Embracing Bangalore : A Journey of Becoming
By Amana Zerin
There are a lot of things about Bangalore that makes it what it is apart from the 24/7 traffic and the never ending construction of Namma metro. Starting from morning walks in Cubbon to midnight runs to Empire.Each and every experience this city offers is special in its own way. Whether it’s patiently waiting in line for a table at CTR or impulsively deciding to visit Nandi at 3am, there are anecdotes that resonate with everyone here. Bangalore is a city that has way too much to offer, it is a city that gives and gives and gives. Once you are here, you leave a piece of your heart in this city. Long after you are gone, that tiny little piece keeps echoing, pulling you back.
Here, there is a feeling of warmth; of comfort and most importantly, there is a feeling of homeliness. I don’t know when exactly Bangalore started feeling like home, but now it does. I remember coming here a year ago and hating this place, the crowd, and even the people. I remember yearning to go back home. I remember waiting to leave. I moved here on August 23rd, 2022, and that’s the day my life took a complete 180-degree turn. Just like any other teenager who was uprooted from their safe space and planted in an unfamiliar, seemingly frightening environment, I also experienced a phase of feeling isolated and uncertain but this phase did not last long. This city is a constant companion; it never lets you be alone. I dove into its chaos, crafting my home within its embrace. Now, my sanctuary stands firm, a source of comfort and peace.
It’s been almost two years now, and I can’t believe how much everything has changed. Through the years, I learned that It takes days to adjust, months to settle, and maybe even years to build a home in a foreign land. But once you get there and have built your space from scratch, that is the beginning of a new chapter. That is when we start leading two lives. One, that exists back in our hometown with our family, and another, with our chosen family at our chosen home. Bangalore is my chosen home. It is a city that I’m now in love with, one that's helping me grow.
I know there will come a day when I have to leave the home that I built here. Thinking about it scares me. I can feel knots in my stomach and a wrench in my throat. At times I think about the time I’ve spent here, and the memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheek.
Unveiling Shantinagar : Beyond The Glamour, Beneath The Facade.
By Amana Zerin
During the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, temples gleamed with decorations, saffron flags adorned the streets, and stages were built for grand celebrations. However, the focal point was the stage's location—directly in front of the area's sole mosque, obstructing its entrance. While practicing and promoting one's religion is acceptable, doing so at the expense of others is not. This is not an isolated incident; whenever there's a celebration, the entire area delves into it by blocking roads and pathways. Why? It's as though they consider this their father's property.
………
Bangalore is renowned for many things, primarily for its positive aspects. The surface level image of this city is nothing but "Happening" and "Glamorous". However, what many fail to recognize is the reality concealed behind the facade - the community and its prevailing mindsets that continue to propagate violence and communalism. According to my experience, this specifically pertains to an area of the city known as Shantinagar.
In houses all cramped up with shared walls and wells, residents endure due to their high tolerance for communal living. The community consists mainly of working class individuals striving to make ends meet. Peace is a rare luxury here, ironically in a place named ‘Shanti' nagar. The roads here are tightly packed, lined with bustling shops and honking bikes and scooters, barely leaving any space for pedestrians to pass. Even if we do find the space to walk, It is common to find oneself walking alongside cows or dogs, sometimes even both. Rats, cockroaches and lizards often accompany us too. This situation is predominantly observed in two parallel lanes, Swastik road and Lakshmi road. Aside from the locals, the area is mostly populated by students from St Joseph’s University, including myself. This narrative is about the struggle I faced in getting a place to live. A struggle of a Muslim in a Hindu community.
We hired broker after broker and searched tirelessly for an apartment for almost two and a half months. While landlords cited several reasons to turn us down, the real issue was my name: my identity. We were told to keep quiet about my name and pretend to be Hindus to secure a place. This charade continued until we found an apartment in a standalone ‘Muslim building’. Desperate to escape our terrible PG’s , we overlooked the neighborhood. Since moving in, we’ve faced stares, taunts and whatnots from people living right next to us. What did we do to trigger them? If our identities were it, what are we supposed to do? Where are we supposed to go?
Here's a straightforward example that encapsulates our experience living in Shantinagar. There's a provision shop about 50 meters from our building that offers delivery services. When we called and provided our address, they abruptly refused, saying, "nahi hoga, matlab nahi hoga, aap phone rakdo". While this wasn't the first time we faced such a response, it's a recurring issue that shouldn't be normalized. Vargeeyatha, that’s what we call all this in Malayalam. Maybe everything affects me a lot more because of the place I hail from, Kerala. Nothing of this sort exists back at home, and I say this with my head held high. I hope a day comes when I get to do the same with my chosen home, Bangalore.
From Bangalore Days to Bangalore life.
By Pragathy Pradeep
Bangalore, Benguluru(I don't want to offend anyone). God, many people warned me about this city, amma, acha, brother, uncle, aunt, grandparents, well, almost everyone. But all the warnings and complaints are what made me want to come to Benguluru and study. Like a dialogue in “Banglore Days (a Malayalam movie released in 2014), By Dulquer Salmaan (a character named Aju), “Banglore... what a rocking city, yaar." I don’t disagree at all; I definitely get the hype of this city.
A change from Uae to Banglore was drastic, especially when I practically lived my entire life in Uae. Moving to Bangalore, especially without parents, was hard. Everything was tough. But I think I know that I wouldn’t have gotten so far if it were any other place. I don’t think I will ever get over this place. To get to Bangalore, I had to struggle a lot because of my family’s misconception of Bangalore. I don’t blame them because there is a part of life that is seen in Bangalore that makes each and every kid’s parents scared. I remember Amma warning me about drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol, and how Amma told me that most of the kids do drugs and just to be careful. A funny incident that happened recently: Amma and I were talking over the phone, which was a video call, and I told her how I wanted to have some puttu( a very famous dish in Kerala also known as steamed rice cake) with some mushroom curry. Amma’s facial expression changed all of a sudden, and I asked her what happened, like, what did I say that made you so concerned? All of a sudden, Amma was like, Be careful with the mushrooms that you eat in Banglore because there is a drug that is mushroom or named as some mushroom or something. I laughed so hard and I called her a cutie pie. But yeah, the amount of negative comments and attitudes that I got from my family was bad, but I’m so thankful for my parents because of the trust they have in me, which led to my being here in this city.
I feel like I have a very love-hate relationship with this city. This city is the palace that made me discover a very huge part of me that I didn’t even know existed. I learned life lessons from this city. There was a point where I was planning to drop out and just leave everything behind and just go back to the UAE because I couldn’t adjust to this city. I remember crying in the bus on the way back to my aunt’s place after college, which took 2 hours. But at the same time, I remember having the most peace of mind when I was walking or traveling alone in the same city. I remember calming myself on how I’ll just leave right after I’m done with my college and I wouldn’t need to stay anymore, but now when I think about leaving, there is this sadness that comes with it, like a string that pulls me back and makes me want to stay in Bangalore. As I think now, I don’t think I want to leave this place, and if I ever leave, I will always have a void in my heart for this particular city.
Banglore made me fall in love with its flower shops, its weather, sunsets, and the different types of people this city has. Bangalore also gave me the most amazing and beautiful people in my life who are so dear to me, whom I would never have met if it were for this city. Like my Aju said, I would like to repeat that again: Banglore. What a rocking city, yaar.”
Sharjah's Embrace: A Heartfelt Tribute to My UAE Roots
By Pragathy Pradeep
A city that has taught me about life the most is the city that I grew up in is Sharjah. A city in the United Arab Emirates also known as UAE and even famously known as Dubai where people think that UAE= Dubai, which is not by the way though Dubai is a city that is in The UAE like Sharjah is.
Sharjah is known for its rich cultural heritage, including museums, art galleries, and traditional souks (markets). Additionally, Sharjah is recognized for its efforts in promoting Arabic culture and literature, being named the UNESCO World Book Capital in 2019. Sharjah has one of the biggest book fests ever to happen where a lot of authors, writers, actors , actresses and many more come and have like meet and greet it’s pretty cool and where schools used to take students to the book fest and make them meet and show all these. This book fest is there for about 10 days each and every year.
Letting go of Sharjah or leaving from Sharjah was the most difficult decision ever. I remember people telling me that my 10th and 12th results would be the turning point in a person’s life but I would disagree cause leaving the city/ the country that I spent almost my entire life to start a new life would be the most terrifying and exciting experience and decision ever in life. Each place in Sharjah I would have something to say about some way or another. The whole country UAE is a wow factor to be honest. Something that I personally took from their heights is their vision, on how long they have had vision on their project, people, infrastructures, technologies and what not, on how they started from nothing to becoming one of the most powerful countries ever. I miss the people back there, the kindness, respect, helpfulness and what not. The most safest i ever felt is back in The UAE where rules and regulations are maintained and if not where there are strict punishments, penalties. A place where you won’t hate the politics or the police or where your safety isnt a question mark, where it is a priority no matter what. Sharjah wasn’t special just because of the city, the people that lived there made it special. It never mattered if you’re a local or not.
Goodbye Bangalore….
By Daniel Joshua
After 19 years of adventure and experiences it’s time to bid farewell to my city that raised me. To the city that taught me humour is the solution to my issues, to the city that proved to me that veg Biryani does not exist, to the city that showed me the prettiest skies, to the city I call my home. Bangalore.
Growing up I lived the majority of my life in Bangalore and phew it’s been a journey so far. To playing football in the streets, to illegally drinking at chin lungs Resto bar, to finding the best friends in the world and so much more. It’s hard for me to fully accept the fact that I’ll no longer be living in my hometown anymore.
How will I survive without the familiarity of knowing where’s what and what’s where. Knowing who is who and knowing what will happen when. Bangalore has given me everything I need to go outside and start a new adventure with new surroundings and the journey starts from a year plus onwards.
Thank you Bangalore for showing me why you are the best city in India. From meghna's Biriyani to corner house to the khushka shop near my house. You’ve always provided me with the best food. I know that food will no longer be the same with me, but what kind of person would I be if I don’t represent my city, my hometown, my place of birth, my home wherever I go. And to be fair the food in New Jersey isn’t going to be as finger licking good as Bangalore. Where am I going to get my garam masala from? Will I have to make extra and carry it to the US? Will I not have space in my luggage because of my masala’s? I will always be proud and rep the city I’m from. In my opinion it’s the best city in the world. ( I know currently we are facing water issues and weather issues, but don’t worry the government claims they are fixing it). (That’s a lie they aren’t going to fix anything). Hahahahaha. Tears of joy as I write this piece.
Thank you for giving me the best bargaining skills learnt from Russel market and kr market. Thank you for giving me the best abuses to throw at people when they are on the road. Thank you for the people you’ve brought into my life. Thank you for fixing 100ft road, there is no longer traffic in Indiranagar. While on the topic of Indiranagar, thank you for giving me bobs bar ( life saver if you ever want to take a girl out, they have some of the best authentic Bangalorean food). My last thank you would be for old monk. 30ml, 60ml , 90ml and blasted scenes that followed after.
Namma Bengaluru
By Nikhil Chetri
Bengaluru formerly known as Bangalore had its name change on the 1st of November 2014. The city where startup’s are like tea stalls you can find them around every corner of the street. Despite having one of the most uEven though 9 years have passed since the name change people still call the city Bangalore. The same dilemma is shared by the other metro cities in India. Kolkota is still referred to as Calcutta and Mumbai is still called Bombay by the majority of our population. So it's not just Bengaluru suffering from a new identity. It's not only the people from the other states but also the locals who still refer to the city as Bangalore. Scroll through Instagram and you will find several comments telling people to call Bangalore Bengaluru. People get reminded of it daily but still fail to acknowledge this mistake. Will the name Bengaluru ever catch up to the population? In my opinion, it will but the people in the city will have to update their vocabulary. I have also made the blunder of calling it Bangalore. But not before coming here for my education. I always called the city Bengaluru. The reason for this was cricket. I always watched the IPL and followed RCB for all the years of the competition and whenever I watched the matches I recall hearing the team being referred to as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. So I always thought the city was named Bengaluru. I must admit, I was unaware of the name change from Bangalore to Bengaluru. I hold the locals accountable for my mispronunciation, as they had led me to believe that Bengaluru was the original name of the city, and Bangalore was the newer name. Despite its modern sound, Bangalore is not the correct name. In my opinion, Bengaluru is a much more appealing name, and I am surprised that it has not gained more widespread acceptance. Has the change affected the city's character? Yes, it certainly has, at least in terms of the meaning behind its name. Previously, Bangalore was known as the "city of gardens," while Bengaluru is more closely associated with the Kannada word "tota," which translates to "garden" in English. The term "tota" has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1800s. There is nothing wrong with calling Bengaluru as Bangalore. The identity of a city somewhat revolves around its name and people have been doing it for a while without any negative consequences. The majority of the population in India from the other states don't even know about the name change. I mean even I didn't know about the change. So there needs to be something or someone making the population aware of the change. Although I first heard the name Bengaluru through cricket, the team's official name is still Royal Challengers Bangalore. Cricket has a massive following in India and could be an effective means of familiarizing people with the name Bengaluru. RCB is considering incorporating Bengaluru into its franchise name, which could help cement its status as the city's true name. Despite being somewhat tardy in doing so, such a change would be a positive step in acknowledging Bengaluru's rightful place.
City of curved turns
By Rishab Gosh
Nearing nine years now in the city where I was born, a ‘thinker’ opening line. To describe Bangalore as merely the city where I was born or where I live would be criminally undervaluing the impact the city made on my life, multi-dimensionally. To begin I must go before myself. Before being the IT hub of India and one of India’s ‘It’ cities, the cool, pleasant and relatively empty Bangalore was where my parents were born, grew up, ran into each other and so many more events that eventually led to me.
Before moving here, I remember spending every summer and every Christmas here, at my aunt’s. She lived behind a huge school, one I would go on to attend. Life in Kolkata was a box. School, back home and no similar aged peers. Come home, stuff your face, take a nap, stuff your face and sleep was the most consistent routine I’ve followed till date. Bearing the same in mind, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I was as round as the full circle my life will be coming to by the end of this piece.
A sheltered, sensitive mumma’s boy, accustomed to Kolkata culture was suddenly forklifted and catapulted into the vastly different, sometimes ‘chap’ now humid and hot air of Bengaluru culture. This move was undoubtedly the reason I am who I am today. Playing with people my age every day, I realized I was fat and began to change it. Bangalore brought football into my life, which changed everything. The fat round coward became a slightly less round man ready to sweat and bleed running behind a round ball.
Bangalore taught me about relationships, about wee- we don’t talk about that, about binge drinking. Bangalore became my way of speaking, I am most definitely a Banglorean guy.
Now Bangalore has become my home, the place I made all my friends, the place I work at, the place I became a man. I would love to live here all my life.
“Bangalore’s battle for water survival”; Is there an end to this?
By Archana Biju
Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, has long been praised as the Silicon Valley of India as well as famed as India’s garden city, and a city of innovation and technology is now facing a rapidly increasing water crisis that is affecting the lifestyle of people living there. The situation has become worse because of the unpredictable rainfall patterns and the lack of sustainable water management policies. Bangalore's biggest water sources, including the Cauvery River, are under massive strain due to overexploitation and pollution. Around 7000 Borewells have already dried up in many areas including many colleges, PGs, and hostels.
Due to the water crisis, the Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board banned the use of drinking water for car washing, gardening, construction, and maintenance. Residents of Whitefield, KR Puram, Electronic City, RR Nagar, Kengeri, and CV Raman Nagar, and some areas in Shanthinagar including the St. Joseph’s College boys’ hostel and the Sneha Nilaya girls’ hostel have been facing severe water scarcity for the past few weeks.
Although water scarcity has affected the majority of the population, the struggles of students and workers who have come from different states to Bangalore looking for studies and job opportunities should be taken into account. Several colleges and schools were also closed, asking students to attend online classes just like they did during the pandemic. A few companies have adopted remote work, to conserve water, and to ease the pressure on employees.
While encountering the residents of Shanthinagar, a huge number of students from St. Joseph’s University came in front to speak about their current situations. Cait Bobby, a first-year student of B.Voc. Digital Media and Animation studying in SJU and staying in the Sneha Nilaya girls’ hostel said, “We have been facing a water crisis since February and our hostel authority has been buying Tankers every day since then. Sometimes it is very hard for us to manage, especially in the mornings before leaving for college. Now the situation has become a bit better when compared to February. Although the hostel authority has promised us that they will provide water at certain times, some days we don’t get water at the exact time. I hope all these crisis gets over soon”.
People are worried about the condition that they are going to face in the next upcoming months. While the government has initiated several measures to address the water crisis, including rainwater harvesting projects and the rejuvenation of lakes, progress has been slow. "As far as Bengaluru goes, there is no water crisis. Around 7,000 borewells have dried up. We have made arrangements for all that. We have taken over tankers. We have identified the water sources. We will see that water is supplied," DK Shivakumar the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka said.
Finding "Ghar" (Home )
By Cheynelle LeFevre
During my first month in Bangalore, I spent most of my time exploring the streets and trying to escape my old hostel. Sambar had replaced dal and idli had replaced charchare aloo . Everything was different – the food, the sounds and the atmosphere . My hostel room felt eerie and I missed the safety of home .
I used to search for Tibetan or Nepali restaurants just to eat something more familiar. Tasting Nepali food made me feel like I was back home again where tea bushes danced in the sun , my family's encouragement replaced sentences like , " when will you go back to China or Korea ", and where my piano replaced all the free time I had .
I missed listening to music on blast or dancing to Abba with my sister , screaming "Money ,money , money ,"on top of our lungs until my mother came to turn Bluetooth off. Despite all the noise , our neighbours never complained. Instead of hearing angry noises we'd hear our neighbours say , " so how was dance session , we were dancing here too ."
However, when I went home during the Winters I started missing the city . I missed the culture and the artistic walls . I was never bored when I explored the streets since everywhere I turned, I was always greeted by colourful spray paintings transforming mundane streets into captivating galleries. Each drawing told a story, some were explicit content ,some captured the essence of childhood wonder while some showed intricate details of the artist's skills .
I remember reading one such message written hurriedly in black paint .Hidden under dust it said , " Just drink one cup of chai and you'll find a perfect guy , chai makes you fly."After that day I drank one extra cup of chai in the evening .
The fog and rain in Darjeeling prevented me from going out with my friend. Memories of cubbon park and my friends made me wish for the hot Bangalore sun . I missed late night gossips with my hostel mates at the same time I was happy with my privacy. My mouth watered for open dosa yet I was so happy to have a proper home cooked meal .
This helped me realise that despite how much I loved Darjeeling's tranquility, memories of Bangalore lingered in my mind. I missed the exciting energy of the city, where something new was always happening. At the same time, though, I appreciated the calmness of Darjeeling, where life moved at a slower pace.
In the end, I realized that I loved both places for different reasons. Bangalore was vibrant and exciting, while Darjeeling was serene and peaceful. Each had its own special charm, and I was grateful to have experienced both.
I realized that my heart belonged to both places, each offering its own unique charm and appeal. Bangalore and Darjeeling were more than just cities; they were reflections of who I was, each contributing to the tapestry of experiences that shaped my identity. And so, as I sat by the window, watching the fog slowly dissipate over the hills, I embraced the conflicting emotions within me, grateful for the love I held for both my vibrant city and serene hill station homes.
Ramadan Food Mela – Frazer Town
By Simrah Khursheed
Ramadan is the ninth moth of the Islamic calendar and goes on for a span of 29 to 30 days. During this time, the followers of Islam fast every day for that month from 5am to 6:30pm. Post 6:30pm is when they break their fast and can eat from then till 5am only and then the cycle repeats. When they eat during the evening, it is called 'Ifteyari' and, 'Sehri' at around 3:30am to 5am after which the fasting cycle repeats.
There are multiple food stalls that remain open until 3am in multiple parts of Bengaluru at this time as permission is granted due to the festival. The food stalls sell everything ranging from Kebabs and Biryani to Sheekh and Phal and Seviyan and various dishes that one might wonder how to pronounce all the way from 6 in the evening to 3 in the morning. The words may not sit properly on the tongue but the taste of the food sure does and the whole city comes out at this time of the year to go on a gastronomical adventure due to the variety of foods available.
There is one particular part of the city that has one of the biggest melas in the country during Ramadan and that is Frazer Town. This area is mainly populated by the Muslim community due to which, it acts as a catalyst for the food stalls to come together in large numbers. The roads are blocked off to vehicles and not by the authorities but rather, by the number of people walking on the streets due to the 600 to 700 meter long stretch of food stalls on both sides of the street.
You have Muslims, Hindus and Christians thronging the streets in search for the food that satisfies their appetite. You get chicken, mutton, beef, fish and sometimes even camel meat as it is a delicacy from the Middle Eastern countries. A lot of 'foodies' shoot vlogs for their social media handles as well bringing in more and more crowd.
The food stalls range all through the entirety of Mosque road in Frazer Town and you can smell the different flavors of food coming together in the air and it is far from being repulsive. Initially you will find a few stalls that sell just meat that is prepared in several ways. The stalls keep going and you find streak of stalls with a long queues of people waiting for food and the crowds of people eating the food resulting in tons of paper plates overflowing the trash cans.
The food stalls are lined up like how a buffet system works. First, the starters and then the main courses and then finally, desserts. Desserts range from milk based sweets that come out once in a while to 'Ice golas' taking you down the childhood memory lane making you feel all nostalgic. These aromas and flavors act as a binding agent for people from all walks of life and religions depicting secularism at its finest. It is a beautiful sight to behold and is a must-visit at least once in your life. Alas, all good things must come to an end and this year, the tradition that has gone on for years has now come to a halt due to complaints from the residents stating there is too much noise and traffic and gets annoying which is fair from their perspective. The stalls may be open but not until 3am like before. The stalls are still spread all around in various places like Koramangala and Shivajinagar and many more major hubs around the city that still go on till around 3am.
Frazer town during Ramadan time. This mela is nothing but an expression of love and a medium which unites people hailing from different cultures , communities which sees no hierarchy and boundaries in terms of caste / class . Food is made to be celebrated by everyone and for everyone!
Water Crisis – Bangalore
By Simrah Khursheed
Bengaluru is known as the IT capital of India, Startup capital of India and has also been called, at one point, the garden city of India due to its lush green surroundings and lakes and the River Cauvery flowing through it as well. Time changes everything and so is the case with the beloved city as well as it is currently facing one of the worst water scarcity situations in decades.
A heavy influx of people migrating from different parts of the country in the hopes of finding better employment in the city and better education in the city has caused a spike in the demand for basic resources. In other words, the rise of population has led to the rise in depletion of resources as well. Even though that is a nig contributing factor, it isn't the only thing causing this issue. Rise in pollution giving way to global warming and other environmental issues, encroachment of lakes by private corporations for building huge office spaces or settlements, cutting down of trees for road widening projects and so many more issues have contributed to this depletion of resources in a city that was once thriving.
The city hasn't seen rains in many months now and that is a very rare sight for native Bengalureans to behold.
As messy as the situation is, solutions or backup solutions are always found to help tackle issues like this. The people living in apartments and societies chip in money together and invest in Water tankers that bring in water due to the water shortage.
The well-to-do and middle class families also manage to afford water tankers to fill up their water tanks and acquire cans of water for drinking water as well. Houses that have access to borewells also depend on the little groundwater that is available to help them in a time like this when the prices of tankers have gone up. This begs the question of how people who are poor and cannot afford even basic amenities and depend on corporation water from sumps in the societies are surviving in these conditions. The rich and wealthy face no issues in times of crisis like this because even if the prices of amenities like water go up, they can afford it. The middle-class families take a dent because it is expensive and not something they can easily afford but is a necessity and hence requires that they spend on it. The poor people cannot afford it at all and are dependent on free corporation waters which are now almost non-existent due to the scorching heat. The depiction of these living conditions also shows us how society itself works when it comes to other fields as well like education, jobs and so many other essential fields in society. Eventually, humanity finds a way but hopefully, it won't be too late.
Bangalore: A City in Transition, A Heart in Tradition
By Nuha Mehmood
As a Bangalorean, I sometimes feel a bit uneasy about how fast my city is changing. Bangalore, once known for its peaceful parks and pleasant climate, is now undergoing a transformation fueled by people from various parts of the country and beyond who come here for education and work opportunities. While this diversity brings benefits, it also triggers a sense of unease, especially when some of them claim to know Bangalore better than those of us who have lived here all our lives.
For me, Bangalore isn't just a city; it's my home. I've grown up here, made friends here, and have countless memories tied to this place. Every street and corner is special to me. But sometimes, it feels like not everyone understands that. They come and act as if they've known Bangalore forever, even though they've only been here a short time.
It can be frustrating when these people talk about Bangalore as if they've been here forever. They might know about the trendy spots,the restobars and the right place to catch a vibe or even the tech scene, but they don't always see the deeper side of Bangalore—the history, the culture, and the lifestyle of the people who have lived here for generations,the political background or any such issue does not seem to bother them.
And with all the new buildings going up, it feels like the Bangalore I know is disappearing. The parks and old houses, once famous landmarks, are being replaced by IT sectors, big buildings, and shopping malls. It's sad to see the places I grew up with disappearing like that.
Is feeling insecure about your city a thing?
If yes, then i think im starting to get a little insecure about my Bangalore.
But it's not all bad. I understand that each person who lands here brings fresh perspectives, ideas, and energy to the city. They make Bangalore more vibrant and diverse, which is a good thing. However, I wish they would also take the time to discover the authentic Bangalore.The one that has existed for centuries, with its rich history and culture.
I remember a Bangalore where streets were canopied by trees, and the cool breeze envelops you as you stroll along, where youd layer your clothing and the air felt as crisp as the paper dosas at MTR.
In the end, my worries about Bangalore changing so fast come from a place of love. I care deeply about keeping Bangalore special and welcoming to everyone. I just want my city to hold onto its charm and character as it grows and welcomes new people. Together, I hope we can make Bangalore a place that respects its past while looking ahead to its bright future,a city that we can all feel proud to be a part of, a city that we can all call home.
Spreading Cyber Kindness: Make a Better Place Partners with Christ Convent!
By Nuha Mehmood
The teaching session on internet safety and cyberbullying took place on the 19th of February 2024 at Christ Convent, Bangalore. The session was conducted by a Bangalore-based NGO, Make a Better Place. This initiative aimed at educating students about the importance of safe internet practices and addressing the issue of cyberbullying. The session was held in a well-equipped and spacious room located two streets away from the main school building, providing an ideal environment for learning and interaction among students from various grades.
The students were really excited and interested in the topic, showing their concern for understanding these important issues. They eagerly participated in the session, demonstrating their understanding of how crucial it is to stay safe on the internet and deal with cyberbullying.
The session began with an introduction to the internet and its benefits, emphasizing its role in education, communication, and entertainment. Students were guided through the vast landscape of the online world, exploring its potential while being made aware of the risks. Then, we discussed cyberbullying, explaining how it differs from regular bullying and the various ways it can occur, such as being mean to someone online, pretending to be someone else to hurt them, and spreading rumors about them.
To make the session more interesting and relatable, we shared real stories and examples of cyberbullying. These real-life situations helped students understand how serious cyberbullying can be and how it can really hurt someone's feelings and mental health. Annaditha, a 9th-grade student, emphasized why it's important to stop cyberbullying and be kind online as well as offline. Following this, we engaged in fun activities that helped us learn and interact better. We divided into groups and discussed different cyberbullying situations, coming up with ideas on how to deal with them. These activities made us think hard and work together. We talked a lot and shared ideas, which helped us understand cyberbullying better and figure out how to stop it.
However, one challenge we faced was that some ideas were hard for younger students to understand, but efforts were made to break them down and make them easier to grasp.
After the session, we asked students for feedback. Most of them said they learned a lot and now understand better about staying safe online and dealing with cyberbullying. They also expressed feeling more confident about handling these situations in the future because of what they learned.
In summary, the session on internet safety and cyberbullying at Christ Convent, Bangalore, was a big success. It helped students learn important things and feel more prepared to use the internet safely. These kinds of lessons are crucial for ensuring students know how to be kind and respectful online.
After the session, some girls were really excited and said they want to do well in school to attend more sessions like this. Their enthusiasm shows how much these lessons matter and reminds us why it's essential to keep teaching about internet safety and stopping cyberbullying in schools.
Ramadan in Shivaji Nagar: A Heartfelt Celebration of Unity and Generosity
By Nuha Mehmood
In the vibrant neighborhood of Shivaji Nagar in Bangalore, the arrival of Ramadan marks a transformation. from streets selling clothes and merchantises to stress filled with food and delicacies.
The streets take on a new energy during this holy month, as the community comes together to fast, share meals, and engage in acts of charity. During this time, many things stand out, but none are as remarkable as the feeling of kindness and compassion that fills the air.
During Ramadan in Shivaji Nagar, the tempting smells of various foods are hard to resist. Whether it's the savory aroma of kebabs cooking or the sweet scent of falooda and haleem drifting through the streets, every part of the neighborhood seems to offer something delicious. It's a treat to our senses as vendors from all over display their specialties, each dish made with great attention to detail and passion.
One of the many vendors you'll find in Shivaji Nagar during Ramadan is Mr. Mohammed Hatim, who has been a familiar face in the neighborhood for more than twenty years. Mr. Hatim's kebab wheel-cart is a well-known spot, serving delicious dishes to hungry customers year after year. Ramadan is particularly important to Mr. Hatim because he's carrying on the tradition started by his father over forty years ago. He wakes up early every morning with a clear goal in mind: to prepare each kebab perfectly before dawn so that people can enjoy them to the fullest when they break their fasts.
However, it's not just the tempting smell of food that fills the streets of Shivaji Nagar during Ramadan; it's also the feeling of giving and togetherness that can be found everywhere in the neighborhood. One of the most memorable examples of this spirit is the Iftaar table organized by Mr. Mujahid and his friends, a tradition that has continued for more than twenty-five years. With a strong sense of friendship and common purpose, this group of friends gathers each evening to prepare a large spread of food for the community, without expecting anything in return.
Mr. Mujahid and his friends show how powerful it can be when people work together and give selflessly. By combining their resources and skills, they create a warm and inviting space where everyone is welcome to share in the blessings of Ramadan. As the sun sets and the call to prayer fills the air, they open their hearts and their table to friends, neighbors, and even strangers, demonstrating the true meaning of Ramadhan.
Their dedication goes beyond just providing food for those in need; they also focus on making sure everyone feels included and valued at their table. They pay close attention to every detail to ensure that everyone, no matter where they come from or what fate they have, feels welcome. This shows how powerful communities can be in bringing people together, regardless of their differences, to enjoy a meal and experience the blessings of Ramadan.
As Ramadan comes to an end and the celebrations in Shivaji Nagar reach their peak, the spirit of the month remains strong. It's a time for people to reflect, renew their connections with themselves, others, and their faith. Through acts of charity, compassion, and kindness, the community shows its dedication to the values of empathy, generosity, and unity that are at the core of Ramadan.
In conclusion, Ramadan in Shivaji Nagar isn't just a religious practice; it's a celebration of humanity and diversity. It brings together people of various backgrounds and beliefs to contribute in fasting, feasting, and giving. It demonstrates how communities can unite despite differences, embracing understanding and kindness.
National Gallery of Modern Art
By Karthikeyan Suresh Babu
My friends and I decided to go to NGMA (national Gallery of modern Art). It was 4 people who went there together. This place is located at Vasant Nagar, around Mount Carmel College. This was one of the best experiences I have had since college has started. A blissful experience from the start to the end.
I have always wanted to attend Art museums, but I've never really had the time or the chance to do so, this was my first time. We entered the place at around 2:30 PM and left around 5:30 PM. The whole process from parking the vehicle to being guided around the museum was like cakewalk. Everybody around there were very helpful.
While looking at it from the outside, it doesn't look very big, but when you go inside, there is no end to art in there. At the beginning of the museum, there are a bunch of microscopic arts that can only be visible with a magnifying glass. At first, I wasn't very interested, but as soon as I read the few quotes that were written around those pictures, I was locked in. The quotes were so interesting because it related so much to the pictures which was quite obvious. So that was the gist of the first Block of the museum.
Right after you leave that block, you enter another side of the museum which is called the Auditorium and it makes a lot of sense once you enter it. I loved this place. There was so much diversity in art that you couldn't relate a single art picture to another one. Every thing was so weirdly intriguing. Some things didn't make sense but that's only because I couldn't wrap my head around all the information the art was trying to tell me. They have a pictures of old newspapers, sculptures made of metal stapler pins, historical Indian paintings, and my favourite one, the psychedelic painting of a woman. This piece of art gave me the true definition of "the more you know". The information/the drawings/the writings/the hidden meanings in this piece never stopped. Every thing from the way she looks in to the audience, to the way her problems or surrounded around her in forms of painting. I think they have problems, but it could be the things she loves, I don't know and that's what I love about this piece, it could literally mean anything. My favourite part yet was none of it. As soon as I got done with Art, I thought there was nothing more to see in this place, and then a friend of mine took me to this library that was on the other side of the museum, and all I can say is I would've cried, if I didn't go there. This was absolute Paradise to my eyes and I am not at all a book guy.
Usually when you enter the library, there's just so many books and so many people which makes me quiet and comfortable, but this place was nothing like a regular library. This would be, in my opinion, the best kind of library out there. There was nobody in there, and it was above peaceful. My friend introduced me to this artist called Raja Ravi Varma. I can't lie, since I have left that library, I can't stop thinking about the way he draws and paints women. I say women in specific because every thing from her hair, to her skin texture, to her facial expressions, to her jewellery, to her natural body curves, to the diversity of women, from big to petite, I've never seen someone find beauty in imperfections as much is this artist. He truly made me feel like I was born in the wrong generation. Women were just so beautiful back then, just so my type.
I wish to see more from this artist, and learn more about him, not just from an artist perspective, but also as a human.
When Culture Meets City
By Joel Stephen
Being an avid foodie in Bangalore requires not only keen (supervision) but also to be on the lookout for a new and possibly unique experience. There are a handful of places in Bangalore that I can't say I truly enjoyed, as such when I do find such rare occurrences, I strongly believe it is worth writing about. Such an experience is when I visited a neat little place called the DYU art cafe, known for its fame within the malayali community,it gave me a very homely atmosphere. With soft yellow lighting and wooden furniture, it brought alive the feeling of hospitality which Malayalis are known for. Surrounded by trees, beautiful books and the strong aroma of home-ground coffee wafting up and around ,it leaves my nostrils with little to be desired. With such a culturally rich environment, I half expected dishes straight out of Kerala but to my surprise, the menu looked vividly continental with Italian dishes gracing its pages. There were a thousand and one curious thoughts in my head, Had they mastered a new art of Malayali pizza? Have they actually put coconut oil to cook the lasagna instead of virgin olive? Or have they genuinely fried fish to stuff the fish fingers?!
"Ahhh no Sir.." Said one friendly waiter when I expressed my concerns to him. "We're not that kind of restaurant, nice food you'll get here." To be honest, he wasn't lying, the fish fingers were ordered in bulk that day. While the continental food was very standard, I noticed how well the restaurant seemed to paradoxically align the best of both worlds; the values of Malayali heritage and the delectability of modern day cuisines. Another point worth mentioning here, was how the people at DYU actually included a separate space on the menu for omelettes, I've never known any of my Mallu friends to be eggetarians and I was left laughing to myself on whether that's just a quirky, cocky chef or an actual Malayali custom. When I did get the time to look around,the Indianness of the whole place instantly hit me when I saw the opening in the roof,right in the middle of the place and I instantly craved being there with a hot cup of tea during a typical Bangalorean downpour. But it was the little things for me, like how there were petit chains hanging from the pipes to make it more pretty or the homely red tiled roofs which made me feel like i was in a very contemporary Indian middle class home which had elements of the modern world but also retained that old world charm.
Going with a Bengali friend to a Malayali restaurant is not easy, let me tell you. The clash of flavour between north and south India is something you do not want to get meddled in. For adamant Bengalis, who like their food rich and flavorful,t hey would simply not settle for a burger with fries or as her pallate deemed it : "Too bland for life" Regardless, DYU does its best to cater to different tastes, and with some Dan Brown exposure, you're sure to have good time.
Biriyani and Bangalore's fascination with it
By Joel Stephen
With obesity rates shooting through the skies,and diabetes being at its highest rate ever in a metropolitan city like Bangalore. It is no surprise that one of the frequent culprits among fast food joints is a loaded 700-calorie dish of meat, rice and rich masala.
With a diverse culinary universe and people coming from all over India to reside in the city.Bangalorean palletes have been proven to crave foods having an intricate quirkiness,specifically biriyani. And each variant of Biryani tells a fascinating and compelling storyline.Our city's infatuation with the flavoured rice dish has been absolutely monumental and isn't recent at all.Rumoured to have been brought along by Mughal chefs in the 15th century,the dish's origins were intended for absolute royalty,fit for Kohinoors and Muslin silk underwear. The Mughal Kings then acquired a taste for biriyani, no doubt, as its celebrity flavour grew in prominence through the halls of the bulbous domes and towering minarets.It is said that nothing tickled the taste buds of the Mughal rulers more than delicacies like biryani, shamikababs, and tandoori kebabs all of which we find in Shivaji Nagar,especially during Ramadan.
Something this widespread,known in multiple restaurants across the city is bound to have variations.For example, "Lucknowi biriyani" a restaurant on Lal Bagh main road claims to have the best biriyani in town.While it is very famous in cities like Calcutta where it is rumoured to contain large amounts of potato (which is a unique take on what biriyani is "supposed" to be) our resident Indians prefer something smaller,more delectable that makes chains like Bheema's and Nagarjuna so successful.
It appears that the undying taste of biriyani never really leaves our minds because it doesn't take a scholar to notice that it's quite literally everywhere,at weddings,at birthdays,at sleepovers,at lavish hotels and of course, on the streets of the city,its seductive aroma wafting up to the unsuspecting Bangalorean luring them in.All we can do is hope our willpower prevails as we stare longingly at the plates being filled as our stomachs rumble at the sight.
The obsession with ‘escn’
By Renita Johnson
The Bengaluru team, representing the state in the IPL matches that began in 2008, has consistently fallen short of winning the finals multiple times. Despite showing glimpses of brilliant ability, the team has also faced serious obstacles and criticism. Performance and inconsistency have been persistent problems, especially during important games. Over the years, fans have come up with a slogan to encourage and cheer for the team and themselves. They start each game stating ‘Ee Sala cup Namde,’ which means ‘this time we are going to bag the cup,’ expressing their expectations from the city team.
"Ee Sala Cup Namde" represents optimism and faith for Karnataka cricket fans amidst the uncertainties of the game. It is more than simply a catchphrase. The fanbase is unwavering in its belief, chanting these words despite past setbacks and near misses, because they believe that redemption is possible with every new season. Fans loudly declare their belief that this time, they really are going to be the ones holding the cup, whether they are rooting for their team on social media or cheering from the stands. Despite never having the luck to bag the cup till the end, the team has always tried its best to win matches and reach the finals or semi-finals.
While some friends from Bangalore have given up on their team and switched sides, I have always shown my loyal support to RCB since day one. "Ee Sala Cup Namde" is more than just a catchphrase; it connects all Karnataka cricket supporters, no matter their circumstance or background. Supporters find comfort and companionship in their common love for the game, feeling more a part of the community and belonging. The bond created by this shared belief strengthens the fans' ties, regardless of victory or defeat. I have seen my friends bond over being RCB fans, making instant connections. From watching most of them meet up for the crucial CSK vs RCB match to attending screenings, fans remain firm in their devotion, cheering their team on in both wins and losses.
With the inception of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), I found myself caught up in a whirlwind of emotions every year during the IPL. I was always filled with excitement and anticipation. Every season brought renewed hope, fueled by the rallying cry of "Ee Sala Cup Namde." It wasn't just a slogan; it was a mantra that echoed in my heart, reminding me to never lose faith in my team's ability to conquer any challenge. As the 2024 IPL season approaches, I continue with the same spirit, hoping to see RCB bag the cup for once, at least once.
A Journey through my city life
By Renita Johnson
Bangalore, a city known as the capital of Karnataka to many, is also referred to as the Silicon City of the state, serving as the IT hub for numerous people migrating from different states to start a living in this beautiful city. However, for me, Bangalore is more than just these titles; it is my home. For the past three generations, my family has lived in Bangalore.
First of all, Bangalore is unique in its welcoming of diversity. As I walk through its streets, I come across a variety of cultures, languages, and customs. Bangalore is a city that thrives on its diverse population, which comes from all over the nation and the world. This diversity is evident in every detail, from the aromatic spices of the local cuisine to the rhythmic beats of traditional music similar to its concerts. Every community adds a unique shade to the vibrant palette of the city, telling a different story in every community.
This place has a special place in my heart because it is my cherished home. Its energetic streets, diverse array of cultures, and lively atmosphere speak to my inner self, forming a web of experiences and memories that define my feeling of identity in this amazing city. Bangalore is an evolving urban landscape that is both progressive and deeply rooted in its heritage thanks to the harmonious coexistence of modernity and tradition. The city's skyline, which is graced with both ancient temples and tall skyscrapers, is evidence of its ability to look to the future while preserving the past. Modern technology coexists with old-world charm in Bangalore, where innovation is welcomed with equal enthusiasm as tradition.
Bangalore is a city with limitless potential and countless opportunities beyond its amazing outside elements. It draws dreamers and visionaries from all over the world, providing them with an empty wall on which they paint their dreams, being the heart of India's rapidly growing IT sector. I have seen the growth of concepts that have fundamentally changed the world here, in the hallways of its prestigious universities and tech hubs. I have experienced the innovation that affects its bustling streets.
Zomoland
By Aadhya Anand
Zomato, the popular food delivery app, recently held its annual event, Zomoland,it is a two day event in Bangalore.
It was a blast this year, drawing crowds for a day of food and fun. The event started with a lively food carnival, offering a wide range of dishes from local restaurants. People got to taste everything from street food to fancy treats, showing off Bangalore's diverse food scene.
One of the best parts of Zomaland was watching famous chefs cook live. They not only entertained the crowd but also shared cooking tips and recipes. Attendees even got to learn a few new tricks in the kitchen
The event, held at a sprawling venue in the heart of the city, featured a wide range of activities, performances, and culinary delights that catered to people of all ages and interests.
One of the main attractions of Zomoland was its lineup of notable musicians and comedians who performed at the event. From popular comedians like Gaurav Kapoor and Atul Khatri to musical acts like When Chai Met Toast and Jonita Gandhi, the event had something for everyone.
The tickets for Zomoland were priced at Rs. 500 for a single-day pass and Rs. 800 for a two-day pass, making it an affordable option for those looking to experience a weekend of entertainment. The ticket prices included access to all the performances, activities, and food stalls at the event, making it a great value for money.
One of the highlights of Zomoland was the performance by When Chai Met Toast, a folk-pop band known for their soulful music and catchy tunes. The band's performance was a hit with the audience, who sang along and danced to their upbeat melodies.
Another standout performance was by Jonita Gandhi, a versatile singer known for her melodious voice and impressive vocal range. Her performance at Zomoland was mesmerizing, as she sang a mix of popular Bollywood and English songs that had the crowd cheering for more.
In addition to the musical performances, Zomoland also featured comedy shows by Gaurav Kapoor and Atul Khatri, who kept the audience entertained with their witty jokes and humorous anecdotes. Their performances added a light-hearted and fun element to the event, making it a memorable experience for everyone present.
Overall, Zomato's Zomoland event in Bangalore was a huge success, attracting a large crowd and providing them with a weekend of entertainment, music, and laughter. The event's affordable ticket prices, diverse lineup of performers, and fun-filled activities made it a must-visit for anyone looking to have a great time in the city
I find peace in your violence; Bangalore Mon amour
By Aadhya Anand
Ishu mouths the words “Is it ok? Are you getting late” she questions me with her brown eyes. I just sit back and give her a wide neck smile for reassurance, little does she know I did that for my own selfish deeds. I wanted to stay out longer so I had an excuse to drive home in the evening sun , everything feels calm and chaotic at the same time, the people are restless trying to rush back home, honking and harassing each other to move a foot farther, to be bumper to bumper, each time they miss out on hitting a bumper, each time they applaud themselves for being a good driver.
People watching has turned into one of my favourite hobbies these days, and what better place to people watch than in the traffic? The population of drivers in this city either deserve a knighthood or a ticket straight to hell no in between.
Stepping out onto the streets of Bangalore felt like entering a battlefield. It was not uncommon for me to witness at least two accidents before I could even cross a single street. Despite the frequency of these incidents, no one seemed truly shocked. Instead, they gathered around and helped the "fallen soldiers," engaging in angry arguments.
The two most common words heard during an argument are 1. “aye”(this is said with folded fingers and bulging angry eyes) 2. “Yennu?”(mostly said by the instigator of the incident with a sense of entitlement and anger)After a prolonged exchange of curse words, (this is the time when I get to add new cuss words to my dictionary) they would eventually move on, leaving behind a trail of chaos that stretched for miles.
Despite the madness, there was a strange sense of calmness among the people stuck in traffic. Maybe it was a form of resignation, an acceptance of the chaotic nature of Bangalore's roads. Or maybe, in the midst of all the chaos, they found a sense of camaraderie, a shared experience that bonded them together.
Ishu and I sat in comfortable silence, watching the world go by. The honking of horns, the shouting of street vendors, and the chatter of pedestrians merged into a symphony of city life. It was in these moments of quiet observation that I felt most alive, most connected to the pulse of the city.
As the evening wore on, the traffic began to thin out, signalling the end of another day in Bangalore. The once chaotic streets now seemed almost peaceful, bathing in the soft glow of the streetlights. It was a stark contrast to the madness of rush hour, a reminder that even in the busiest of cities, there was always a moment of calm. I am reminded of Khalid singing “I find peace in your violence” when I think of the traffic in this city.
So, as Ishu and I sat in the car, surrounded by the chaos of Bangalore traffic, I couldn't help but smile. People in Bangalore traffic were indeed a unique breed, capable of remaining calm in the face of what seemed like utter madness. And as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of self and belonging amidst the chaos.
I praise Bangalore.
By Aaryan Shaji
In a city of contrasts in southern India, customs from the past coexist peacefully with modern objectives. Called the Garden City, Bangalore is a mixture of contrasts, contradictions, and urban life.
A favourite of early risers, the aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee permeates the air as dawn breaks over the city. Joggers move through the quiet streets and lush parks, their footfall echoing off the swaying trees and twittering birds. In the stillness, the city begins to awaken to the prospect of a new day.
As you continue into Bangalore's core, you'll encounter a bustle of activity. The rickshaw drivers expertly navigate the congested traffic as they weave through the maze-like tunnels with an air of seasoned ease. Autorickshaws pass by vibrant market stalls where vendors are selling their wares with infectious enthusiasm and loud voices that rise above the clamour of customers.
The meeting point of tradition and modernity is the vibrant centre of Bangalore's IT scene. Towering skyscrapers pierce the skyline, their glass facades reflecting the aspirations of a city at the forefront of innovation. Software experts collaborate in these eye-catching towers, crouched over laptops and using their fingertips to dance over keyboards to create the technologies of the future.
Despite Bangalore's fast expansion, the city is nonetheless firmly rooted in its rich cultural history. The intricate carvings on temples serve as silent protectors of past times, attesting to the city's enduring spirituality. During festive occasions, the streets come alive with the vibrant whirl of dancers and the throbbing beat of drums as people fervently celebrate long-standing customs.
When the sun goes down, Bangalore transforms once more, showing its vibrant nightlife. Friends gather to unwind over hot chai at cafés that spill onto the streets, their tables adorned with fairy lights and laughter echoing throughout. Music blares from the entrances of vibrant bars and clubs, drawing partygoers into the heart of the city's nightlife.
However, there are moments when contemplation is serene even in the midst of everything going on. Repose in the quiet embrace of Cubbon Park, where ancient trees whisper ghost stories of long ago and the subtle murmur of the city fades. Visit one of Bangalore's numerous libraries to lose yourself in a book, or get ideas from the vibrant street art that adorns the city's walls.
Bangalore's energy is woven throughout the streets, and even when dusk falls and the city sleeps, it never truly fades. Because beneath its bustling exterior lies a city packed with stories that beg to be told, a mosaic of aspirations that grows more vibrant by the day. Bangalore is a place where the past and present coexist to produce a dynamic yet classic, chaotic yet serene metropolis that is, most importantly, alive.
Ban-Rich
By Aaryan Shaji
The city of Bangalore is known for its nice trees, pleasant breeze, and curious weather, but it's also notorious for one thing: traffic. Everywhere you go, there's traffic, and it's because of this traffic that I've noticed so many different places in Bangalore.
Every morning, it's a daily routine to get ready and go to college. The journey from the homeliness of Banaswadi to the honking of buses in Lalbagh road is about 12 km long. As soon as I start my journey, the traffic begins. I take a left from my house and encounter a long line from Banaswadi government school to Mukunda theatre on the other side of the railway track.
Mukunda theatre is the first important place I see every morning when I'm on the bridge crossing over the railway track. It has a few huge banners with people of some party and the title of some Kannada movie, though I can't remember which. Just ahead, I often get stuck in front of the amazing Orion East with a bouncy castle for some reason. Why? Because some bus driver decides to cross from the right side of the road to the left, forgetting that the bus stop is on the left. These bus drivers seem to dislike us bike riders for some unknown reason, and I will never understand why. But after passing the bus, I reach ITC bridge, one of the two best places for people like me.
This 300-meter stretch is the only place where I can race other people on bikes. Some may say it's the male ego, but I see it as a tribal way to show them that you are better than them.
After navigating through a few normal roads of daily traffic, you come to an entire stretch that feels like a ride-or-die situation: the amazing Cubbon Road. I've almost died there thrice, once almost hitting the gate of the headquarters of the Karnataka Kerala sub-area. It's definitely not something to try at home or on the roads. Just don't try it.
As you slowly approach the metro track right above your heads near Hard Rock Cafe, you may encounter some odd sights. I once saw a guy sleeping in the middle of the road with a cigarette in his mouth. Bangalore certainly has its share of weird people.
When hunger strikes and you haven't had breakfast, you might pass by the McDonald's drive-through, though you can't buy anything because you're late for class. With just 15 minutes left, you find yourself stuck at a signal near Cafe Coffee Day. You can see UB City, the best mall in the area, so close to college but yet so far away. The traffic from here to Richmond is the worst, and it's all based on luck whether you'll get to college on time or not. You race against the clock, trying to get there fast, and finally, you reach college, only to find yourself stuck one last time at the road in front of the college. There's no signal, just a bunch of students exiting the gates of SJU.
Decoding the historical significance of Göreme
By Adhya K
Nestled within the ancient lands of Cappadocia, Göreme emerges like a dream from the earth itself; a city born from the very rock that surrounds it. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden hues upon the towering fairy chimneys and honeycombed cliffs, Göreme awakens to tell its tale of centuries past.
Walking through its narrow streets, I am enveloped in a sense of timelessness, as if the echoes of ancient footsteps still linger in the air. The soft glow of lanterns illuminates the facades of cave dwellings and stone-carved churches, each bearing witness to the passage of time and the resilience of those who once called this place home.
But it is not just the architecture that captivates the senses; it is the spirit of Göreme itself. The whispers of a thousand stories etched into the very soul of the city. Here, amidst the labyrinthine passages and hidden courtyards, I feel a sense of connection to the past, as if I am walking in the footsteps of those who came before me.Every visitor to Göreme gets to marvel at these natural wonders, explore cave dwellings carved into the rock, and hike through valleys adorned with otherworldly formations.The region's surreal landscape, characterized by towering rock formations known as fairy chimneys, is the result of volcanic activity that occured millions of years ago.
Additionally, Göreme's vibrant folk traditions, culinary delights, and warm hospitality provide visitors with an immersive cultural experience that is both enriching and unforgettable. Göreme is home to several workshops where visitors can try their hand at this ancient craft. Guided by skilled artisans, participants can learn traditional techniques, sculpt clay into intricate designs, and create their own unique souvenirs to take home.
The traditional Turkish night show in Göreme is a fascinating art-form that is not to be missed. These lively performances showcase vibrant folk dances, mesmerizing whirling dervishes, and live music, providing a glimpse into Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
Göreme is also renowned for its breathtaking hot air balloon rides, offering unparalleled views of the Cappadocian landscape bathed in the soft light of dawn. Floating above the fairy chimneys and valleys dotted with cave dwellings is an unforgettable experience that provides a bird's-eye perspective of this mesmerizing region.
As night falls, the sky above Göreme is ablaze with stars, casting a magical glow upon the landscape below. From the rooftop of a cave hotel, I watch in awe as the Milky Way stretches across the heavens, a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the fleeting nature of human existence.
In Göreme, beauty and darkness intertwine, creating a tapestry of contrasts that both enchants and unsettles the soul. It is a place where history hangs heavy in the air, where every stone tells a story, and every shadow conceals a secret.
Yet, amidst the ancient ruins and forgotten tombs, there is a sense of hope. There exists an undying belief that even in the darkest of times, beauty can still be found, and that the light of human resilience will always shine through.
As I bid farewell to Göreme, I carry with me not only memories of its ancient wonders but also a newfound appreciation for the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. In this city of stone and dreams, I have found a glimpse of eternity; a reminder that even as the world changes around us, some things remain forever unchanged.
Coffee Paradise
By Adhya K
In the heart of Italy, lies a magical place where coffee isn't just a beverage but a way of life. Aakanksha Monga, a very talented Travel influencer's Instagram reel captures the essence of Italy's coffee paradise, where every sip tells a story of tradition and passion.
Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Rome, the air filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed espresso. In every corner cafe, you'll find locals and tourists alike savouring the simple joy of a perfectly crafted cup of coffee.
Rome's coffee culture is rich and deeply ingrained in daily life. From traditional espresso bars to trendy cafes, the city offers a diverse coffee experience. Romans often start their day with a quick shot of espresso at a local bar, standing at the counter while chatting with friends or reading the newspaper. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the streets, inviting locals and tourists to savour the bold flavours.
Espresso is the cornerstone of Roman coffee culture, served in small, thick-walled cups known as "tazzine." It's brewed with precision and expertise, delivering a concentrated burst of flavour and caffeine. Romans take their espresso seriously, and baristas pride themselves on crafting the perfect shot, balancing bitterness, acidity, and sweetness.
But Rome, Italy's love affair with coffee doesn't stop at drinks.There are coffee candies that melt in your mouth, coffee-infused gelato that cools you down on a hot summer day, and even coffee-scented candles that fill your home with the comforting fragrance of freshly ground beans. The energizing coffee cocktails served at Bar Del Fico provides a variety of coffee based martinis and vodkas that drive people insane.
A fascinating aspect of Rome's coffee culture that is hard to forget once you hear about it, is the concept of "caffè sospeso," which translates to "suspended coffee." This tradition dates back to World War II but continues to thrive in modern Rome. The idea is simple yet heartwarming. When someone buys a cup of coffee for themselves, they have the option to pay for an additional coffee to be "suspended" or left unpaid for someone in need. This act helps provide a warm drink to those who may not be able to afford it. Through this, individuals share the warmth and comfort of a cup of coffee with those going through a rough time.
When the CEO of Starbucks visited Rome, he was blown away by the cafes there. They were so amazing that they inspired him to create Starbucks cafes all over the world. But here's the catch – he didn't dare to open any in any city in Italy, let alone Rome. He was afraid that Starbucks wouldn't be good enough for the coffee connoisseurs of Rome.
So, for 30 long years, Starbucks stayed away from Italy as a whole, until one day, they finally mustered up the courage to open their first cafe in Milan. And It was a hit! People lined up to try the famous Starbucks drinks, but they also continued to frequent their beloved local cafes because, well, nothing beats the charm of an authentic Italian coffee experience.The response was overwhelming. Locals and tourists alike flocked to taste the famed Starbucks creations, yet the heart of Italy remained unchanged. For in Rome, coffee is an indelible part of the city's soul.
In the end, Rome remains the ultimate coffee paradise, where every corner is adorned with the promise of a perfect cup of coffee. So, whether you prefer your coffee black as night or creamy as a cloud, Rome welcomes you with open arms and a steaming cup of caffeinated bliss. In this timeless city, every cup tells a story, every sip a journey into the heart of Italy's coffee.
Bangalore through the trains of Mumbai
By Rea Peter
My day before Valentine's was occupied by a screening at Bangalore International Centre. Tessa told me about it and made sure I attended this, not just because we were journalism students but also because it was titled Ladies only. So of course I dragged my little gay self there along with Tessa, where we witnessed such a whirlwind of emotions from that short 1 hour film.
It was shot in Mumbai, on a moving train, for a whole month. Women from different households, different backgrounds and different lifestyles were interviewed about themselves.
I remember crying while watching the film. I'm easily moved to tears but that doesn't mean it doesn't take much to make me cry. I'm so privileged, living in my own little bubble and this film was a reminder about that.
I vaguely recall the story of this one woman who slaves away in different sub urban/ urban households to earn money for her family and comes back home to yet again slave away there. She was the only source of income in her house of five and her husband just sits all day and only gets up to drink and do other such imbecilic activities. When asked how she felt about this she just retorted saying that this was how her culture was and that there was no point in getting angry and even though her words said that her tone and expressions screamed otherwise.
It literally got my blood boiling to hear about how another woman's grown up children use her for money and are of absolute no help to her life and circumstances.
The whole film was made by a team of, unironically, women. They used the women's compartment of a local mumbai train as a microcosm of urban life. They interviewed people quite organically, I say that in the sense that they just sat down, set up their equipment and talked to whoever was seated opposite to them and was willing.
I learnt of all of this when the producers themselves came out. Three women, amongst them a very very attractive lady most definitely did not steal my attention away and almost made me miss my curfew, came up to the stage and had an interactive session with the audience and the emcee. They talked about the difficulties of shooting on a noisy, moving train and such. They ended up selecting 13 stories to put out there from the thirty four people they interviewed and with some editing they strung it together to give us that insight into the woman's compartment of Mumbai. A sense of freedom of observation came with watching this project and it was honestly so gut wrenching to listen to these women. I would definitely watch it again, even pay to watch it again if I have to.
This brings me to my ultimate point. I've never seen Bangalore in this light. I have only so far seen the good to slightly rotten parts of it and seeing the state of those women in Mumbai really got me thinking about how different but the same Bangalore could be. My privilege has allowed me to not see the worst of the worst, but indulging in such matters seems like an important activity to aid in the understanding of said privilege.
Women & Cubbon Co.
By Renee Dsouza
16 year old Renee would be oozing with pride if someone told her that we’ve finally found home outside of home.
That’s how I felt when I stepped foot in Bangalore- the Sillycon city I’d say. Green enough to make you believe it was a nature lover's paradise yet concrete enough to make you face the creeping loneliness around the city. A Concrete Forest I’d say. Yet, my heart being the optimistic muscle that it is, chose to stroll around Cubbon Park, the first day I’d come to Bangalore. Little did I know that 2 years later, I’d be with one of my best friend's, M, who’s now family to me.
As we strolled through the serene dog-poop filled paths of Cubbon Park on a Sunday morning, the lush greenery enveloped me, and I couldn't help but feel a deep connection with Nature. As we unfolded our dining table cloth onto the grass as a picnic mat, my eyes caught the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a mesmerizing play of light and shadow on the ground, like a giant canvas painted by the hands of nature itself.
I paused, nearly yelled at M to stand in front of a cluster of trees, my gaze fixated on their trunks. The sunlight danced upon them, revealing the Tyndall effect—a beautiful phenomenon where light scatters as it passes through particles. It was as if the trees were whispering secrets of life and growth, waiting for someone to decode their silent language. And there M was, in all her glory and her Pinkish-Brown hair, almost as if she was one with Mother Nature. She is a Virgo though, [Earth sign], which makes sense why she goes from my hyper, nervous-system fried up bestie twin I see in college, to the colour Yellow and a calm Winter breeze around Nature.
Three particular trees caught my attention, standing tall and proud amidst the others. They seemed to embody femininity in their essence. The first tree, with its graceful branches swaying gently in the breeze, reminded me of the elegance and resilience of women. Despite facing storms and challenges, like the tree bending in the wind, women stand strong and adaptable.
The second tree, with its intricate bark patterns and textures, drew me in closer. It was like a mirror reflecting the complexities and uniqueness of every woman. Just as no two pieces of bark are identical, every woman carries her own experiences, scars, and stories that shape her into a work of art, beautiful in her imperfections.
And then there was the third tree, adorned with rings around its trunk, showcasing its age and wisdom. It symbolized the stages of life that women go through—youthful exuberance, mature strength, and the wisdom that comes with age. Each ring a testament to the growth and resilience gained through life's seasons.
As I stood there, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between our bodies and nature. The bark resembles the texture of our skin, the rings akin to the milestones etched in our lives, and the feeling of grounding when we walk barefoot, connecting with the earth's energy just like the roots of these trees.
In that moment of epiphany, I realized that women, like nature, are a powerful force of creation, nurturing, and transformation. We carry within us the essence of the earth, capable of weathering storms and blossoming into our true selves, just like the trees in Cubbon Park—silent yet profound witnesses to the beauty of life's journey.
A Night At the Musuem.
By Renee Dsouza
On a sunny day in March, a group of friends and I decided to take a look at Bengaluru's newest addition of Musuems, The Museum of Art and Photography (MAP). Situated in the heart of Bengaluru, on Kasturba Road, it felt really convenient especially in terms of transportation. My friends and I do not necessarily hold the collective interest to view events and exhibitions. The journey began as we made our way through the BMTC crowded bus, questioning whether the musuem would be worth the heat. But the visit to MAPs piqued our interest and we returned with a far different mindset.
We ended up enrolling for Visible/Invisible, the longest running exhibition of MAP, which bore an extensive collection of artworks ranging from as old as the 10th century, textiles, sculptures, paintworks, photography, nude art, all focused around one central theme: Gender. While Gender being the main theme, it gently trickles down to the powerful feminine. Women. The power of the divine feminine. As a relatively masculine girl, learning about my counterpart yin, the yin to my yang, opened my eyes to a simple truth; with great oppression comes great resilience. As a woman, living in the 21st Century, I have grown to acknowledge the silent struggles, the innate assumed responsibilities, the fear of safety of every single woman in my life. And this exhibition further fueled my curiosity to learn and expand my scope of understanding on this complex yet discussable topic. The exploration of gender and the visual reporesentation of the feminine and women, as a construct.
The exhibition was at a fair price of 300 per head. A hallway that echoed the music of Hans Zimmer, started off with a huge portrait of Venus, but a reconstructed version. This idea being the first artwork in the exhibition, caught my eye instantly. Venus, the Greek Godess of Love, has always been portrayed as this feminine, submissive lady who has always been all about Love. But the idea behind this Reconstruction, is merely about Love, and more about her humanistic abilities and how it was often overlooked in Greek Mythology. This attempt to personify Venus, was in my opinion to move past the objectification of women, in terms of Love. Famous love stories almost always consist of some superficial attributes of beauty, especially with women, which directly implies that in order to be loved or possess love, you need these surface level traits of beauty, which exist only on the outside. Which is why the inclusion of showing what's on the inside of Venus, the goddess of Love herself, makes you realize quite the opposite. What lies on the inside, is far more important than what lies on the outside.
Now Think: Abstract, enthropomorphic, divine, music, somewhat erotic..
These sculptures were curated by the brilliant Indian artist Mrinalini Mukherjee, known for her technique of knotted hemp hemp fiber. An unusual material for most sculptors but a very common one especially in rural India. Mukherjee's choice of this unconventional material perhaps hints at her interest in Indian Folk art. When I learnt that she likes to work on her final pieces without any preparatory sketches, I had to commend her brilliancy. It saddened me to learn that we had lost such a gem of an artist, back in 2015. In an interview, she once said that she wanted her sculptures to conjure a feeling of "awe when you walk into a small sanctum of a temple and look up to be held by an iconic presence."
So I let my hair down in protest. This one sentence out right caught me off guard. The artworks around this sentence were truly one of a kind and talked about the compulsion of women having to be clean, organized and always staying under their limits. I see it almost everyday with my own sister, and it only makes me hyper aware of my surroundings whenever I'm around other women, so that I don't end up making any of them feel like I'm an obligation to them. By the renowned artist: Annuli Pereira.
We finally ended our quest to better explore Bangalore with some warm ghee-soaked Thatte Idli and filter coffee at Udupi Grand and then bargained our ways home with an auto driver from Namma Yatri, while feling very “Little Womenish” with our bravery and bargaining skills :)
Ben Ga Lulu
By Henry T Nathaniel
This woman has been my prison. Kinda. I've loved every corner of her, explored so much of her, yet keep finding new places and spaces to accommodate in my heart. No wonder people here drop dead at 35, there's simply too much for the poor heart.
Just like with every other tier 1 city, namma Bengaluru too has a disparity between the rich and the poor. It's somewhat mitigated through, for people aren't doing some untouchability nonsense here. There are nice churches, masjids and temples to visit, a bunch of lakes scattered around the city and a whole lot of parks everywhere.
You'll find cows eating plastic at garbage dumps which break my heart, but the dogs and cats are friendly enough to heal my heart. There are a few bars that are locally renowned, Chin lungs, Downtown pub and Knowhere, specifically. This city is kinda chill, a low-key mixing pot of various cultures and ethnicities that weave together into a beautiful residence.
She used to be greener with a lot more lakes, now replaced with intangible IT clouds. But even though the earth has become silicone, the essence of life has been untouched and untainted. Life finds a way, you know. Like a tiny tree trying to sprout in the crack of cement (I saw this the other day), this beautiful city has mixed and integrated the old and the new, the divine and the profane, daywork and nightlife, all here.
There are 9 hills that surround the city that form a lookout of sorts (atleast in the ancient times, upto Tippu Sultan), these 9 hills are collectively called the Navadurga forts. Once you make the trek and climb them, you'll be able to see a facet of the city from above. Actually there are 10 forts, 1 hidden, i'm going to let that secret sleep.
Shivajinagar stays open 24/7, you can go there for food anytime of the day. Going there at night is not preferable, because the cops will beat you while you're trying to enjoy your kushka in some corner.
One irritating thing is that I don't watch nor understand cricket so everything the cricket season comes around, one will have to withstand "EEE SAAL CUP NAMDE" and RBC chanting even in the metro stations. I mean sure, cricket sells, but ultimately it's just a bunch of monkeys chasing a ball after hitting it with a piece of wood.
Don't even get me started with the traffic, we all know what's up. Electronic City and Whitefield are straight up a nightmare to live in and travel to and fro, but people will still buy cheap houses and say it's a posh locality to show off.
Like a maiden crone, she has been my mother. No wonder the biggest church here is The Mary's Basilica.
Shades of Bangalore
By Anahita Shetty
I sit on the wooden bench with the back of my palms shoved under my thighs. They're pressing onto the flat surface yellowing and pinking at the edges. There are distinguished shades of colours in general, at least everything would lie between a spectrum of lighter shade to darker shade, but how to differentiate between shades of whites? It’s a colour that covers or is spotted in most surfaces, at least to some extent. Things like purity, peace and all things fragile and innocent are usually linked to this lifeless shade although it never made any sense to me. The white wall in front of me has consumed all my attention. It seems completely blank but the harder I stare at it; the grainy texture of the wall made shadows and crooks that seem to be moving and it takes the form of my scooter. The white vespa with its gleaming body, just cruising smoothly through the roads of Bangalore. I've always thought the scooty was a very pretty colour to begin with but combined with the greens and pinks of Bangalore summers, there's just something magical about it. I've tried to pin a colour to Bangalore summers ever since I've moved here, but more than a colour like blush-blossom- pink or dainty-yellow flowers, it's always a feeling of slowness that comes to mind, like a stream that gleams and glitters in the sunlight. For many of my friends when asked they associate the city with greens, but after contemplation I've decided that it’s a city of whites instead. Everyday handcuffed to the routine of attending classes, out of habit I glance towards the temple right opposite my college, the size of a tiny balcony. If you have the time to pay any attention to it, you’d see pieces of white coconuts with brown backsides, and the faithful exit it with white powdered lines running across their foreheads. I see men with wet and carefully combed hair either on their way to or back from the said temple clad in a white lungi and starchy white banyans.
On every second curve of the broken road, you’d see small temporary stalls with steel carriers. Upon opening the heavy lid and under the steam, you’d see heaps and mounds of idlies carefully stacked. The old woman with the faded sari would place three of these on a plate lined with banana leaves and topped with a generous serving of sweet Karnataka sambhar. A little ahead of college they would tell you about the Yellamma Dasappa Hotel or YDH but popularly called by its favourite dish – the open dosa. Two dosa served on steel plates with a serving of fresh white butter is heavenly with every bite, while the inside of the white dosa is sprinkled with red chutney podi. The old buildings lining the sides of brigade road are also different tones of white, though none of them are spotted with things such as paan spit and other stains, if you stare long enough the whites separate and become different tones. Flowers are sold on every cross of this city, coffee-coloured baskets filled with jasmine, marigold, and other flowers whose names I never bothered looking up. During the early hours of the day, BBMP workers walk the streets, sweeping away the remnants of the previous day. The women would wear their hair in neatly oiled braids with streaks of bright white jasmine clasped with a hairpin.
My new rented apartment’s walls are also bare white. After a few weeks of settling in and making peace with the fact this is my house now, I've started liking these walls compared to the lilac ones back in my Dubai home. My scooter and the porcelain plates are small fragments of home I've brought along with me to this new city.
I've grown accustomed to the whiteness my current life brings; hours of staring at empty white word documents that glare back at me every third day, the new alien dancing sunshine spots on my Vespa and its now matching helmet, the glitter on the lakes of this city that seems a translucent white, the food that always seems to be tinted. As monotonous as the colour seems on most days, there's comfort in this monotony.
"ವಾಸ್ತುಶಿಲ್ಪ ರಸಾಯನ" (Architectural Alchemy)
By Prabhu David
The city Bangalore wasn't always the bustling Silicon Valley of India we know today. Imagine a time when the city's rhythm was set not by the clicking of keyboards, but by the whispers of its lush greenery and the laughter echoing off its serene lakes. Back then, Bangalore was a tranquil haven, a garden city where every corner bloomed with the promise of nature's embrace. But presently, the city tells us a different story—an evidence of progress and innovation, yet at a cost. The green canopies and open spaces that once defined its landscape have gradually given way to the steel and concrete of urban growth.
Join me on a fun expedition that explores a variety of architecture found in Bangalore, covering its transition from when it was a garden city to the Silicon Valley, Find ‘your’ place on the way...
Are you a royalty person? Then the first and the earliest types of Architecture is for you...
The Bangalore Palace, finished in 1887, mirrors the grandeur of England's Windsor Castle with its magnificent Tudor-style architecture, featuring Gothic windows, spacious hall, elegant ball rooms, battlements and striking turrets. It was and is currently owned by the Wodeyar dynasty.
Predecessing the Bangalore Palace is, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, built in 1791, displays the beauty of Indo-Islamic architecture with its detailed teakwood carvings, walls, and elegant arches. Earlier owned by Tipu Sultan the erstwhile Ruler of Mysore, the palace is now maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.
These historical landmarks not only showcase the rich heritage and craftsmanship of their times but also continue to draw visitors with their stunning designs and stories of splendour.
For those drawn to the beauty of spiritual architecture and historical devotion, this is for you.
Established in 1851 for the British Regiment stationed in Bangalore, Holy Trinity Church is one of the city's oldest and largest military churches. The church exemplifies the English Renaissance style. It features beautiful stained-glass windows depicting various biblical scenes, intricate woodwork, and ornate marble altars. The church's architecture reflects the colonial influence, with a blend of Indian craftsmanship, making it a unique heritage site in Bangalore. As one enters the church, the grandeur of its architecture draws visitors from all walks of life to experience its timeless beauty.
Those with a passion of justice, here you go...
The High Court of Karnataka aka Attara Kacheri (Eighteen Offices) was constructed in 1868. It was originally built to house the Public Offices of the Mysore Government. Its Neoclassical architecture, features Corinthian columns and a distinguishing bright red façade. The building's frontage is adorned with a series of arched windows that not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also allow ample natural light inside, where legal proceedings take place becoming a key landmark in Bangalore's colonial architecture.
For the urban explorers and Shopping enthusiasts, this is yours...
The UB City Mall, completed in 2008, is a premier luxury retail and commercial complex. Designed by internationally renowned architects, UB City Mall seamlessly blends contemporary design with Indian architectural motifs. Its façade features a striking combination of glass, steel, and local stone, creating a visually stunning environment. The mall's interior boasts spacious atriums, artistic installations, and landscaped terraces, offering visitors a luxurious shopping and dining experience amidst Bangalore's urban landscape.
Innovation and technology geeks, here’s your home...
Manyata Tech Park, one of the largest tech parks in Bangalore, was developed in phases starting from the early 2000s, with ongoing expansions. It exemplifies modern urban architecture with its sleek glass facades, contemporary designs, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The park incorporates sustainable features such as energy-efficient lighting, green spaces, and rainwater harvesting systems. Its sprawling campus houses leading multinational corporations and startups, contributing to Bangalore's status as a global tech hub.
As we conclude our journey, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. The city, with its roots deep in the lush soil of its garden past, now reaches skyward with the steel and glass of architectural advancement.
An Ideal City?
By Prabhu David
What do you think about the word city? perhaps a large developed area with lots of buildings, skyscrapers, cars, buses, bikes etc. The above may be the thoughts that come to mind for the most of us. Today’s cities are not just hubs of economic activity and cultural exchange but also a place of warfare for sustainability and environmental preservation. A definition of an ideal city could be the integration of urbanization with greenery and sustainable practices. For example: Singapore, known for its lush landscapes around skyscrapers.
However, cities like Bangalore, despite their economic progress, struggle with the challenges of integrating nature with development.
When we look at Bangalore's journey from the "Garden City" to the "Silicon Valley of India" we see the cost that the environment pays due to unchecked/ haphazard urban extension. Our city, while making significant progress in technology and innovation, faces problems such as water crisis, pollution, and loss of green cover. This reflects the situation of many such cities worldwide, where development most often than not comes at the expense of a good environment.
Singapore, often hailed as a "City in a Garden," proves that urban development and environmental stewardship can coexist. Through meticulous planning and innovative policies, Singapore has woven nature into its urban fabric, creating a city that's as green as it is futuristic. This balance is not just aesthetic but serves critical ecological functions, enhancing biodiversity, reducing heat island effects, and improving air quality.
The ideal city, drawing lessons from both Bangalore and Singapore, is one where sustainable development and nature go hand in hand. It is a city that prioritizes green spaces, not as afterthoughts but as integral parts of urban planning. It leverages technology for water conservation, waste management, and energy efficiency, ensuring that the city's growth does not come at the expense of its natural resources.
Create a fresh Blueprint
A move towards an Ideal city would be recognizing the factors that help and solving problems using a blue print. Some of the ideas that can help in making a blueprint are given below.
Urbanization with a green cover: Like Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, an ideal city should integrate large, accessible green spaces that serve as lungs for the city, improving air quality and providing residents with much-needed escape from “urban life”.
Save water: To address water crisis situations like seen in Bangalore, implementation of rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling (sewage water treatment using STP’s) and sustainable groundwater management and regulations to ensure a secure water future.
Nature- Laws: Enforcement of strict environmental regulations while incentivizing green building practices and renewable energy use, ensuring that economic growth does not compromise environmental integrity.
Use of healthy means of transport: Encouragement and incentives to use public transportation systems (like buses and metro) to help reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Encourage the use of bicycles for a healthy lifestyle. Singapore's success with its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system and emphasis on walkability provides a model for Bangalore too, to enhance its own public transport infrastructure, thereby improving accessibility and reducing carbon emissions.
Community Engagement: Finally, the ideal city recognizes the role of its citizens in shaping its future, fostering a culture of sustainability and conservation through education and participation.
The transition from ‘what is’ to ‘what could be’ is not without its challenges. It requires a change in how individuals view development and sustainability. Bangalore's current situation serves as a warning, but also as a hint for change, inspiring cities to reimagine their futures. By adopting Singapore's model of integrating nature with urban development, cities can transform into vibrant, sustainable ecosystems that thrive economically while preserving the environment. The ideal city is not utopia, and can be reality through collective action, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability.
Pondicherry, Tranquil yourself in it’s colours of beauty and culture.
By Sneha Sudheer
It was 5:00 in the morning, waking up early in the morning has always been tiring to me and it’s not only me who thinks like that, almost everyone who hates mornings thinks the same way as me. When it's about going on trips, excitement rushes inside me and all of a sudden energy charges through me. We all decided to visit Pondicherry because the entire place is filled with beaches, restaurant, and a variety of seafood to dig in such as fish curry, prawn curry and so on and it was a three day trip. I have always agreed to go on trips because of food and beach as well, so whenever we decide on a particular place we first go through their menu card and by reading that only I feel more excited. We reached the airport by 7:00 a.m and went inside to check in and it was quite fun in the airport because the ambience felt really calm, less crowd even though i like crowd, weather being cold and all my family members, cousins standing next to each other, giggling and talking to each other while one of my uncles was teasing me and my sister on our outfits because we wore rip jeans, saying ‘who allowed these beggars inside the airport!’, making us feel embarrased and our family laughing at us. Beside this, me and my cousins were planning on what to do, which places to visit, cuisines to try on and how to annoy our mom’s as well. After an hour of flight we reached our destination, reached our hotel rooms and laid on our beds. We reached the restaurants, checking out the variety of food kept and me looking around, confused on what to eat because I felt like eating everything available there. And the view of the beach right next to the hotel was making it more beautiful and felt like staying in this place forever and not going back home. All our family gathered around the table, having huge conversations, laughter filled all over the place and making fun of me and my cousins which is common in every family get-togethers because we are used to it and also end up laughing along with it, showing our old childhood pictures, our elder brothers annoying us by pulling our hair, pinching us and running behind them to catch them and our family laughing by looking at us but once we start being more chaotic our mom’s would shout at us and we obediently go back to our seats. After some time we all decided to walk along the colourful streets of Pondicherry which was quite famous among the tourists. I remember we took a family picture and bought some seashell bracelets for us which looked really pretty and attractive. One of the main attractions of Pondicherry are those churches called the St. Vincent’s Church and while visiting one of them, those beautiful carvings on the wall inside the church and a unique beauty I felt when the church was empty.
Jaipur, a city where the past and present blend seamlessly.
By Sneha Sudheer
It was during summer vacation, we all decided a one week trip to Rajasthan and thinking of this place I always thought of being born as a princess or in a royal family in my previous birth and it's also one of my favourite places but one thing I didn't like that it was during summer season but thinking about those palaces made me feel so happy and was counting days for the dates to get nearer and I didn’t even had any interests for my exams but I didn’t wanted to fail so I revised few topics and wrote it. Luckily I passed, feeling stress free I could enjoy it and all my family came to my house and started our journey together. By 12:00 we reached and left our hotel rooms, those hotels were made from palaces which were five hundred years old. We visited the Hawa mahal, especially those beautiful windows with beautiful patterns, designs intricate on them along with its overall beauty always made me wonder or made me think about the story behind it especially, from the time it was built till now. I have always been fond of palaces because it makes me feel that I'm also a part of it’s story and while walking through those huge corridor’s, huge windows at the side, winds blowing across my face makes me feel at ease because I always wanted to live in a palace and learn about their mysteries, tragedies and sacrifices that they have faced. There are various places in Jaipur I wanted to explore and each of them holds a unique beauty in it. One thing we must always keep in our mind is to have a tourist guide with you so that you can keep a note of each and every detail those places hold and ask again about certain parts of history. Remembering, one such instance was. There used to live a powerful king who built a whole palace for his queens containing more than a hundred rooms which made me think that anyone could get lost in that huge place if they dont get their direction right because there wasn't location access or GPS systems that'd help them to guide. Even though there wasn’t technology available, they made sure to have each and every luxury possible through hand work labor as compared to today because we all need huge complicated machines to have that. Visiting these beautiful monuments is not only the main part here because we need to collect some memories after visiting such unique place and it’s only possible through shopping, amazing footwear collections, dresses and their lehengas are just out of words to me, jewelleries such as jhumkas, necklaces and bangles are my favourite part of shopping and after going through such a hectic day we all will feel double, triple hungry and food can only make us feel at ease. Their authentic Rajasthani thali’s look so filled up with their culture and taste because they know that whoever comes to visit Jaipur needs a wholesome meal and energy to visit further places. I always thought of the sunset as boring but after viewing them from a certain corner of the palace it makes it even more beautiful. I remember how me and my cousins were feeling like princesses and walking like them and our family making fun of us. Therefore, Jaipur is a city that celebrates its own culture with pride where each and every corner has a story to speak.
Where do I belong?
People say you belong where you are born, but i think I don’t belong anywhere, the moment i left my home i felt incomplete as if a part of me is still there waiting for me to come back and never let me go back again, a part of me not ready to say goodbye to the printed sheets, golden lights, grey wall, the window where she looked at the calm river flowing without an end, the kiss on her nose from simba, the morning rants of mumma.
Leaving that part and shifting to Bangalore left me feeling incomplete, here in bangalore everything was different. I met a new part of myself she taught me new things , she helped me to grow in different aspects of my life. She taught me to walk alone in an empty lane, to cross busy roads, to meet and talk to new people, to remember routes, short cuts and different lanes, to catch buses and find myself a seat in a crowded bus. I love her for teaching me so many new things but I still feel incomplete without my other half.
Where do I really belong?
Kolkata or Bangalore?
-Nancy Anthony
I never feel complete, a part of me is always missing. when i’m in Kolkata i miss Bangalore’s rain , the rush everyday in the morning, eating MTR’s dosa every saturday with my best friend, overrated meghna’s biryani (i love it), random pink flowers, auto rides, randomly roaming around different lane without knowing where to go next, the over energetic Koramangala crowd on every Saturday , going to airlines hotel on sundays after visiting Cubbon park where you meet half of Bangalore’s population, eating pani puri near accenture’s for dinner when you’re too broke, the not so perfect road of Bangalore, the feeling of getting an empty AC BMTC bus. Bangalore has been the home that i build for myself, i have a love and hate relationship with this city, no matter how much i rant about living here but I can’t hear a single bad word for this city from another person.
The home in Bangalore has everything but still it feels incomplete, even though my body and my soul is in Bangalore but my heart is still left in Kolkata.
It is still stuck in the red old buildings of untold stories, the bright blue buses , small lemon and mosambi juice stalls at every corner, the trams, smooth roads with not so heavy traffic, anamica kathi rolls, potato biryani which people from other cities despise but we( the Kolkata people) know it’s the best combination, Sandesh and Rasgulla.
I feel like i’m in love with both the cities equally.The feeling of incompleteness is always there, it’s like a part of me is always missing, when i’m in Kolkata i miss being in Bangalore and when i’m in Bangalore i miss being in Kolkata.
I’m a refugee, never in one place, I don’t know where i belong there are parts of me at both the places maybe i belong to both of them or maybe I don’t belong anywhere.