Citizen Matters 02June2012 Koramangala edition

LocaL news Like no one eLse does

The powerful properTy law

Vol-4 Issue-09 2 - 15 June 2012FREE FoRtnightly¹neóÉ£ï ªÉÄålgïìðbengaluru

Koramangala - HSR Layout

CitizenMatters

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Page 11

# 54/2, Roopena Agrahara, Bommanahalli, Hosur Road, Bangalore-68.Ph: 9738004199

Calling all graduaTes!MlC elections

Jun 10thMeet the candidates... p10

you MusT know

police file fir against koramangala residents

for protesting ... p6

Citizen Matters Vol-4 Issue-09, 2 - 15 June 2012 KARENG/2009/28904. Published & Printed by Meera K for Oorvani Media Pvt Ltd. Printed at Lavanya Mudrana, 19, 15th cross, Vidyapeeta Circle, BSK I Stage, Bangalore 560060 Place of Publication Oorvani Media, 165, I cross, I block, Kmgla, Bangalore 560034. editor Subramaniam Vincent.

Sixty percent of the 161 million Americans who wear prescription eyewear choose eyeglasses. Wearing eyeglasses is one of the simplest ways to correct vision problems.

THeRe ARe diffeRenT kinds of focusing PRoBlems:

● Refractive errors - which may require corrective lenses.

● myopia or nearsightedness - light rays focus before reaching the retina and images appear blurry.

● Hyperopia or farsightedness- light rays are not focused when they reach the retina.

● Astigmatism - light rays hit the retina in more than one place.

Eyeglass lenses compensate for an eye that is too long or too short by adding or subtracting focusing power.

Lenses are available in glass, regular and high-index plastic, and polycarbonate. Scratch resistant coatings can be applied to plastic and polycarbonate lenses but some of these coatings crack if exposed to extreme heat or cold. Frames come in many shapes and sizes, so it is important to pick a frame that is best for you.

eye glAsses foR infAnTs And cHildRen

Most lenses today, especially for children, are made of plastic, which is stronger and lighter than glass. It is a good idea to get a scratch-resistant coating on plastic lenses and the tint should not be so dark that the child has trouble seeing indoors.

Children often do not like their glasses. Distraction, positive reinforcement, and bribes can help. If all else fails, your ophthalmologist can prescribe an eye drop that blurs vision when not wearing glasses. This often overcomes the child’s initial resistance to wearing glasses.

There are also devices available to keep glasses in place, a good idea for active children and young children with flat nasal bridges. Cable temples, which wrap around the back of the ears, are good for toddlers. Infants may require a strap across the top and back of the head instead of earpieces. Flexible hinges hold glasses in position, allow the glasses to “grow” with the child, and prevent the side arms from being broken.

sunglAsses

Sunglasses are popular for comfort and fashion, but now there are medical evidences that have shown that spending hours in the sun without proper eye protection can increase the chances of developing age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. Ophthalmologists now recommend wearing UV-absorbent sunglasses. UV protection comes from a chemical coating applied to the surface of the lens. Shop for sunglasses that absorb 99 or 100% of all ultraviolet (UV) light.

Polarized lenses cut reflected glare, like sunlight bouncing off water, pavement, or snow. Polarization has nothing to do with UV light absorption, but many polarized lenses are now made with a UV blocking substance.

In addition to UV light, sunlight also has low levels of infrared rays. Infrared wavelengths are invisible and produce heat. The eye seems to tolerate infrared well. Research has not shown a connection between eye disease and infrared light ray exposure.

Wraparound glasses are shaped to keep light from shining around the frames and into the eyes and should be considered by commercial fishermen, mountain climbers, skiers, or anyone who spends time at high altitudes or on the water.

633, 100 feet Ring Road JP Nagar 3rd Phase, Bengaluru - 560078Tel: 08026593210 fax: [email protected]:9980562020 [email protected]

Dr raja Shekar Y L is the Medical Director, Shekar Nethralaya

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All about eye glasses

lenses are available in glass, regular and high index plastic, and polycarbonate. scratch resistant coatings can be applied to plastic and polycarbonate lenses but some of these coatings crack if exposed to extreme heat or cold. frames come in many shapes and sizes, so it is important to pick a frame that is best for you.

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PERFECT 32Keep the sparkle

in your smileThe Dental Care and

Implant Centre Dr.Sandhya RamanujamD.D.S (USA), B.D.S

India),C.B.M.(USA), P.G.D.M.L.E (India), Fellowship in Implantology (USA)

Sandhya RamanujamClinical Director and Owner - Perfect 32,Consultant at Fortis HospitalsConsultant-Dental Legal Advisor & AuditorClinical Director of International Certification Training programs in Dental Implants, Dental Law and Rehabilitative & Aesthetic Dentistry

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

Tooth Jewelry uses classic designs which are an elegant compliment to standard jewelry. When placed on a tooth, the jewelry creates a distinctive expression of one’s individuality.Tooth jewelry are glass crystals of different colours, real 18k white gold and 24k or 22k yellow gold jewels designed specifically for dental use. The crystals have a special coating on the back and their facet cut reflects the light and makes it sparkle.If you like the look, and the tooth to which the jewel is going to be attached is healthy, you can be a suitable candidate for this treatment. The jewel is bonded to the enamel like an orthodontic bracket or a filling to your front tooth, with very minimal drilling. The application of dental jewelry

is completely painless and does not require any anesthesia. The process is similar to placing sealants on a child’s tooth.The procedure and removal can be compared to the placement and removal of orthodontic brackets. When it is removed, it is simply popped off and the tooth will be polished to remove any remaining bonding material. If you have ever known anyone who has had braces, then you know they leave no mark on the tooth. It is the same with dental jewelry, let it sparkle as long as you like. Then just ask your dentist to remove it and polish your tooth surface.The presence of the jewelry will not

make any difference regarding dental hygiene. However, it is recommended not to use an electric tooth brush for the first 24 hours after the jewel has been attached. Yes, you can and should still have your teeth cleaned by a professional. The jewelry will not cause a problem for the dentist cleaning your teeth. The area underneath the jewel is sealed like a filling and will not let in any bacteria. The dentist can easily polish on top and around the jewel with a soft point.During the consultation with your doctor, you will choose the jewel and the tooth, to which you would like the jewel to be attached. Seeing that everyone’s smile is unique, so is the placement of the jewelry. During your consultation, the specialist at Perfect 32 will help you decide the best aesthetic position and type of jewelry for your unique smile. This can make your smile really perfect. Initially something on your tooth will feel different. But

a few days after the application, you will get used to the new feeling.Your jewelry can last a relatively long time and will usually stay on until you decide to have it removed. How you care for your teeth and the amount of stress put

on the decorated tooth can cause this time to vary. Based on our experience, it will certainly stay on for 6 months and can stay up to a few years.So go ahead and safely enhance your smile with a tooth jewel!!

Tooth Jewelry – The new fad in dentistryAre you ready to spice up your image and make others fall in love with your smile?

No pain, just fun, in 10 minutes you can have a brilliant cut diamond sparkling

on your tooth.

Koramangala & HSr laYout

Starting the grade separator works at Koramangala has

landed BDA in trouble. The High Court on May 29th ordered that emergent notices be sent to BDA and its Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena. Emergent notices are issued only in serious conditions and have to be responded to immediately.

Justice Shylendra Kumar and Justice B Srinivasa Gowda passed this order on a contempt case filed by the civic organisation CAF (Citizen’s Action Forum) and Kuvempu Nagar RWA. These petitioners said that BDA started electrical works for the project, by violating court’s previous orders. They had filed an initial PIL saying that the project itself should be reconsidered. In March, court had passed an interim order saying that BDA can start only those specific works for which it had already issued Work Orders (WOs).

Last week, BDA had also cut trees at St John’s Hospital junction, prompting protests from citizens.

‘Nyaya beku’ was the slogan in the air on May 27th, Sunday morning, when residents of Koramangala came out and protested the Sirsi-Agara signal-free underpass being constructed by BDA. The protest was against BDA as an organisation as well as against its actions. Around 200-250 people participated in a protest called by the residents’

associations of Koramangala, against BDA’s tree felling, for building four grade separators at the cost of Rs 119 crore. St John’s

Hospital students and doctors also actively took part in the protest.

FIR against protesters

The police say that the protesters did not take prior permission and have filed an FIR against them. Nitin Seshadri of Koramangala III block RWA says, “An FIR was filed two hours after the protest. The police filed it as a suo moto case and claim that it took place without their permission.” The protesters believe that the FIR was filed due to the pressure by the BDA.

aNiSha Nair, NavYa [email protected]@citizenmatters.in

residents sue Bda for contempt, notice issued

Koramangala residents hold a protest against trees felling and Sirsi-Agara signal-free underpass. Pic: Anisha Nair.Below: The trees cut. Pic: Navya P K

Vol-4 Issue-09 2 - 15 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 7Got feedback? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 615

Two years ago, Laila Olapally spoke to Citizen Matters about the legal battle she fought for the Meistripalya

lake with determination to protect and preserve open spaces in Koramangala. We caught up with Laila Ollapally, 57, to hear more. She has now moved on to being a mediator at the Bangalore Mediation Centre (BMC). It provides a platform for dialogue, helping cases to be settled outside court.

Residents are coming together and supporting revival of various lakes. Your thoughts?

When the community participates as a whole, the cause becomes stronger and does bring in change. But at the same time, it brings responsibility with it. The participation in any cause should be sustainable and carefully planned. It should be well thought out.

You have moved to mediation. What are the kinds of cases that get solved through mediation?

All kind of civil cases can be solved through mediation. Average life of a case (in a court) is 15 years. The courts are overburdened. Earlier, families and neighbours sat together and solved problems. But now, due to lack of

other fora, every case gets registered in court. Society has cut off meaningful conversations from our lives. So these cases need mediation.

You have lived in Koramangala for 35 years now. How do you find Koramangala compared to the rest of the city?

I find it very active in terms of citizen participation for various causes. There is a definite increase in the involvement of citizens. The neighbourhood is very nice.

aNiSha [email protected]

local matterS

Nimma neighbour

a mix of travel, adventure and social causesI love adventure

sports. My husband and I indulge in

such activities frequently. Recently we went to Vietnam

and did kayaking. We also trekked up Yellow Mountains

in China and reached the highest spot (1864 meters). Pi

c co

urte

sy: L

aila

Ola

pally

ward 68 residents demand action

‘no shopping mall on our land’

Members of Federation of Residents Welfare Association of Ward 148

(Ejipura) known as FORWARD 68 met civic officials during their quarterly review meeting on 19th May.

The meeting was held in Ashwini Layout and the focus was on residents’ grievances. Members of RWAs from Ashwini Layout, Venugopalaswamy Layout, ST Bed and Chandra Reddy Layout voiced their problems with BBMP, BWSSB and BESCOM officials.

Anil Kumar, Secretary, FORWARD 68 chaired the meeting.

The meeting started with the residents complaining about BESCOM officials not generating docket numbers on registering their complaint. sagging wires and voltage fluctuations. S R Nagaraj, AEE(S-4), Koramangala, assured a quick response.

Other topics included pourakarmikas demanding money for cleaning streets and collecting garbage.

abhiShek [email protected]

Over 100 residents of Ejipura EWS (Economically Weaker

Section) quarters staged a protest at BBMP head office on May 29th, demanding that shopping mall should not be built in the quarters land. The quarters is spread over 15.64 acres and houses over 1500 families. In January, BBMP made an agreement with a private company Maverick Holdings to develop almost half the area for a shopping mall and the remaining area for EWS quarters.

“It is illegal to give EWS land to private builders. Government should re-build the quarters with its own money. In the new quarters, each flat will have only 300 sq ft area, and the apartments will have 10 floors. People cannot live in such conditions,” says M R Prabhakar of PUCL (People’s Union for Civil Liberties).

The protest, organised by Dalit

and Minorities Land Protection Forum, was supported by 18 other organisations. They say that they have already approached the Mayor, BBMP Commissioner, Shanthinagar MLA N A Haris, and all BBMP corporators.

“Many corporators did not even know that the agreement was made with Maverick, even though Council had passed this resolution recently,” says Prabhakar.

NavYa P [email protected]

Pic: Navya P K

8 CITIZEN MATTERS 2 - 15 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-09 Want to book an ad or classified? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 614

this article is part of itsy bitsy crafts popularisation initiative and is accompanied by the advertisement on the following page. rashmi Closepet is a founder of itsy bitsy.

craft corner


Quilling CrafT


June 10th is the date for bangalore’s graduate constituency election - the one in which only

graduates can vote. The winner will become a member in Legislative Council (MLC), the upper house of state legislature. Here is an overview of some major candidates:

RamachandRa Gowda (BJP)Gowda, 74, is the incumbent MLC from this constituency and has been so, for the last 24 years (four terms of six years each). He is an agriculturist and engineer. He became a BBMP corporator in 1970 and has served as minister twice. The second time - as Medical Education Minister in Yedyurappa cabinet - he was accused for irregularity in medical college staff recruitment, and had to resign in 2010.

Gowda says that there was no scam as the court had regularised his appointments. “I am second in line to Yedyurappa and my performance speaks for itself. I will repeat the kind of work I have done so far.” His campaign pamphlet says that as Medical Education Minister, he had increased government seats in private medical colleges and developed hospital infrastructure.

RamoJi Gowda (conGRess)Ramoji Gowda (Ramojam), 39, a postgraduate in political science, became a full-time politician three years ago. He used to be a government primary school teacher until then.

He has been an office bearer for associations of school teachers, government employees etc., and these groups are supporting him now. His work includes book distribution to school children, organising blood camps etc. In addition to graduates’ problems, Ramojam says that he will focus on environment conservation, improving literacy and controlling population growth.

a deve Gowda - Jd(s)Deve Gowda - not to be confused with H D Deve Gowda

- is contesting graduate constituency election for the third time; he had lost the last two times. Gowda, 51, is a postgraduate in political science and teaches in Darshan First Grade Degree College which he founded. He has worked in the state secretariat earlier, and has been office bearer of many associations, like Ramojam.

He says that his best work was in pressurising the SM Krishna government to increase teachers’ salaries and school grants, and that he will focus on graduates’ and teachers’ problems if elected.

ashwin mahesh - Lok sattaABIDe member Ashwin Mahesh, 41, has trained as an astronomer and atmospheric scientist. He is currently Urban Strategy Advisor to government, Special Advisor to BMTC, and is part of six state government committees including BBMP’s TAC. He is associated with introducing Big10 bus system, and was active in the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement for introduction of Jan Lokpal Bill.

His campaign uses social media and is geared towards IT community, unlike other candidates. He says he will push for citizen participation in governance, and will maintain public records of his votes in the council.

naGaLaxmi Bai (indePendent)Nagalaxmi, 50, has been a Kannada journalist for the last 23 years, and is currently Chief Reporter at the news agency Kannada Suddi Samsthe. She is known for the court cases she has filed, including the recent PIL against Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda for illegal use of his HSR Layout BDA plot.

Her campaign is geared towards rural graduates. “They have difficulty competing for jobs in Bangalore. I will focus on their education and employment, along with teachers’ problems and women’s issues.”

NavYa P [email protected]

excluSIVe

MeeT The MlC CandidaTesWho is running for the June 10th election for a seat in the legislative council? Get to know them.


The Karnataka Societies Act is not the right law to register apartment owners’ associations. This has already to legal battles between owner communities and builders. Here is what you must know.

An apartment complex on Sarjapur road is now in the

midst of a legal battle with the builder. The builder had the apartment owners’ association registered under the Karnataka Societies Act (KSA). Subsequently, the residents discovered that the builder was carving out 20,000 sq. ft from their property for a commercial venture.

When the residents took the matter to court, the builder contended that the owners’ association was not qualified to fight the case since it was formed under the KSA and not the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act (KAOA), as required.

The KSA is the wrong law for registering an apartment owners’ association. Section 3 of the KSA defines various types of societies and none of them meet the definition of an apartment association.

The Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act (KAOA)When an apartment is built and eventually occupied, a few questions do the rounds. Registering the owners’ association is one.

The Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act or KAOA was written with the view to make apartments heritable, transferable and mortgageable and to address aspects related to management of the property.

A little more about KAOA before we get to the association part. KAOA makes the purchase of an apartment along with its proportional undivided share as equivalent to an immovable property bought under the 1882 Transfer of Property Act. The purchaser is the absolute owner with a clear title. He or she holds a percentage share in the land, common areas and amenities.

The KAOA’s sister-law is the Karnataka Ownership Flats Act (KOFA) which regulates the process of promotion, construction, sale, management and transfer of the apartment.

As per KAOA, the builder has to initiate the formation of the owners’ association. Once the apartments are sold and registered, the builder is to approach the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (identified as the competent authority by the act) with copies of several documents to register the association.

Documents include the apartment’s registered Deed of Declaration (DoD), bye-laws, Deeds of Apartment (sale deed), and an additional declaration called Form-B.

In the association, the builder/promoter is allowed to represent unsold apartments. This completes

the formation of the association.

RealityUnfor tunately, very few builders do things the right way. Most apartments have a s s o c i a t i o n s registered under the KSA. Banks continue to give mortgages, and registrars and sub-

registrars continue to register apartment sale deeds without following KAOA’s requirements.

Could we hope that the state will begin to ensure adherence to the law, educate its citizens as well as builders, and maybe even amend these acts soon to

make them modern and more functional?

SaNjaY veeraraghavaN lives in an apartment near kundala-

halli, Whitefield.

read the complete article online.

cm SpecIal

apartment associations cannot be registered under societies act

Deed of Declaration (DoD): a document that describes the property, i.e., the building, all of its apartments, the common facilities such as lifts, generators, fire fighting equipment, pool, gym etc., along with the ownership scheme giving the percentage share of each apartment. kaOa requires the builder to register this. kaOa also requires that the Deed of apartment (sale deed) refers to this DoD, along with information regarding registration of the DoD, so that the ownership scheme is fully traceable and the title clear.

Form–b: this is a declaration signed by purchasers of apartment where they agree to

abide by the rules of the kaOa.


eczema in children, is a condition typically

characterised by skin lesions along with itching, sometimes watery discharges, often complicated by infections, and noted for relapses.

Some of the causes being studied, are changes in environmental pollutants and breastfeeding patterns.

It is also known to be more prevalent in winters than summers. Male children are more likely to be affected than females, and family history is known to play a part. The onset of disease is mainly between 3-5 months of age, and eczema

is likely to affect mainly face, elbows, knees or manifest as diaper rash

in babies. In older children, areas a f f e c t e d include the fold behind the knees, inside the elbow and neck.

Some facts

Eczema is not contagious. It is most common in children

and at least half of them will grow out of it.

Good preventive measures

Use of soft natural fabrics Keeping babies skin soft Use of moisturisers Using warm and not hot water for

bath

Avoiding known potential allergens like perfumes, fragrances, detergents, artificial jewellery etc.

There are certain items in diet which may be suspected to cause allergy. However,

diet restriction merely on suspicion may

lead to nutr i t ional imbalances, and should only be resorted to,

on doctor’s advice. A Humidifier may

be needed in winters when heating dries

up atmosphere. Also needed in summers, if air-conditioning is used because it depletes the moisture content of air.

Skin hygiene goes a long way too.

for Your Info

itching for solutions

Last time we discussed about handling pests in general. Here

are a few examples to show how pests can perhaps be dealt with without the use of chemicals and dangerous pesticides.

Powdery Mildew

Caused by fungi, the leaves in this case develop cloudy whitish spots are a common problem faced by several terrace gardeners. Starting out as a few spores on the leaves, powdery mildew quickly spreads, ultimately yellowing the leaves and causing leaf drop. It stunts plant growth, distorts the flowers and fruits and weakens the plant in general. Spores never stop producing more spores, so if infected leaves are not destroyed, the problem will only worsen. Infected plants parts need to be destroyed and cannot be composted.

Some experts suggest that a spray made with baking soda, if applied weekly at the first signs of

infection, can protect plants against further damage. Dr Viswanath also suggests using turmeric powder in combination with wood ash. One of the most effective measures believed to prevent and treat powdery mildew is to spray the leaves of plants daily with plain water from the hose. Powdery mildew hates water! However this

must be done early morning so that the leaves dry by evening; otherwise it would serve as an optimum situation for other fungal diseases, such as black spot, in the garden.

We’ll discuss how to handle mealybugs next time.

viNita, a resident of Frazer town adopts environmentally-sensitive alternatives in her

day-to-day activities.

Pics

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HealtH matterS

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what a pest (part ii)

Powdery mildew. Pic: Vinita


The rule banning opaque sun screens on vehicle windows was a welcome move.

This would help pedestrians negotiate their way outdoors, because it was often impossible to see whether drivers were responding to the flow of traffic.

It remains to be seen how effectively the rule will be enforced after the extended deadline of June 5th – the nominal fine of `100 for offenders seems inadequate for law breakers.

But I have a question: what about the new, fancy window screens on public buses that carry huge advertisements (for everything from underwear to fizzy drinks) and hide the interior?

It becomes difficult to check whether the bus is crowded. The filigreed screens are

see-through only one way. I know senior citizens and those with disabilities, who let a bus go rather than squeeze themselves into an overcrowded bus. From the outside, the buses look like giant hoardings on the move. In the name of collecting revenue from ads, are we not inconveniencing commuters?

SakuNtaLa NaraSiMhaN

Cover creditsPic: Meera K

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eDItorIalCitizen Matters and politics - our charter

As some of you know, ABIDe member and urban affairs strategist Ashwin

Mahesh is running for a seat in the Karnataka Legislative Council under the graduates constituency this month. He is the Lok Satta candidate.

We must also let you know that Mahesh is one of the directors of Oorvani Media, the firm that publishes Citizen Matters and india together, the national e-magazine covering public affairs and development.

All over the world, it is true that politicians starting media outfits, and media, have tended to play a dubious role in politics. We know questions may linger in your mind about Citizen Matters too, and we are writing this editorial to tell you about our charter.

We are a newsmagazine being built and expanded on the premise that independent journalism is worth

pursuing and cherishing. All three promoter-directors - Subramaniam Vincent, Meera K and Ashwin Mahesh - are committed to this.

How do we practice this? There is no magic. Mahesh, for example, recuses himself from the editorial review process for any stories that he is involved in or has interests in. All our stories on the MLC race so far have been edited by a different editor and Mahesh has had no say, except being quoted. As a second and necessary practice, we also do full disclosure that he is a director at the firm, in the articles themselves.

At no time will you see us being partisan to candidates. We will however, write editorials giving you our opinion on politics and elections. Our opinions will be separate from our reporting, as must be for all news organisations.

SubraMaNiaM [email protected]

is BMTC exempt from tinted glass rule? What BMtC saYs

BMtC has sought extension of the black film removal deadline to traffic police, but has not received any response yet. Veeregowda G N, Chief traffic Manager (Commercial) at BMtC, says, “Our advertisement contract is on for some more days, so we have sought extension of deadline. since this is a sC order, it has to be implemented; so we may not ask for exemption.”

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The waiter opens the door for me with a warm smile. It is a breezy rooftop

restaurant at the four floored Tibet Mall. Though the ambience is simple, Hotel Tibet serves some of the most popular and authentic Tibetan cuisine.

Though this restaurant serves continental and Indian cuisine too, Tibetan cuisine is definitely the first choice. Tingmo is the Tibetan soft bread rolled and

baked with orange colour on the sides.

What stands apart is the Silky Noodles with vegetables soup, also called Thenthuk. The silky noodles are prepared from rice flour. As the name suggests, it is very smooth. I struggled my way to get hold of it in my fork. Wood-ear mushroom along with boiled vegetables, makes up the rest of the ingredients. Tastes heavenly.

Spicy mustard chicken is another

dish that you shouldn’t miss out on. With a generous a m o u n t of capsicum and onions, the diced

chicken cubes in mustard sauce were delicious, accompanied by

chicken Chowmein.

And finally, the Tibetan butter salted tea, known as Po Cha, arrived. If you are a butter lover, you

surely must not miss out on this.

Apart from the regular Indian and continental food, if you want to savour the taste of authentic Tibetan cuisine, Hotel Tibet is just the place to be.

Average cost for two is `400 (without alcohol). Alcohol is served here.

address: 47, 5th block, tibet Mall, Near jyothi Nivas College, koramangala. Ph: 40934050, 9900603388

aNiSha [email protected]

Citizen Matters reviews restaurants anonymously. The expenses for the food are met by the magazine.

cHecK outS

a piece of Tibet in koramangala

Briyani, ambur style anyone?With all the traffic around, it is

easy to miss Star Biryani near Silk Board junction. But once you step inside, the food will definitely catch your attention. The menu seems rather short. But the taste more than makes up for the length of the menu. They have only three types of biryani - chicken, mutton and egg. In fry or kebab, we were left with limited chicken,mutton and fish items.

Ambur is a little town in Tamil Nadu. This biryani has evolved from the Nawabi Biryani of Arcot.

We ordered one chicken biryani and one mutton biryani along with a boneless chicken kebab. The biryani was served in traditional style on a banana leaf with an accompaniment of onion raita and brinjal curry.

The rice was well cooked yet light and fluffy. The chicken and mutton pieces were juicy and succulent. All

the flavours blended perfectly and it tasted perfect.

Boneless chicken kebab was

tender with a hint of chilli and pepper. Though fried, it wasn’t greasy. The portion seemed small and that was the only disappointment.

The biryani and kebabs may be easily found in most restaurants across Bangalore but this joint is worth trying out. The ambience is plain and the service quick. We also learnt that mutton biryani is popular among the customers.

Average cost for two is ̀ 400. Alcohol is not served here.38, bTM 1st Stage, 1st Phase, opposite Silk board. Phone number- 080 26689973, 8553027373

abhiShek [email protected]

Mutton Biryani served with onion raita. Pic: Abhishek Angad

Clockwise from Top-Right: Spicy Mustard Chiken, Chowmein and Tibetan Veg Platter with Po Cha. Pic: Anisha Nair


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Foreign programs: ACCA/ CIMA/ CMA / CPA, Indian Programs: BE (merit coaching)/ Bank exams, CA, CS, ICFAI, ICWA & MBA (all disciplines) supported by latest corporate case studies.Contact: Lalitha Group, #5, Behind Smart, 19th Cross, 24th Main, JP Nagar 5th Phase, Bangalore-78. Ph: 080—26490907, 9902888485, 9448117457, Email: [email protected]

claSSIfIeDS

New academic year, new class and probably brand new set of uniforms. What about the bags, lunch boxes, pencil boxes and notebooks? We’ll tell you all about the deals.

with schools reopening in a few

weeks, everyone’s rushing to buy school related items.

Whether it’s a pencil box or a tiffin box, everyone’s looking out for the best deals.

Our city has lots to offer, and it’s right at your doorstep. From the small streets to the big shopping complexes, there are discounts and combo packages available, and here’s your chance to get the best deal from a variety of choices.

School Bagsa-Z bag Center, #75 balaji tower,

30th Cross, 10th Main,4th Block Jayanagar.`300- `600, with 15% discountjayanagar Shopping Complex`200-1400Discount: From 10-15%Shops in BTM Layout 2nd Stage 15th Main, 7th Cross`450-` 800

Pencil Boxes and Pouchesjayanagar Shopping Complex `10-450vishal’s(Outside Jayanagar Shopping Complex)`40-400Shops in btM Layout 2nd Stage

15th Main, 7th Cross 15th Main, 7th Cross`20-200

Notebooksjayanagar Shopping Complex` 20-100Discount- 10-15% on the Market Rate.Shops in btM Layout 2nd Stage 15th Main, 7th CrossSmall- ` 5-12(Approximately 48 pages)King Size- ` 35 Approx.A4- `40 Approx.Large- `25 Approx.(Approximately 180 pages)Discounts- 10-15% (Varies)

Lunch Bagsjayanagar Shopping Complex` 85- 365

Discount- 10-15%Shops in btM Layout 2nd Stage 15th Main, 7th Cross` 80- 280Discounts- 5-15% (Varies)

Water Bottlesjayanagar Shopping Complex` 40-175 vishal’s(Outside Jayanagar Shopping Complex)` 20-1000Fixed Price (Discount on the MRP)Shops in btM Layout 2nd Stage 15th Main, 7th Cross` 38-65Discounts- 5-15% (Varies)

Lunch Boxesjayanagar Shopping Complex` 150-` 170vishal’s(Outside Jayanagar Shopping Complex)` 20- ` 400Fixed Price (Discount on the MRP)Shops in btM Layout 2nd Stage 15th Main, 7th CrossShops in btM Layout 2nd Stage 15th Main, 7th Crosss` 30-180

Discounts- 5-15% (Varies)

Combos ( Packs including a combination of water-bottles, lunch-boxes, pencil-box etc.)jayanagar Shopping

Complex` 60-80

With such wide price ranges and so many deals and combos being offered,

here are a few tips and suggestions.

Jayanagar shopping complex is certainly the ‘happening’ place in terms

of the varieties of products offered and for their cheap prices. Bigger stores like Big Bazaar and Staples offer a range of of funky products at higher prices but more combo deals with fixed prices.

gaaNa SriNivaS, MaitreYi aNaNth, SaLONie regO

are interns with Citizen Matters from Mt Carmel

college.

All pics : Maitreyi Ananth

sTops for sChool shopping

reaL eStateAprT fOr SAlE

Available 7/12 3BHK apartments for sale at Narayananagara I block, “STHIRA AASTHI”, 300mtrs from kanakapura road and 600 mtrs from the prposed METRO station. Rs.3450/- per sft. Possession July 2013. Contact: Mehar- 9902029296 / 26587848.


See & Do

LIST YOUR EVENT FREE! Submit your events online www.citizenmatters.in

or mail [email protected]

TheATre

Rangashankara1 Fri, 2 Sat, Neenaanaadre naaneenena? (K) 110 mins 3 Sun, Ashtavakra (E) 60 mins (also at 3.30 pm) (a puppet show for children above 5 years)5 Tue, Mayamruga (K) 100 mins6 Wed, 7 Thu, Treadmill (H) 55 mins8 Fri, Vanity Bag (K) 75 mins9 Sat, 10 Sun, Once on that Street (E) 75 mins (also at 3.30 pm on Sat and Sun)12 Tue, Anabhigna Shakuntala (K)100 mins13 Wed, Miss Sadarame (K) 105 mins14 Thu, Nam Thimthana (K) 90 mins15 Fri, Sanje Haadu (K) 90 mins16 Sat, 17 Sun, Hayavadana (E) 120 mins (also at 3.30 pm on Sat and Sun)rangashankara, 8th Cross, jP Nagar, Phase ii, Ph: 2649 3982

Comic hiphop ShowFriday, June 8Alliance Française de BangaloreP.B. 108, Thimmaiah Road Vasanthanagar

ChiLdren

Rhythm n RhymeTraining for kids (below two years) in basic motor skills, rhymes etc.. Ph: 96329 61700 Fridays from June 15 -August 17, 5 pm, Just Books, 5th Block, Koramangala

exhibiTion

the melting pot of cultureJohn Devraj, Sculptor, proposes to build a ‘Melting pot of culture’ which will become the world’s largest earthen terracotta pot. It will rise up to 25 feet and weigh about 2000 kilos. The ‘Melting pot of culture’ will

be embellished with leaf motif from all trees in Lalbagh.The proposed work is being registered for the Guinness book of world records. Registration coupons available at Shoppers Stop and Lalbagh. Ph: 0988630636610 june-15 aug, Lalbagh

the Flâneur in the CityA Comic Art Exhibition - Works by Appupen, EP Unny and Gokul Gopalakrishnantill 30 june, galleryske 2, berlie Street, Langford town

workShoP/ConferenCe

Physiotherapy Conference Organised by Bangalore Physiotherapists Network and RV College of Physiotherapy www.physiouthsava.physiobangalore.com9 - 10 june, NMkrv Mangala Mantapa auditorium

Photography workshop by Pierre Poulain 16 june, 10.30am - 6.30pm, Ph no: 9900777447/ 42065280, New acropolis, St. Mark’s road

Appreciation of hindustani Khayal music Lecture demonstration by Dr K S Vaishali. Ph: 080-25359680Friday, 8 june, 6.30pm, bangalore international Centre, teri Complex, 4th Main, 2nd Cross, Domlur ii Stage

SPorTS

World Rummy tournament10 am, Saturday, june 2, koramangala Club

CONGRatulatIONs! MT Soni Thomas got the right answer to the question posted last week - this well is inside the Koramangala Police Station.The well has water available at 20 feet!

Kala MadhYaM Mela With handmade handicrafts, ter-racotta work, fabrics, jewellery, antique display items, and much more. With over a hundred stalls spread out right from the entrance of the Chitrakala Parishath, the mela fea-tures artisans from all over India, selling and displaying their work.On till 3rd June. entry is free, open from 10am to 8pm everyday.


bring Your Own Bag!! Yes, this is the message Bengaluru city will

get on June 5th, World Environment Day.

A chance to get the bags autographed by Vasundhara Das, Malavika Avinash, Bhavana, Sunil Raoh and many more newsmakers who will be there to support this initiative.

Vasundara Das, the well known singer-actor, is excited to be part of the campaign and says, “we as people must stop taking the use of plastic for granted”. Adds Sunil Raoh, actor and musician,” It is the need of the hour to do as much as possible to stop using plastic”.

The campaign is initiated by Citizen Matters, and the event is organised in partnership with Prakruthi, an NGO focussing on ‘eco-centric infotainment’. M S Prasad, co-founder, Prakruthi, explains how the campaign is a way of reawakening

ourselves to be more responsible towards nature. Citizen Matters co-founder Meera K says it is a good excuse for citizens to “show off an eco-friendly attitude with the funky “I love Bengaluru” cloth bags”!

The bags will be available at the event in Jayanagar IV block Shopping Complex.opposite Ganesh Juice Centre. It will also

be available in many retail outlets across South Bangalore.

Jayanagar MLA B N Vijaykumar also extends his support and says “it is a very good initiative where people are not just told to stop using plastic bags but they are being given an alternate option”.

NeWS DeSk

HappenIng

everybody! BYoB!

Join us on June 5th, tuesday, World environment day!6 pm, Jayanagar shopping Complex. Get your own eco-friendly bag, autographed by your favourite star!

Plastic bags clog drains and waterways and are often eaten by cows.Citizen cleaning Agara Lake of plastic bag trash. File pic.


laSt worD

nadasurabhi Cultural Association, Koramangala, which promotes classical carnatic music, had a

colourful weekend on 19th and 20th May 2012. The fourth edition of the children's competition in carnatic vocal music saw overwhelming response. With over 50 children participating, the Indian Heritage Academy, Koramangala wore a festive look.

The first three prizes in the senior category went to Manasa, Neha Bashyam and Sai Shreyas and in the junior category to Shreya Venkatraman, Sahana Chandrasekhar and Keerthana Narasimhan. Carnatic musicians, R S R Srikanth, Subha Sampath andVasudevan were the judges.

On 20th, Sunday, a vocal concert of Vidwan Sampagodu Vighnaraja, a young musician from Bangalore who is currently teaching carnatic music at the Temple of Music in Malaysia, was held at the same venue. Endowed with a rich voice and a vast manodharmam, Vighnaga impressed the audience at the Nadasurabhi concert.

Besides these cultural events, Nadasurabhi also elected their office bearers for the year 2012-13 during their AGM held before the concert on 20th May. Brig. Narayan -President, DS Gopinath- VP, Harini Raghavan- Gen Secretary, KSS Raghavan- Treasurer, Suresh Subrahmanyan, RSR Srikanth, KT Leelavathi - Members, were elected unanimously to the executive committee of the organisation.

In the upcoming events, Dr Sreevalsan Menon will present a vocal concert on 17th June. He hails from Trichur in Kerala and is a disciple of Padmasri Neyyattinkara Vasudevan.

kSS raghavaN is the treasurer of Nadasurabhi.

bangaloreans kicked off with their running shoes on the fifth edition of TCS 10K run, 2012, on May

27th. Participants included actor-10K ambassador Puneeth Rajkumar and Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda.

Amitesh Prasad (inset), who completed his 10K run in 74 minutes, seemed to enjoy the race. A techie by profession, he said, “I ran like the character Forrest Gump.” Nasik-

based Monica Athre said, “The climate of Bangalore suits athletes and it is good be part of 10K here.”

abhiShek aNgaD

young talent win koramangala music contest

a mass of people running

Above: junior category winner Shreya Venkatraman. Below: Manasa, the winner of the Senior category .

CiTizen rePorTS

Pic: Abhishek Angad