While all eyes and lenses are on Lalbagh this Independence Day, the gardeners in Cubbon Park have arranged a few flowers to greet visitors there too. Here’s a statue of one of the Mysore Maharajas decorated with flowers and garland. It was 60 years ago that the Kingdom became a part of Indian Union, by popular demand. Most parts of present day Bangalore was part of the Mysore Kingdom. Except for the Cantontment area. On this day, 60 years ago, we would have encountered a lot of protests aroung central Bangalore shouting “Dhikara” to the Maharaja and demanding that the Mysore State be made a part of Indian Union. But today, here’s a statue the Maharaja joining us in celebration.

Over the last 40 years, this part of the world has changed as all of us can seen. Lakes have disappeared and we live in plots that are either carved out of fields or tank beds. And right now, the fight is on to figure out what is to be done with the few, larger irrgation tanks that remain. The Government is privatising the existing tanks. They will be used to various other purposes other than irrigation, including amusement and water sports.

Is the Government right in doing this?
If possible, please give the reasons for your answer.

So how many languages do you know/speak?

I know English, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and I can understand Telugu and Marathi.

You?

Nearly half a century after they were thrown out homes and after having become an integral part of Karnataka’s chow-chow baath of people, they still yearn to go back home. Tibetans striking in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue.