Friday, December 26, 2008

Bangalore Experienced Scaled Down Sale On Year End

Bangalore: They are an increasingly visible part of Bangalore's seven million population but expatriates in India's IT hub have been known for their whole-hearted participation in major events the city celebrates, including the Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations. But not this year.
The Mumbai terror attacks and the global economic crisis have forced the 35,000-strong expat community to welcome 2009 without hype and hoopla.

Bangalore hotels won't be rocking this New Year eve
"Every year we used to organise parties as part of Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, where German families staying in Bangalore participate. But this year we have lined up no special celebrations. Just a few days back we had a small party in our office with a few German business delegates who had come for work," Audrey D'souza, Bangalore regional director of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, said.
D'Souza added that out of 300 German families residing in the city, most had gone to their native places to celebrate year-end festivities as the current situation in India is not conducive to any big celebration, especially after the Mumbai terror attacks.
Goa bans beach parties from Dec 23 to Jan 5
"We're scared to organise any big celebration as questions of safety and security of revellers have to be taken into account post-26/11. Moreover, when the entire nation is mourning the deaths of innocent lives, we thought it inappropriate to hold any celebrations," said Meghala, the cultural coordinator of Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, the social and cultural hub of French expatriates in the city.
An estimated 200 French families stay.
"In past years we used to have a series of fun filled events to usher in New Year. Individually, of course French people will be celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve. But not in a bigger way with lots of people coming together," added Meghala.
The Mumbai terror attacks killed around 170 people, of whom 22 were foreign nationals.
Kandhamal seeks more forces ahead of Christmas
Bangalore's reputation of being the technology hub of the country has made the city a favoured abode of expatriates in recent times.
Of the expatriates in Bangalore, some 13,000 are students pursuing professional education or internships from a wide assortment of countries, including Britain, Germany, France, Canada, Spain, the US and Iran.
"After the Mumbai terror attacks, we are all scared to go to public places to enjoy parties. Thus, I have invited a few of my friends at home to welcome 2009. Two of my cousins who are working in Bangalore have left for Toronto, so that they can celebrate their New Year parties in a grand manner," said IT professional Adam Olive, a native of Toronto, Canada.
'For us New Year is another day of survival'
The Bangalore Expatriate Club or BEC, a social club that provides the expatriates of the city a platform to interact and share one another's experiences, is not going for any big year-end parties either.
"The club members often used to do networking in pubs, clubs and restaurants of the city. But most of the public places are having tight security these days. We have no plans to hold any celebrations as part of our new year celebrations," Les P, senior member of BEC and a software architect from Chicago, settled in Bangalore for the last six months, said.
"Time is not conducive for any celebrations after the Mumbai terror attacks. We have not yet decided on any specific party for New Year's Eve," said Philip Collins, a native of Denmark, working in BPO and a member of the club.
The club currently has 4,000 members.
To beef up security cover for the expatriates who fear they might be potential terror targets, a delegation representing trade commissioners and consulates of different countries recently met Bangalore police commissioner Shankar Bidari.
"We've assured them full security cover in the city. We have also advised them to hire armed private security guards. We are also working out a special security measure to be provided to important foreign residents in the city. But we cannot divulge details," a senior police officer said.
Authorities in several churches spread across Bangalore said the enthusiasm to celebrate Christmas was missing this time.
"Due to the Mumbai terror strikes and attacks on the Christian community in Orissa and Karnataka, we have asked people to keep Christmas celebrations low key. The mood among the people too is sombre. Christmas this time will be a quiet affair," said Daniel Ravi Kumar, Presbyter-in-charge of St. Mark's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican Church in Bangalore, founded in 1808.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Aamir Khan’s Ghajini hairstyle banned in Bangalore

        That near-bald crew cut with conspicuous scars has become a fashion statement among youths.
        Aamir Khan has sparked off a new trend with his attention-grabbing haircut for Ghajini (Hindi) . More and more youths are going under the scissors to acquire the same look.
        Aamir’s ‘Ghajini’ haircut has become so popular in colleges that the authorities in Bangalore have banned the hairstyle. Students sporting Aamir’s ‘Ghajini’ look are not being allowed to enter classrooms.
        In fact, the craze has caught up so much with the Bangalore youths that colleges in the city have barred the students with the Ghajini haircut from entering the classrooms. The reason given by the authorities is that the haircut distracts the attention of other students in the classroom.
        Almost all the colleges in Bangalore have formally announced that they will only allow students to sit in the classrooms if they don’t sport the Ghajini hairstyle. What Aamir would like to know is why his Ghajini hairstyle should be banned in colleges and if it is in any way interfering with the students’ concentration when they are attending classes. A source close to Aamir says, “Aamir has not been able to fathom why the colleges are objecting to his hairstyle, what is so indecent about it? Any objection needs a reason. Is this hairstyle attracting flies? Is it disturbing the concentration of the students in the class?”
        When Aamir came to know about this, he was both pleased and amused. Pleased because he is happy to note that the haircut has been loved young people. Amused because he doesn’t understand why the authorities are objecting to the haircut.
        Meanwhile, the trend is catching up in other cities like Mumbai and Delhi as well.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Bangalore Hotels

Hotels in Bangalore
Unless otherwise specified the area/STD code for all telephone numbers is 080 (+91-80). For service apartments and Bed & Breakfast
click here.
Need help with bookings?
Click here!
Name Address Phone - Fax - Email

Luxury (Above Rs 6000)

Grand Ashok (Book online now)
Kumara Krupa,
High Grounds,
Bangalore.
Phone: 2226 9462, 2225 0202
Fax: 2225 0033

Email: htlashok@blr.vsnl.net.in

Ista Hotels (Book online now )

1/1 Swamy Vivekananda Road
Ulsoor
Bangalore - 560 008 Phone: 2555 8888
Kamath Yatri Nivas #4, 1st Main, Gandhi Nagar, Bangalore Phone: 2226 0088
Le Meridien
28,Sankey Road,
Bangalore 560 052 Phone: 2226 2233, 2228 2828

Email: leme@lemeridien-bangalore.com

Park Plaza 1,Golf Avenue Adjoining KGA Golf Course,

Airport Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2521 6228, 2521 6039
Fax: 2521 6247

Email: roppBlr@vsnl.net

Ramanashre Comforts 16, Rajaram Mohan Roy Road,

Near Richmond Circle, Bangalore. Phone: 2222 5152
Royal Orchid 1, Golf Avenue,
Adjoining KGA Golf Course
Bangalore 560 008 Phone: 2520 5566
Fax: 2520 3366
Taj Residency (Book online now)
41/3 MG Raod,
Bangalore - 560 001 Phone: 2558 4444
Fax: 2558 4748

Email: resdency.bangalore@tajhotels.com

The Leela Palace (Book online now)

23,Airport Road,
Bangalore Phone: 2521 1234, 2521 2727
Fax: 2521 2929


Email: admin@theleelaBlr.com

The Oberoi (Book online now)

37-39 MG Road,
Bangalore - 560 001 Phone: 2558 5858
Fax: 2558 5960
Tollfree: 1-600-11-2030

Email: excentre@oberoihotels.com

The Park Hotel (Book online now)

14/7 MG Road,
Bangalore - 560 001 Phone: 2559 4666
Fax: 2559 4029

Email: tpbl@theparkhotels.com

The Taj West End

(Book online now )
Race Course Road
Bangalore Phone: 6660-5660
Fax: 6660-5700

Email: westend.bangalore@tajhotels.com

Windsor Manor ITC Hotel

Windsor Square,
Oppoiste Bangalore Golf Course,
25,Sankey Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2226 9898
Fax: 2226 4941

Email: sales@windwor.welcomegroup.co.in

Medium (Rs 3000 - Rs 6000)

Angsana
Angsana Oasis Spa & Resort,
Doddaballapur Main Road,
Addevishwanathapura Village,
Rajankunte
Bangalore - 560064 Phone: 2846 8892-96
Fax: 2846 8897

Email: bangalore@angsana.com

The Atria No.1 Palace Road,

Bangalore. Phone: 2220 5205
Fax: 2225 6850

Email: atria.blr@gnblr.globalnet.ems.vsnl.net.in

The Bell

#88, Adjacent to City Railway Station
Bangalore - 23 Phone: 4015 2222
Fax: 4015 2233

Email: info@thebell.in

The Bride Corporate Suites

No 5 Bride Street, Richmod Town
Bangalore - 560 025 Phone: 4114 4408


Email: info@bridesuites.com

Royal Orchid Central

(Book online now )
47/1, Dickenson Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2558 4242
Fax: 2558 8594


The Capitol (Book online now)
Raj Bhavan Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2228 1234 / 515
Fax: 2225 9933

Email: tehcapitol@vsnl.com

The Chancery 10/6 Lavelle Road,

Bangalore. Phone: 2227 6767
Fax: 2227 6700

Email: thechancery@vsnl.com

Eagleton - The Golf Resort

29th Km. Bangalore Mysore Highway,
Bidadi
Bangalore- 562109 TeleFax: 26764 403/ 405/ 974

Email: sales@eagletonindia.com

Gateway Hotel Residency Road,

Bangalore. Phone: 6660 4545 / 2558 4545
Fax: 2558 4030

Email: gateway.bangalore@tajhotels.com

Infantry Court (Book online now)

66,Infantry Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2559 1800, 2559 2281,2559 2283
Reservations hotline: 2558 2306
Fax: 2559 2276

Email: hotelic@vsnl.com

St. Mark's Hotel

4/1, St. Mark's Road, Bangalore - 560 001
Bangalore. Phone: 2227 9090
Fax: 2227 5700

Email: stmarks@vsnl.com

Manipal County
# 65, Singasandra, Off Hosur Road
Bangalore - 560 068 Phone: 2573 4242, 2573 6705, 2573 6706
Fax: 2573 6681
Email: sales@manipalcounty.com

The Monarch 54,Brigade Road,

Bangalore. Phone: 2559 1915
Fax: 2532 7199

Email: hotelmonarch@yahoo.co.in

Museum Inn
1, Museum Road, off M G Road
Bangalore - 560001. Phone: 4111 3333
Fax: 4111 3300
Nalapad's HotelBangalore International 2a-2b Crescent Road,
High Grounds,
Bangalore Phone: 2226 8011, 2226 8031
Fax: 2226 8015

Email: nahbi@blr.vsnl.net.in

The Raiintree Boutique Hotel
#6, Rest House Road
Off brigade road, Parallel to Church Street
Next to Dubai Plaza
Bangalore -560 001. Phone: 25559005 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
Fax: 25559010
Email: reservations@raagasraiintree.com

The Richmond Hotel
88/2, Richmond Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2223 3666
Fax: 2223 377

Email: restrh@vsnl.net

Budget (Rs 1000 - Rs 3000)

AshrayaInternational Hotel
149, Infantry Road, Bangalore Phone: 2226 1921
Fax: 2226 3982

Compact Guest House
28,3rd Main, 7th Cross,
Domulr Layout,
Bangalore. Phone: 2535 3881 / 2535 1893

Church Street Inn
(Book online now )
46-1-1 Church Street,
Bangalore 560 001 Phone: 3057 7190, +91-98450 01792

Curzon Court 10, Brigade Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2558 1698, 2558 2997
Fax: 2558 2278

Ginger Hotel
128, EPIP Phase II
Whitefield
Bangalore 560 066 Phone: 6666 3333

Fax: 6666 3366
Email:reservation.bangalore@gingerhotels.com

Royal Orchid Ramada

11 Park Road,
Shivajinagar,
Bangalore 51 Phone: 2286 5566, 2865 5555
Fax: 2286 5943

Highgates Hotel 33,Church Street,

Bangalore. Phone: 2559 7172
Fax: 2559 7799
Hotel Algate 93,Residency Road,
Bangalore Phone: 2559 4786 / 87 / 88 / 89, 2559 6965/66

Email: algate@bgl.vsnl.net.in

Hotel Empire International

36, Church Street
Bangalore - 560 001 Phone: 2559 3743, 2559 3744, 2559 3745
Email: hotelempireintl@hotmail.com

Hotel Maurya 22/4, Race Course Road,

Gandhi Nagar,
Bangalore. Phone: 2225 4111-119
Fax: 2225 6685

Email: hotelmaurya@hotmail.com

Hotel Rama 40/2, Lavelle Road,

Bangalore Phone: 2227 3311-14, 2227 3381-84
Hotel Shangrila 182, Brigade Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2558 8994
Fax: 2558 2984

Email: hotelshangrila@hotmail.com

Hotel Vellara 126 (New no.283) Brigade Road,

Opp Brigade Towers,
Bangalore. Phone: 2536 9116, 2536 9205, 2536 9775, 2536 5684
Ivory Tower On the Panthouse floors of Barton Center,
84,MG Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2558 9333 / 2558 5164
Fax: 2558 8697

Email: ivoryhot@satyam.net.in

Nahar Heritage Hotel 14 St. Mark's Road,

Bangalore. Phone: 222 78731-36 ( 6 lines)
Fax: 222 78737
Terrace Gardens Kausalya Villa,
15 Brunton Road Crs.(off MG Road),
Bangalore. Phone: 2558 4987 / 2558 4797 / 2558 1836
Fax: 2559 1047

Email: terracegarden@vsnl.net

Sukh Sagar Hotel 10, 3rd Main Raod,

Gandhinagar,
Bangalore. Phone: 222 02255
Fax: 222 56730
The Basil 8, Sampige Road,
Malleshwaram,
Bangalore. Phone: 233 15123, 2346 4353
Fax: 2334 3904

Safina Hotel Safina Plaza Building,
Infantry Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2558 1982-89
Fax: 2558 1990
Vintage Residency
9, Mission Road,
Bangalore. Phone: 2227 4507 / 9 / 10 /11
Fax: 2227 4564

Email: vintageresidency@rediffmail.com

Woodlands Hotel(P) Ltd.

Bangalore. Phone: 222 25111
Fax: 222 36936

Economy (Under Rs 1000)

Airavatam GuestHouse
330/7, II 'A' Main Extn., End of 14th Cross,
Domlur Layout,
Bangalore. Phone: 253 53635, 2535 9476
Cell: +91-98450-14862

Email: ram_mohan@mantraonline.com

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Bangalore Travel Guide

Transportation : Road, Rail and Airport.


Bangalore Palace, Banglore Travel GuideBangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is a veritable melting pot of various races and cultures. This Garden City has well - laid out parks, gardens, long avenues of blossoming trees and salubrious climate. Emerging as the hi-tech capital of India, it still retains a charm that is totally Indian. Founded in 1537 by a local Chieftain Kempe Gowda, Bangalore has changed dramatically over the years. 
There are numerous 'not-to-be-missed' sights in Bangalore like the magnificent Vidhana Soudha, sprawling Cubbon Park. Colourful Lalbagh etc. - and the convenient an exciting way to explore these sights is to take the KSTDC conducted Bangalore Sight-seeing tour. 

Bangalore -"Garden City...Silicon Valley ofIndia...Fastest growing city in SE Asia...A place to come back home...Mini Subcontinent"
Founded by KEMPE GOWDA more than400 years ago, Bangalore is special in every respect - a SalubriousClimate, Beautiful parks, Avenues, Old and New Buildings, Museum, Theatre, above all theCultured People - a standing testimony for Secular INDIA. 

An air-conditioned city, a garden city, the Silicon Valley of India, the fastest developing city in the world, these are some of the attributes used to describe this beautiful city which has a lot to offer you. 
British Library, Banglore Travels
A dynamic Happening city, with innumerable cultural events organized every evening, you can choose from a Hindustan vocal concert, of a Carnatic Veena recital, or fusion music to pure western classical music, a play, or an exhibition of a famous painter. 

You can taste of Bangalore. But the connoisseur can take his pick from any of the multicuisine restaurants of the city, Bangalore is also known as the city of Golf Courses. 

Bangalore has a population of more than 56 lakhs. Besides Kannada, which is the official language of the state, Bangaloreans are also comfortable with English, Hindi, Tamil, Telegu, etc., 

How to Reach Bangalore:
Bangalore is very well connected by Air, Rail and road, with all metros of the country. Bangalore air-port has also become an international Air-port. 

Climate in Bangalore:
The air-conditioned city of India, enjoys salubrious climate throughout this year, with a maximum temperature of 37 C and minimum 16C. 

Property price boom in Bangalore to end soon?


Land developers say the market situation will `correct itself'


  • The situation of demand far outstripping supply is likely to ease
  • Most developments will be complete in about a year


  • FAST DEVELOPMENT: Apartment buildings coming up in the Sarjapur Road area in Bangalore. 
            BANGALORE: The boom in property prices over the past two years, averaging 30 per cent to 35 per cent annually, may end to a large extent in 2006, developers in the city anticipate.
            According to a spokesperson of Sobha Developers, the situation of demand far outstripping supply in the property market is likely to ease in about a year to 18 months when most of the new developments are completed.
            The Brigade Group, a major developer of both residential and office space, feels it will take another 12 months for the market to "correct itself" and for prices to stabilise. They and other builders feel demand will continue to grow with the information technology sector especially on a path of growth. Other market watchers also feel that the hiring of personnel now taking place in the IT industry can only push up the demand for quality housing.
            One interesting feature about the residential apartment complexes now coming up is the large extent of customisation within individual flats. "People want to go by `vaastu' in the positioning of doors and windows and certain indoor fixtures. Since most flats are booked in the pre-construction stage, it is not difficult to meet such requests,'' says an executive of Sobha builders. Choice of flooring, wall tiles and finishes of built-in wardrobes are other options now offered by builders.
            Whether there will be a price correction or not, the entry-level prices for apartments are about Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,600 a sq.ft, and in the Sarjapur area it can be as high as Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,500 a sq.ft. "You can buy a basic flat for about Rs. 20 lakhs to Rs. 25 lakhs or a premium flat for Rs. 40 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs. Penthouses and duplexes command a premium and prices can touch Rs. 1 crore,'' Sobha Developers says.
            Whitefield and Sarjapur are now preferred locations, and the North and North-east are where the building boom is on, most developers say. Another location to watch out for is Kanakapura Road. "Proximity to the IT corridor and the Outer Ring Road are deciding factors for location, and the Peripheral Ring Road, when it is built, will see many new developments along it. Accessibility matters to investors,'' says an executive of the Brigade Group. Bellary Road is another area which is seeing a lot of activity.
            Value addition, what developers call "add ons", are no longer just a clubhouse or a swimming pool.
            "These have become the norm; what apartment buyers now expect is more open space with scope for outdoor sports or just walking and jogging. This means we have to keep more space `unbuilt' and build vertically. Twenty-storey buildings will become more common soon,'' they explain. Potential homebuyers go both by location and the reputation of a builder, and are most serious about avoiding legal hassles over title later.

    Bangalore's Retail Business Trend

    The growth in the retail sector is not just confined to the central business district of Bangalore, but has spilled over to other localities too.

    The retail sector in Bangalore is witnessing an explosive growth, despite traffic snarls that jam every important junction. "Far from getting saturated, Bangalore is facing a severe shortage of retail space," says Bikash Kumar, Head, Integrated Retail Management Consulting. He estimates that the city can accommodate another 50-60 retail units of 30,000- 40,000 sq ft. "Shanghai with a 15 million population has 120 super and hyper markets. Bangalore with 8 million can easily have more than half of that," he says. Two years ago, with far less traffic, Bangalore had Big Bazaar, Globus, Lifestyle and Westside and some other outlets, accounting for 6 lakh sq ft of retail space. Since then, the 3.5-lakh sq ft Forum Mall, including an 11-screen PVR multiplex, and the 2.3-lakh sq ft Garuda Mall have also come up.

    But the rush to set up more retail stores seems unabated. The growth is not just confined to the central business district of Bangalore, but has also spilled over to other parts such as Kormangala, Indiranagar and Airport Road in the east, Jayanagar in the south and Malleshwaram in the north. These areas offer retail giants a huge opportunity because the middle-class population here would rather shop in nearby places than travel to the business district on weekends. The retailers also have the advantage of acquiring space here at low rentals — between Rs 60 and Rs 90 per sq ft.

    Kormangala is where the Forum Mall is located. Pantaloon Retail, which owns the country's biggest retail chain, is set to increase its space to 10 lakh sq ft from the existing three lakh sq ft in three years. The company plans eight more hypermarket discount stores branded Big Bazaar in Bangalore, taking the total to 10, which means almost every area will have one Big Bazaar with not less than 40,000 sq ft. Indiranagar will shortly get another Big Bazaar outlet, and Jayanagar and Malleshwaram too will have them. Bangalore looks set to have the largest number of Big Bazaars in the country.

    "Bangalore means big money for us as the middle-class population is not only huge but prepared to spend money," says Vishnu Prasad, Pantaloon's retail head for south. Both the Big Bazaars in the city have total sales of around Rs 150 crore, while the Bangalore Central Mall, another Pantaloon retail store catering to the higher income group, mops up an annual sale of Rs 100 crore.

    Pantaloon's resolve to make a mark in Bangalore can be gauged from the fact that `Bangalore Hebbar', the city's showcase for culture, is fully sponsored by the retail chain. "We have funded the entire event because we want to identify with the city," Prasad says. The event was earlier sponsored by the State Government. "Everytime a Bangalorean wants to shop for anything, Big Bazaar should immediately come into his mind," he says.

    According to estimates, Bangalore will have a retail space of around 4 million sq ft by 2007; it is now less than 1 million sq ft, of which Pantaloon alone has a 25 per cent share. According to Mayank Saxena of Trammell Crow Meghraj, one of India's leading property consultants, developers are getting aggressive in Bangalore because of the potential they see in the retail sector. "Earlier, they were comfortable because IT was the main focus. Now because of the IT boom, the spending power has gone up considerably and this has given a major push to the retail sector expansion in the city," he says. It is a view shared by LG Electronics' Vice-President - Marketing, Girish Rao too.
    "Bangaloreans are more aware of technology than others." LG Electronics now looks at Bangalore as one of the top three cities for growth. "There is a huge potential here and it is one of the fastest growing markets in India," Rao says.

    The reason for the retail boom is the city's growing affluence. In the last 10 years Bangalore's population has increased around 30 per cent; it is ranked the seventh most affluent city in India. It is estimated that over one-third of the households in Bangalore have an annual expenditure between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh, while 40 per cent of the city's population has annual incomes ranging between Rs 70,000 and Rs 1.4 lakh. The 15-45 age group is a retailer's delight.






    Monday, December 15, 2008

    Bangalore Roads & Transport

    A checklist for decongesting our roads

    For a city like Bengaluru with a very high literacy rate, it should not be a problem to bring in some order and civic sense into our roads, says a concerned citizen.
    By Ramamurthy M S

    Is it difficult for citizens who are so articulate, so cultured and so well informed on conditions abroad to help evolve a traffic flow system and ensure the woes of commuters? The solution could be planned in several layers.
    Top on the list is synchoronised signal lights, adjusted to a moderate speed level. Moderate, because all kinds of vehicles ply on our roads and some of them may not touch the speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour.
    Heavy vehicles, cargo laden trucks and the like must be barred entry in arterial roads. If this is not possible, they must be allowed to ply only during early morning or late night hours. Also, our city was not meant to be a megacity. So these vehicles could be conveniently stopped at the outskirts and only those carrying a lesser load may be allowed.
    We shall not be cruel to the ones who ply their trade with muscle power. But the question is, whether our compassion should extend that far, allowing a bullock cart to block free flow on busy thoroughfares in the name of humanism?
    Already some agencies are at work alerting citizens and commuters on traffic bottlenecks. Is it difficult to rope in a 24-hour news channel to assist this effort? All that needs to be done is to market the concept as a carbon credit proposition. Imagine how much fuel could be saved if diversions are suggested and updates are provided on road blocks as and when they occur?
    It is disgusting to hear and see incidents of ambulances held up in traffic jams. The very purpose is defeated. A concerted effort is the need of the hour, and for the ones who cannot use public transport, a pooling system may be set up with the help of voluntary agencies. This could also be extended to regular office-goers, with regular timings.⊕
    Ramamurthy M S
    04 Dec 2008


    Ramamurthy M S is a journalist and columnist and occasional blogger.
    Citizen Matters encourages citizen reporting. For more, see
    section on citizen journalism in our terms and conditions.

    Bangalore People



    Traffic flows smoothly out here. Pics : Sharath Bhat Meet Srinivasalu Naidu - a self-appointed traffic regulator who stations himself at a narrow by-lane off Millers Road in Benson Town - a little before the railway overbridge near Coles Park.If you come in from the Cantonment Station and go past Nandidurga Road, you'll find this narrow by-lane that takes you to Benson Road or Pottery Road. With two-way traffic, this stretch can get tricky - and that's where Srinivasulu comes in. He regulates a steady stream of cars and bikes, with a practiced hand and business-like authority. Without someone out here, you can have traffic getting in from both sides, at the same time. Eventually clogging the road and leading to heated arguments.


    Srinivasulu looks like he's in his mid sixties, but he's not sure how old he really is. Says he retired from the Railways a long time ago. He is at this spot from around ten in the morning to a little after ten at night; I saw a little bag nearby with his lunch and a water bottle.Does he make a living from this? Yes. The regulars who use this stretch of road actually stop by and hand over fivers or tenners. Not a great deal of money at the end of the day, but enough to make ends meet, he says. Isn't it tiring to be on your feet for close to 12 hours? He gets five-minute breaks at around three in the afternoon, when the traffic is lean - but that still makes it at least eight hours of being on-your-feet and moving your hands vigorously. Srinivasulu tried sharing the load with a friend, doing shifts that could have definitely eased the strain. But then, his friend would invariably come drunk in the morning which threatened to do more harm than good. So back he was, doing the job single-handed.He also says the people in the neighborhood are kind and often give him something to snack as well. But the bad news now is a potentially serious back problem that could number his days at this spot.


    I'll do this as long as I can stand on my own two feet, he says. And that doesn't sound too good. I only hope people in the neighborhood can pool some money together and do what it takes to keep this brave soul going. If his back problem doesn't come in the way, Srinivasulu could ease traffic out here, for another ten years.




    Happenings In Bangalore & Surroundings

    Job fair to be held in Hub
    BANGALORE: The State Government is organising a job fair in Hubli on November 16 for candidates from Industrial Training Institutes.
          Minister for Labour B.N. Bache Gowda told presspersons here on Thursday that the Government would sign a memorandum of understanding with the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation, the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation and Larsen & Toubro for training and employing 30,000 skilled youth.
          Job fairs would be held in Gulbarga, Mysore, Mangalore and Shimoga in the coming months

    Real Estate Severely Hit in Bangalore


            Real estate developement in Bangalore and some of the other important cities of the State such as Mangalore, Mysore and Hubli-Dharwad has been severely hit with hardly any buyers for apartments. 
            The global meltdown is said to be having a disastrous effect on real estate business in Bangalore, one of the fastest growing cities. Housing here has now entered the buyer’s market, in contrast to what prevailed during the boom period when people desirous of shelter were at the mercy of sellers. Apartment prices, particularly on the outskirts of Bangalore, have taken a major beating given the fact that discounts, freebies and even a special interest rates for housing loans (with a certain per cent of the interest paid by the seller) are not bringing in customers. 
            Sources in the housing sector told The Hindu that “indications showed that the people now feel that real estate prices have touched realistic levels, given the response to advertisements for apartments over the past fortnight”. It is another matter that the discounts being offered on the outskirts of the city, ranging between 15 to 35 per cent, based on the location of the property and the amenities provided therein, have not produced the desired responses. People are now in a “wait and watch” mode with the hope that the real estate market takes a further dip and they can step in at that time.
            There are nearly 10 major and about 100 small apartment builders in Bangalore, with very few of them extending their operations to tier-two cities. Apartments are in demand only in Bangalore as independent houses are not very expensive in tier-two cities. Most builders are facing a crisis with hardly any buyers for apartments. This has had a cascading effect on material suppliers to the building sector, with builders unable to clear their dues. Some of them have gone back to the old system of bartering their flats to settle dues of suppliers.
            The apartment price band about a year ago was between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 12,000 a sq.ft. The maximum hit is in the luxury segment — between Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 12,000 — although apartment builders in the core areas of the city such as Sadashivanagar , Malleshwaram, Cantonment areas, Koramangala and Indiranagar are still holding on to their price tags. The supply here is less than the demand and consequently builders have been dictating prices, more so, with the land values being very high in these pockets. However, apartments on the outskirts of the city — Hosur Road and all areas adjoining Electronics City, Sarjapur Road, Whitefield , Marathahalli, Yelahanka, Hebbal and Kengeri have been affected with the supply being higher than the demand. 
            While flats in the core areas of the city are purchased for immediate occupation, those on the outskirts are normally termed as speculative investments

    Friday, December 12, 2008

    Jobs Corner

    CGI, Bangalore requirement for DBA professionals

    (Oracle, SQL Server, Sybase) with 4+ years experience. Walkin Interviews will be conducted in bangalore on this weekend (Saturday 13th Dec 2008).

    What :CGI - Walkin Interviews - Oracle DBA, SQL Server DBA, Sybase DBA
    When: Sat Dec 13 10am – 3pm
    Where:Bangalore


    More info : http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=Zm9rMzdqNHFzdXE0dXRwb2Njc2FqbTJhajQgbHZtNDJ1NXBlYmRwdGMyY2hza2ozcWpkOWtAZw&ctz=Asia/Calcutta

    Opening for PHP developer for an MNC in Bangalore

    Job Title: LAMP (PHP) – Developer

    EXP : 3 + Yrs

    Location of Posting: Bangalore
    Education Required: B.C.A , B.E , B.Sc , B.Tech , M.C.A , M.E , M.Sc , M.Sc IT , M.Tech
    Detailed Job Description of LAMP (PHP) - Developer position
    More Info : http://venky-itjobs.blogspot.com/2008/12/lamp-php-developer-mnc-bangalore-3-yrs.html

    Bangalore partyhoppers protest nightlife clamp down

    Bangalore: Bangalore's socialites and pub-hoppers were out dancing on MG Road in broad day-light in protest against the city police's strict clampdown on late-night parties.

            It seems that partying at night in the city may not be the same anymore as the new police commissioner has initiated curbs on pub life in the city.

           One of the protestors said, “What we need is a healthy society to come out and express themselves and tell the world that we are all lovely people and we should just be left on our own to have a good time.”

            “They (police) are talking about music, drinking and dancing, then what are you doing in a Ramlila,” asked socialite Ruby Chakraborty.

            However, the police are extra vigilant after a petition was filed in the High Court by the live bands' association alleging that illegal discos are being allowed to operate in the city while live bands had been asked to shut down.

            Meanwhile, with the new Government in Bangalore, the campaign to have greater freedom in pubs and discos has renewed.

            However, it seems doubtful that the new Government would amend the law as the ban came after a police raid on a rave party in the city's outskirts early Sunday morning.

            Thirty people were arrested and drugs seized and this gives police additional ground on their stand.

             Nevertheless, it hasn't stopped people from campaigning for a better nightlife.

            “The ban is only in Bangalore but the parties are on in Mysore,” says another protestor.

            “It's about our freedom. Today they are saying we can't dance and tomorrow they'll say we need a licence to go out with our families,” added another.

    Salute This Hero - Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan

    Meet A Hero -- Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan – The Martyr of Mumbai Carnage
    Hails from Kerala, family settled in Bangalore, commissioned at Bihar regiment, gave his life while saving Mumbai (I should better say India)
    Meet our Hero, friendly neighbourhood - Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan( 7, Bihar Regiment), he gave his life just to let us breathe in terror-free air. We all pray to almighty to give peace to his holy soul.

    Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan
    March 17, 1977(1977-03-17) – November 28, 2008 (aged 31)
    Place of birth:Calicut, Kerala
    Place of death:Mumbai, Maharashtra
    Place of burial:Hebbal, Bangalore, Karnataka
    Allegiance: India
    Service/branch:Indian Army, National Security Guards
    Years of service:1999-2008
    Rank:Major, Commando
    Unit:NSG HQ, Manesar

    Sandeep Unnikrishnan (March 17, 1977 – November 28, 2008) was a Major in the Indian Army serving in the elite National Security Guards (NSG) who was led his life in an encounter with terrorists in November 2008 Mumbai attacks. “Do not come up, I will handle them.” These were probably the last words which Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan told his men as he was hit by bullets while engaging terrorists inside the Taj Hotel, Mumbai during the Black Tornado operation. During the operation, when a commando got injured Major Unnikrishnan arranged for his evacuation and started chasing the terrorists himself. The terrorists escaped to another floor of the hotel and during the chase Major Unnikrishnan was seriously injured and succumbed to his injuries.

    Family He hails from a family settled in Bangalore that had migrated from Cheruvannur - Kozhikode district, Kerala He was the only son of retired ISRO officer Mr. K. Unnikrishnan and Mrs. Dhanalakshmi.
    Childhood Major Unnikirshnan spent 14 years at the Frank Anthony Public School. A popular figure among his contemporaries, he wanted to join the Army, even attending school in a crew cut. He is remembered as an outstanding student. In 1995 he finished ISC Science from here. He was also a fantastic athlete. Most of his athletic records remained unbroken for many years. Tall, slim boy with the most genial personality he was the house captain and loved by all in the school. He described himself as a movie maniac in his orkut profile. Besides his display of courage from young age he had a soft side to him and was a member of the school choir.
    Army Career He joined the National Defense Academy in 1994 and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant to the 7 Bihar Regiment in June 1999. After serving the Indian Army in different locations in Jammu & Kashmir to counter insurgencies, he was selected to join the National Security GuardsOn completion of training, he was assigned to the Special Action Group (SAG) of NSG on January 2007 and participated in various operation of the NSG.

    Black Tornado Operation On the night of 26 Nov 2008, several iconic buildings in South Mumbai were attacked by terrorists. One of the buildings where the terrorists held people hostage was the 100 year old Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Major Unnikrishnan was the commander of 51 SAG deployed in the operation at the Taj Mahal Hotel. He led his team from the front and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gunfight. When one of the NSG commandos was injured in the exchange of fire, he arranged for his evacuation and regardless of personal safety chased the terrorists who, meanwhile, escaped to another floor of the hotel, and while doing so Major Sandeep continuously engaged them. In the encounter that followed, he was shot from the back, seriously injured and succumbed to injuries.
    Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan Dies a Hero’s Death Posted on November 29, 2008 by nsemarket
    Being in the forefront of the National Security Guards operations at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan not only waged a valiant battle against the terrorists but also did his best to save his injured colleagues and in the bargain lost his life. He showed the real warrior in him before laying down his life. Thirty-one-year- old Major Sandeep is the only son of retired ISRO officer K. Unnikrishnan, who is settled in Bangalore. His father told presspersons: “I lost my son in Mumbai on Friday. Though I do not like to call him a martyr, I can proudly say that he has done something for this country.” He was informed of the death of his son by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (National Security Guards). According to information reaching the family, “Major Sandeep was leading a team and during the operations two of his colleagues sustained bullet injuries. In a bid to save them Sandeep turned back. The bullets fired by the terrorists pierced him. On November 26, he had called us and said that one of his childhood friends is getting married in the city on December 17. He had planned to attend that marriage,” Mr. Unnikrishnan said. Major Sandeep was ambitious, talented and a brave soul, said his friends and neighbours. He joined the National Defence Academy and was commissioned in the Bihar 7th Regiment in 1999. He was drafted to the NSG after his gallantry was recognised,” Kiran Srivasthav, a childhood friend of Major Sandeep. According to Anirudh Uppal, Inspector-General (Headquarters) National Security Guards (NSG), Major Sandeep had exposure to counter insurgency operations after having served in Jammu and Kashmir for two terms. He was deputed to the NSG on January 20, 2007 and participated in various operations conducted by the elite force. The gallant officer of the team commander of 51 SAG was deployed to clear Hotel Taj Mahal of extremists on November 27. He led the team from the front and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gunfight. When one of the NSG commandos was injured in the exchange of fire, he arranged for his evacuation and regardless of personal safety chased the terrorists who, meanwhile, escaped to another floor of the hotel, and while doing so Major Sandeep continuously engaged them. In the encounter that followed, he was seriously injured and succumbed to injuries.


    Tearful adieu to Major Unnikrishnan

    November 29, 2008 14:59 IST Bangalore on Saturday bid a tearful farewell to Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the NSG commando who was killed in the bloodiest counter-offensive at the Taj hotel in Mumbai. Family members, friends and army personnel besides thousands of ordinary people came out in the streets to pay homage to the martyr who laid down his life during the unprecedented anti-terror operation. Unnikrishnan was killed while trying to pursue a fleeing terrorist at Taj. The body of the slain hero was draped with the tricolour. Tears streamed down the cheeks of many as emotional family members and friends broke down while bidding adieu to the braveheart. The funeral was held with full milit= ary honours. As emotions ran high, the crowd raised slogans like Bharat Mata Ki Jai while paying their last respects to the martyr.

    Slain Major led from front: NSG chief

    Wednesday, December 10, 2008

    Sales, Expo events

    Exhibition @ Ambara


    An exhibition-cum-sale of soft toys, baby quilts, accessories and much more, lovingly handcrafted by the women of PROWESS (Program for Women 's Empowerment and Self Sustenance) from Kodaikanal.

    When: Wednesday 10 December - Friday 02 January 11:00 AM
    What: Exhibition
    Where:
    Ambara#119 Annaswamy Mudaliar RoadUlsoorBangalore


    Tussar Saree Exhibition @ Mogra

    Mogra is conducting a tussar saree promotion by designer Neetika Swarup. The sarees will include handspun print weave and stich sarees, yardage and ensembles focusing on the traditional techniques of the weavers and printers of Bengal. The price range starts from Rs.2850/-.

    When: Monday 08 December - Friday 12 December
    What: Tussar Saree Exhibition
    Where:
    MograB-24, Leela PalaceHAL Airport RoadBangalore

    Tuesday, December 9, 2008

    Events

    Christmas Event @ Ambedkar Bhavan
    When: Saturday 13 December - Sunday 14 December 10:00 AM
    What: Christmas Event
    Where: Ambedkar BhavanMillers RoadVasanth NagarBangalore


    Weekend Theatre Workshop@ Bangalore (Indira Nagar)
            Yours Truly is looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to be a part of Yours Truly Theatre and announces its next theatre workshop. This 5-Sunday long workshop will culminate in a performance by the participants, who will explore the creation of an entire production through character building, storytelling, Patterns and rhythms, physical training in different theatre styles and improvisations using the dramatic and theatrical facets.One of their recent productions was the Common Man - a social satire and tribute to the common man and his dreams, aspirations, conflicts.
    When: Monday 08 December - Sunday 28 December 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM What: Weekend Theatre Workshop Where: Bangalore (Indira Nagar)Bangalore
    Contact: 9845243051

    Film Making Workshop@ St. Josephs Boys High School 

            Event Description Actor Productions is conducting a comprehensive filmmaking workshop and digital filmmaking on December 6, 7, 13 and 14. Cost of this workshop is Rs 5000/-. Schedule and Course content: Day 1: Saturday 6th December: a) Introduction to Filmmaking b) Digital Filmmaking and Technology (Cameras and Formats)c) Digital Cinema and its Revolutiond) Screenwriting 1. Format and screenwriting softwares 2. How to approach a screenplay3. Elements of screenwriting4. Three-act structure and character-driven plot5. Creating and developing a character 6. Analysis of few scripts Day 2: Sunday 7th December.1. Fundamentals of Cinematography 2. Lighting and light equipments3. Stocks and Films4. Three Point Lighting5. Camera aesthetics and operation ( 3CCD mini DV camera) Day 3: Saturday 13th December:1. Directiona) Frame Balance & Composition b) Camera Anglesc) Orientation & Directiond) Storyboarde) 180 degree rulef) Blocking and stagingg) Cinematic techniques 2. Basic Editing Techniques 3. Trip to Post production studio Day 4: Sunday 14th December (Whole Day)Shooting Day: Students will be divided into different groups. These groups will have to write, shoot and edit their film. A professional camera, cameraperson and editing suite will be provided. Day 5: Sunday 21st December ( 5:00 - 8:00 pm) Screening and analysis of the short films made by the students.
    When: Saturday 06 December - Sunday 14 December 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM 

    What: Film Making Workshop 

    Where: St. Josephs Boys High School34Museum RoadBangalore 

    Entry: Paid
    Contact:
    Rabi Kisku 98865 39405
    rabi.kisku@gmail
    URL:
    http://www.actorproductions.com