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Women’s Special 5 ‘I wish I were a man’ 6 So few women entrepreneurs? 6 Helplines for women 7 Meet Prathima Hegde 10 The unseen businesswomen of Bengaluru 14 Light on your pocket, heavy in your tummy 18 Things not to say before you’ve had kids of your own
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14 - 27 July 2012
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Citizen Matters Vol-4 Issue-12, 14 - 27 July 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, #98/1, MMR Plaza 1st Floor, Sarjapur Main Road, Jakkasandra, Koramangala 1st Block, Bangalore 560034. Editor Subramaniam Vincent.
Koramangala & HSR LaYout
When art meets entrepreneurial aspirations
S
she never got into teaching.
hridevi Mahadevan quit her well paying software job and started a performing and fine arts enterprise‘Navarasa’ in Koramangala in 2009.
But in 2010, her Kathak dance teacher left suddenly and she started taking classes and she now teaches full time.
Shridevi, 34 has been dancing since her childhood; she learned Bharatnatyam, and later Kathak. She also had passion for theatre and worked with Bangalore based group -Script People’s Theatre for several years.
Back when she started, Bangalore was more conducive for technology oriented businesses. She remembers that lot of people in The Indus Entrepreneurs in Bangalore (TIE) advised her to start a mobile apps development company. But she was working on a different track. She says, “I wanted to do something creative.”
It was in the year 2009 when she was doing one-year Executive Management course at IIMB, that she decided channel her love for performing arts into an entrepreneurial venture. Predominantly focused on dance, Navarasa also imparts developmental theatre training, experimental workshops in pottery, children’s theatre, puppetry, origami and various other activities. Shridevi says, “The idea is to bring art and aesthetic sensitivity into people’s lives. Enhancing one’s quality of life is
Photo courtesy: Shridevi Mahadevan
the primary goal for Navarasa.” She never intended to continue being a hands on entrepreneur, “the idea was to settle the management part of it for about six months and look for another job, but eventually I never came out of it.” She started executing, organising and strategising at Navarasa.
Once she got a business proposal to expand her company through franchise model, but she did not take it up. “Navarasa is set up for developmental activity and forcing business would compromise the quality.” She, however, plans to change the company into a trust. She concludes, “Here, you discover the newer essence of yourself.”
Abhishek Angad
Though she had a penchant for dance,
‘I wish I were a man when it comes to peeing’
T
he bladder is about to burst. The stomach is hurting. Nature’s call. Where to go? Men lined up in front of public walls and relieving themselves is a common sight. But is there a place for women to relieve themselves in peace? Adjectives like stinky, smelly, dirty, unhygienic and unbearable suit the status of Bangalore’s public toilets the most. Devi, a construction worker from Koramangala says, she just goes behind mounds of sand, where she works, to relieve herself. The public toilet for women in the Koramangala BDA complex is also in a bad state. Men are using the toilet near Koramangala police station. The women’s toilet down the road is locked. A Koramangala resident who does not want to be named, jovially wishes she were a man, when it comes to peeing in the city. She says, “Public toilets in some areas are too public. Doors are made of rotten wood, sometimes there are no locks.”
A public toilet at Koramangala. Pic: Anisha Nair
of which, 23 toilets are defunct.
If you find a nonfunctional toilet, call the BBMP control room: 26566362
According to a Deccan Herald report on February 25, 2012, Bangalore South Zone has a mere number of 145 toilets out Got feedback on our articles? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 615
Currently with just around 500 public toilets in the city, the BBMP has approved the construction of 1000 more toilets under public private partnership(PPP) in their 2012-13 year budget. But how many of these will be accessible to the population of approximately four and a half million women in the city?
Anisha Nair Vol-4 Issue-12 14 - 27 July 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 5
women’s special
Why not more women entrepreneurs? A
Not enough women breaking the corporate glass ceiling. Not enough entrepreneurs.
t a recent conference organised by pluggd.in, a forum for entrepreneurs, Bal Krishna Birla, the founder of ZopNow.com, noting the profile of participants, wondered why are there not enough women entrepreneurs and posted the question on social media.
It is a funnel, isn’t it? Women are not going to become entrepreneurs unless they have lived a life that Citizen makes people Reports entrepreneurs. They are not going to become techies, unless they have had a technical education and so on. So, asking the question about one single profession or field at the top of the pyramid is useless. We have to start from the beginning.
I wish I could say that it got me thinking. It didn’t. It only made me sigh. Not enough girl children allowed to be born. Not enough survive. Not enough in school. Not enough in Science in +2. Definitely not enough in PCM (Physics-Chemistry-Maths). Not enough taking JEE. Not enough women in IIT. Not enough in IIM. Not enough in technology. Not enough women in professional life.
Jaya Jha is the co-founder of Pothi. com, a self publishing and on demand printing startup.
Helplines and support for women Helplines for women in distress, NGO details, where to complain about dowry harassment and more. Helplines for women in distress Vanitha Sahayavani initiated by the Bangalore police force helps women in distress, provides them counselling, helps them with short stay home facilities and rehabilitation. Call 1091. Ashraya Women’s Centre is for women who have been physically and mentally abused. The organisation provides shelter, counselling, legal-aid and vocational training. Ph: 25251929. Stree Jagruthi Samithi focuses on the rights of domestic workers.
Ph: 22734956 Campaign and Struggle against Acid Attacks in Women. Ph: 9448046252 or 9448444254. Dowry harassment cases Demanding and giving dowry, itself, is regarded as a punishable offence under the Dowry Prohibition Act (1961). If harassment for dowry occurs after the marriage, the woman can file a case under IPC Section 498A and can result in an imprisonment of up to three years.
Vimochana, based in Marutiseva Nagar, is a forum for women’s rights, issues like marital violence and dowry harassment. Ph: 2549 2781/2549 2783. Mahila Dahkshata Samiti, AECS Layout also help rehabilitate dowry victims. They provide short stay homes and provides vocational training. Ph:
6 CITIZEN MATTERS 14 - 27 July 2012 Vol-4 Issue-12
23512543. Networking forum for career women AWAKE (Association of Women Entrepreneurs) has been dedicated to Entrepreneurship development. It is run by women entrepreneurs who help nurture the talents, ideas and ventures of other women through counselling, training and by sharing their experience and knowledge. Ph: 23389964 / 23111059 / 23385874. Special rights when women are under arrest According to the law, women can refuse arrest between 6pm to 6am even if the police have a warrant. When the arrest takes place, it has to be done in the presence of a female officer and the woman must be lodged in a separate lock-up where no male suspects are kept.
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local matters
Bowling S her way to
success
he took up an offbeat sport as a Initially as a rookie, when you threw the career in India, when it was not ball it probably rolled straight, but now even recognised. She helped India you can control its trajectory. What reach top 24 qualifiers in the Tenpin kind of practice does it require? Bowling World Cup in The thrill of seeing the 2009 and 2010. Meet Nimma ball move in a certain Prathima Hegde, 41, a neighbour trajectory is immense. tenpin bowling player, But It needs lot of born in Mangalore practice. After assessing who came to Bangalore in 1992. She my talent, my husband and I were ready married Kannan R, a businessman, in to invest funds and do everything the 1997 and settled in Koramangala. She coach would asked me to do. One also has a eight-year-old daughter, Kanika. needs an athletic body. Balls are very How did you get into tenpin bowling? heavy, close to 16 pounds and you play with it for close to two hours a day. You I started as a recreational bowler have your injuries and you need need around 1999 along with my husband to do certain exercises. and some friends (in Bangalore). We later got to know that it is an How is India faring in this game now? established sport as it is part of Asian Fairly well. International coaches are games, world championships etc. I coming to India to train (our players). In started training seriously in 2003. all international championships, India My husband invited World Tenpin is taken seriously, which was not the Bowling Federation president, who case earlier. In the world cup, we are in was a Malaysian of Tamil-Indian the top 24. But this is not sufficient, we origin. This helped in bringing need more infrastructure. noted coach Holloway Cheah. After observing me, he said I For the full interview go online have talent. And from then on, Abhishek Angad there was no looking back. abhishekangad@citizenmatters.in
Pratima in Action. Pic: Pratima
The quiet balancing act D
espite helpful husbands, supportive families, daycares and maids, working mothers walk a thin line between children, home and work. “One of the problems is that the primary responsibility of childcare still falls on the woman due to our conditioning,” is how HSR Layoutbased corporate lawyer Dhanya Menon puts it, adding that “unless men are equally responsible for every aspect of childcare, it can get emotionally draining for women.” And draining it is. Shalini S, a business development manager, rushes home from Koramangala to Rajajinagar every evening to throw herself into housework because all through the day she is “acutely aware” that her “very helpful in-laws” are looking after the house and her toddler daughter. In between the feeding-readingbathing-putting daughter to sleep routine, Shalini finishes household chores and sometimes sits a few hours into the night, finishing office work. Got feedback on our articles? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 615
This isn’t unusual, say many working moms. “No matter what the nature of your work or hours, the truth is that no dad, unless he’s raising children single handedly, does as much running around as a mom,” believes Ameeta. This isn’t a dads versus moms story. Citizen Matters spoke to working mothers across various fields in Bengaluru and tried to figure out the pressures and challenges they faced. And most importantly, what the solutions were. One thing that remains common is that despite knowing the apparent difficulties and time management problems it may bring, most middle class professional women work out of choice and because they have both education and the inclination for it. Excerpt from the online article
Reshmi Chakraborty
Vol-4 Issue-12 14 - 27 July 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 7
craft Corner
Fun with craft
This article is part of Itsy Bitsy crafts popularisation initiative and is accompanied by the advertisement on the following page. Rashmi Closepet is a founder of Itsy Bitsy.
8 CITIZEN MATTERS 14 - 27 July 2012 Vol-4 Issue-12
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Vol-4 Issue-12 14 - 27 July 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 9
women’s special
The unseen business women of Bengaluru O
ver the last two skills to take up decades, women white collar jobs, from lower middle but are already class and poor families exposed to skills in the city have been like handcrafting starting their own or tailoring, which small businesses. they build on, to Mostly, this is to meet start businesses.” basic necessities and Dhanavanti says to educate children. that around Their products or 25,000 women Sudha Rajashekhar, 42, set up a canteen six months back. services include Right- Mathi heads an SHG in Srirampuram slum. Pics: Navya P K from BPL families handcrafted jewellery, and over 30,000 food processing, cloth employs five women. She usually from middle class bags, vegetable vending etc. Many sells the pieces by setting up stalls families come to AWAKE annually sell their products in exhibition stalls, in exhibitions across the state. She for entrepreneurship counselling. while some supply to local retail attends 1-2 exhibitions “The recent trend outlets. per month and earns a is that women who monthly profit of Rs Shubha’s coconut jewellery Shubha B K, 29, makes ‘coconut do outsourced work 5,000-6,000. set, a pendant and pair of jewellery’. She collects coconut shells gradually move on earrings fetches Rs 80, of from her neighbourhood and from to manufacturing Latha Krishnamurthy, which Rs 15-20 is paid to some hotels for this. Four years ago, and selling their another entrepreneur, the worker; excluding other Shubha underwent a short training own products,” has been in business costs, profit would come to session at AWAKE (Association of she says. Many for the last 15 years. Rs 30-40 per set. Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka), underprivileged Latha gets cloth women use an NGO that helps women start material sourced from government schemes and subsidised businesses. Shubha, a resident of Tamilnadu at cheap price, stitches loans from national banks for this. Byadarahalli, has two children aged night gowns and supplies these to nine and six; her husband is an LIC outlets in Chickpet, Cottonpet etc. But this is not easy for all - lack of agent. She makes profit of Rs 1000-2000 per information about loan schemes and month. lack of assets to pledge as collateral She struggled for the first three for loans prevent many women from years, making jewellery by hand. Dhanavanti Jaiin, President of accessing loans. With money saved over the years, AWAKE, says that the number of small she bought four machines at a women entrepreneurs has been cost of Rs 50,000 last year and now >>Continued on page 15>> rising. “Many women do not have the
KORAMANGALA
FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 5-14
10 CITIZEN MATTERS 14 - 27 July 2012 Vol-4 Issue-12
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cm special
Women still prefer crowds to quiet It’s one of the swankiest parts of town, but women still don’t feel safe here. Jyothi Nivas College Road for example, is considered risky at night.
I take my car. Even in a car, I go to places like restaurants and come back directly,” says Ambika Priya, 35, resident of Koramangala 6th block.
Malls and coffee shops popular The hangouts for most women were malls, restaurants, branded coffee outlets and pubs. Many avoid hanging around for long in spaces like roadside stalls, playgrounds etc. “In these places I have to be conscious of what I wear, about people staring at me, how they judge me etc. In malls I do not have to worry,” says Ngaitlang Mary Tariang, 32, psychiatric social worker.
File pic
A
nkita Mehta, 24, rarely goes out after 9.30 at night, even with friends. Ankita, a media person, lives near BDA Complex in Koramangala 3rd block. Her self-imposed curfew is because of street harassment that is common in this area. While many men hang around the complex, right from 7 pm onwards, hooting and passing comments, this gets worse after 9 pm when the shops close down. “Street lighting in this area are poor. Even if I go out with friends, I get back by 9.30 pm. I have to reach home early only because this area is not safe,” says Ankita. Koramangala and HSR Layout have many such pockets that women avoid. Jyothi Nivas College (JNC) Road, for instance, was rated as unsafe by most women that Citizen Matters spoke to. The road is a haven for college women only in the mornings. But it is considered unsafe at night because of the many pubs and correspondingly high
number of drunken men along the road.
Also lack of clean and accessible public toilets is a problem especially for those with children. Ambika says the Koramangala Reserve Police park she visits, does not have toilets for children. “Because of this, I cannot spend too much time there with my daughter,” says Ambika.
Buses preferred
Also, women generally avoid Most women prefer buses rather alighting from buses in areas like than autos at night Silk Board junction if alone; autos and Koramangala Police Station numbers are considered Water Tank Koramangala: 22942570 risky as there junction since Madivala: 22942568 are chances of HSR Layout: 22943467/ 22943474 these areas are too deserted or have Adugodi Police Station: 22942573 being threatened, sexually harassed, drunk men around. being overcharged With better lighting and plenty of or refusing to ply to some areas. people, areas near Forum Mall and Rashi Varshney wants more buses 60 feet road in Koramangala 5th from the major local terminal stops block are considered safer. to nearby areas. Owning a vehicle seems to make a Despite all this, women opine big difference. “After 7 pm, I am not that stalking and harassment is confident of going out alone unless comparatively less in Koramangala,
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probably because it is more cosmopolitan. But it might be a long time before women can call every public space their own, without worry and without careful scheduling of late night outings.
Navya P K
Pic: Navya P K
Navya@citizenmatters.in
Vol-4 Issue-12 14 - 27 July 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 11
women’s special
Screening can save women with Breast cancer!
I
n 2008, according to WHO, 4,58,000 deaths were caused by breast cancer worldwide. Cancer Registry, Bangalore estimates a 2.7% annual increase in breast cancer, for the period 1982-2005 (ICMR Report). In India every year, one lakh new cases are diagnosed, 50% of them in advanced stage.
Myths Only women get breast cancer Most breast lumps are cancerous Breast cancer occurs in older women only We know what causes Breast Cancer
Some important trends over the years are S hift in cancer incidence to younger age, that are more aggressive. etection at a late stage: In D USA, 89% of women with breast cancer have a 5 year survival rate (a benchmark for control of cancer). In India, the corresponding figure
Butterflies
in my garden Your little garden is not just for your plants. It supports a lot of animal life too. Do you see butterflies and birds in your garden?
Pic: Vinita Suryanarayanan
Fact Men can also be diagnosed with it Only a few lumps are Younger women are also susceptible No. We know only the risk factors
risk. H istory of radiation.
exposure
to
T aking hormonal pills like oestrogen, progestins/ birth control pills increases susceptibility. B reastfeeding your baby longer reduces the risk.
It is obvious that early detection of cancer, and Col (Retd.) Dr Mukul Saxena meticulous treatment can improve survival. Earlier, is approximately 69%. The self examination by women difference is due to the late used to be highly recommended. detection of cancer in India. This However, research has shown that means that at least 20% more it did not result in decreased death women with breast cancer can rates. It was also reported that it led survive, if cancer is detected to more invasive procedures, for early. benign diseases. Self examination History of breast cancer in is gradually being replaced by the siblings, or mother, increases concept of breast awareness. health matters
Try this – close your eyes and describe the image that comes to mind on hearing the word ‘garden’. I tried this with my family while writing this piece and was surprised to hear the different responses that emerged.
some species will rely on only one or two plant species for survival. Adult butterflies are nectar feeders. Include a variety of nectar producing plants. Mix four or five different species as a hedge around the garden. On a Chlorophyll conversations terrace this could For my 6-yearmean planting vinita suryanarayanan old, it was all a row of pots about brightly with different coloured flowers species that could include a and toys, her father spoke of multivitamin plant, fig, flowering cobbled pathways, birds chirping bushes like Jasmine, Anota or some berry producing species. and greenery all around. For me, the word ‘garden’ always brings to Grouped pots create a humid micro-climate that will attract mind an image of butterflies flitting wildlife. around lots of plants in bright Long grass provides an excellent sunshine! habitat for grasshoppers, beetles Some ideas to support wildlife in and insects and is an important food source for caterpillars and an urban garden butterflies. So those with lawns The female butterfly is usually very could think of leaving a section of selective in the plant she chooses it uncut! to lay her eggs on and this will be If space permits, one could also add different for each species. Cosmos, a small water feature and introduce Lantana, Marigold etc attract them. frogs/toads in the garden. Butterflies are fussy eaters and
12 CITIZEN MATTERS 14 - 27 July 2012 Vol-4 Issue-12
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EDITORIAL
Fifty percent of us are women. And there is a Women's Day, yes. Yet, there are scores of stories about the struggles, achievements, journeys, and worries of women in our cities. We cannot cram all these into a paper just on Women's Day. So for our part at Citizen Matters, as the city's premier newsmagazine, we simply decided to dedicate this issue on the theme. And we found plenty to report to you. - Editors
Bangalore’s own interactive newsmagazine
Citizen Matters edit@citizenmatters.in 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 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.
Gender equality begins at home
M
any of us may not pay attention to women related topics, unless we spend a consciencepricked hour watching Satyameva Jayate. But much of society’s attitude is reflected in our homes. Here are a few things to internalise as parents. If you are already there, more power to you!
Find your children strong women role models
Let them watch Indira Nooyi talk on Youtube. Tell them about India’s leading women boxer, Mary Kom, a medal hope in the 2012 London Olympics.
Fathers and mothers, set an example
Share your home chores with each other and set Be a feminist! an example for your child. Chances are, you don’t see Remember, tomorrow, yourself as a your son is feminist. You “Feminism is the not going may retort, radical notion that to live in a men and women are people.” society where women are - Gloria Naylor somebody will not the same. pick up after The thing is feminism is him. You would not want not an alien concept. It is your daughter to live in a just about agreeing men society which expects her and women are politically, pick up after others. Teach socially and economically your son and daughter to equal. cook.
Don’t pamper
Don’t pamper your son or daughter all the time. Especially, don’t pamper your son more than your daughter. Teach them life skills and make them strong. Just like it is important to leave a better world for our kids, we need to leave better kids for the world!
Question stereotyped roles in media There are few TV shows and movies with independent or strong women characters. Think about how your children can overcome such biases and influences.
Meera K edit@citizenmatters.in
pickup points for Citizen matters
HSR LAYOUT
HSR CLUB
17TH Cross
M K AHMED BAZAR 17TH Cross
SWAGAT DEPT. STORE 9th Main
RUSH PHARMA 9th Main 7th Sector
ANDHRA SPICE
14th Main, 17th Cross
AM ENTERPRISES
Opp Nagarjuna green ride Apt.
SHIVA SAGAR DARSHINI 19th Main
SRI SHAKTI RESTAURANT
BDA complex 14th Main
EASY BUY SUPER MARKET
Ashwini Layout
SUPRIYA DEPT STORE
1st Block Koramangala
24th Main
16th Main, 22nd Cross
KORAMANGALA
LITTLE ITALY Near Forum
GANESH MEDICALS 24th Main
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
A M Medicals
Somya Stationery’s
1st Block Koramangala
The French Loaf
80ft road, 4th Block, Koramangala
Madurai idly shop
NAMDHARIS
Koramangala 6th Block
UDUPI UPAHAR
7th Block Koramangala
Below Nagarjuna green 80 Feet Road ride Apt.
education
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TANDOOR POINT
7th Main, 1st Block
FOOD CHARIOT
HEALTH & Nutrition SRINIVASA DENTAL CARE CENTRE Dr. VISHWAS # 383, 8th main, 7th cross, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd stage, Opp to HDFC ATM, Bangalore76. Ph:41201345, 9845195605. Multi specialist Dental clinic & Implant Centre.
New shanti sagar Krishna Upahar
80ft road Koramangala
classifieds CHILDRENS DENTAL CLINIC DR. NERAJA RAJU Consultant Pedodontist. For appointment : 9845195605, 41201345. Address: # 383, 8th main, 7th cross, Opp to HDFC ATM, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd stage, Bangalore-76
Vol-4 Issue-12 14 - 27 July 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 13
women’s special
Light on your pocket, heavy in your tummy This time we pick two restaurants, run by women, that don’t cost a bomb to eat in and serve some great food.
B
ored of going to cafes very often? How about trying a ‘teafe’? Chaipatty Teafe in Koramangala will definitely not disappoint you. Aromas of hot pakodas and Maggi
Plain soda & Green Apple Soda. Pic: Anisha Nair
home, the variety available here vegetable, egg, chicken and exotica, will compel you to try it out. The food ought to taste good when it comes with the suffix ‘delicious’. Gobilicious, Cheesilicious, Pa n e e r i l i c i o u s . . . Tr u l y delicious. Well, it does not stop here. The desi and English breakfast is also very popular here. So every time you visit, you will want to try different items!
parathas and the other has a list of frankies (chapathis rolls), pizzas, pav bhaji and much more! The taste of tomato g a r l i c paratha a n d mushroom paratha (Rs 15 each) is sure to linger in your
Schezwan Frankie. Pic: Anisha Nair
memory for long. Mushroom Paratha. noodles The delicious Pic: Anisha Nair welcome you. The S c h e z w a n place has floor level seating giving a Average Frankie that homely comfortable feeling. cost costs just Rs 10 There is a mural of the ‘Last Supper’ for two will surely make is `200. on one wall, only everybody is you very happy. Homemade Pineapple Alcohol is not served drinking chai and not wine. On pastry. Pic: Anisha Nair As the name says, here. The room also has a shelf neatly the sodas surely will lift up stacked with junk jewellery, cups If you are near Hanumanthnagar your bubbly spirit! Just select your and handmade kettles that are up and you crave for some simple favourite flavour from the syrups for sale. ‘home cooked’ north Indian food, that are lined up over the fridge Taja Masala Soda is the place to The hospitality was outstanding! and keep gulping to your heart’s head to. Pushpa Yadav, the woman behind content! this cosy teafe, makes sure you feel This tiny place more than makes up Average cost for two is `100 Alcohol at home. for lack of space with its great food is not served here. and even better prices. Don’t forget to try the Kullad Chaipatty: 1024, 7th Main, 80 Feet Road, 1st Chai at this place. It is the Block, Koramangala. Ph: 41534140, Mamtha Prabhu, speciality of Chaipatty. And 9900182596 the woman who what can be a better Taja Masala Soda: runs the shop, companion to tea #28/2, Mount Joy road, welcomes you than Pakodas? The Hanumantha Nagar. Ph: with a bright 9900252146 hot masaledaar smile and pakodas are our Citizen Matters reviews the hands out a favourite pick restaurants anonymously and couple of menu pays for the meals. here. And no matter cards. One menu Pav-Bhaji. Pic: how many times you Anisha Nair has the variety of Nagashree Gururaj anisha@citizenmatters.in make Maggi noodles at 14 CITIZEN MATTERS 14 - 27 July 2012 Vol-4 Issue-12
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Stree, Shakti and books W
check outs
The bookstore reaches out to the many newly started women’s studies centres, colleges, women’s universities and documentation centres in and outside Bangalore. It also organises books and poetry readings, bimonthly meetings on issues concerning to the women’s movements and related to women’s studies.
arning: This bookstore is not a place for the coochie-cooing love stories. It’s Streelekha, which literally means ‘Women’s Writings’. Since its founding in the 1980s, Streelekha has established itself as a soughtafter reference and resource centre in the country for those in search of information on gender related issues and other social movements. It is the first feminist bookstore in Asia and also provides the facility of a library. Streelekha is housed in the same building as Vimochana, an NGO working for women’s rights. The large room, like the rest of the building, has exposed brick construction with plenty of natural light seeping in. The collection caters to those who are just curious about women’s writings to scholars. Streelekha provides research material pertaining to women’s movements and women’s writings to colleges and universities across India. “The writings and women’s studies these days is much more serious than it was in the eighties, when Streelekha started,” says Kalpana Chakravarthy who runs and manages the store.
<<Continued from page 10<<
The unseen business women of Bengaluru Mathi, 38, President of the Self Help Group (SHG), Sri Sri Chamundeswari Mahila Swasahaya Sangha in Srirampura slum, says that her group is interested in scaling up, but is wary of taking the risk. The group currently does tailoring, diya-decoration etc. that are outsourced to it by the NGO Suruchi, with which it earns Rs 10,000-15,000 per month. Suruchi procures orders and sends material to the group, and reimburses the labour cost alone per individual. Within a year, individual members of the group have been able to pay off their earlier debts. The group lends money to members for marriage, higher studies etc. Mathi says the group is not yet confident of taking loans to start its own bag manufacturing unit. Even if she starts a business, Mathi says, she will have to procure materials, pay salaries to employees and sell products. “I have no exposure to any of these, so I do not want to take the risk. If I make enough money to invest in a business myself, I may start off something.”
Navya P K
Visitors to this bookstore are mostly from the activist and NGO communities, research institutions, colleges and universities, the media, art and literary circles, professionals like lawyers and counselors, and government departments including the bureaucracy. Streelekha has also ventured into publishing in English and Kannada recently. So the next time you think of reading some books on feminism or research on women’s movements from the past, rush to Streelekha and you will find it all! Address: #33/1-9, Thyagaraja Layout, MS Nagar Post, Jai Bharath Nagar. Ph: 25492783
News Desk
Citizen Matters’ Living in Bengaluru book launching in August Citizen Matters is a few weeks away from the debut of our first book ‘Living in Bengaluru’ targeting city residents and recent settlers. Getting anything from the local government authorities, for instance - birth and death certificates or khatas - is paved with trouble. The processes involved even in simple government-related tasks can make one’s head spin… and actually knowing what to expect and what you need before you go to the government office is highly helpful, in getting things done in time and without a bribe. This nearly 150 page book, laced with questions, answers, examples and pictures will make your life easier. A bonus is the special section with key facts about city landmarks with a touch of culture and history. Book Price: `99 Stay tuned for our launch announcement and events Call: 9845506477 if you’d like to advance reserve a copy.
navya@citizenmatters.in
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Vol-4 Issue-12 14 - 27 July 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 15
see & do Workshop Theatre workshop Free theatre workshop for working candidates. Sankula 3G Theatre, Kumara Swamy Layout | Sat 14 Jul, 9am
Sunday 22 July, 5 pm Ananya Sabhangana, 91/2, 4th Main, Malleswaram A violin duet by Mysore M Nagaraj and Mysore M Manjunath Ph:2521 5525, Indira Nagar Sangeetha Sabha | Sat 14 Jul, 6pm
Carnatic vocal concert by T V Science Utsav demo Sankaranarayanan Free science demo classes for kids The Indian Heritage Academy Hall, aged between seven and 14 years. Koramangala | Sun 15 Jul, 4:15pm Ph: 9945313269 Centenary celebrations of #627, 1st floor, 1st B main road, Mridangam Vidwan Palghat Mani 7th block, Jayanagar (W), Near Iyer Yediyurkere, Behind Concerts and Srushti hospital | Sun talks, presented 15 Jul An Evening of Kannada by Percussive Art Poetry hosted by Pratibha Center Woodworking Nandakumar workshop Illustrated Talk by Atta Galatta, 75, 2nd Main, Dr.T K Murthy on Understanding 1st Block, Koramangala 'Reminiscences of wood and the craft Ph:30181626 | Sat, Jul 14, 6pm Palghat Mani Iyer (5 of carpentry or pm, 16 July) woodworking, with a special emphasis Seminar on on materials. Ph no: 9902059328 Thalavadyas on ‘Palghat Ts Mani Iyer – Bani, Memories And Footprints’ with Esthete Studio/Factory, #24, 7th presentations by Palghat TR Rajamani Main(Cross), Tavarekere Main Road, & TR Rajaraman (10 am 21 July) Opposite "Zenith", Behind HDFC ATM, Look out for Karnataka Wood and Ply. Bangalore Gayana Samaja, KR Road | Sun, Jul 29, 10am to 12:30pm July 15 to 22. Workshop on organic terrace gardening Vittal Mallya Scientific Research Foundation, BTM II Stage, Bengaluru | Sat 21 Jul, 10am to 4pm Photography Workshop by PeeVee Sat 21 Jul, 10am to 4pm, Sun 22 Jul, 7am to 1pm, Ph:30181626, Atta Galatta, 1st Block, Koramangala
Music
Hindustan and Karnatak Music Programmes Hindustani Vocal recital by Sajala Sinha and M Nagesh Karnatic Vocal Recital by Dr. B.R. Padmanabha Rao Sitar Recital by Vijay Gonhal
Sports
SportsMeet-Bangalore Former International and Asian AllStar footballer, Chitra Gangadharan on Indian women in Sports and International Disabled Cricketer, Vijay Kant sharing his experience on the recently concluded Pakistan tour. Ph: Subhajyoti Banerjee: 9008299122 Christ College, Hosur Road | Sat 21 Jul
Exhibition
Exhibition of handcrafted bags and silver jewellery Ph:3018 1626, Atta Galatta, 75, 1st Block, Koramangala | Fri 20 Jul to Sat 21 Jul
16 CITIZEN MATTERS 14 - 27 July 2012 Vol-4 Issue-12
Theatre Indo-French theatre festival Alliance Française de Bangalore P.B. 108, Thimmaiah Road Vasanthanagar | Sat 21 Jul, 3pm to Thu 26 Jul, 7pm
Shabana Azmi In "Broken Images" Ph no: 42064969 Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Vyalikaval, Malleshwaram, Thu 19 Jul | 7:30 PM Rangashankara Plays 15 Sun, Anabhigna Shakuntala (K), 100 mins (also at 3.30 pm) 17 Tue, Mooji Muttu Mooji Loka (K), 90 mins 18 Wed, 19 Thu, Rathnan Prapancha (K), 80 mins 20 Fri, Gundaayana (K), 90 mins 21 Sat, AHA! International Theatre for Children Festival (E), 90 mins 22 Sun, Duck, Death and Tulip (E), 60 mins 29 Sun, Nam Thimthana (K), 90 mins (also at 3.30 pm) 31 Tue, Gangavatharana (K), 90 mins Rangashankara, 8th Cross, Nt To Post Off, JP Nagar, Phase II, Ph: 2649 3982. LIST your event free! Submit your events online www.citizenmatters.in or mail events@citizenmatters.in
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HAPPENING
Reuse - Recycle mela this weekend C
itizen Matters in association with ‘Second to none’ (220) is organising a ‘Reuse and Recycle mela’ this weekend at BTM Layout. 220 is an online community focused on the concept of Reduce-Recycle-Reduce waste. The flea market on Sunday, July 15th, will provide a platform to buy second hand and upcycled articles. Upcycling refers to converting useless or waste into valuable products. There will be a bit of everything from used books, electronic items, clothes and home decor knick knacks. ‘Don’t discard, reuse, don’t throw, recycle’ will be the buzz phrase this weekend. 220 member Shreeparvathi Tharavath is bringing old cassettes, CDs and unused shirts. Zehra Rafiq will be bringing candle holders, photo frames and lampshades made of refurbished teak and rosewood. In addition to the used goods sections,
that are a staple feature at all Second To None markets, this mela also features donation boxes, knowledge corners and food stalls.
The Gift Your Organ Foundation will share information and how-to of organ donation - the ultimate reuse concept! The NGO Let’s Live Together will bring pups for adoption.
NGOs like Toybank and Samarthanam will be present with 11 am - 5 pm, Sunday, 15th July You can also learn and share your their collection AICOBO Grounds, BTM 1st ideas on living a boxes to accept old Stage, Next to Adyar Ananda clothes, books, toys Bhavan. sustainable and small eco-footprint etc. Toybank is a For details, call 9886754908 life, at the Green group of volunteers Tips corner. The best who collect old toys, original tips will get a gift voucher giftwrap and present them to children from Rentoys.in, an online toy rental who cannot afford to buy them, while portal. The Alternative, a social sector Samarthanam supports people with portal will present 25 best ideas on disability. upcycling. Saahas, an NGO working on waste The event is sponsored by Zopnow, an management will take in e-waste. online hypermarket. “We look forward Saahas volunteers along with Akshay to being a part of green lifestyle which Yadav, a member of the Solid Waste Bangaloreans are adopting,” says B K Management Round Table, will Birla, founder of Zopnow. explain all about waste segregation and recycling. news desk
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Vol-4 Issue-12 14 - 27 July 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 17
last word
Wait, till you have kids of your own! Y ou know how it goes. You’re sitting in a movie hall, watching Kahaani and Vidya Balan is almost being pushed in the path of a speeding train when wyaaaaaa, goes the toddler, sitting with his parents, behind you. And all you can think is, why do parents need to get children along for movies?
You do have a thought there but hold on for a second, especially if children aren’t part of the picture in your life at this moment. Once they are around, you may often have to eat words spoken in the pre-child era. Here are my top five: I’ll never raise my voice: Yes, I know. I actually thought such stuff throughout the time I was expecting the first one. The resolution lasted for about six months. Ok we shall make that a year before I get banned from these pages forever .
I’ll be completely hands on. Why do people need maids when they have taken a conscious decision to have kids and raise them. There’s nothing better than being a hands on mother. But it isn’t a rule set in
confessionS of a second time mom
Reshmi Chakraborty stone. If you need help there’s no harm in finding someone good and handing over some of the chores. I’ll never force my children to do things they don’t want to. Yes I won’t. So on mornings when the brat says, Ma I don’t want to go to
18 CITIZEN MATTERS 14 - 27 July 2012 Vol-4 Issue-12
school today, I’m feeling lazy, I’ll just wrap him in an extra soft blanket, draw the curtains back and say, “Sure darling. I won’t force you. Go back to sleep.” I’ll never compare my children with others. Yes you probably don’t. Or try not to consciously. But it seeps in some way or the other. Unconsciously. I’ll never let my kid create a nuisance in a public place. Good thought but sometimes easier said than implemented. You may have a toddler at home with reasonably good table manners but take him to a restaurant, on your once in five months dinner outing and that’s the day he decides to play Dennis the Menace. So hold that thought. You never know when it may come back to haunt you.
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