Age-3-12 , #938 24th A cross 16th main sector 3 HSR layout., Ph: 9880041148; kidsparadisehsr@yahoo.com Cradle 2 school: Art, craft, cooking, pottery, music, magic, pottery, karate, yoga etc ; Starts: 9th Apr-27th Apr9.30am -1.30pm ; Mon-Fri , #669 22nd cross 15th main 3rd sector HSR layout B’lore-102, r., Ph: :9620414141; cradle2school@ gmail.com Summer Camp: Art & craft, dance, music, fun with science, fun with maths, English language, personal development, storytelling, games. General knowledge; Starts: 2nd May25th May 9.30am -1.pm , MonFri ; Age- 2-12 , Fees-3000. #93, 17th main, HSR layout, I Play I learn School, Ph :9008229305/6; ipilhsr@gmail.com Rangashankara AHA Summer Express: Music

by Bombay Jayashri, Acting by Kapila Venu, Filmmaking by Jaaga Media Centre, Visual Arts

by Shilo Shiv Suleman, Theatre workshops by Anurupa Roy, Shaili Sathyu and Hamsa Moily.

Registrations open, write to aha.

rangashankara@gmail.com.

9 Apr to 6th May, Rangashankara, JP Nagar Summer Camp at Ninos Pre School: Arts & Crafts, Story Telling, Pot Painting, Drawing, Water Painting, Music & Movement, Public Speaking, 2years to 5 years (10am to 1pm) 5 years and above (9.30am to 1.30pm), 570, 2nd Main, 2nd Stage , Behind Shoppers Stop BTM Layout. Ph:40917477, 9845579609 pushpa.bopaiah@ gmail.com, Rs.2000 Helping hands: Special classes for under-performers, Starts: May 1st, 18th main19th A cross JP Nagar 5th Phase. Ph: 9880647825 Summer Fun @ Eurokids: Story time, creative time, Music & movement etc, Age: 3-10, Bloom #165, 5th Cross, 16th Main, MCHS layout BTM 2nd stage, Ph: 8453340248 Summer Camp at NaVaRaSa: Theatre, Puppetry, Djembe (drums), Calligraphy, arts & crafts, contemporary dance. 4 week long sessions in April. Call 9980072665 or mail navarasa.mail@ gmail.com, #1016, 2nd Floor (Above Sichuan) 80Feet Road, Koramangala 1st Block Natyalaya Summer camp work shop: Dance, Music, Fitness, art classes etc. Starts: 30th Apr to 26th May, 10.30am to 2 pm, Age 4-14 Fees :5000, At JP Nagar & Jayanagar, Ph: 26581888,9243378678 Cloud Mentor: Age 6 to 9: Travel & Magic Engineering, Kitchen & Music Science, Gadget Engineering & Toys, Kitchen & City Science. Age 10 - 14, 15+: Module: Financial Engineering, Kitchen Science, Camera Mechanics, Travel & Automotive Science. Duration - 15 days / module. 4 batches over April and May. cloudmentor@ gmail.com, www.facebook. com/cloudmentor, Nikhil Gumbhir, +91 97421 43244, #596, 2nd Cross, 3rd Block, Koramangala Science Utsav: 7 to 15 years. Science Projects, Cre-

ative Arts, Applied Mathematics, Pottery, Clay modeling and Personality Development Program.

Also Etiquette, Cultural values, Communication skills, Writing and Reading habits. scienceutsav@gmail.com or 9900616417 (Supreet). Venue: Just Books, 446, 1st Floor, 8th Main, 3rd Block, Koramangala. Contact: Deepa: 4098 2460. Also at Just Books, #1, MIG KHB Colony, 5th Block Koramangala, Contact: Deepa 8762462302

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Frolic Boonies Adventure holidays in Nilgiris: Wilderness survival skill training, Nature trails, reptile handling, safari, Sky watching, Aero modeling, carnival. Safe holiday experience for children: Location - Mudumalai. For 8 years to 17 years. www.frolicboonies.com. Ph: 9900087611/ 9448476888.

Bangalore Mountaineering Club: Horse Riding,

Summer camp for Kids at Nagarhole, Treks to Narayangiri, Maribetta, Makkalidurga, Kabbaladurga, Tadiyandmol, Rangaswamy Betta, Kumara Parvata, Antargange, Revanasiddheshwara Betta, Kuntibetta, Sharavathi Valley, Mutatti, Ramnagaram etc.

Scuba Diving and Island trip at Goa. http://www.bmcindia.org, Ph:9902027262 Gerry Martin’s wildlife workshops. Workshops and camps at a farmhouse at Sarjapur Road, and other funfilled outings at Western Ghats and wildlife sanctuaries. Starts: 3-4 May, 10-11 May & 24-25 May. Ph:9886169698.

Horse Riding Stables: Apr 30-May 25 (Second batch), JP nagar 7th Phase Opp to Brigade Millenium,Ph: 9611352885 Bulldog Tennis Academy: Summer Camp 4-14 years age group, International Tennis Federation approved Play&Stay, off Kanakapura Road. Tel: 99000 95604 Continued in page 15>>

Bangalore’s own interactive newsmagazine

Citizen Matters EDITORS

Subramaniam Vincent Meera K Padmalatha Ravi JOURNALISM TEAM Navya P K Anisha Nair Abhishek Angad edit@citizenmatters.in MKTG/CIRCULATION Raghavendra 98455 06477 Satvik Kaushik 9886754908 Vasanth 9620920820 circulation@oorvani.in mktg@oorvani.in ADVT SALES Ramachandran P 9901 685368 Srikant Sahu 9916235626 adsales@oorvani.in Design/Production Shivakeshava M Founded by Meera K Subramaniam Vincent ©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. www.citizenmatters.in, feedback@ citizenmatters.in facebook.com/citizenmatters twitter.com/citizenmatters

Taxi services * Tution classes * Music & dance classes * Competitive exam coaching * Catering * Plumbers * Electricians * Real estate * Pet walking * Personal Fitness

place your ads & classifieds Call Ramachandran Ph: 99016-85368 adsales@oorvani.in

FEEDback

email feedback@citizenmatters.in

Residents survive BESCOM penalty shock, get it reversed Good work done by Mr.Pradeep Nagaraja which is commendable.

As per rules, no claim can be raised if it is more than THREE years and if back billing is done, it has to be for a maximum period of only SIX months.

D R Prakash

Good work! To make the democracy effective ‘by the people’ should happen.

And this report says that it is happening.

Good job Anand Mangalam.

Anand R Yadwad

Clean up, everybody, everywhere…

“A drive around the city elicits mixed reactions from me. I do not remember Bangalore the way it used to be. I don’t even know what Bangalore used to be like anymore. I go by what long-time residents tell me it used to be. Memory plays tricks on me.”

- Amen to that.

Vaidya R

<<Continued from page 14

summer camp listings Society for Promotion of Adventure & Nature Awareness: trekking and camping trips, nature oriented leadership camps. Ph: 9845188991.

BTM Roller Skating Club: Skating, 7th May- 31st May,7am-9am, 3pm-5pm,Address: BTM 2nd stage,9945175788, 9611018988 KSLTA: Tennis Coaching camp 2012: Age group 4-18, also for Adults, 45 days from April 09th, 2012; certified coaches. Conducted at KSLTA, Cubbon Park & Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Niranjan Ramesh, chief coach: 9901893601. Abdul Huq Rabbani, Manager, KSLTA, Ph: 22861010 This listing is a free service from Citizen Matters.

More listings & details online at: http://bangalore. citizenmatters.in/events/genre/Summer%20Camp

Vol-4 Issue-05 7 - 20 Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 15

see & do Talks

MUSIC

MUSIC SEASON

Her master’s voice; women and the gramophone records An audio-visual lecture presentation on by Vikram Sampath 13 Apr, 6.30 pm Bangalore international centre, TERI complex,4th main, 2nd cross, Domlur II stage, rsvp 98865 99675

Dignity 17th Anniversary: Celebrate the celebrities Amitasana Das Prabhu speaks on bhakti. Followed

by Light classical music by Manasi Prasad.

3 Pm 8 Apr, Pramilabai Mane BBMP School, VijayanagarMagadi Road. Ph: 4219 8395

74th Sree Ramavnavami Celebrations 7 Apr Sanjay Subrahmanyan 8 Apr U Srinivas & U Rajesh ( Mandolin) 9 Apr H K Venkatram-G Ravikiran-Ashwin Anand ( Venu Veena Violin) 10 Apr Rudrapatnam Brothers 11 Apr Papanasam Ashok Ramani 12 Apr O S Arun 13 Apr Abhishek Raghuram 14 Apr Mysore Nagaraj & Manjunath (violin) 15 Apr Ajoy Chakravarthy 16 Apr Lalgudi G J R Krishnan & Vijayalakshmi 17 Apr Pattabhirama Pandit 18 Apr Saralaya Sisters 19 Apr N Vijay Siva/Dr Hemalatha/ Poongulam Subrahmanyam/ Anirudha Athreya 20 Apr Sikkil Gurucharan 21 Apr 6:30 pm Mysore Manjunath & Ronu Majumdar (Carnatichindustani Jugalbandi) 22 Apr Ranjani & Gayathri 6.30 pm (till May 6), Fort High School Ground

Meet Jack Canfield live in Bangalore Sat 14 apr 4pm, Christ university auditorium, hosur road

Workshop

Scrabble workshop “playing professional scrabble” Facilitated by Satish Srinivasan,professional scrabble player Tue 17 apr - sat 21 apr, Just books 3rd block koramangala, near sevasadan institute

CONTEST

Dare 2 drive - corporate edition First ever corporate TSD rally in Bangalore.Get your car and navigator ready to go on a drive of your lifetime! www.thrillerlife. com 21-22 apr Greenscraps: Nature journaling workshop Conducted by Sangeeta Kadur. Call 98868 12598 Starts 7.30 Am, april 30, lalbagh

films

Documentary Film festival 7 Apr, 5:00 pm Pink Saris 7 Apr, 5:30 pm Sahitya Sanje Lectures On D V Gundappa 7 Apr, 7 pm Love In India Apr 8, 11 am Kahan Kahan Se Guzre Suchitra Centre for Film & Drama, Banashankari

THEATRE

Rangashankara Plays 7 Sat, 8 Sun: Bombay Talkies (E) (also at 3.30 pm on sun) 10 tue, 11 Wed: Gundaayana (K) 12 Thu, 13 fri: This Eng 14 Sat: The devil’s tree (E) (kids above 5) 15 Sun: Narigaligeke Kodilla (K) (also at 3.30 pm) (kids above 5 years) 17 Tue to 20 fri and 11 am on 21 sat: Boy with a suitcase (E) 21 Sat, 22 sun: Yen hucchuri...Yaak hingadtiri… kannada (also at 3.30 pm on sun)

16 CITIZEN MATTERS 7 - 20 Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-05

Ramanavami Concerts, Sri Jayarama Seva Mandali 7 Apr – G Ravikiran 8 Apr – Seeta Kalyana

followed by Dance by Divya Bhushan 10 Apr Veena – R.K Padmanabha 11 Apr – Kalavathy Avadhooth 12 Apr – Prince Rama Ravi Varma 13 Apr – Ranjani Gayatri 14 Apr – Dance – Ramu Kunnigal 15 Apr – Rama Pattabhisheka and Rathotsava #492/A, Sri Jayarama Seva Mandali Road, 8th block Jayanagar, Nadasurabhi concerts Kasturirangan ( Vocal) disciple of T N Seshagopalan with B Raghuram, B C Manjunath, Sukanya Ramgopal 15 Apr , 4:15 pm, Heritage Academy Hall, Koramangala Ramanavami celebrations: V Sankaranarayanan (vocal) 7 Apr, Sri Rama Seva mandali, Koramangala Vocal Concert by Mambalam Sisters ( Vijayalakshmi & Chitra) 7 Apr, Indranagar Sangeetha Sabha (Purandara Bhavan) Other venues with music concerts: Sri Ramanavami Music Festival, Sheshadripuram College Premises Sri Rama Navami Sangeetotsava, Raja Rajeshwari Nagar

Poster women captured in a book Feet up, eyes glued to television, magazine in hand, house in a mess and she is in her own world of relaxation. From “Right to leisure” a poster by NGO Asmita.

Feet up, eyes glued to television, magazine in hand, house in a mess and she is in her own world of relaxation. The “Right to leisure” poster was brought out

by Asmita, an Andhra Pradesh based NGO. Those gathered for the launch of ‘Our pictures, Our Words’ book published by Zubaan, could relate very well to the poster.

The pink poster is one of the hundreds of other pictures in the book - Our Pictures, Our words by Laxmi Murthy and Rajashri Dasgupta, published by Zubaan. The book was launched on March 31st at Jaaga – KH road. The event was organised

by Network of Women in Media, Bangalore (NWMB), Jaaga and Zubaan publishers. The book

is a compilation of pictures, posters and graffiti of the various women’s movements across India.

The book launch was followed by a panel discussion on Feminism and its relevance in today’s India. The panelists included Laxmi Murthy, Ammu Joseph, independent journalist, Maithreyi Krishna Raj – former Professor and Director, Research Centre for Women’s Studies at SNDT Women’s University and part of the Women’s Movement since 1975, Padmalatha Ravi, Associate Editor, Citizen Matters, and Subramaniam Vincent, Cofounder, India Together and Citizen Matters.

Anisha Nair

EVENTS & Happenings

Running your way to health!

32 runs will take place across the city in 32 months! On the occasion of world health day, Bangalore Schools Sports Foundation will hold its first 3-mile run on April 7th in association with Wellness India. It is organised to promote health and sports from a grassroot level.

The run will start from Kanteerava stadium from 7 am. The registration starts at 5.30 am and felicitation would start from 8.15 am. The categories for the 3-mile run are - Childrens Run, Family Run, Corporate Run and Community Run. Citizen Matters is the media partner for the event.

anisha@citizenmatters.in

Vol-4 Issue-05 7 - 20 Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 17

last word

The basics of babyproofing I was at a baby store and in walked a pair of newly minted parents buying everything that the “helpful” store staff pointed to them. Socket covers? Door slammers? latches? Bring it on. Baby monitor? But of course.

Do you even need to ask?

Diaper pail? Umm...looks cool...ok we will think about that one.

I had to restrain the urge to run and shake the lovely pair out of their baby buying stupor. Because that was me six and half years back, visiting stores armed with a list, courtesy baby books, baby

websites and friends, all Read up on baby proofing made, manufactured and on the net and you will living in US. And though know what I mean. The I never went to the extent more you read, the more of buying a diaper pail, I was rather diligent with the baby proofing bit and did come close to picking up a safety gate for confessionS of a second time mom my single level Reshmi Chakraborty home, where with a hop, skip and jump you can reach the kitchen dangerous your house from the dining table and starts to seem. Even the dining table from the potentially harmless things like soft couches living room couch. and curtains hold sinister It wasn’t my fault though. possibilities. As for table

corners, stairs, doors and balconies, those are to babies what haunted houses are to most adults.

Best avoided.

Reading up is rather scary, especially for the first time parent who is surrounded by equally novice friends and family members who throw their hands up in the air and say, “We had kids 30 years ago. You do what you think is best.”

The first time I was text bookishly diligent about baby proofing the house.

I got corner cushions to cover pointy table sides, anti door slammers, wardrobe latches and the mandatory socket covers.

I looked around my home and suddenly everything was a potential threat.

From the iron (which IS a threat) to the sketchpen cap and the house plants.

The baby was rather respectful about my babyproofing tactics in the initial days. Until one day I discovered him trying to shove the corner cushion into his mouth.

So this time, I have just lifted everything to a height that baby number two is unlikely to reach in the next one or two years. Some things have surely come in handy this time around too, like the wardrobe latch, perfect for low cabinets that hold baby’s favourite things -cutlery or cleaning sprays.

Now if you find a way to childproof the shoerack, do let me know that.

Pic: Reshmi Chakraborty

18 CITIZEN MATTERS 7 - 20 Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-05

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