It is important we document every reader's and curator's experience from that day: to build public discourse around misuse of power against a bunch of harmless readers on 21st December
How ironical that exactly when I was going gaga over the democratic nature of Bangalore’s public parks (open to all and open from all sides); how parks should actually be, an activity being held in one such, Cubbon Park, was besieged by the authorities, the so called power, trying to maul a very decent and pleasurable exercise, reading.
We should join forces to stand against anybody who questions the freedom to read, more so publicly, even if it be silent or loud; nothing and absolutely nothing should rob us of this freedom. They are always afraid of people increasing themselves in knowledge. More power to you #CubbonReads
We should turn this episode to come together and fight to reclaim all public spaces. BBMP has changed the park timings for all parks that it runs, and yet most city parks don't follow the official timings. Cubbon Park (not run by BBMP) shuts at an appalling 6 PM.
Any chance we can list out all the things that need to change, come together and protest until we get what should be ours?
Please don't feel less safe in the city. You live there and you matter. Your thoughts matter. You take up space and you matter. I do know how frustrating and injust the world feels but it is not the city that's to be blamed. It's the few people in power who misused it, honestly. Gosh, I know you know this and I don't want to invalidate your experiences at all. But please don't lose hope on the city. I don't know why I am speaking on behalf of a city which is not even my hometown and also, I'm from a different state altogether but Bangalore has given me so much and I'll not forget that. A friend who was brought up in Bangalore has said this to me, "even though Bangalore is known for its clubs and the party culture, I want you to remember that Bangalore has something for everyone." And I choose to believe my friend, always. It has stuck with me even on days where I was not feeling the best. It gave me hope and it is a beautiful feeling to have. Hope. I do hope you find yours. And yes, we must voice out our thoughts. We must speak up. We didn't do anything wrong, after all. The narratives are easier to be changed when we don't speak up. So, I'm glad you're doing it. The voices of the people must be heard even when it feels it's useless or what's the point. There's courage in choosing to share your story. We should not let the bullies win. I watched this movie, "An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong" once again recently and it taught me the simple thing that we somehow lost along the way. We tell children to turn to a trusted adult when an another child is a bully. However, whom do we turn to when adults are bullies? We somehow think it's best to move away from the situation and go on with our lives. Well, that is true but sometimes, it does feel like why should I go away when I've clearly not been in the wrong. Then again, yes, there's also this thought as adult- is it wise to fight this battle? So, there's that as well. Hence, I'm not sure what you'll follow, only you know that for you've experienced it firsthand. I don't have answers. What I have is my utmost support and sending you strength. Whatever you choose. In scenarios like this, I don't believe the "don't hate the players, hate the game" holds true. Here, it should definitely be the other way around. Gosh, I think I'm close to rambling at this point but I hope you feel safe in Bangalore, always! 💙
How ironical that exactly when I was going gaga over the democratic nature of Bangalore’s public parks (open to all and open from all sides); how parks should actually be, an activity being held in one such, Cubbon Park, was besieged by the authorities, the so called power, trying to maul a very decent and pleasurable exercise, reading.
We should join forces to stand against anybody who questions the freedom to read, more so publicly, even if it be silent or loud; nothing and absolutely nothing should rob us of this freedom. They are always afraid of people increasing themselves in knowledge. More power to you #CubbonReads
I will revisit again for sure!
We should turn this episode to come together and fight to reclaim all public spaces. BBMP has changed the park timings for all parks that it runs, and yet most city parks don't follow the official timings. Cubbon Park (not run by BBMP) shuts at an appalling 6 PM.
Any chance we can list out all the things that need to change, come together and protest until we get what should be ours?
Please don't feel less safe in the city. You live there and you matter. Your thoughts matter. You take up space and you matter. I do know how frustrating and injust the world feels but it is not the city that's to be blamed. It's the few people in power who misused it, honestly. Gosh, I know you know this and I don't want to invalidate your experiences at all. But please don't lose hope on the city. I don't know why I am speaking on behalf of a city which is not even my hometown and also, I'm from a different state altogether but Bangalore has given me so much and I'll not forget that. A friend who was brought up in Bangalore has said this to me, "even though Bangalore is known for its clubs and the party culture, I want you to remember that Bangalore has something for everyone." And I choose to believe my friend, always. It has stuck with me even on days where I was not feeling the best. It gave me hope and it is a beautiful feeling to have. Hope. I do hope you find yours. And yes, we must voice out our thoughts. We must speak up. We didn't do anything wrong, after all. The narratives are easier to be changed when we don't speak up. So, I'm glad you're doing it. The voices of the people must be heard even when it feels it's useless or what's the point. There's courage in choosing to share your story. We should not let the bullies win. I watched this movie, "An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong" once again recently and it taught me the simple thing that we somehow lost along the way. We tell children to turn to a trusted adult when an another child is a bully. However, whom do we turn to when adults are bullies? We somehow think it's best to move away from the situation and go on with our lives. Well, that is true but sometimes, it does feel like why should I go away when I've clearly not been in the wrong. Then again, yes, there's also this thought as adult- is it wise to fight this battle? So, there's that as well. Hence, I'm not sure what you'll follow, only you know that for you've experienced it firsthand. I don't have answers. What I have is my utmost support and sending you strength. Whatever you choose. In scenarios like this, I don't believe the "don't hate the players, hate the game" holds true. Here, it should definitely be the other way around. Gosh, I think I'm close to rambling at this point but I hope you feel safe in Bangalore, always! 💙
Or rather, modifying my final statement, may we all feel safe in Bangalore, always! 🫂💙