other bangalore

Viveknagar, rowdies and safety

2009-05-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

My "other bangalore" centers around Viveknagar. The more I think about the place, the more I am amazed by it. It is a completely secular place --- Hindus, Muslims, Christians all are there. There are also temples, mosques, and churches aplenty. In fact, the famous Infant Jesus Church is in Viveknagar or just close to it, and on Thursdays it is like a feast out there.

But the most important thing about Viveknagar is its spirit. Legend has it that a lot of rowdies come from Viveknagar. They live and die by the sword or the chopper. Because of this, one would think that Viveknagar is a very unsafe place, but you wouldnt believe this --- if there is one place in Bangalore for a woman to walk in the middle of the night without even being looked at, it is Viveknagar. Viveknagar is perhaps one of the safest places in Bangalore. There is some kind of a community spirit in Viveknagar.

Rowdies dont meddle with the common folks.

Death in other bangalore.

2009-02-25T09:03:00.000-08:00

Death in Viveknagar isn't much different from life in Viveknagar. Keith, my good friend, died the other
day. I have written about Keith in this same blog some months back.

On Sunday I got a call from Male saying Keith had died. Keith used to live alone in a room in the third floor
of a building. No one knows when he died. When little Nanditha went to check out on Keith Sunday evening,
she didnt hear any response.

Keith died happily sitting in a chair with a cigarette between his fingers. He didnt seem to die suffering, or so we
feel. He didnt give any panic phone calls as seems to be evident from the sent messages on his mobile.

Keith died with a smile on his face. This man who lived his life as a bachelor and as an engine driver
in the Railways always was a happy man. He used to drink a lot and I remember reminding him a number
of times -- Keith you are going to die drinking like this. What does it matter, Keith used to say to me, very
casually. I can die now..........

One thing Keith's death tell me --- I am not afraid of death. Death is just another happy thing, isnt it ?
What when you get 5 thousands as a pension and you dont have to live much for ?

regards,
Samir

The little girl

2008-11-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

I see this little girl every day. She must be hardly 8. She waits there near Shanti Sagar Restaurant, Domlur every day
from say 11 am to 3 pm asking for money. She has a huge vibhuti on her forehead. And a bitter-sweet
smile on her face.

A poor girl. She doesnt go to school. What is her future I wonder. What is her life I wonder. It has occurred
to me many times to just wait there and see what she does all day, who her parents are, where she stays etc etc. But the busy man that I am competing in the globalized world, I hardly have any time. Yet when I see her, I am reminded of another life.

Sometimes, I give her money. She will acknowlegde it with a smile.

How many such children exist in Bangalore today ? What can we do for them?

Whether you like it or not, they are India's future.

regards,
Samir

The Castle Rock Man

2008-08-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Keith is from Castle Rock. For those who dont know Castle Rock, Castle Rock is a place on top of the Sahyadris, just crossing the Goa border. When you go by train from Londa to Goa, Castle Rock is the place where the slopes of the Sahyadris begin. It is the last big station in Karnataka.
Coming from Goa, during the old meter guage times, at Kulem (the British called it Colamb), the train used to attach a second coal engine to it to climb the Sahyadris. At Castle Rock, it used to get removed.

I have such great memories of Castle Rock. In the rains, heavens wouldnt compare to this area.
Also, life centered around trains in this place. And Keith took to the same profession -- he became an engine driver just like his father. Keith is 62 now retired from the Indian railways.
His father was a mechanic of the coal engines, and Keith worked as a mechanic of the diesel engine.

Keith is still well built at 62. He is a bachelor and one look at hiim, one can see he is a man from the mountains. Keith tells us stories of wild boars, and snakes, and how life or at least used to be at Castle Rock. Also of river fish, and sorpotel and other exotic dishes.

With high-speed air travel, we have forgotten those romantic times of train travel. I keep telling Keith we should go for a weekend and visit Castle Rock.

Other Bangalore's entreprenuership --- a veg pulao for ten rupees

2008-04-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed the roadside gaddas in Bangalore? They compete next to the Shanti Sagars and the upscale joints. But mind you they are not empty; they are as full as the Shanti Sagars, if not more.

The other day I decided to try one of them. They gave me a plate full of veg pulao for Rs. 10/-. The same pulao or may be with some costlier rice would cost Rs. 50/- at Shanti Sagar.

But the point I found most interesting --- was that it was a husband, wife manning the shop and it was given with a smile on their faces. On top of it, the lady asked me if I wanted some sherva (I figured it is some kind of spicy gravy) with the pulao. Not knowing what sherva was, I said give me some.

Economics is not a zero sum game. I am glad to see all kinds of Bangaloreans doing well being entreprenuers.

Cheers, ,and Jai Hind!

Samir

What is the other bangalore?

2008-01-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

Most of the times, in the evening, I go for a walk to a place called Neelasandra. It is decrepit neighbourhood next to the Infant Jesus Church. A place where Muslims, Christians and Hindus live in houses which are no more than a room. Yet, in general, except for rare times, there is harmony around. Most of the folks making a hand-to-mouth living; some selling fruits, others running small shops, or eateris, or barber shops, or what not.

After a hectic day at the computers, there is no better place for a relaxation. A place where people though poor are full of kindness. Where there does not seem to be much cut throat competition inspite of poverty.

For many of these guys, the evening ends in a bar or a shack after a hard day's work. It is a hard living where a night's drink is the result of a good day. The bars or rather the shacks are ill lit. But those who server liquor are friendly blokes and would be happy if given 10 rupees for a tip.

If one wants to really experience the "other" Bangalore, these and similar places around Bangalore are the placees. Yes, the IT industry has bought better times for these people. Many people who are real estate brokers make a good living thanks to IT folks renting out places. Others like masons, carpenters are happy due to the construction boom. Not many complain.

I heard that TCS employees are complaining about their pay being reduced due to the dollar going down. One needs to spend time with folks such as the one I am talking about and one knows what a priviledged life software engineers live. Sure, intellectual work is very tough, no doubt.

What people in places such as Neelasandra lack is formal education. Many are Muslims and perhaps get brain-washed in Madrassas. Also, disciplines such as software require single-minded concentration. In the circumstances that they live, there is just no space for something like concentration. There are too many people in one square meter of space at any time.

Most dont have a concept of an intellectual life. I am a frequent visitor in those places. Some call me a scientist, others probably think I am some kind of a mad guy. How does one explain to these people the kind of live we live? Leave alone these people, the concept of a serious software is too difficult to even explain to medical doctors, or to parents or to others who are in more people oriented professions.

Walking around Bangalore

2007-11-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

The "other" Bangalore is best seen by walking. The other day I decided to walk from M. G. Road to Majestic. I started off around 5.45 pm or so and reached Majestic around 7.15 pm.

While walking, one can get a view of Bangalore that otherwise one wouldnt get. I started off from the Museum Road and went off to Residency Road. Young students at a college on the Residency Road were having their college fest or something and a huge rock show was on. Students and young people are one of the main sections of people who walk around. Throughout my walk from M. G. Road to Majestic, I saw students with their bagpacks on their shoulders walking.

As I reached the Residency road and St. Mark's road crossing, I saw huge crowds waiting at a bus stop. Tons of Bangaloreans go around in buses. Walking further I reached the end of Residency Road and near Woodlands, I figured how difficult we have made things for pedestrians in Bangalore. It takes a long long time just to cross a road in Bangalore.

A walk from M. G. Road to Majestic is a walk from one culture to another. The more Westernised and hip M. G. Road to the very Indian Majestic. The path literally takes you from one culture to another and there is a gradual changing of cultures. Till about end of Residency Road, I would say everything is ultra westernised. The huge and tall buildings on Residency road have come up on traditional Indian places demolished by big time realtors. However, as one reaches Richmond circle (There is no circle now as all there is, is a flyover) one is sort of in an intermediate culture. The road from Richmod circle to Hudson circle? --- one on which one side is Kanteerva stadium --- is a long stretch. On the other side of the road, I noticed that there area a lot of temples. I had company throughout, which just tells me that a lot of Bangaloreans still walk. In fact, I saw a number of young women walking too, even though it was dark. One good thing about walking is that one keeps oneself fit if one walks. Most software engineers who ride in cars can't afford such a luxury.

After Hudson circle (and I dont know if I have got the name of the square right) comes the corporation. Here again, there was a huge crowd of people waiting for the bus.

The final stretch of course is a long one which is the K. G. Road.

The nice thing about the walk I found was that one can really feast on various things on the way. Darshanis abound; and hawkers sell channa, groudnuts to even boiled eggs and watermelons. It is interesting to see how different Indians make their living.

The other thing I noticed about in this walk, is how organized people walk. Especially while crossing the roads, this needs to be seen. It is important I figured to follow the crowd especially while crossing the road. The traffic too seemed much more organized and less agressive compared to say Airport Road traffic.

Majestic Bangalore

2007-11-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

If there is one place in Bangalore, everyone will be familiar with -- it is Majestic.

My first memories of Bangalore are that of getting off a bus in Majestic Bus Stand. The huge crowds at Majestic give you ample evidence of India's population. But the thing I like the most about Majestic is the hustle and bustle, the whole atmosphere. It is like a big fair out there at any time of the year, any time of the day.

Majestic is full of lodges, and restaurants. But it is also full of hawkers, and vendors vending their stuff. Right from clothes, to eatables, to gadgets (the famous Burma Bazaar has all kinds of imported electronic
gadgest --- available without any receipts) Majestic is a traditional Indian market place.

When I get stressed out working too much on my computer, or dealing with the stress of the IT world, I head towards Majestic. I spend hours just watching the crowds, and in a few hours, all my stress disappears.

Among the eating places at Majestic, FishLand which servers Karwari food is my favourite. It makes me feel like home. Narthaki the Andhra-style food joint is also not bad. And all kinds of eatables hawked by the street vendors --- right from chana to ground-nuts complement one's menu.

The best way to visit Majestic is by a BMTC bus. It is one of the three main terminals of Bangalore. The other two are city market and Shivajinagar. Take a window seat on a BMTC bus, and have a vantage view of the city. The bus stand is usually teeming with people. I have sometimes wondered why terrorists have not targeted the place. The place hardly has any security and in every single square meter of place, chances are you would find at least one person.

Today, Bangalore has changed from what it was ten or twenty years back. Areas such as Indiranagar, Airport Road etc have become hubs of IT industry and upscale buildings. Majestic however hasnt changed that much. Many shops remain the same. In 1995 / 96 when I had just come to India from US, I had visited a place which had an Internet there. The place still exists now, just that it has become a cybercafe.

There is a timeless character about Majestic just like there is a timeless character about India. The place literally is a mini-India. The railway, an essential element of every Indian's life is also there at Majestic. So is the bus. And when an average Indian visits Bangalore, he would ususally visit by bus or train, and Majestic would be the first place he would see. As a result, Majestic is teeming with tourists.

Quacks, and thiefs abound at Majestic. Once I was conned by a well-dressed man at Majestic. Having just moved from the US, I was naive. One evening, he gave me a sad story about how he had come down from Delhi for admitting his son to a medical college in Manipal, and on the bus from Manipal to Bangalore, all his money and his bag was stolen from the bus. I gave him money to make a call to his wife in Delhi. Those were the days of STD booths, and mobiles hadnt come to India then. Then, I also treated him to a dinner. The interesting part is that as we went to a restaurant, he convinced me not to go that restaurant and instead go to a more upscale restaurant. Finally, I gave him 100 more rupees and he gave me some Delhi address, and promised to send me the money soon. I never heard from him again.

Even with all this, I love Majestic. Pehaps, deep somewhere, I feel one with the crowd when I am out there, and really feel like a desi.

Dawangere Idly Dosa Point

2007-10-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

There is nothing as quintessentially Indian as eating out on the road-side. It may be not very hygeinic at times, but for the mind certainly it is a great and relaxing experience. Nothing beats going with friends to an Idly
Dosa Joint and having a sumptous meal. Today, a couple of us friends went to a place in Wilson Garden called the Dawangere Idly Dosa Point. It was just super. Even the darshini idlys dont compare to the Idlys
of this place.

But the most important part of this place is the atmosphere you get, and the general warmth of people all around. One cant that in a sterile atmosphere in an upscale joint.

You come back feeling completely rejunevated and even emotionally charged.

This is India that one misses when one goes abroad, and no amount of Pizza Huts, and McDonalds can replicate such an atmosphere.

We are a culture which likes to celebrate. We like to eat well (although the poor cant do it), and we take
great pride in socializing and being generally social beings. There is nothing more Indian than a social
gathering.

20,000 march to demand land rights

2007-10-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

"NEW DELHI: A massive rally of over 20,000 people from 15 states on Sunday reached the national Capital after marching 340 kms from Gwalior, demanding their rights to land and livelihood.

The "Janadesh March", organised by Ekta Parishad, was flagged off at Guwalior on October 2 and have already marched for 24 days."

I read this news in Times of India web edition today.

The government of India is busy doling out land in the name of SEZs who already have big money. While tribals
are --- at the cost of their lives (6 out of the 20,000 died on the way to Delhi) --- protesting to get their livelihoods.

What kind of an India are we living in?

We dont need a single SEZ at this time. No biggies need to be given any tax sop. In fact, they have to be penalized as per the law of the land for any illegalities done.

Let us support these tribals in any and all we can .

Jai Hind,
Samir

The other Bangalore

2007-10-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today as I was walking towards Cafe Coffee Day on100 ft road in Indiranagar, I saw a huge crowd gathered there by the roadside. When I inquired, I was told that a 13 year kid was knocked spot-dead by a BMTC (Bangalore Municipal Transport Corporation) bus. The kid was apparently riding on a bicycle.

Over the period of my stay in Bangalore, I havent stopped noticing the umpteen number of people who ride bicycles in Bangalore. When I first moved to Bangalore from the US, I too bought a bicycle. But the carbon dioxide/monoxide that I had to inhale on the signals along with the dangers of riding (a bicycle rider is not even considered as important as a mosquito by bike-riders and motorists) made me give it up soon.But there are a huge number of Bangaloreans who need a bicycle to make their living. It is as dangerous a living as fighting on the LoC, I think.

Huge number of Bangaloreans also travel by buses everday. One needs to watch the crowds on various bus stands. Who cares for their comfort? The Kumarswamis of this world (and thanks heavens he is not a CM now) buy huge buildings which they rent out to IT companies, once they become CMs. Can they be even remotely called representatives of the people ?

And now there is this so called Lead India initiative. What percentage of Indians can read English in thefirst place? How dare an English paper even claim to represent India , let alone lead it? No wonder, Mayawati has been hailed as an upcoming world leader. Her corruption apart, certainly, she can at least probably claim to speak the language of the people, unlike the likes of Times of India.

regards,

Samir