What Assange is to World, Anna is to India….

Folks, block your calenders, Anna Hazare and members of his core team will participate in a rally here on December 17, as part of their demand to “save the Lokayukta institution in Karnataka.Team members Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Kiran Bedi would participate in the rally, which would be part of many held across Karnataka, Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde and noted Gandhian H S Doreswamy would lead the rally…..

Two years ago, Ekta Mittal, co-founder, Maraa and Yashaswini Raghunandan, a film maker and artist started working on their film “Behind the Tin Sheets”, a production that documents the lives of workers involved in building the Bangalore Metro.

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Here is a synopsis of the film from their website: “There is no simple meaning to the film, it sets out to locate and map multiple meanings from the migrating world(s) of the worker – at home in the city, at work on the Metro, in his dailyness – the mundane and the magic – he emerges as the storyteller. In search of the workers stories, philosophies and fantasies, the film will blend magical elements from their stories within the realistic environment that they inhabit.”

A fellowship from the Centre for Media and Culture Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences supported the making of the film to a certain extent. But the duo need another lakh of rupees to finish the post production including the sound, editing etc.

To help complete the film and mobilize finances, a garage sale is being organised in the premises of Variety Book House on Church Street, from 4-8 pm on Saturday, March 26.

There will be books, trinkets, paintings, Cds/DVDs, t-shirts and other knick knacks contributed by people, available for purchase. You can participate by either donating items, buying items available during the sale or sending money directly to Ekta and Yahas.

For more details, email Ekta at forekta at gmail.com and Zainab Bawa on bawazainab79 at gmail.com.

A city level campaign of Street Hawkers, Dalits, Human Rights Activists, Social and Progressive Organizations

End our evictions. They are unconstitutional and contrary to the National Street Vendors Policy

Value our contributions to the society. Respect our fundamental rights. We demand legal cover and social security

The past several months, we, the street hawkers of Bangalore, have been the victims of forcible eviction by the BBMP, the police and Muzrai departments who have undertake an aggressive and continuous exercise to ‘clear’ the streets and pavements of Shivajinagar, Jayanagar, Ulsoor and Gandhinagar without giving us any prior notice or allocation of any alternate location for our livelihood (see details in adjoining sheet). Since then we and our families are struggling to survive as we have been left with absolutely no source of income – we are unable to pay the school fees for our children and many have been pulled out of school, our landlords have given us notice as we have not paid our house rent. The reason given for our evictions is apparently that we are impeding flow of traffic and pedestrians or that our presence makes the city ugly.

Street hawkers are an integral part of Bangalore’s daily life and its residents are all beneficiaries of the work of the street hawkers. From the vegetable vendor pushing his cart in localities, to the cobbler, the coconut vendor, the flower seller outside places of worship, the tea seller, the santhes, etc., the general public depend on street hawkers for their daily needs and convenience. In fact it is impossible to imagine Bangalore, or any other city, without its street hawkers.

These illegal actions of the BBMP and the police violate our [street vendors’] fundamental rights enshrined under Article 19(1) (g) and Article 21of the Constitution of India, as well as Article 39(a) of the Constitution of India,.This also represents the failure of the State to fulfil its obligations to guarantee everyone, the right to work, free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment as enshrined under Article 23 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and to take appropriate steps to safeguard this right as derived from Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

These actions of the BBMP are not just illegal and unconstitutional but also contrary to the National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2009 issued by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India. It is pertinent to note that the Policy recognizes street vendors as an integral and legitimate part of the urban retail trade and distribution system. It also recognizes that street vendors provide valuable services to the urban masses while eking out a living through their own enterprise, limited resources and labour. It is also necessary to point out that after the Policy was passed, the Hon’ble Prime Minister has sent a letter to all the Chief Ministers seeking that the National Policy on Urban Street Vendors 2009 be implemented and legislation be enacted taking into account the Model Bill which is part of the Policy to “enable street vendors to ply their trade without harassment”.

Moreover, the BBMP is also in violation of the judgments of the Hon’ble Supreme Court which has recognized street vending as a fundamental right under the Constitution of this country, and as we should know, fundamental rights cannot be denied to anyone. In fact, the Supreme Court, in Mahrashtra Ekta Hawkers’ Union & Another – Versus-Municipal Corporation, Greater Mumbai & Others, in its order dated 12th February 2007, has observed that any steps taken in regard to Street Vendors should be in consonance with the aims and objects of the National Policy to render some sort of succour to urban street vendors to enable them to earn livelihood through hawking.

In spite of all our efforts to secure our rights to conduct our business fulfilled, the BBMP has not met our demands. We are therefore conducting a protest march on Thursday, Oct 21 , 11am, from Russell Market Chowk to BBMP Head Office to press for our demands:

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Snake! The very word seems to evoke a feeling of terror in the mind of the average person; but if one has better knowledge of these creatures, one can see that much of the dread is misplaced. Here are some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about snakes, answered by P Gowirshankar, a herpetologist who has been actively associated with the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS), which has had the only telemetry project for tracking the King Cobra in that region. Gowrishankar is at present located in Bangalore, pursuing his doctoral studies.

1. I see a snake in my yard or house, and I don’t want to go close to find out if it is poisonous or not. My first instinct is to panic. What should I do? Will my actions be different in case the snake is quiet, and in case it is moving about? What if it is in an odd place where it cannot be easily dislodged/chased off?

Yes, the first instinct is to panic, nothing much can be done about that. If you are aware and can do it, do your best to replace that fear with knowledge and act accordingly. If the snake is moving constantly keep a watch on it from a safe distance. If the snake is coiled up or resting nothing much to worry, do not disturb it but do keep a watch. Call any of the animal welfare organizations in Bangalore and they will help retrieve the snake.

2. In case I am bitten, or I see someone bitten by a snake, what should I do? (Especially if the snake is no longer around, and I cannot find out if the snake was venomous or not)

Not all snake bites are from venomous snakes. However do look out for the following symptoms and follow the first aid listed below:

General symptoms of a bite from a venomous snake:

* Wound site: Fang marks, discoloration, burning sensation, blistering of skin, local pain, oedema
* Bleeding from the wound that does not seem to stop
* Bleeding gums
* Progressive swelling of the bitten limb
* Drooping eyelids
* Difficulty in speaking
* Difficulty in breathing
* Drowsiness, unsteadiness

First Aid

* Calm and reassure the patient. Only a small percentage of snakebites prove serious. Panic can increase the heart rate and speed the spread of venom in the body.
* Remove any constricting items worn by the patient such as bangles, bands, bracelets, finger rings, watch and so on.
* Completely immobilize the patient: Lay them down and keep them still. Splint the bitten limb to prevent movement.
* A bitten leg should be splinted from below the ankle to the top of the thigh, and then strapped to the other leg to keep the entire lower half of the body still. A bitten arm should be splinted from the fingertips to the shoulder, and then strapped firmly (not tightly) to the side of the body.
* Keep the wound clean; do not apply mud, manure or other poultices, if the wound requires washing use uncontaminated water to gently clean it.
* Do not allow the person to walk or move about; keep them completely immobile and take them to hospital as soon after the bite as possible.
* The victim should be kept warm. Watch out for the general symptoms (listed above) and inform the doctor.

The only remedy for venomous snakebite is anti-venom serum. Polyvalent anti-venom serum is effective against the bites of the Big Four: Common Cobra, Saw-scaled Viper, Common Krait, Russell’s viper.

Note: Only if safely possible, try and get a good look at the snake (or photograph it) to help the doctor identify it, and treat the bite accordingly.

Here’s what you should not do when a person has been bitten by a snake

* Do not give sedatives to calm the patient.
* Do not tie an electric cable, string or rubber tourniquet or ligatures, and do not cut the bite site, or the bitten limb.
* Do not use ice packs, electric shock or suction at the site of bite.
* Do not elevate the limb.
* Do not use potassium permanganate.
* Do not let the patient walk or run; keep them absolutely immobilized.
* Do not administer alcoholic beverage or any medication
* Do not give food or water, as both may be a choking hazard if the person vomits.
* Do not waste time with quack ‘remedies’ such as ‘snake stones’, or chanting mantras. Go for anti-venom serum without delay.

3. Where would I be able to get snake anti-venom in Bangalore?

Anti-venom is stocked in most leading hospitals of Bangalore, including Manipal Hospital, Baptist Hospital, Mallya Hospital, Bowring Hospital and St John’s Medical Hospital.

4. Should I administer anti-venom in any case? If the snake was not a poisonous one, will the anti-venom have bad effects?

No. Medical assistance is mandatory as it has to be administered through intravenous means. It is best for doctors to take a call on whether to administer anti-venom after observing the symptoms. Unnecessary use of anti-venom may cause allergic reactions.

5. What should I do to prevent snakes from entering my garden or home? I know they are good for the ecosystem, but I don’t want to deal with them.

Keep the garden clean and free from mounds of litter. Keep flower pots away from doors and windows and do not stock them close to each other. Make sure there are no rats breeding in the garden or in the house. Keep the place well lit; else use a torch to move around.

6. Is it true that snakes are to be found where there are termite mounds?

Not necessarily. They need to regulate their body temperature so depending on the temperature, humidity, habitat and prey base they select resting places, and a termite mound is just one such resting place.

7. Is it useful to call in a snake-charmer? If so, how can I locate one?

It is better to contact animal welfare organizations like the following:

Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA)
LR Nagar, Koramangala
Bengaluru – 560047
Ph No 22947302

Bannerghatta Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC)
Survey No. 129, Jigni Hobli,
Anekal Taluk, Bannerghatta,
Bangalore – 560 083
Ph No 22947307/ 22947300/ 22947301
wrrcbrc[at]gmail[dot]com

Karuna Animal Welfare Association Of Karnataka
Kasturba Road, Cubbon Park
Bangalore- 560001
Ph No 22860205, 23411181

People for Animals
Survey no. 67,
Uttarahalli Road, Kengeri,
Bangalore 560 060
Ph No 2860 4767, 2860 3986, 2273 3350, 9980339880

8. Are there any common misconceptions about snakes in urban areas that I should be aware of?

There are many myths and misconceptions about snakes, which not differ much between urban and rural areas. Four of the common myths are:
a) Cobras take revenge
b) They drink milk
c) Talking about snakes at home is equal to inviting them.
d) Male combat of snakes is misunderstood to be mating and the superstition is that viewing this invites trouble for generations. ⊕

I have been following the fortunes of Yours Truly Theatre (YTT)for a while now, in keeping with my interest in the young theatre groups of this city. Yours Truly has been a pioneer, in Bangalore, in staging Interactive Theatre, where the audience takes on an interactive role in the staging of the play, rather than be passive spectators to a preconceived ending. Now they have several other initiatives, too, such as plays for children, students, and for underprivileged people,

I’ve watched their last play, “Common Man”, but had missed the earlier shows of “Bhagwan Dhoondo”, and so decided that I’d go and see the fourth show, at ADA Ranga Mandira, on the 29th August, 2010.

“Bhagwan Dhoondo” has a loosely structured first half, that introduces characters that are not fully clarified, except in the state of their existence in the city, and in the second half, the compere, Ranji David, takes responses from the audiences and picks one of these characters. Based on the inputs from the audience, the denouement is staged by the cast,.consisting of Abhijit Madhawaraj, Chetan Nataraj, Nandini Rao, Ramya M, Ranji David, Shalini Goel, Sumit Acharya, Sudarshan Ranganath, and Vishal Bhandary.

One thing that struck me immediately was that the visual idiom of YTT has progressed a lot since I last witnessed one of their performances. They had always used colourful props like scarves and umbrellas, but in the present production, several props and red-motifed costumes were in evidence, and abstract concepts such as individuals joining the herd mentality of wanting “more” were expressed tellingly with the aid of one huge covering into which the actors disappeared. Cloth props were also used to great effect; a shroud-like covering was used to highlight characters, and make a statue in the park! I must congratulate Kuheli Mukherjee on her innovativeness with costume design.

The light design by Ranji David, and the light execution by Deepak Trivedi, were both impressive. Situations and characters were highlighted, and the use of smoke on stage truly made a palpable stage aid of the light.

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Ganesha Festival: Exhibition cum Sale

Avighna Collections is having an exhibition cum sale of various Ganesha
avatars in fibre, glass and wooden wall hangings too. This exhibition
is held at
Sankhla House, 88, Vyalikaval 3rd main, Bangalore

from

Aug 30th to Sept 10th, 2010.
Please contact 65670035.

In the month of July, Vikap Bengaluru brings you two films:

1. July 16th
Mean Sea Level
by Pradip Saha

Time: 6.30 pm
Venue: Alliance Francaise, 108 Thimmaiah Road, Opp.UNI Building Vasanthnagar, Bangalore
Phone: 4080 8181 / 4123 1340

2. July 17th
THE SPEAKING HAND – Zakir Hussain and the art of the Indian drum
by Sumantra Ghosal

Time: 6 pm sharp
Venue: Centre for Film and Drama, 5th floor, Sona Towers, 71 Millers Road, Bangalore
Phone: 22356263

Both the screenings are free and open to all.

Filmmakers of both the documentaries will be present for their screenings.

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Cycle to work is a simple solution to a host of complex problems we face today. This simple mode of transport not only benefits your health but most importantly the environment. Employee commute is a huge contributing factor to a company’s carbon footprint. We are the only ones who can fix this, you and me, the work force of this city. So get those tires pumped, get your cycling shorts out of the closet.
Stop trying to make the difference, its time to live the difference.

The Times Of India and The Vaishnavi group presents Times Cycle to Work this World Environment Day 5th June 2010

When : June 5th, World Environment Day
Where : Vaishnavi Orchids, Sarjapur Road

Times Cycle to Work is an initiative to reduce our carbon footprint, its a platform to get into the the most celebrated commute culture of the city. Its an opportunity to see and get in touch with many Bangaloreans who have already taken up cycling as a mode of commute to work. Its an event where you get to participate/witness a professional cycling race of 60Kms. Its an event where you and your family can come and cycle together, where your kids can play various games which are going to be organized at the venue.

CATEGORIES
TIMES GREEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Road Race for the professional riders over a course of 20kms. 3 laps (60Kms) Men & 2 laps (40Km) for Women

TIMES RIDE FOR PRIDE
A 10Km Ride for all adults

TIMES JOY RIDE
5Km Joy Ride for Kids of ages 5yrs to 15yrs

TIMES TODDLERS RIDE
Tricycle Ride for Kids of ages below 5yrs

More details here.

Place Domlur Kormangala inner ring road – Sunday late noon today, a traffic officer rides his bike without helmet and in wrong direction, looks like ‘charity is yet to begin at home’..

INTACH Bangalore is pleased to be the heritage partner for the Bengaluru Infinite Photo Contest, taking place on April 25th, 2010.

The event is organised by infinity F, a platform for photographers based in Bangalore to showcase work that is fresh, diverse and is driven by a purpose.

Bengaluru Infinite 2010 is a day filled with photography in your favourite city, capturing the city at its best.

The rules of the contest are simple: Each participant gets 4 subjects. Starting from 8 am to 8 pm, you can photograph aspects of Bengaluru keeping these subjects in mind. A participant will be allowed two photographs per subject. Exciting prizes to be won!
Please call Asif (99451 30745), Sriharsha (98866 35410) or Peevee (99455 16333) to register.

Visit http://www.infinityf.com/category/events/ or mail bengaluruinfinite@gmail.com for further details.