Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌦️ Today’s weather: Thundershowers.
🧐 Did you know? Bengaluru saw its first-ever pride march on June 29, 2008. Around 700 spirited individuals walked from the National College in Basavanagudi to Town Hall, uniting in their demand for removing Section 377 from the Indian Penal Code.
📽️ Preview screening for Manja
A special preview of the Kannada film Manja evoked a discussion on the dangers of kite-flying.
Story so far: A special preview screening of the Kannada short film “Manja” was held at Chamundeshwari Studios in Bengaluru this Sunday. In collaboration with the Avian and Reptile Rehabilitation Centre (ARRC), the film aims to shed light on the issue of sharp kite strings, known as “Chinese manjha,” which have caused numerous injuries and fatalities among humans and wildlife across the country.
- With excellent camera work and a moving storyline, the film follows young Chinmay Master as the determined protagonist.
- It highlights the dangers associated with kite flying and the tragic consequences that can ensue. Director Harshith Anand expressed the importance of bringing attention to these incidents.
Open for discussion: Accompanied by survivors of manjha accidents sharing their near-death experiences, the screening by ARRC was a platform for open discussion and reflection. In addition to the short film, an animated piece created by an ARRC member was showcased, further highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
- Jayanthi Kallam from ARRC expressed gratitude about collaborating with the “Manja” team.
- She announced plans to utilise the film in their future awareness programs in government schools to prevent the harm caused to birds and other animals.
👩🎨 Upcoming art conferences
The Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) is gearing up for two conferences.
What’s it about? The talks will promote inclusivity and technological progress in the art world. First up is the ‘Inclusion in Cultural Organisations’ conference on July 1, where the spotlight will be on diversity and inclusivity in the art sector. A research report commissioned by MAP, courtesy of the ReReeti Foundation, will be presented.
- It will delve into the expectations of people with disabilities about museums.
- It will be followed by a panel discussion on the challenges of pursuing a career in arts, how organisations can help, and how funders can use their resources to promote inclusivity.
2nd conference: The conference on July 7 is about how technology can work its magic in the art world. Part of the Culture Working Group under India’s G20 presidency, this event is supported by big players like UNESCO and FICCI.
- Discussions will be around using digital technology to protect cultural heritage, going from analogue to digital platforms, and the role of AI in shaping cultural experiences.
👕 Beverly Hills Polo Club
Beverly Hills Polo Club, a trendy fashion and fragrances brand, has just launched its first retail store in Bengaluru.
The launch: Located in Forum Mall, Konanakunte, South Bengaluru, this store marks the brand’s 17th brick-and-mortar outlet in India. Apparel Group India, the retail conglomerate behind the launch, expressed their excitement about expanding the brand’s presence in the city and across the country.
- Apparel Group India, a Dubai-based global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, is the driving force behind Beverly Hills Polo Club and over 80 other renowned brands.
- The brand’s expansion plans are ambitious, with 300 new store openings expected in the next five years, adding to the existing 17 stores spread across major cities in India.
🏍️ Say no to wheelies
Persistent in their crackdown on bike stunts, the police caught a 19-year-old doing a wheelie on a busy road.
What’s it about? In a crackdown on bike stunts, the Kengeri Traffic police nabbed a 19-year-old youth showing off his skills on the busy Kenchenahalli main road. Concerned motorists witnessed the accused performing dangerous stunts with a pillion rider, putting others at risk.
- The incident was captured on video and shared on social media, prompting the traffic police to respond swiftly.
- Acting on the complaint, the police formed a special team and successfully located and apprehended the culprit, identified as Pavan R.
Necessary action: The police confiscated his modified vehicle, specifically altered for stunts. The Kengeri Traffic police have confiscated the vehicle documents and sent them to the relevant RTO, recommending the suspension of the license and registration certificate. The ongoing drive aims to make the roads safer for everyone.
- Six cases were registered this week, with complaints mostly pouring in via Twitter.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you fall ill often or rarely?
- I rarely fall ill.
- I fall ill often.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What are some unique signboards or autorickshaw captions you’ve seen?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- A report said housing sales were down 19% in April and June in Bengaluru.
- DK Shivakumar flagged off an anti-drugs march on Monday.
- NIAS will employ drone tech to check the city’s pollution.
- Here’s a piece about Namma Yatri and open-source protocols.
- The Koramangala Lunch Group’s 7-year weekly ritual is to explore new restaurants.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have contacted the BBMP for civic issues: 12.5%
- I haven’t contacted the BBMP for civic issues: 87.5% 🏆
That’s it for today. Have a great day!