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So why did lawyers really go on strike? 11
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Vol-4 Issue-04
24Mar- 6Apr 2012
Citizen Matters Vol-4 Issue-04, 24Mar- 6Apr 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.
Treating Keratoconus without surgery What is Keratoconus? Keratoconus is a progressive condition affecting the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. The precise shape of the cornea’s curve allows it to act as a lens, projecting an image into the eye. The cornea is made up of bundles of protein called ‘collagen’. These bundles are normally held tightly together by chemical links between the collagen strands. This ensures that the shape of the cornea is constant. In a keratoconic cornea, the normal chemical links between collagen strands are deficient, causing the cornea to be unusually elastic. The pressure inside the eye then pushes the cornea into a distorted, conical shape. This spoils the quality of the image projected into the eye, and the vision becomes progressively blurred. Keratoconus affects about 1 in 7000 people.
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How is keratoconus treated? Glasses may be sufficient in the early stages of keratoconus, but contact lenses are needed when the cornea becomes so misshapen that glasses are no longer effective in correcting vision. Although soft contact lenses can sometimes be used, contact lenses for keratoconus are usually ‘hard’ gaspermeable lenses. Hard lenses are not always comfortable and may only be worn for a limited number of hours each day. In some cases, the corneal shape becomes too distorted even for contact lenses to help. Also, scarring may develop, causing vision to become clouded. At this stage, a corneal
transplant is usually needed. Corneal transplantation is a major surgery and carries significant risks. The transplant stops the keratoconus progressing and provides a clear window into the eye. However, the shape of the cornea is usually far from perfect. Some people will see adequately with glasses after corneal transplantation, but most will still need contact lenses to see well. Corneal transplants do not last forever and the procedure may have to be repeated every 15 year or so. Keratoconus is a progressive condition affecting the cornea which assumes a distorted, conical shape. This causes vision to become progressively blurred. Corneal collagen cross linking with riboflavin (C3-R) is the only non-surgical treatment that is proven to prevent the progression of keratoconus, and it may even be able to reverse the condition to some extent.
Is there a treatment? Corneal Collagen Cross linking with Riboflavin (C3-R) is the only nonsurgical treatment that is proven to prevent the progression of keratoconus, and it may even be able to reverse the condition to some extent. How does C3-R help? This treatment encourages the formation of normal chemical links between the collagen protein strands in the cornea. This makes the cornea more rigid and will stop the keratoconus from progressing in 97% of the cases. The treatment can even cause the keratoconus to reverse to some extent. C3-R may prevent the need for contact lenses if performed early on. Even
where contact lenses are already needed, C3-R can eliminate the need for corneal transplantation. No other treatment for keratoconus can offer this; C3-R is unique. Current evidence is that the effects of treatment are permanent. Who is suitable for C3-R ? Anyone with progressive keratoconus is potentially suitable. Patients with very advanced keratoconus or whose vision is already spoiled by scarring will usually not be good candidates for the procedure. The earlier the treatment is done, the better, but C3-R can still be beneficial decades after keratoconus has begun to develop. To find out how you might benefit from corneal collagen cross linking with riboflavin (C3R), contact our Cornea Specialist at Shekar Nethralaya. How is C3-R keratoconus treatment performed ? C3-R keratoconus treatment is a safe, painless procedure with minimal discomfort afterwards; maybe a slight feeling of grittiness for the first 24 hours. The treatment involves absorbing riboflavin eye-drops into the cornea and then bathing the surface of the eye in a very specific wavelength of light. The combination of the light and riboflavin causes chemical bonds to form within the cornea, increasing its rigidity and stability. The whole process is a walk in-walk out procedure that takes about two hours. After the procedure, a protective soft contact lens is worn for about 48 hours, and eye drops need to be used four times daily for five days and then twice daily for the next four weeks.
Dr Vidyashankar G K Senior Consultant at Shekar Nethralaya Expert in LASIK and Cataract
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
Koramangala & HSR LaYout
NGV residents unaware
of Fire safety equipment Left:National Games Village, Ghataprabha block of NGV. Right: Fire safety installations at NGV Pic: Anisha Nair
National Games Village (NGV) was built in 1997 and fire safety equipments were installed at the time. But 15 years on, most residents still do not know where these are located or how to use them. Meera Rajesh, a resident of NGV says, “I am not aware of any fire safety equipment being installed in our apartment society. I don’t think there
are any at all.” Those who are aware of the equipments say no safety drills have been conducted in all these years. Capt. Prahraj, President of Tungabhadra block, NGV, says, “the fire safety equipment is installed in every building, but residents are not aware of it since no fire safety drills or demonstrations have been carried out. We don’t know how to use the equipment in times of need.” The fire department blames it on the lack of staff to conduct mock drills. Shivakumar, IG, Fire services said, “We are lacking staff right now. Once we get additional staff and officials, we will conduct fire safety mock drills in National Games Village.”
Anisha Nair
‘We are always in fear’ Women in Bengaluru are asked to fend for themselves when it comes to protection from sexual harassment. With more working women moving in from other cities, many paying guest (PG) accommodation and hostels have come up in areas like Jayanagar and Koramangala. These young women are complaining of sexual harassment closer to where they live. Ankita Mehta, 24, a media employee and a resident of Koramangala 3rd Block, blames lack of streetlights for the situation. She says, “we face a lot of harassment in our lane, especially because there are fewer street lights functioning. Sometimes the caretaker of our PG brings some men (friends) inside. We are always in fear of something terrible happening to us.” Anju Menon, 26, a software engineer, another resident of Koramangala, explains why they don’t lodge a complaint, “the police ask us questions like who were they and what did they do and so Continued on Page 9
Vol-4 Issue-04 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 5
Koramangala & HSR LaYout
Nobel Prize winner visits Kaikondrahalli lake Last month, Kaikondrahalli lake on Sarjapura road had a distinguished visitor, Nobel Prize winner for Economics, 2009, Elinor Ostrom. She was here to see the results of collective action in Bangalore lakes.
communities step in to conserve. Having heard of the citizens initiative at Kaikondrahalli lake, Elinor who was in Bangalore for the Khoshoo Memorial Lecture at ATREE, decided to visit the lake and plant a tree.
Elinor along with Harini Nagendra, urban ecology coordinator, ATREE, Bengaluru, has been working to understand when exactly
Citizen Matters queried the Nobel prize winner, excerpts:
There is increasing volunteering from well-heeled citizens to protect lakes as
Dr Elinor Ostrom planting the tree at Kaikondrahalli Lake. Pic: Priya Ramasubban
Elinor Ostrom, a professor from Indiana University, is the first woman to win the prize in economics, which has been awarded since 1969. This is an achievement that honors a lifetime of groundbreaking research and teaching. open spaces. Do you feel this is the way to the future in terms of protecting the commons? Well, sure, but not for all urban commons. Citizen action on its own will find it hard to be effective against large-scale challenges such as pollution, without government support. There is also a potential problem with equity. As soon as you require compliance with a set of community devised rules, disproportionate distributions of benefits and costs are likely to happen, with the poor or disadvantaged being especially affected. NEWSDESK
Residents’ concerns imaginary, says BDA On March 20th, BDA filed its objections in High Court on the Agara-Sirsi Circle signal free corridor PIL. Koramangala 3rd block RWA and others had filed the case last month, specifically asking for work in four Koramangala junctions to be stopped. (Details of this petition were published in our last edition.) At several places in its objections filing, BDA has gone so far as to say that residents’ concerns are imaginary. BDA has presented copies of approvals for the project given by Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) of both BBMP and BDA. BDA says that traffic and feasibility studies were implicit in the TAC approvals and the DPRs. BBMP made a DPR for the entire corridor
and handed over the project to BDA. After this, BDA made DPRs for the four Koramangala junctions and started work. BDA states this in response to petitioners’ argument that making a DPR for only four junctions is unscientific. Residents cannot use their ‘private’ traffic survey to find fault with BDA’s ‘scientific’ survey, and the decision to prioritise four junctions is a policy matter, says BDA. BDA says that petitioners’ elevated corridor proposal cannot be accepted as there are many junctions along the stretch, and also because it is not financially viable. In the December meeting, Chief Minister had only agreed to look into the project and not stop
6 CITIZEN MATTERS 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-04
it. (Residents had said that CM had given verbal assurance to stop the project.) BDA says it has already considered residents’ proposals and denies that the project would affect road capacity or Koramangala’s residential character. Even if Sarjapur road traffic is caused by congestion in Hosur road and Inner Ring Road, the current design is the only viable solution, it says. BDA also took a jab at residents, saying they also have a personal interest in objecting to the project. Many of them park vehicles on the service road along the junctions, says BDA. Next hearing of the case is on March 28th.
Navya P K
local matters
‘Any civic agency works well, provided we use it’ Accompanying the pourakarmikas on Excerpts from her interview the road while they collect garbage What does CMCA do? and taking active part in inculcating civic awareness in the citizens of CMCA usually starts a civic club in Bengaluru is her favourite the schools, and thing to do. She is one a volunteer from Nimma of the earliest residents CMCA who is called neighbour of Koramangala. Sheela a civic tutor goes Ladha, 50, has been a to the school every very active volunteer with Children’s week to take a lesson for that group Movement for Civic Awareness of children. We have a curriculum that (CMCA) for the past three years. This we follow which includes civic sense, civic minded homemaker feels that rights and responsibilities, democracy the city has grown old with her and and active citizenship. she, with the city in the past two As a volunteer, I am associated with decades. Bethany school for last three years. I go over there as a civic tutor.
We like to see plays, so we frequent Rangashankara theatre a lot. I also like to sit in Koramangala Swabhimana park and refresh myself.
What is that something positive that has helped changing the city for the better? Related to the civic issues, we have a very responsive government. We have proper help lines now, we have officers who attend to the phone
Agara-Iblur stretch
Trees go!
Trees on the Agara-Iblur stretch are being uprooted. The southern side of the road is already dug up for BWSSB pipeline work. This road is part of BDA’s signal free corridor project. BBMP’s roadwidening plans had earlier mentioned 189 trees were expected to be cut on the corridor. On contacting K Puttuswamy, PRO, BDA, he said, “I don’t have any idea, there are no trees in the Iblur road. Contact the executive engineer.” The executive engineer was not reachable. Newsdesk
Pic: Anisha Nair
calls. Whatever department it is, a very good response comes. Any civic agency like the BBMP, BWSSB, BMTC, etc, I feel it works very well in the city, provided we use it. Anisha Nair
check outs
Planning a birthday party?
Birthdays are not anymore a simple affair with a bunch of friends, cake, balloons and candles. Today, childrens’ birthday bashes can be quite a fancy event with everything from bouncing castles to magic shows, all managed by professionals. Hotels/party halls have tie ups with event management companies for the décor and theme of the party though it is optional. “The basic décor starts at Rs 3000, magic show at Rs 2,500, tattooing at Rs 1,500 and caricature at Rs 2,500”, says Srinivas N, an event manager. “My five year old son is always excited to go to a birthday party just for the games and return gifts, it’s a new concept, but kids enjoy a lot”, says Padmaja Vinod, 33, a housewife.
Here are few of the venues where your child’s birthday party can be celebrated: Magnolia, an authentic Chinese and Thai restaurant in Koramangala, is a fine place for celebrating birthdays. There is no Banquet hall but it can accommodate about 125 people in the restaurant itself. On weekdays, unlimited lunch buffet and dinner is priced at Rs 289 (inclusive of taxes) and Rs 369 (inc of taxes) per person. The hotel has both vegetarian and non vegetarian options. Nandhana Grand Hotel, a restaurant which also has banquet hall can accommodate about 250 people. It offers both lunch and dinner buffet at Rs 300 per person and the cuisines here are Indian and Continental. It has a great hall and
even a basic décor looks good. Little Italy, a restaurant in Koramangala is a trendy place for birthday parties. It offers Italian and Mexican cuisines. The buffet ranges from Rs 450 to Rs 600 (inc of taxes) per person, menu is according to your choice. It can accommodate around 100 to 125 people. Magnolia: #37, 80 Feet Road, 7th Cross 3rd Block, Above Reliance Fresh,Koramangala. Ph: 41102222 Nandhana Grand: #52, 60 Feet road, 6th block, Koramangala. Ph: 41858299 Little Italy: #32, near Forum Mall, Hosur Road, Koramangala. Ph: 41114034
Nagashree Gururaj
Pic: commons.wikimedia.org
8 CITIZEN MATTERS 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-04
‘Art connects with the soul directly’ “After studies, all I want to do is dance,” says Rohini Prabhath, 19, from Gandhi Bazaar, who is learning Kathak at Abhinava School of Dance for the past 12 years. The dance school is founded by internationally acclaimed Kathak and Bharathanatyam dancers, Nirupama Rajendra, 41 and T D Rajendra, 44. The Abhinava schools of dance along with Abhinava Dance Company are initiatives of Abhinava Arts Center, a non-profit trust based in Basavanagudi. Both Nirupama and Rajendra have been trained in Kathak and Bharathanatyam by renowned gurus and have been performing for more than two decades now. The duo has been awarded with prestigious Natya Mayuri and Natya Praveena respectively in 1998. It was a dance tour in the United Kindom, that seeded the idea to start a forum to help Indian culture reach out to the millions, through a way they both knew the best, dance. Subsequently they co-founded Abhinava Arts Center in 1994. As a part of Abhinava Arts Center, Abhinava School of Dance conducts training classes for Kathak and
Rajendra and Nirupama at their dance studio, where classes are conducted. Pic: Deepthi M S
The performance wing of the arts center is Abhinava Dance Company (ADC), a name which most people recognise in the international circuits. ADC has carved an niche in the art of composing dance sequences based on required themes for corporates. Bharathanatyam. “We have been fortunate to have been associated with dance for so long, we want
others to experience it too. It is more enjoyable when knowledge is shared”, says Rajendra, explaining purpose of starting a dance school. They train around 200 students coming from various parts of Bangalore, with age groups ranging from 7 to 45 years. “Art connects with the soul directly, it goes beyond religion, beyond the geographical boundaries. It connects at a deeper level,” says Nirupama, speaking of their experiences with western audiences.
Deepthi M S
Women feel unsafe in the neighbourhoods... Contd from Page 5
With increasing number of women coming in search of work from other cities, the cases of eve teasing and sexual harassment are on a high in Bangalore.
on. How are we going to notice a bike number in such darkness? So we think there is no point in complaining and humiliating ourselves.” Arun M, one of the PG owners in Koramangala says, “a lot of girls have come and told me about the harassment that is happening in the lanes. But (we can do) nothing
apart from asking the girls to be more careful.” Police on the other hand, say that they cannot take any suo moto action. Hanumanth A, inspector, Koramangala police station says, “nobody has registered any cases of women harassment or eve teasing so far.”
Anisha Nair
Vol-4 Issue-04 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 9
exclusive
Left to right: Anand Mangalam, Pradeep Nagaraj, Sunita K S. Pic: Abhishek Angad. Cover Credits: Pic: Abhishek Angad.
Residents survive BESCOM penalty shock, get it reversed Last month, around 400 residents under BESCOM’s S6 subdivision, JP Nagar, were in for a shock. Their bill reflected a penalty ranging from Rs 4000 to Rs 1.1 lakhs. Upon enquiry, they found out that the penalty was for not entering into an agreement with BESCOM at the time of shifting into LT3 consumer category. The overall penalty charges amounted to around Rs 43 lakhs. In May 2010, there was a major shifting of electricity installations from residential (LT2) to commercial (LT3) in the S6 subdivision of BESCOM. The department had earlier penalised residents who used to run their homes for commercial purposes such as paying guest houses, but had LT2 installations. Soon all residents changed their connection to LT3. Since then the electricity bill has reflected LT3 connection and commercial charges. Residents say they were not told about the agreement. Pradeep Nagaraja, 28, owner of a house in BTM layout who was penalised Rs 1 Lakh says, “the hitch was that in
the process of conversion from LT2 to LT3, there was a minor paperwork, of getting into an agreement at BESCOM for using LT3 connection. But it was not informed to us.” According to the process, there should be a notice sent stating the need for the agreement by registered post or by hand or should be stuck on the resident’s gates or walls, which should be clearly visible. But there was no notice. Neither was the connection cut off within three months, as specified by the KPTCL guidelines. Pradeep actively started looking for the solutions. It was during a customer interaction meeting when Anand Mangalam, part of the Indian Against Corruption group came to know that around 400 families had been affected due to this Back Billing Charges for no fault of theirs. Since there was no loss of revenue to BESCOM and it was more of a procedural lapse both on part of BESCOM and customer, he felt that a huge penalty was not justified and therefore they collectively approached the senior
10 CITIZEN MATTERS 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-04
BESCOM reacts positively BESCOM in a reply to the residents query, has asked the residents to log the complaints with the 24X7 helpline at 22873333 or email bescomcomplaints@gmail. com for faster and efficient response. The email also says “unless your complaint gets a docket number, it is out of our radar and hence left to the discretion of the local officer.” management of BESCOM. BESCOM MD P Mannivannan directed Superintendent Engineer (SE), South, Nagarjuna to re-verify the case. Nagarjuna’s internal investigations also proved there was no malafide intentions from the consumer side. Anand Mangalam says, “We got a stay on Back Billing Charges (BBC) within eight hours of e-mail sent to BESCOM-MD. We also received a prompt reply stating that SE, South has been assigned to investigate and reply within eight days. In ten days, I got a mail from MD BESCOM office approving the reversal of BBC. The consumers were extremely impressed by the agility and prompt response from BESCOM.” The residents however still await the formal response (hard copy) from BESCOM. C P Manjunath, Assistant Executive Engineer Electric, S6 , SubDivison, JP Nagar says, “we have prepared the drafts and just waiting for the internal communication to get the notice circulated among our employees and affected residents concerned.”
Abhishek Angad
Why lawyers locked down Bengaluru’s courts Just before pausing their twoweek agitation, lawyers of Karnataka have complained to the Chief Justice of India seeking action against Chief Justice of Karnataka - Vikramjit Sen - citing illegal acts against them.
cm special
Chief Justice of Karnataka. CJ has been demanding recall of the boycott before any action.
The lawyers are angry over the fact that none of the four High Court judges advised the Principal City Civil Judge and Sessions Judge to lodge a complaint after March 2nd Illustration: Sridhar C R. incident. Also, on a query made At the time of article going by an advocate to a judge of High Court, the court replied that ‘there was not to press lawyers decided to enough material to lodge a complaint call off the strike for few days when Home Minister against the police or the media’. It appears that the responses from higher judiciary have made lawyers feel left out. B T Venkatesh, advocate at the Karnataka High Court and Executive Director of Reach Law says that the police have not been registering cases lodged by lawyers. He adds that lawyers have pointed this out to the Chief Justice. “He seems not to have heard the same. He does not take any suo motu action”, says Venkatesh. Judges failed to lodge complaints, senior judges advised junior colleagues not to lodge complaints though cops abused 20 plus judges and beat one. Therefore we have complained to Chief Justice Of India and will continue our strike”, says Venkatesh.
for State R Ashoka ordered to transfer DCP(Central) G Ramesh and ACP K N Jitendranath. However, they are also demanding the resignation of R Ashoka. Also, a report submitted by DGP(CID) RK Dutta to home secretary stated that procedures were not followed during lathicharge on advocates on march 2nd. Lawyers say it is a wait-andwatch mode for some days and look forward for the government to take further action.
Lawyers who have boycotted civil, sessions and magistrate courts since March 2nd, tried filing a writ petition seeking action. But the case was not listed by the
Venkatesh further adds, “Everyday we are in the CJ’s court begging him to take some action but the judge treats us virtually like scum. He tells us to withdraw the boycott before any action. What boycott has to do with a public interest litigation?” The lawyers have demanded that law minister and home minister resign, action to be taken against the police officers who were in-charge on March 2nd, including state Director General and Inspector General (DG&IG) of Police Shanker Bidari and Bengaluru Commissioner of Police B G Jyotiprakash Mirji, and against some media personnel for provoking the outrage.
Serious questions Aditya Sondhi, 37, another lawyer based in Bangalore is taking a different position from the majority even as he is critical at the treatment meted out to the lawyers. “I do not support the strike”, says Sondhi, but adds that he wants the full picture to be presented to the citizens.
“We have been only hearing about instances of some abuse by lawyers and there are some photographs as well. But there was violence against innocent lawyers too. One has to get the entire picture and people should know the kind of violence perpetrated against innocent lawyers who were not involved in any kind of violence.” Sondhi is an advocate at High Court of Karnataka and the Supreme Court of India.
Abhishek Angad
Above: Aditya Sondhi, pic: Abhishek Angad, Left: B T Venkatesh. Pic courtesy: Venkatesh. A hurt lawyer. Pic courtesy: Harish Prabhu.
Vol-4 Issue-04 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 11
for your Info
Tips to select a tennis racquet inches), lighter and slightly longer racquets. Advanced players usually want more control and they can generate their own power. They could use smaller head sizes (85-98 square inches), and also heavier and shorter racquets.
If you are planning to initiate your child or yourself into tennis this summer, then this guide will help you decide on a racquet. Keep two factors in mind - level of play and understanding different parts of a racquet. Most people come under one of three categories. Beginners, intermediate or advanced. People starting off in tennis are obviously beginners. Racquets will differ for each category. Beginners tend to hit with less power and swing. They tend to do be better with oversized heads (107+ square
Whereas intermediate players tend to take a blend of features. Midsize heads (95-105 sq inches) and lighter racquets give them maneuverability and control. Understanding racquets Head size: Oversized racquets give more power and more surface area to strike. Smaller head size racquets give less power, but more control. Weight: Heavier racquets give more power and transmit less vibration to the hands. Lighter racquets are easier to swing or maneuver. Length: 27 inches is the standard length. Longer racquets give you better reach on ground strokes, and
Understanding your racquet’s head size (the ball striking surface), racquet weight, length, string tension, and grip are important. more power. On the other hand, control and maneuverability is less. String tension: Higher tension strings give you more spin and control. Lower tension strings reduce vibration and give you more power. Grip: Neither too small a grip (thin handle) nor too broad a grip (handle too fat) work. Ask a coach to show you how to select racquet handles with the right grip. Take your coach’s help, experiment with a few racquets and then decide. News Desk Information for this article was obtained from several tennis education websites and Wikipedia.
How to help your doctor understand your problem Doctors have a busy schedule, and if you proactively provide them with information about your health, rather than have them fish it out of you, so much the better. Here are some tips:
Does the fever comes only in evening, is it high grade or low grade. Are any of the glands enlarged, is there any history of infection, is it associated with any rashes, is it recurrent?
Be specific about what brings you to doctor. Explain the symptoms, mention duration of symptoms, any precipitating factor that you think has brought it up, if chronic then for how long it has been persisting. A few examples...
Ensure you share past history of any disease, allergies or reaction to any drugs. Do not forget to inform about family history of diabetes / hypertension/ heart disease/ cancers, any surgeries
o Pain in the abdomen: site of pain, whether acute or chronic, whether it shifts from where it started from, or radiates to another region, whether aggravated by or relieved by meals / vomiting/ change of posture, or pressure, whether first episode, or have there been previous episodes. o Fever: Whether it is continuous, or follows any particular pattern.
Sample Electronic Medical Records. Pic: Wikimedia Commons.
have a document which summarises your medical history, and reports of investigations in a health matters chronological order. You need Col (Retd.) Dr Mukul Saxena to update it following every medical consultation. undergone, or history of sudden Those who are tech savvy should death especially amongst siblings save their medical records digitally. or parents. Electronic Medical records (EMR) are What goes into your medical record? also a way of maintaining medical records. These are usually password While it is best to maintain a file of protected, and when required all the documents, it helps if you printouts can be taken.
12 CITIZEN MATTERS 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-04
feature
Come summer, come camps While summer classes are de rigueur today, the last few years have seen a gradual shift from the art and craft classes to exploring wilderness and hands-on science. There are established players like Rangashankara that specialise in arts and theatre, and conducting classes for nearly eight years which are still popular with parents and children. Uma Bharath, mother of a 10-yearold daughter who is attending Rangashankara classes, believes that workshops which are rooted in the Indian context or are truly multicultural, will help improve her child’s understanding of her own country or another’s. Many of the classes still give your child an option to just chill out, practice sketching and painting and doing some small craft project to take home. Many neighbourhood play schools like Eurokids and Geniekids offer this option. Newer startups like Cloud Mentor, an incubation platform for the future inventors and architects, are offering interesting courses like Magic engineering and music science. There are camps that introduce children to concepts of robotics, understanding the innards of a car, applying mathematics to real life, the engineering behind gadgets etc.
arithmetics with the help of abacus. Kidz N Brainz which teaches vedic maths and accountancy. There are some who like to use the opportunity to get the children learn shlokas and stories from the Puranas in the absence of grandparents in today’s nuclear families. Just 4 u summer camp teaches shlokas to the children. Summer is also a great time for kids to get out in the open especially if parents are willing to send them to outsidethe-city camps. Gerry Martin’s nature camps have been popular with parents for many years. Frolic Boonies holds outdoor camps that include mountaineering, river rafting and other such adventure sports.
Some parents do use summer to help their child catch up on academics or brush up their math skills. For them, there are Summer camps have evolved classes like with time. Children are Helping hands exploring their adventurous which holds classes for sides moving on from simple the under dance, music and swimming p e r f o r m e r s , classes to robotic workshops UC Mas which and nature exploration. teaches mental
Nivedita from Frolic Boonies summer camp says, “we make sure we have a combination of adventure, fun and wildlife related activities
that all kids will enjoy. Some of the attractions are Stream fishing, Bamboo rafting and bird watching this time.” If you are not comfortable sending your child to the wilderness, they can always use the summertime to focus on sports. Chinmaya Sports Academy, YISA, Bangalore Tennis Academy, BTM Roller Skating Club and Horse Riding Stables, train in sports like cricket, skating, football, horse riding, tennis and basketball. BUFC specialises in football coaching summer camps for both boys and girls. Then there are some who don’t believe in subscribing to summer camps at all. Urgita Lolla, a mother of nine and eleven year old children, is absolutely against children getting up early morning during vacations. She says, “I prefer children should get up late and be lazy for that particular period. I rather they be allowed to do whatever they can do at home by providing something with the money I would spend on summer camps.”
Anisha Nair
Vol-4 Issue-04 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 13
listings
Summer Camp Listings ARTS & Science
Little engine: Music, Karate, Yoga, painting, drawing, pottery. 4th Apr-18th Apr: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, Mon-Fri Age-2-6, 7-12 Fees-2300. #151, 1st block Koramangala, Ph: 9902024685, littleengine@rediffmail.com Fun work shop: Adventure, painting, art & craft, drawing, and much more. Starts: 16th Apr-15th May, Mon-Fri, Age-3-6, Fees2300, 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: 2nd Apr-20th Apr, 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 Planet Bloomingdale: Art, craft, drawing, painting, puppetry, dance, music, splash pools etc, Start: 1st Apr-15th May age: 3-12 4th block Koramangala; Ph: 9243101700, shashi@planetbloomingdale. com; Kidzee: Art & craft, painting, reading etc; Starts: 15th Apr-14th May, 10 am -1 pm. Age-3-10; Fees-2000, 224, 4th cross 5th block KHD Colony Koramangala-95, Ph: 9449544760; steppingstoneskidzee@gmail. com. Little Treasure: Art, craft, modelling, painting, pottery etc. 1st Apr-15th May, MonFri. Age-3.5-7, 8-15, Fees:3000, #67 Koramangala, 7th block 1st main, Ph: 9060409737, littletreasure2011@mail.com. Eurokids; Art, craft, drawing, painting, puppetry, dance and all activities; Starts: 2nd Apr-27th, Age-2-10; 73, 17B main road, 3rd cross 5th block Koramangala. Ph:25505540, indiraandtrivedi@gmail.com Eurokids summer camp: Puppet show, creative skills, puppet skill, communicate skill, dance, outdoor games, indoor games.; Starts: 2nd-26Apr, Age-2-10; Fees2800, 73, 17th main, 3rd cross, 5th block Koramangala., Ph: 25505540, 9886287085; indirantrivedi@gmail.com. Math Mastermind IQ-Summer Camp: Vedic Math, Memory skills workshop, IQ enhancement camp; 9th April to 23rd April -batch1; Age-9-14 Fees-2500 National Games Village Training centre, KHB Complex, Koramangala., Ph: 9738883729; info@mathsmastermind.com Summer camp on drawing & hand writing: Drawing class, Painting, Hand writing improvement courses; 9th April to 4th May; Age-3 to 15. Fees:2500-3000. Opp. VLCC, Near Ganesh Temple, Koramangala 8th Block., Ph: 9731985565; icolourpalette.art@gmail.com
Gyan: Painting, clay craft, candle making, art, craft etc; Starts: 2nd Apr-30th Apr, 10 am -1 pm , Mon-Fri ; Age- 3.5 - 10 , No 266 and 267 15th cross 18th main, Koramangala-34., Ph: 9880548393; rekha06.srinath@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
Gnanoday montessori: Handwork, art, craft, calligraphy etc.; Starts:2nd Apr - 1st May. 10 am -12 pm; Mon-Fri , Age-4 - 13, Fees-2000, #2384 15th cross 5th main HSR 6th sector, Ph: :9980994089; uma.anand@gmail.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 Apr25th Apr, 2nd May- 25th May 9.30am -1.pm , Mon-Fri ; Age- 2-12 , Fees-3000. #93, 17th main, HSR layout, I Play I learn School, Ph :9008229305/6; ipilhsr@gmail.com Cherubs Montessori HSR layout : Jump bunch, dance, music, art & craft, activity program by American company.; Starts: 2nd Apr – 30, May, 9am- 12.45pm, Mon-sun ; Age- 4-16 , Fees-1500, #20/1, Somasundarapalya, 2ND Sector, HSR Layout, , I play I learn school., Ph: :9886461664, 8892200101; svrinstitution@gmail.com 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
Eurokids summer camp: 2nd Apr 26th. 9.30a.m to 12.30p.m. class strength- 15. Fees: 2800 Creativity story telling, music & movement, indoor & outdoor games, puppet waterplay. K.R Layout, Opp. Inchar Sathya Ganapathy Devastana Trust. Ph: 26782544, 8453340248. Age groups: 3-10. email: raju. sunderraju@gmail.com Natyalaya Summer camp work shop: Dance, Music, Fitness, art classes etc, 2nd Apr to 28 Apr, 30th Apr to 26th May, 10.30am to 2 pm, Age 4-14 Fees :5000, At JP Nagar & Jayanagar, Ph: 26581888,9243378678 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 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, Creative 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
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
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.
Helping hands: Special classes for under-performers, Starts: May 1st, 18th main19th A cross JP Nagar 5th Phase. Ph: 9880647825
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
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
14 CITIZEN MATTERS 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-04
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Errata
Vol-4 issue-1 dated 11 Feb. The blurb in Dr Mukul
Saxena’s last column had incorrect wording. It should have read “Cough and cold does not necessarily need antibiotics. You cannot buy them over the counter without consulting your doctor. Here are some truths about antibiotics that you did not know.”
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1st Block Koramangala
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EASY BUY SUPER MARKET
KORAMANGALA
Below Nagarjuna green ride Apt.
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9th Main 7th Sector
A M Medicals
24th Main
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Near Forum
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80 Feet Road
14th Main, 17th Cross
GANESH MEDICALS
7th Main, 1st Block
24th Main
19th Main
The French Loaf
80ft road, 4th Block, Koramangala
LITTLE ITALY
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80ft road Koramangala
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Ashwini Layout
FEEDback Why target street vendors alone? I am not an expert, but just by looking at the place what I see as a solution for both parking and street vendors would be raze the existing Gandhi Bazaar market building and adjacent BBMP buildings, and construct a 7-8 floor building with first 2-3 floors for vendors, 1-2 floors for some BBMP offices and remaining floors for parking. Krishnaraj
email feedback@citizenmatters.in
No place for a woman! The mob mentality is such that menfolk use such crowds to tease and grope women. Of late, no city, town or village is safe at any time for women. Our culture has gone to dogs. S Srinivasan
Kaivara - for believers and trekkers Ms Hariprasad, A very valuable piece of information and well compiled in writing and
I’ve got
something
to say!
pictorial representation. If I ever have a chnace to visit this place will surely use your article as a guide :). Thanks once again and keep the good work going.
Aravind Chakravarthi
Founded in 2007 to independently chronicle city current affairs, foster community, and be a forum for citizen voices.
MUSIC “Swarayatra” by Ved Shety and Anagha Hindlekar. RSVP No. 98865 99675. Friday, 30th March, 2012 at 6.30 pm. T Bangalore International Centre,TERI Complex, 4th Main, 2nd Cross, Domlur II Stage Annual Children’s Music Competition, 2012 Nadasurabhi will conduct Carnatic Vocal Music Competition for children between ages 8 and 15 on 19 May. Last Date for registrations will be 10 May or once the 25 places are filled up whichever is earlier. http://nadasurabhi.org, nadasurabhi@yahoo.co.uk, Ph: 25539368 or 9880964283 19 May Saturday at Indian Heritage Academy Hall, 6th Block, Near Police Station, Koramangala FREE Cleft Lip Surgery, donation of Artificial limbs. Medical camp conducted by Ladies Circle Mahaveer Jain Hospital, 30-31 March
Theatre
Boy with a Suitcase A production of Ranga Shankara, Bangalore and Schnawwl Theater, Mannheim Apr 17 to 20, 7.30 p.m & Apr 21, 11am, Ranga Shankara Ranga Shankara Plays 24 Sat Copenhagen English, 120 mins 25 Sun Bikhre Bimb Hindi, 70 mins (also at 3.30 pm) 27 Tue The Great Galata 10 short plays in English, Kannada and Hindi, 120 mins 28 Wed to 30 Fri Naa Tukaram Alla Kannada, 150 mins 31 Sat Prameelarjuniyam Kannada, 120 mins
1 Sun Jugaari Cross Kannada, 115 mins (also at 3.30 pm) 3 Tue to 6 Fri Afsana English, 120 mins 7 Sat 8 Sun Bombay Talkies English, 100 mins (also at 3.30 pm on Sun) Rangashankara JP Nagar Aanmaiyo Aanmai By Marappachi, a theatre group based in Chennai. Directed by Mangai, the play is 90 minutes long and in Tamil. 3-5 pm 31 Mar, Saturday, UTC, Miller’s Road. Entry is free and all are welcome.
Seminars
Take Control ‘Out’ of Your Life Jack Canfield an American motivational speaker, live workshop and seminar Christ University Auditorium, Hosur Road Sat 14 Apr 4 pm Career Guidance Seminar For Pre-university students to make them aware of the career opportunities in science, arts and commerce streams . Last date for registration March 31st. For details contact: Annapurna Murthy on 9845058349 Sunday 8th April 2012, 9am to 6pm, JP NAGAR CLUB, #43/p1, 19th “A”main, 3rd cross, JP Nagar II Phase
Workshops
Scrabble Workshop - “Playing Professional Scrabble” Age: Above 9yrs Materials for the scrabble workshop will all be available at the venue. Registration Ph: 8762462302. Conducted by: Satish Srinivasan Just Books 3Rd Block Koramangala, Tue 17 Apr, 10:30 Am To Sat 21 Apr ‘12. 12:30 pm
PETS
Volunteer for our best friends
16 CITIZEN MATTERS 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-04
150 four legged friends waiting for a dip in the water Organised by Precious Paws Foundation. Donate food/shampoos/gloves & help in bathing them. 31 Mar, 12 pm-3pm, Maruthy Animal Charitable Trust Sy. No. 185, Kodathi Village, Sarjapur Road, Ph: 97425 43510 Homeless puppies for adoption Celebrate pet month. Pet accessories, pet show 12-4 pm Sunday 25 Mar, Counter Culture, Whitefield Ph: 97425 43510
Oota from your Thota Sessions on Waste Management/Composting, Urban farming, vegetable gardening and terrace garden design. exhibition cum sale of seeds, saplings, gardening tools and accessories, compost bins and organic food items. “Bhumika Hall”, #37, 17th Cross, Between 4th and 6th Main, Malleswaram Sun 25 Mar 10 am To 4.30 pm
Trees outside my window
feature
Nature feature
Deepa Mohan
of the wind. They are called Ashoka, too, but it is “Faux Ashoka”, since the real Ashoka trees (you can see them at Lalbagh) are spreading trees with flowers and fruit.
Nature is sometimes only as far away as one’s window! Here’s the view from an apartment balcony: One can see the roads and transport and one can also see four different types of trees in the picture. Framing the photograph at right and left, are some of the most common trees in India, the coconut palm. What a wonderful tree it is, with every part of it being useful to us...the palm fronds used for thatches, brooms and pandals for auspicious occasions; the coconuts being useful as one of the few drinks that cannot be adulterated, and is very nutritious; the trunk being
View from one’s window can be educational. Did you know for instance what we commonly call Ashoka tree is actually not Ashoka? used for both wood and boats! On the median in the road are what are called Mast trees....they grow tall and straight like masts, and are often useful in breaking the force
Across the road, next to the small Traffic Police Station is a Jungli Badam tree. It is from this tree that our Badam (almonds) trees have been cultivated. This tree, too, has the same fruits... but they are likely to be much more bitter. This tree was planted after the Rain Tree on that spot was cut down for road-widening...and already gives welcome shade, with its broad leaves and spreading canopy. Behind the Jungli Badam are a row of beautiful Mahogany trees, which are often planted as an avenue tree in our city. The Mahogany is known for its hard, termite-resistant wood, used in making furniture. It’s surprising how an urban scene can give us so much of information about trees! We have many kinds of trees in our city, and Lalbagh has many kinds of trees brought from all around the world, too. Trees, and the life they support, are fascinating to know about!
last word
Why I go camp hunting What shall he do this summer? That’s the question I have been asking myself now that March hits the midway mark. The temptation is to answer, ‘nothing.’ But who am I kidding? I am not strong enough to withstand the now near compulsory pressure of having to enrol the tyke in a ‘Summer Camp.’
These days not fixing up a summer camp is almost like denying your child an important developmental milestone. Doing nothing is no longer an option, almost up there in the banned list as sleeping late. Even if you are a parent who subscribes to that philosophy of doing nothing and argue that this is what you did and you turned out fine, let me warn that you will soon realise the perils of that situation. This will happen when junior does nothing at all the whole day except a) watch television nonstop b) read books and colour every available scrap of empty paper c) romp around with cousins and friends in the hot sun d) Ask you every five minutes what he should do now. Option A is now considered almost a crime in Mommy world. Even it means that you can do chores in peace, the moment you turn on that TV, your inner good mommy
will invariably force you to turn it off after some time. As for Option B, it is always good but needs to be clubbed with some sort of physical activity or else mommy guilt about the child’s lack of
confessionS of a second time mom
Reshmi Chakraborty physical dexterity, agility is sure to eat you up. Option C is redundant in today’s world as cousins and friends are all busy with their own summer camps. As for Option D, all mothers want to avoid it so let’s not even go there. Summer camps are to the holidays what gold is to an Indian wedding. The bride may never end up wearing the jhumkas and gold chains that e v e r y o n e’s gifted her but it’s the done thing
Go rafting, play with cousins, do nothing or learn a new art. Whatever, it is summer holiday! Pic courtesy: Hippocampus, Meera K, Frolic Boonies
18 CITIZEN MATTERS 24Mar- 6Apr 2012 Vol-4 Issue-04
anyway. Likewise, your child may not imbibe much in two weeks, may not even like going every morning but for many parents, it’s the done thing anyway. Honestly, camps are a chance to pay someone else to engage your kid gainfully for a few hours and buy you some time that’s guilt and activity free. Chances are that two or three weeks won’t teach your junior swimming, shloka or science but like we all tell ourselves, at least it will be a start. And perhaps it is a start, says a friend who conducts popular craft classes for kids in my neighbourhood. As a kid, her mother sent her for different craft classes (not against her wish, she clarifies) and today she attributes her skill in that field to those. So whether it is horseriding or aeromodelling, free time for yourself or active time for your kid, let you child take up something that he truly enjoys. And if that happens to be “doing nothing” at home, so be it, though my prayers of patience (and wide eyed admiration) are with you. Meanwhile excuse me while I go camp hunting.
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