Citizen Matters, 19 Nov 2011

LocaL news Like no one eLse does

CitizenMatters

Domestic workers say: 'No profiliNg'Page 11

Children's day events 5Adarsh Residency, Innisfree awarded 6Cheapie chappals 8What's Metro's secret? 14Sunbeam's children 1320 Tennis teams on Kanakapura Road 13

School admission status 12

bengaluru south ¹neóÉ£ï ªÉÄålgïì Vol-3 Issue-21 19 Nov-2 Dec 2011FREE

btm, ns palya, jp nagar, sarakki, dollars colony, jayanagar

No. 3/119, 9th Main,3rd Block, JayanagarPh:42068504/05

Ultimatum for Jp Nagar stone crushing unit 10

www.citizenmatters.in

cops, workers, apartmeNts, secUrity

Citizen Matters Vol-3 Issue-21, 19 Nov-2 Dec 2011 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.

4 CITIZEN MATTERS 19 Nov-2 Dec 2011 Vol-3 Issue-21

Reading and wRiting

In a relaxed state, the eyes are focused for distance. Activities like reading, writing, computer work, etc., need extra effort called ‘ACCOMMODATION’ because objects are closer. Focussing errors can result in eye strain. 1. Always read or write while sitting at

a desk or a chair. You should not be seated on the floor or lying on your stomach or on your side.

2. The area should be very well lit, not dim.

3. The material should be in front of your eyes and at a distance at least equal to the length between your knuckles and elbows.

4. The inclination of the book should be parallel to the plane of your face, not flat on the desk. Desks can be stacked at 20 degrees incline are better, for reading and writing from horizontal surfaces.

5. Blink more when you are reading or writing. One blink per line is the minimum.

6. Most important, take a break approximately every 20 minutes. For the average reader, break after every 3-4 pages of non-fiction reading or every 8-10 pages of fiction reading. Look up across the room, or out of the window, at distant objects for atleast 2 minutes.

7. Never read in a moving vehicle and minimise when you are sick.

television1. Never watch television in a

darkened room. The illumination of the room should ideally match that of the television screen.

2. Sit comfortably, with the back fully supported and head drooping slightly backward so that the eyes remain partly shut.

Tips to save your eyes from strain & defectsExcessive or improper use of eyes can lead to eye problems. Eye strain

leads to the development of visual defects and other symptoms like headache, etc. Here are tips to avoid this.

Ad

ver

tise

r Fe

Atu

re 633, 100 feet Ring Road JP Nagar 3rd Phase, Bengaluru - 560078Tel: 08026593210 fax: 08041209197Ph:9980562020 [email protected]

dr A r vijAyA-kumAr is senior Consultant, Head-ache Clinic, shekar Nethralaya.

ShEKAR NEthRALAyA IS thE fIRSt EyE hOSPItAL tO INtRODuCE thE CONCEPt Of hEADAChE CLINICS

sewing and Knitting

Do not stare at the cloth or the stitches. Keep the eyes moving along with the needle or pin. Simple measures for relief of tired eyes:1. Palming - Gently palming relieves

eye fatigue. It prevents light rays from entering the eyes. Take deep breaths. Think of some happy incident. Do for 2-3 minutes or more.

2. Gentle, leisurely and rhythmic movements bring about muscle relaxation and alienate strain.

3. Bar swings: Stand in front of a window or a door which has

vertical bars or grill. Through the bars direct your gaze at distant objects. Sway slowly and rhythmically, like a clock’s pendulum. Transfer your weight from one foot to the other. Keep the body muscles limp and lax. Breathe rhythmically.

Do so for 2-3 minutes or more.4. Round swings: Stand keeping

distance of 8-10 inches between two feet. With the help of the left fore foot, slowly turn 90 degrees to your right. Let the arms swing along with your body. Revert to the o r i g i n a l position. N o w w i t h o u t s topping and with the help of the right fore foot slowly turn 90 degrees to your left. Let the arms swing with your body. Breathe rhythmically and direct your gaze to low lying distance objects. Continue this for 2-3 minutes or more.

5. water splashes: For a few seconds, sprinkle cold water from a running tap on the closed eyes. Thereafter do not wipe your face, allow it to dry on its own.

Excessive use and inadequate rest to the eyes is one of the causes of most visual problems.

Vol-3 Issue-21 19 Nov-2 Dec 2011 CITIZEN MATTERS 5

KRWA celebrates

Childrens Day

On the occasion of Children’s day, various sports contests were organised for children by Kuvempu Nagar Residents Welfare Association (KRWA) on November 12th and 13th. Children from nursery to Pu took part.

Prize were distributed by Satyaraj (founder President of KRWA) and Savitri, and Chief Guest Sanyogita Bhat. senior member of KRWA.

Pics and Info: KRWA.

Childrens day

celebratedOn Children’s Day, some South Bangalore schools had holidays while others had cultural events. Innisfree House School in JP Nagar organised interhouse competitions for children – any number of children could participate. Presidency School Bangalore South in Bilekahalli had cultural events by teachers. St Paul’s English School in JP Nagar also had teachers’ programmes, and children could come to school in party wear. Clarence Public School in JP Nagar had a holiday while St Marks Public School offered holiday for all except high school children.

Students performing during Children's Day at Innisfree School. Below: Presidency School, Bangalore South organised cultural events for students on Children's Day. Pic courtesy: the schools.

IN & arouND


LIfE IN thE lake starts before daybreak with the birds guiding the chicks to begin feeding. for a change, human parents ushered their little ones to the Puttenahalli Lake at 6am last Sunday, November 13th.

the Nature Walk at the lake saw 40 odd participants, both children and adults. they were amply rewarded -

sighting several species of birds, insects and even a

couple of water snakes.

Angshu, 5, a photography buff was full of questions: Why are

there so many ducks in the

l a k e ? Why are they swimming in the dirty water? Why did the snail hide itself when he poked it?

PNLIt salutes all the child participants for their enthusiasm. they oohed and aahed at every little thing they were shown whether it was a signature spider, a snail or a common coot. Enjoy their

representation of life at Puttenahalli Lake.

Niveditha Reddy, a class 12 student and

the oldest youngster following Deepa Mohan, the Walk guide, listened closely shared, “Nothing is more beautiful than nature. this has truly helped in giving a new dimension to the way I look at things .... absolutely fantastic....”

Well, we think you are all are as fantastic as the birds in the Puttenahalli Lake! ⊕

usHA rAjAgopAlAN

loCal matters

IN RECyCLAthON Awards, part of Bengaluru Recycling habba, Mantri tranquil apartment in Kanakpura road won the championship for Best Waste Wise Apartment (above 250 units category). Around 2009, a few residents here studied different

re c yc l i n g m o d e l s across the city and d e s i gn e d their own version.t h e i r o r g a n i c c o m p o s t unit now generates a b o u t 3000 kgs of c o m p o s t e v e r y m o n t h , which is

used in the gardens within the complex or sold outside. Residents also segregate dry waste into five categories. which is collected and recycled by the NGO Saahas.Dr N Ramchandran, one of the

project initiators, says, “Of the 710 residents, 60% are segregating already. Monthly operation cost of the compost unit is Rs 20,000-24,000, which is covered by sale of compost and dry waste.” In each block 2-3 volunteer manage the system.Adarsh Residency is the runner-up for Best Waste Wise Apartments (100 to 250 units)Innisfree School won the championship for Best Waste Wise School. Wet waste, paper and plastic are deposited in separate bins. Wet waste generates compost and is used in the school garden. “We also have a paper recycling unit which generates about 15 kgs of paper per week. We use this paper for school projects,” says faculty Rajeshwari Reddy. Plastic is sent to recycling units by the NGO Saahas.⊕

NAvyA p k

Nature through childrens eyesputteNAHAlli post

mantri tranquil, adarsh residency, Innisfree get first recyclathon awards

Dr Ramachandran at the Mantri tranquil recycling unit. Pic: Navya P K

Drawings: Ria, 8, Preksha, 7, Nishka, 5 and Pranav, 4.


jayaNagar jp Nagar & Btm

After dogged perseverance with the BMtC for 17 years, Kuvempunagar (BtM) Resident’s Welfare Association (KRWA), finally succeeded in getting a new bus route for the area. the route became operational from 6th August this year. the new bus route, 25N, will begin near 14th Cross, 7th Main in 2nd Stage BtM Layout and proceed to Majestic and return at an average interval of one hour

fifteen minutes. A bus stop was constructed by BBMP councillor GNR Babu, to provide shelter for those waiting for the bus. It was inaugurated a few weeks ago.Padmakshi Srinivasan, 60, current president of KRWA, and active member of the association for the past 18 years. has been instrumental in getting the bus route introduced. She persisted despite ill health before they

relented. When they asked her to get a No Objection-Certificate from MICO Layout traffic Police stating that a bus route is feasible, she travelled with the traffic police in their jeep to survey the route and get the certificate.She says that the bus route will be of immense help to residents, especially school going children and senior citizens. ⊕yogArAj mudAlgi

rwa head helps get new bus route

An announcement from BBMP in newspapers some time back asked citizens to write in with objections if any, to the proposed changes in road names. It is not just roads but also areas that have been renamed like frazer town, which everybody still refers to as frazer town rather than as Pulakeshinagar.

the rationale for name changes is that the old names are relics from a colonial past and that we need to commemorate our own. We've renamed roads with indigenous heroes and leaders - from Kittur Chennamma to Kempe Gowda, to former judge, governor and freedom fighter Nittoor Srinivasa Rau which is laudable. But are we really commemorating their achievements as leaders, by merely renaming roads and localities and at the same time jettisoning the values that they

stood for?

Most of the leaders we sing about, exemplified probity, courage and uprightness. Does renaming a road promote this? tens of thousands of commuters pass via what is popularly known as Double Road (officially, Kengal hanumanthiah Road) but how many even know who he was and what he did, even if they refer to the road by its new name?

the other dimension is that one cannot wipe away history – the fact remains that the British ruled over us for two centuries, and left a legacy, some of it, beneficial too. When civic attention is badly needed to address urgent problems of the metropolis it is absurd to spend time and money renaming roads. the money for which comes from the taxpayers. ⊕

sAkuNtAlA NArAsimHAN

"No plaNNiNg, oNly maNagiNg"

road names change, roads don't

M Abdulla Saleem is the new Additional Commissioner Police (traffic) since September 2011. he has a PhD in traffic management. With the entire city buried under the construction spree, traffic management he says is chaotic. he plans to introduce circulation plans to ease traffic. It means introduction and modification of u-turns, right turns, one-ways. however he adds that traffic planning is still not under his purview, although the department does give inputs on management.

Citizen Matters had a long chat with Saleem, where he shared his plans for the city. Read the interview online at http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in

PIC : yM


WhO DOESN’t WANt to buy new footwear often? But there is such a thing called ‘wallet factor.' Many youngsters cannot afford to spend too much on footwear - so small time footwear shops are an affordable alternative .

"I buy sandals sold on the roadside; they are classy and affordable too. I don’t like to wear same footwear for a long time, so this is the best deal, I can buy these for just `100”, says Shruti Gombi, 22, a student.

College students favour these shops the most. “We have all the latest things which customers want. We get all our footwear from Mumbai. We sell it for not more than `150, there is profit or else who would want to sell at such low rates”, says Basheer Shafi, 25, a shop owner in Jayanagar.

Another shopkeeper in Jayanagar, Mohammad

Muzzamil, 28, when asked about the difference between these sandals and branded footwear explained “the quality is superior (in branded products), but for daily use, our footwear is feasible, durability is pretty good, it does not cost much and you can buy new ones whenever you feel like”. ⊕

NAgAsHree gururAj

fancy footwear, not so fancy prices CheCk outs

Vegetarian delights with patriotic flavours1947, a vegetarian Indian restaurant in Jayanagar is a must visit place for veggie lovers. the restaurant has a theme of freedom struggle and independence, hence the name. A tricolor flag welcomes the customers. there are rare pictures of freedom fighters on the walls.

this Indian food restaurant has three branches in Bangalore - Banashankari, Rajarajeshwarinagar and Jayanagar 4th block. the Jayanagar branch has been open for a year now. “the unique thing here we have is desi videsi,” says Ashish hamal, 27, manager, 1947 Jayanagar branch. this is a subzi prepared with both Indian vegetables and imported vegetables. No liquor is served. It costs ̀ 700 – 800 for two people and is ideal for family eat outs. ⊕

ADDRESS: #62, 5th floor, 2nd main, Jayanagar 4th block 41231947

NAgAsHree gururAj

Pic: Nagashree Gururaj

A touch of freedom..

Pic: Nagashree Gururaj


sweeten weddings with sugar dolls

JAyALAKShMI AND hER huSBAND are the founders of Basavangudi based Asha Dollmakers which highlight tradition as well as creativity during weddings.

According to old Mysore wedding traditions, it is considered auspicious to give dry coconut, roasted chana, jaggery and arishina-kumkuma (turmeric and vermilion) to the bride during Vara pooje, a function to welcome the groom to the wedding. Over the years, innovations have led to creative figurines dressed to look like traditional dolls.

Wedding contractors and marriage halls place bulk orders with individuals or small-scale units producing such figurines.

Although the price varies depending on customer specifications and quantity, the cost of a typical set can be `5000 or more. A Jayalakshmi can be contacted at 26671759 ⊕

umA swAmy

A Jayalakshmi and her husband S Prabhakar have been creating

figurines using sugar, jaggery, candles, dried coconuts and dry fruits

for over three decades now. these figurines are used as decorative

pieces in hindu weddings.the traditional version. Pic: uma Swamy

Prabhakar and Jayalakshmi with their creations. Inset: Jayalakshmi working on a coconut shell. Pics: uma Swamy.


WhEN ShAShIKALA (name changed on request) moved to Bank of Baroda (BOB) Colony in 7th Phase JP Nagar, she didn’t expect to spend so many sleepless nights. Loud noise from three granite cutting and polishing units nearby, working round the clock, has kept her awakeand other residents of the neighbourhood.

“Because of the noise and the dust, we have to keep the doors and windows closed,” said another resident on the condition of anonymity. the residents added that they live with the noise and dust, as they are wary of the consequences of complaining.

B V Subramaniam, 42, another resident nearby for nearly two

years, said that things used to be much worse a year ago when there were many more such units in the vicinity. “Seven or eight such units were there before. Several of them have closed down and its slightly better,” he said.

three granite cutting and polishing units - Ashwini, Alankar and Vijaya Granites, owned by the same family, have been running since 1988 near 4th Main road, BOB Colony. the locality

is mostly residential with middle-class families. Even when these units started, the area was not marked as industrial.

Owner of Alankar Granites, Ravi Reddy conceded that the units run round-the-clock but denied that they are causing nuisance to anybody. “We know the neighbours well. We have received no complaints,” he said. Other owners were not available for comment. the large blades of the cutters make jarring noise when they grind against the stone while it is being cut.

Santosh Kumar, environmental officer, Bommanahalli Zone BBMP, said that they have not received any complaints from residents about the stone cutting units. “We will take action if we receive any complaints,” he said.

Citizen Matters impactWhen Citizen Matters informed D Rajesh, environmental officer at Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) South division, of the situation, he inspected the units next day along with this reporter. he was told by Reddy that the units would soon be shifting to Anekal and hosur.

Reddy’s unit did not have a clearance certificate from KSPCB. Rajesh instructed that an undertaking, on a stamp paper, stating that the units will be shifted by April, has to be provided before Monday. he warned that power supply would be cut off, otherwise. he added that, permission to continue operating in JP Nagar, even if the undertaking is submitted, will be

decided by the technical Advisory Committee shortly.

yogArAj mudAlgi

exClusIVe

caN’t Be iN resiDeNtial

areas

Stone cutting units served ultimatumStone cutting units served ultimatum

the noise and dust from the stone cutting units have troubled the residents for years.though some factories moved out, many remained. A Citizen Matters enquiry got KSPCB to give them an ultimatum.


Cm speCIal

On 10 November, about 50 domestic workers marched to the Police Commissioner’s office complaining that they were being treated like criminals. they were protesting the fingerprinting and collection of information in the name of registering domestic workers.

hamari Suraksha Software Services (a security solutions provider) went door to door, along with two police constables, and collected fingerprints, photographs and personal details of domestic workers in Cubbon Park area on November 8th. Cubbon Road RWA had asked for this profiling. In its website, hamari Suraksha says that it is ‘rooting out domestic terror.’

Now JP Nagar police station is planning to start the initiative in their jurisdiction. S K umesh, the Inspector here, says that hamari Suraksha approached him with the proposal and that he would hold a meeting with apartment owners next week to discuss it. he says the initiative will help apartment owners, and would also make the police’s work easier. he clarifies that the police

will only be a nodal agency. “We are getting involved as it will lend credibility to the agency’s work,” he adds.

the agency has already done similar work in Gurgaon and Mumbai in partnership with local police. here the initiative is only for apartment associations now; umesh says that associations may have to pay Rs 150 for the record of every employee. Workers’ registration is voluntary.

Geetha Menon of the Domestic Workers Rights union (DWRu) – which had organised the protest – says that the programme amounts to profiling and discrimination. “If there are 10 workers committing a

crime, there are hundreds who do not – you cannot generalise the entire community, and take their fingerprints etc like you do for criminals,” she says.

DWRu demands that the registration of both domestic workers and their employers should be done at the Labour

department and not supervised by the police. “this will give identification

Domestic workers say“No profiliNg”

It is only about identification like in any work place. If I have to join somewhere also, I have to share background or even my bank statement sometimes. - B Nagendran, Elita Promenade

If workers quit without no-tice or steal something, it may reflect in their records; this would deter them; Should be extended to independent houses also, as we have lesser security than apartments. Workers can also be trained in etiquette.Annapoorna Murthy, JP Nagar 2nd phase resident and President of Manjari Ladies’ Association

Protestors’ concern is also legitimate, but currently there is no other mecha-nism to ensure security. An alternative would be if some DW association would give them ID cards, verify their backgrounds, so that we can hire them from there. C R Venkatesh, Silver Oak Layout Residents Association (Solar)

This step will act as a deter-rent to them – they will be afraid of police involve-ment. Also their previ-ous work history will be recorded, we can also know if they have any diseases since many of them handle children, if there are any thefts they can be tracked. - OP Ramaswamy

wHAt dAtA is ColleCted?Name, date of birth, place of birth, place of origin, blood group, height, weight, colour, gender, nationality, education, languages spoken; Current and permanent addresses;References; Ration card, election card, and licenses; Photograph and fingerprintsEmployer name, address, city,

phone number, cell phone number, and email addresses; Family Details: spouse name, spouse date of birth, wedding date, number of children; Residential status, relatives/children, relative/children contact information; For Police Information: free time for police to visit, date of last visit and comments

These workers are upset about the discrimi-nation given the police are involved - profil-ing of personal information that goes beyond standard employee registration. They prefer registration be done by labour department.Some welcome registration saying, it will help as a proof of employment and reduce harrassment.

Contd on page 12

EMPLOyER SPEAK


to domestic workers as employees. harassment against them can be checked. Employers can also make complaints against them,” says Geetha.

Pushpa Seth, 33, domestic worker based in JP Nagar, had participated in the protest. “We are not criminals to be registered by police. We

work for decades, but do not get any respect or better salaries. Labour d e p a r t m e n t r e g i s t r a t i o n will benefit us and employers.” She said Police C o m m i s s i o n e r had assured them that nobody will be forced to share data.

however, residents in JP Nagar seem to be welcome the initiative – many believe it will instill fear among workers, especially because of police involvement. Common complaints of residents were that domestic workers demand higher salaries, quit jobs often, were not professional, and rarely, stole things. though many residents were unaware of the actual crime rates of domestic workers, they said that workers were not ‘loyal’ to them and had to be controlled.

NAvyA p k

for your INfo

It'S thAt tIME of the year when parents are looking at school admissions for their wards. Citizen Matters in parternship with thinkVidya.com, an online education portal has the key information for you.

Bannerghatta RoadAdmissions are open at Ryan International School, Sherwood high and heritage Academy from the nursery level. M.E.S. opens for admissions in January 2012. Ryan International and BGS National Public School have no vacancy at 1st Standard. BGS' admissions are waitlisted.

Electronics CityChrist Academy, Ebenezer International School, and treamis World School are open from the nursery level. Christ Academy can be contacted in the last week of November. Written test in December 10th.

JP Nagar/Kanakapura Road

Admissions are open from the nursery level at the Brigade International School (except 1st Standard), Oxford English School, Innisfree house School, Ekya School, Mirambika School, St. Paul's School, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir School and Capitol Public School. At JSS high School, admission for classes with vacancies will open in April 2012. At Jyothi Kendriya Vidyalaya, admissions open from April 2nd-3rd week.

Jayanagar Euro Kids (South) is open from nursery onwards. Sudarshan Vidya Mandir is open for nursery onwards from february 2012. At JSS high School, admission starts for 8th Std and higher classes in December.

Banashankari

Admissions are open in Little flower Public School at Banashankari 3rd Stage except for nursery. Contact on January 15th.

Koramangala-Madiwala National Public School is open for admissions. St Joseph English Primary & high School, Madiwala, admissions start for LKG from Jan 2012.

HSR Layoutfreedom International School and Lawrence School are open from nursery onwards.

News deskInformation provided by Think Vidya with contribution from Rajnika Vachaspati.

the BUs to school aDmissioNs is waitiNgEntrance tests

Innisfree house School: Maths, English, hindi, ScienceBGS National Public School: Science, Maths, II language, EnglishJSS high School Jayanagar: Science, Maths, II language, English, KannadaBrigade International: Science, Maths, English, hindi, KannadaGreenwood high: Aptitude test only and meeting principal. Capitol Public School: Maths, English

Domestic workers are mighty essential cogs in the wheels of most households. But it seems they need to be ‘controlled.’ There is a need to instill fear in this class of people so that they don’t ask for higher salaries, take leave without notice, quit jobs often and ‘behave.’ And consequently not steal or do anything violent.The police are lending support to a private company since it makes it easier to ‘track’ domestic workers if and when there is a crime.No one is asking what the domestic workers will do when they are harassed, fired without notice.They clean, cook and take care of children and elderly but they do not have the right to dignity, the society seem to say.

The programme will be started for the entire city in a few weeks. “In the second phase we will start registration for employees of security and maintenance companies, malls etc., and then for house tenants. We will train the police in ac-cessing this data also -Ankit Trikha, Operations Head at Hamari Suraksha

domestiC workers sAy No to proFiliNg Contd from Page 11 eDItorIal


feature

Sharmila,16, and her five younger sisters were brought to Child fund Association (CfA), an orphanage home in Puttenahalli, after their mother passed away. their father, visually challenged, could not take care of them. Sharmila, who is from Kollegal, has been living there for 6 years. “I am lucky to have found a place like this to live,” she says.

Eighty-five children, mostly girls, have found a home in CfA and since its beginning in 1982, close to 750 children have grown up in the home. Most children in the orphanage have had a traumatic past and are orphans or have single parents unable to take care of them. While some children are brought by their relatives, some, living as destitute, are picked off the street by the police. the objective of the orphanage is to rehabilitate the children with proper education and nurture them to become healthy self-sustainable adults, says Mary Isaac, who started the home with 25 children in 1982.

the home functions as one family as the older kids help out the younger kids by washing their clothes, tutoring them, ensuring they eat their meals. “Each older kid is assigned two young ones to take care of so it is not difficult for us to manage,” says hema K, 32, one of the three wardens. Most of the children go to nearby Vinayaka Vidyalaya or a government school. Volunteers take tuitions in the evening to help the

children with their studies. “After 10th standard, we try to find

v o c a t i o n a l training or

sponsor higher education, depending

on their interest,” says Mary.

Mary says that they are fortunate to have generous donations of clothes and food but the bigger challenge is to provide them with a good education. “We spend about 14-15 lakhs a year to take care of the children, of which six-seven lakhs is spent on their

education. We barely manage to raise money for their education,” says Mary.

A resident of Jayangar 4th Block, Mary, now 72, was a member of Jayanagar Ladies Club. She felt the members could do more than just cooking demonstrations. “the State government was then calling NGOs to come forward and open

orphanages. We formed a group of 15-16 housewives and started the orphanage in a home in 4th Bolck Jayanagar.” In 2000, the NGO managed

to raise enough money to buy land and construct a spacious home in Puttenahalli.

yogArAj mudAlgi

a little sunshine to cheer them up

To sponsor a child’s education and/or living expenses, contact 2654 8176 or visit www.cfaindia.com

Eighty-five children

find a nurturing home at Sunbeam,

JP Nagar. But funding their education

remains a challenge.

Cover Credit Vol-3 issue-21 dated 19th Nov. About 50 domestic workers protested their profiling, at the police Commissioner's office on November 10. pic: meena pai.

BMRCL hAS ALWAyS been notorious for its lack of transparency. though a government entity, the company is reluctant to share information to the media, citizens or activists. the entry into BMRCL head office is restricted compared to other government offices. When I had asked the BMRCL PRO for a sketch of the stations last year, he denied it, citing security reasons. I was also stopped from taking pictures, even from outside, of Metro stations under construction, about six months back. Now the strictures have extended to public spaces too – Metro employees in stations stop media persons from taking pictures or even talking to the public, saying prior permission is required. But apparently those from non-media organisations can talk to public provided they do not ‘disturb’ commuters.

When I was at the station last week to talk to the commuters, the security guards stopped me from talking to them. the commuters were ordered not share any information, even though they were quite willing to do so.

the Station Controller then explained that those from non-media organisations ‘may’ be allowed, but the media had to get

permissions from the BMRCL head Office. he said that every press person had to get letters from BMRCL to speak to anyone or take pictures in the Metro stations or trains. So even for conversations within a public space that is maintained by a public organisation, explicit permission should be obtained. One might wonder when BMRCL may actually start telling us what exactly we should be talking about.

NAvyA p k

what is so ‘top secret’ aBoUt metro statioNs?

eDItorIal

ClassIfIeDs & lIstINgs

CItIZEN MAttERSEDItORSSubramaniam VincentMeera K

JOuRNALISM tEAMPadmalatha RaviNavya P Kyogaraj Mudalgi

MKtG/CIRCuLAtIONRaghavendra 98455 06477ADVt SALESRamachandran P 9844228666 * 9901 685368

©Oorvani Media Pvt Ltd. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

[email protected] Ph: 41737584Longer versions of all articles are available online.

[email protected]/citizenmatters twitter.com/citizenmatters

ErrataVol-3 issue-20 dated 5th Nov. the cover picture of the auto is photographed by Sriram Vittalamurthy. We regret the oversight.

"Frame your chocolate":the founders of ‘More than Chocolate’ in BtM Layout have not quit their It job. the contact no. of the shop is 8197879623.

No pictures, no talking: Reporters cannot do their job in Metro stations.

to plACE youR ADs & ClAssiFiEDs -

CAll 9844228666

accounts JoB oPEnInG

Wanted Accountant Having computer knowledge to work in a reputed NGO. Located at J.P. Nagar 1st phase. Salary will be fixed depending upon the persons experience. Contact: 9901967899

BanGaLoRE tIMBER & PLY-

WooDsAll Types OF Plywoods & Laminates. Dealers In : Teak, Honne, Sall, Neem, Beach, Silver, Round Logs & Cut Sizes. # 647, 16/2/3, Arekere Gate, Near BPL Bus Stop, Bannerghatta Road. Call: 9845604013, 26583501

reAl estAte LaVanYa REaL EstatE

2 & 3 BHK Flat for Rent / Sale in BTM Layout, Bannerghatta Road, J.P. Nagar, Jayanagar & Koramangala. Contact: 9916706389, 9611444944. Email: [email protected]

FLat FoR saLE2 BHK Semi Furnished Flat- 1030 Sq Ft. Located on Kanakapura Road, Very close to Metro-Cash and Carry, DPS School and ISRO Layout. Clear House documents immediate Sale. For further details contact- Vinay V Udikeri - 9663372014

BuILDERs/DEVELoPERsManjunatha Architectural Plan, Structure Design, Sanction Plan, Vaastu Plan, Estimate & Constuction Of Bldgs Shop #1, 5th Main, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd Stage, Near SBI. Call Mune Gowda 9845416748,9844468507, 3297645

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ACCA / CA / CIMA / CS / ICFAI / ICWA & MBA With Latest Corporate Case Studies. Contact : Lalitha Group, #5 Behind Smart, 19th Cross, 24th Main JP Nagar 5th Phase, Bangalore-78. P h : 0 8 0 - 2 6 4 9 0 9 0 7 , 9742167094,9902888485, 9448117457

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cEntRE Dr. VISHWAS # 383, 8th main, 7th cross, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd stage, Bangalore- 76. Ph:41201345, 9845195605. Multi specialist Dental clinic & Implant Centre.

cHILDREns DEntaL cLInIc DR. NERAJA RAJU Consultant Pedodontist. For appointment : 9845195605, 41201345. Address: # 383, 8th main, 7th cross, Mico Layout, BTM 2nd stage, Bangalore-76

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www.isc-worldwide.comRABqSA accredited training programming at Hotel Pai Viceroy, Jayanagar on:9-11th Dec or 13-15th or 16-19th Dec: RABqSA - Combined Lead Auditor (Fee:Rs. 38,605)16-19th Dec: RABqSA - ISMS Lead Auditor with Mutual Recognition of IRCA (Fee:Rs 19,854) Ph: 41663037, 9742338295. email: [email protected]


see & Do

Music GearDealers in Musical Instruments and accessories

Call9880599956

www.musicgear.in

JP Nagar

spoRtsSouth Bangalore - Season 1 Recreational sports league gives 8-10 action packed weekends where you get to play cricket, soccer, basketball or volleyball. Call 990 205 9111. www.mysportznetwork.com26 Nov, Holy Spirit School, Bannerghatta Road and J P Nagar Sports Association (opp Capitol School), J P Nagar 7th PhaseMusiCStuttgart Chamber Orchestra Concert December 3, 2011 7.00 p.m. Chowdiah Memorial Hall

Eastern FlowersConcert by Jarry Singla, Christian Raymond & Ramesh Shotam December 16, 2011 6.30 p.m. Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan

Koti Archana Mahayagnam to lord DharmasasthaTill Sat 31 Dec, Rohini, 17/61, 9th cross, CT bed, Banashankari III stage, Katriguppe, Ph: 98450 38942 / 97390 84469tAlKBangalore International Centre events"My Poems" by Dr. Sumatheendra Nadig Friday, 25 Nov, 6.30 pm

Talk on "Changes in the Print Media in Indian Journalism" By Jug Suraiya, Associate Editor, times of India 11 am Sat, 26 Nov.

RSVP No. 98865 99675. Bangalore International Centre, TERI Complex, 4th Main, 2nd Cross, Domlur II Stage,ExhibitioN"This Situation” En route from Munich to Bangalore Art Installation by tino Seghal December 6-7, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan

thEAtRERangashankara Plays18 Fri, 19 Sat Baki Ithihaas – The Other Side of History(E) (also at 3.30 pm on Sat)20 Sun SPACE (E) (also at 3.30 pm)22 Tue Tell me the Truth(E/H)23 Wed Shaalabhanjike (K)24 Thu Agni Loka (K)25 Fri Runavemba Suthakavu (K)26 Sat, 27 Sun Neenaanaadrenaaneenena? (K) (also at 3:30 pm on Sun)29 Tue, 30 Wed Water Station (Silent)

FilMsScreening of KANNADA Feature film "SAMSKARA"Directed by Pattabhi Rama Reddy, Written by u. R. Ananthamurthy, Starring Girish Karnad, P. Lankesh 3:30 pm Sun 20 Nov, K V Subbanna Aaptha Rangamandira, No. 151, 7th cross, Teachers' colony 1st stage, 9964152999

Chitradurga ParichayAs part of World heritage Week (nov 19th - 25th), INtACh Bangalore, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India, Bangalore Circle is conducting a Chitradurga walk.Chitradurga's fort is one of the strongest hill forts in south India. One of its most famous personalities, Onake Obavva, was among India's gutsiest heroines - she once saved the fort single-handedly, with sheer pluck and presence of mind. Chitradurga is approximately 200 km north of Bangalore, a journey of about 4 hours. fee: Rs 1000 - covers your breakfast, lunch, dinner and transport. Sunday, 20 Nov, 6 amSeats are limited! Please register in advance.

OOta fROM yOuR thOta: 2Nd editiON at hebbal!for all gardening enthusiasts: all garden-ing related products & services in one place along with expert know-how.uaS alumni association premises, next to Veterinary College , bellary Road, hebbal 10 am – 5 pm, 27 Nov


If you are thinking of Jab we met when you are watching director Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar, it's a memory you'll have to soon forget. Missing is the refreshingly original sense of humour that you have come to expect in an Imtiaz Ali film. Even when you do find traces of that old familiar magic, it's soon lost in this dark and brooding tale of the making of a rockstar.

Playing the rockstar is Ranbir Kapoor, supported by debutant Nargis fakhri. the film also has the sentimental appeal of being Shammi Kapoor's last film, albeit in a cameo role.

to Imtiaz's credit, Rockstar does retain a unique perspective and the artist's turmoil is etched in every frame. But missing is Imtiaz's rare gift for almost perfect story telling that we first glimpsed in Jab we met. this is no small disappointment for a true blue Imtiaz fan.

Gloom, turmoil and good intentions alone don't make a great film, it's also about how you tell your tale. here's where we miss the inspired editing that defined Imtiaz's earlier work, which could have transformed this into a razor-edged dark narrative.

Consequently, the film soon gets stuck in no man's land. the typical hindi cinema audience would find the film too slow and even convoluted, and an international film audience

would find it lacking complexity.

the music from A R Rahman has its charm, yet die-hard rock fans would remain disappointed, as most were in

Rock On. this remains a genre that hindi cinema still has to get right. Predictably, connections between rock and both protest music and the environmental movement, which the director attempts to make, are also over simplified.

the only saving grace is Ranbir Kapoor, who puts in a convincing angst-ridden performance as Jordan. After Wake up Sid, Rocket Singh and Rajneeti, Ranbir makes

audiences sit up and take notice of him again. Nargis struggles to keep up. While the two do make a

watchable duo, they don't sparkle.

All things considered, I'd go with a rating of 2.5 for this film- if only because Ranbir Kapoor adds another little gem to his gradually increasing repertoire of performances. If anyone is

wondering what the fuss about this Kapoor is all about, watch Rockstar to find out!

Just around the corner!

Cinema lovers in Bangalore can watch out for the Indo-German film festival between November

18-24, 2011 at Lavanya theatre (on St John's Road in ulsoor).

CHristiNA dANiels

rockstar

some mUsic, mUch Noisesee & Do

movie listiNgsCINEPOLIS, BANNERGhAttA ROADhappy feet 2 (3D) - [E] - 10:45 am 2:50 pm 5:20 pm 7:35 pm 9:25 pmRockstar (u/A) - [h] - 10 am 1 pm 2:45 pm 4 pm 7 pm 9 pm 10 pmthe Adventures Of tintin (3D) (u) - [E] - 10:30 am 1 pm 3:10 pm 7:15 pm 9:50 pm7 Aum Arivu (u) - [tam] - 10 am 6:40 pmAchchu Mechchu (u/A) - [K] - 10 am 6:50 pm

Oh My friend ([tel]) (u) - [tel] - 10 am 12:30 pm 6:15 pmSri Rama Rajyam - [tel] - 11:30 am 12:35 pm 3 pm 5:45 pm 8:45 pmImmortals 3D (A) - [E] - 12:40 pm 5:05 pmRa.One (2D) (u) - [h] - 1 pmAata ([K]) - [K] - 3:50 pm 9:25 pmShakal Pe Mat Ja (A) - [h] - 4 pm 9:40 pm

INOx – JP NAGAR MANtRI MALLRockstar (u/A) - [h] - 10:15 am 11:15 am 1:30 pm 2:30 pm 4:45 pm 5:45

pm 8 pm09 pmthe Adventures Of tintin (2D) (u) - [E] - 10 am01:55 pm07:30 pm09:45 pmOh My friend ([tel]) (u) - [tel] - 12:15 pmMaduve Mane ([K]) (u) - [K] - 2:55 pm7 Aum Arivu (u) - [tam] - 5:40 pmSri Rama Rajyam - [tel] - 10:35 am04:10 pm08:55 pm

GOPALAN CINEMAS - BANNERGhAttA ROAD Rockstar (u/A) - [h] - 10 am 3:30 pm

7:10 pm 10 pmthe Adventures Of tintin (3D) (u) - [E] - 10 am 12 pm 2 pm 6 pm 8 pmSri Rama Rajyam - [tel] - 12:45 pm 6:20 pm 9:30 pmImmortals 3D (A) - [E] - 4 pmOh My friend ([tel]) (u) - [tel] - 10 am 10 pmThis information is subject to change. Please check with the cinemas for exact details.NOTE. Patrons between 3yrs to 18yrs will not be allowed to watch the “A” Rated movies.


corporates smashaces off kaNakapUra roaDcorporates smashaces off kaNakapUra roaD

tennis enthusiasts usually busy with their corporate jobs got a chance to pull

out their racquets from storage cupboards. Aces and smashes from the corporate sector are on full swing at the Bulldog tennis Academy, Kanakapura Road with the ongoing Inter Corporate tennis Championship (ICtC) 2011.

the tournament offers players from the corporate sector an opportunity to compete at different play levels. Says Ronnie Sehgal, founder of Bulldog tennis Academy that is conducting the tournament, "the goal is to promote tennis, fitness and a healthy lifestyle among corporate professionals." Bulldog tennis Academy has been evangelising competitive adult tennis. they conduct weekend leagues and internal member tournaments for clubs and corporates.

the first ICtC in 2010 was a huge success with teams from 34 corporates, playing 4 weeks of high

intensity tennis tournaments at the Bulldog tennis Academy tournament centre. their enthusiastic response

ensured it is now running its second course this year too.

the ICtC 2011 format is designed to test the competitive level of teams as well as individuals. the individual event is a singles knockout draw.

In the team event, 20 teams have been divided into 4 groups, playing roundrobin. the top

two teams from each group make it to the quarter finals. Infosys, IISc, Bowring Institute, Metropolitan Club, Invensys, Stumpp Schuele & Somappa etc have been some of the teams that won at the league level. the finals will be held on Dec 4th.

Sponsors include String Mechanic, Aqua Sure, BSNL, Silk Mark, technifibre, Grasim Cements, flamenco tech, tGI fridays, Indus Steel, GC Global. Citizen Matters is the media partner for ICtC 2011.

Newsdesk

Smash the ace. Pic courtesy: Ronnie Sehgal

the month-long tennis

tournament, which started on November 5th, is probably the first and the only one of its kind in the

country

last worD

Documents

Citizen Matters, 19 Nov 2011