CITIZEN MATTERS
Bangalore’s own interactive newsmagazine
Speak up, it’s your city!  

Wish you a Happy Republic Day in advance. Here’s something from our archives to celebrate the special day – read this article on the National Anthem. 

City news that matters

Before we get into our stories, here is a short summary of what happened in the city.

• Bangalore University is going to be split. State Cabinet gave its nod to the process on Wednesday.
• Bengaluru’s first crematorium for pets and other animals is all set to open in February near Sumanahalli on Magadi Road. It costed Rs 2.65 crore and can to cremate up to 20 carcasses daily.
• Supreme Court has quashed an FIR filed by the Bangalore Traffic Police against a couple who aired their grievances through a Facebook post on the BTP page. BTP had accused the couple of ‘intimidation’ while the couple alleged harassment by the police.
• Several taxi aggregators are yet to register with the state government. The Transport Department has warned them of stringent action if they operate without paying the registration fee.
• Just three months after encroachments were cleared in Chikka Kallasandra lake, land grabbers have once again put up fences and notice boards on the lake bed claiming their ownership over the land.
• With no end in sight for the traffic gridlock at Whitefield and with road-widening for the Metro slated to begin soon, commuters are pushing for better rail connectivity. Over 3,000 citizens have signed a petition in this regard.
• Bengaluru lad CS Santosh is the first Indian to complete the gruelling Dakar Rally which is considered to be thfe world’s toughest endurance race.

This week’s highlight: Fake Occupancy Certificate menace

» Occupancy Certificate has been made mandatory for water and power connections. But: Will rules help, when Occupancy Certificate in Bengaluru could be fake? 

Living in the city

» Ever wondered why Bangalore’s voter rolls lack quality? While some of the errors are due to technical issues, some others are completely avoidable. Read: Six reasons why Bengaluru’s voter roll lacks quality.

» Deepa Mohan questions Bangaloreans’ Swalpa Adjust Maadi attitude. While we do adjust, how much longer can we do so? Read: Swalpa Adjust Maadi…and they do so…

Survey: How much are you paying for your water?

» Anirudh Rajashekar, a masters student from MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, and IIM Bangalore’s CRERI group are collaborating on a research study involving private water tankers. Please take the survey – How much do you pay for water?

Three lucky respondents will go home with PVR tickets!

Get inspired

» Lakshmipradha Srinivasan is 3’9’’ in height. Her story is one of grit and determination, and proves that physical disability is not a deterrent to achieving one’s goals. Read: A woman with a never-say-die attitude.  

A jaunt down memory lane

» Dr Balachandran belongs to a Tamilian family from Bangalore. He reminisces about his childhood and how he learnt Kannada. Read: Sirigannadam gelgey, life in Kannada rocks!

Arts and culture

» The Neralu Tree Festival is coming up in February.  Tell your tree story and show your love for trees in the form of photographs; your picture could be one of those displayed at the photo exhibition. Read: Neralu Photo Project. 

Events this weekend

• Asha Foundation is celebrating its Annual Day on January 23rd at Alliance Française. Along with song and dance performances by special children, the event will also spread awareness about Autism, Cerebral Palsy and other neurological challenges.
• Reputed dancers of Bangalore will get together to celebrate through dance at Dance Discourse at Alliance Francaise on January 23rd.
• Watch A Moment of Memory, an experiential performance based on personal encounters will be held at Shunya Space on January 23rd, 24th and 25th. Read Deepa Mohan’s review of the performance.
• Akshaya Patra Foundation is organising A Wall of Joy and Hope, a photography exhibition that will take you back to your childhood – January 24th to 26th at Mantri Square.
• Make your way to Kamalammana Gundi Ground between January 24th and 30th for the Pustakada Habba 2015 – the book festival will includes book launches, sales and other cultural activities.
• Want to start growing veggies in your backyard? Attend this workshop on Terrace Gardening to get started. The workshop is being held on January 25th at Thippasandra.
• Watch Eastern Boys at Alliance Française on January 27th; this is one of the films to have made it to the shortlist of MyFrenchFilmFestival.com.

You can also have a look at the complete listing of events coming up in Bengaluru here. 

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