Good morning, Bengaluru!
🌧️ Today’s weather: High: 38 ℃ | Low: 24 ℃ | Generally cloudy sky with light rain.
🧐 Did you know? Ranga Shankara, the cultural institution dedicated to theatre and theatre arts, opened its doors in October 2004.
🎨 Unseen Raja Ravi Varma artwork on display
A previously unseen painting by the celebrated Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, depicting his granddaughter Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi at age three, is the highlight of a new exhibition in Bengaluru.
Family portraits: The exhibition, titled ‘Daughter of Providence,’ is hosted at the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation on Lavelle Road and features this unique oil painting alongside other works by Varma and his descendants. The showcase includes portraits by Varma’s son Rama Varma and his great-granddaughter Rukmini Varma, providing a rare glimpse into the royal family of Travancore.
- Alongside the paintings, the exhibition features photographs, lithographs, and historical context by writer Manu S. Pillai, enriching visitors’ understanding of the Maharani’s life and era.
- The display also offers personal artefacts, such as letters from figures like the British Viceroy Lord Irwin and Mahatma Gandhi, revealing their perceptions of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi.
A peek into a legacy: Curator Archana Shenoy notes the painting’s excellent preservation and the absence of Ravi Varma’s signature, a common practice for family portraits. The exhibition, which runs until May 31, not only celebrates Varma’s artistic legacy but also the storied life of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, reflecting her significant impact on social reforms in Travancore.
🌧️ Rain returns to Bengaluru
Bengaluru experienced its first significant rainfall after a dry spell lasting over five months, refreshing several areas of the city on Thursday evening.
What’s it about? The rainfall, which varied across different zones, brought relief to local residents and marked the end of an extended period of high temperatures and dry conditions. Notably, the South Zone received the highest rainfall at 7.27 mm, while other areas like Mahadevapura and Rajarajeshwarinagar also witnessed considerable showers.
- Data from Varuna Mitra indicates that the city’s total rainfall reached 4.3 mm by 8.45 pm, with diverse intensities across various zones.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nowcast predicting further light to moderate thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds, for the Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts.
Compared to the past: Despite the seasonal expectation of 205.1 mm of rainfall during the summer months, Bengaluru has had a dry March and April this year, with no rainfall recorded, mirroring conditions last seen in 1983. This recent downpour is a welcome change for the city, which last year received 67% above normal rainfall during the same period.
♿ Healthcare gaps for disabled
A recent study by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) has exposed significant shortcomings in healthcare facilities in Bengaluru and Kalaburagi, particularly affecting Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
What’s it about? The study identified critical gaps in infrastructure, such as the absence of disability-friendly toilets and lack of essential accessibility features like ramps and railings at Primary Health Centres (PHCs). Additionally, adults with intellectual disabilities face unique challenges in authenticating Aadhaar, struggling to provide necessary thumb impressions.
- Key issues include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient availability of assistive aids, and lack of sensitisation among healthcare staff towards the needs of individuals with disabilities.
- High transportation costs and inadequate disability-friendly transport options pose significant barriers, compounding the financial strain caused by expensive medical treatments and assistive devices.
Implementing policy: The findings suggest a pressing need for comprehensive policy implementation and infrastructural enhancements to improve healthcare accessibility for disabled individuals in these regions.
🚀 Space Science Roadmap Formulation
Over 200 scientists from across India convened in Bengaluru for a pivotal Space Science Roadmap Formulation (SSRF) meeting, hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
What’s it about? The gathering focused on shaping a comprehensive space science roadmap for India, addressing six key themes: astronomy and astrophysics, exoplanets, cosmology and gravitation, astrobiology, astrochemistry and space biology, heliophysics and space weather, and solar system and near-Earth space exploration. ISRO Chairman S Somnath detailed the meeting’s goals, emphasizing the collaboration of India’s top scientific minds to chart future directions in space science research.
- Notable experts delivered plenary talks, highlighting current scientific challenges and global trends, followed by detailed discussions in splinter groups to pinpoint critical scientific questions for exploration through 2045.
- AS Kiran Kumar and M Sankaran underscored the importance of engaging younger generations and aligning with national priorities to enhance India’s standing in global space science.
Vision for the future: The meeting’s outcomes were highly positive, with calls for increased collaboration across scientific domains and expanded resources to sustain and grow India’s space science initiatives. This roadmap aims to guide the country’s research and exploration efforts well into the mid-21st century, fostering significant advancements in understanding and technology.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Rock with the legendary Indus Creed at Fandom at Gilly’s Redefined.
- Witness a unique blend of two distinct art forms through Chittapharana.
- Step into nostalgia at SoMAD Y2K – An Early 2000s ThrowBack Party.
- Showcase your young’un’s talent at the Kids Talent Show by Small World.
- Experience ultimate relaxation at Candy Cloud Festival’s weekend Pop-Up!
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I believe in arranged marriages: 64.3% 🏆
- I don’t believe in arranged marriages: 35.7%
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!