World Forest Day & World Water Day

On the occasion of World Water Day, ALPMS has its volunteers had organised an awareness event at Agara Lake. 

3rd edition of Women's Day Run

3rd edition of Women's Day Run - 7K Challenge by Kaagaz Foundation was held on 3rd March 2019 at BBMP Grounds at HSR Layout.

Primary objective of the run is to encourage Women to take part and take to Running, develop a healthy exercise regime. Other important objective is to raise funds for Women Safety & Awareness Workshops undertaken by Kaagaz Foundation.

With over 210 registrations where Men were outnumbered, at 5.30am the runners trickled in to collect their Bibs with Timing Chip. After a good 15 minutes Zumba warm-up followed by details about the run, exactly at 6.30am the run was flagged-off by Smt Sunanda V Reddy, President of Mythri Mahila Koota.

Good breezy weather helped the runners to stay cool and the Finishers started crossing the finish line as early as 25 minutes into the flag-off time.

Finishers were given Medal, Cap and lite Breakfast, and later runners got busy posing for the pictures and selfies.

Winners Women 7K Challenge:

1st Anju - 00:33:59

2nd Farhana Farooque - 00:37:10

3rd Vaishali Srivastava - 00:37:12

Winners Men 7K Challenge:

1st Vighnesh - 00:25:39 

2nd Ganesh - 00:27.05

3rd Dipan Rau - 00:33:23

Kavitha Reddy Trustee Kaagaz Foundation said "This is the 14th Run organised by Kaagaz Foundation, and these events help is not only create awareness about the cause we take up, but also help in raising funds for our programs on Environment, Women Empowerment and Education, we are proud that our runs have focused on creating awareness about the issues we have taken up all these years".

"We have used Social Media and online booking sites to promote registrations for all our runs, and this has helps us to save more funds for the cause and to increase our reach" said Jigna Modh Head of Projects of Kaagaz Foundation. 

Link for event pictures: Photos 

#BalanceForBetter #KaagazWDRun #EcoFriendlyRun #GenderParity

NSS Valedictory - Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy

What a Bright day! It's always sheer happiness to go back to campus.

Being at the NSS Valedictory program of Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy just lifted my spirit, it's good to see young people taking to Community Service in a very big way.

Shared my thoughts as the Chief Guest:

1. Objectives of NSS are in line with the Fundamental Duties under the Article 51A of our Constitution.

2. Even if Social work does not give you anything, it fulfills the Duties, earns you Karma points and you will not be guilty of not making effort to leave a better Nation to next generation.

3. There are lot of negative energy and staying positive is tough, but not impossible, and positive work is a lot of team work even if it's few members.

4. It's wonderful that the institution is taking a lot of steps to give students a very holistic education.

5. Discipline and focus can keep you going and never think small contribution will not make any difference, because it does, and it always starts with one.

6. Every single person is contributing towards a better India, no one is less or more, each can contribute their might!

Social Media for Civic Issues, Presidency College

Social Media is an effective tool, I did get lot of success in resolving many chronic Civic Issues.

I have used SM for sharing Info/Positivity/Issues/Ideas/Views n for Revival of Lakes!

Shared my thoughts along with Danish Manzoor, Ganesh Puttanna and Sachin Tantri at Presidency College Media studies event!

Unfortunately Randeep Spl Commissioner BBMP had to leave due to Council Meeting!

Changing Image of India - Discussion

Panel discussion at Christ University, India's Changing Identity.

Key points I shared:

1. Our Identity is like the Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri, Brahmaputra, the flowing Rivers and also have changed course over centuries, based on several influences.
2. Our Identity is what Baba Saheb has given us in the Constitution.
3. Our Identity is our Diversity.
4. Our Identity is having different perspectives for the same story.
5. Our Identity is be able to be a believer or non-believer or even be in confusion.
6. Being unapologetically Indian.
7. Patriotic is when you want to see 50% women in Parliament, in Police, in Schools, when you aspire for no malnutrition, no child rapes, no hate etc
8. A Farmer, a Doctor, everyone contributes to the Nation, hence defining Patriotism using Uniform is very narrow.
9. No one person can decide the identity of India, its the people of India who define it.

We need to keep the Conversations going...

Talking Earth - Future Cities

Bengaluru Lakes! Future Cities are impossible until we re-imagine the Lakes and look at Lakes from the perspective of RWH Zones, Water Source, Livelihood and create Vision for the Lakes. 

Water supply to Bengaluru from Kaveri is the most expensive water supply in the world, pumped from over 180 kms upstream connected to over 8.5lac homes via 8800 kms of pipeline network covering 570 sq kms of Bengaluru at a cost of Rs28/KL and heavily subsidized to the citizens by BWSSB says it all.

With over 2lac borewells, only 30% of the water drawn is getting recharged, Lakes are in reality RWH zones with are interconnected. Even though Bengaluru still gets 850mm Rain every year, the same quantity we get Kaveri water we are not able to store for use, and the Lakes are either dead or encroached. The 200 identified Lakes can hold 200-1500ML of water, and on an average each Lake can hold 300ML, effective if all 200 Lakes are revived it can hold 60000ML of water and recharge the depleting ground water tables.  

Lakes are NOT for entertainment, they have to be considered as water bodies, lung spaces, biodiversity zones, and that is the only way to preserve Lakes.

Citizen participation is critical for keeping the Lakes alive and thriving, and if there is one cause that citizens should take up is definitely the Lakes of Bengaluru. 

Water is the Lifeline; Revival, Conservation, Preservation of Water Bodies in Bengaluru would mean making the City what every citizen dreams of! 

Suggestions for Better Bengaluru - BBMP Budget 2019

Better Bengaluru is a dream of every Bangalorean who grew up watching both Development and Disaster of Bengaluru. Citizen participation is critical for making Wards better, lack of quality Corporators is making Bengaluru suffer. 

But we as Citizens, Advocacy Groups, Activists can't wait till we political parties give tickets for better candidates, hence participation to make Bengaluru Better indeed is the need of the hour. 

I personally shared my demands/inputs with Mayor and BBMP Commissioner  and from B.PAC-B.CLIP Alumni Association which is a team of committed Civic Leaders, Activists, Experts who has a single focus to make Bengaluru Better  also submitted our suggestions to Mayor, Dy Mayor, Tax & Finance Chairman and BBMP Commissioner. 

Agara Govt School - School Day

Lack of Resource cannot deter Talent, this holds good for Students of Agara Primary Govt School. Was the Guest at the School Day event of Agara Primary Govt School, and truly enjoyed the programs put up by the Students. Bharatanatyam, Group Dances, Yoga display from students across 1st to 7th standard.

Year 2018 to 2019

Wishing all my Friends and Family Merry Christmas and a Fantastic 2019 ahead.

May 2019 bring Mountains of Success, Ocean of Happiness, Sky of Good Health, Earth of Glory! 

#StayFit #HappyNewYear 

Warm Regards,

Kavitha Reddy

AICC Member & KPCC Spokesperson 

Year 2018 to 2019

As 2018 passes by, a long and eventful year ends on definitely a satisfactory note. With a successful corporate career of 14 years, as a Entrepreneur, as Mountaineer and as Lake Activist I sure know the ups and downs in every space. Mistakes, Failures and Perceptions all have to be taken with same spirit as Success, Glory and Recognition. 

Think Big, Dare to Dream was the thinking when I took a very bold step to asked Indian National Congress to give me an opportunity to contest from Bommanahalli AC. Sheer Nerve and willingness to fight an election in one of the toughest Constituency kept me going. 

Debating on TV channels on behalf of the Party, being part of the Campaign Committee lead by the master of elections Shri DK Shivakumar, being appointed as AICC Member all came to me without asking. 

Even after being the front runner for Bommanahalli AC ticket, losing it to someone who is not even from the Constituency did come as a rude shock, but also reality that my Reddy surname will always be my biggest enemy was evident. 

Yes, I was angry, disappointed as I did not get the real reason for not been given the ticket, even as I continued my assignment from Campaign Committee as incharge of Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts, I spent little time in my own Constituency as I felt I was not needed and was sidelined. I did carry the anger further as INC candidate lost very badly and could not make even a small impact, letting  a larger victory for BJP.

Almost a year and half business took a back seat and a huge hit, even though my NGO and Lake Activism continued, bringing back business on track has been a huge challenge and the downward trend across the nation has been making it even more difficult. 

Someday I had to make peace that I may never be given an opportunity to contest elections, nor can I change my surname, or may be until I get to ask for an opportunity anywhere else other than Bengaluru District, let that someday be in 2018 itself. 

I have carried the Stress, Insult and Mental Harassment for long, I have also learnt from my mistakes. I do not know what my future in politics is since I do not have a parent in politics nor a godfather, but what I have is an ability and commitment to continue giving my best in whatever is given to me.

Politics is indeed tough for Independent Women, but when did I ever choose what was easy, just that this time around I will continue to fight my battle little differently. 

Technically I can rate 2018 as a bad year for me, but foundation for all good that can happen in 2019 was laid in 2018, letting go the Stress of 2018 and hoping 2019 will be a better year for me.

Build NOT Born where there are no Entitlements! 

Events & Programs 2018

26th Dec, Wednesday - KPCC Media Lounge opening

22nd Dec, Saturday - Meeting with Joint Commissioner BBMP Bommanahalli Zone

19th & 20th Dec - Conclave on Improving Economic Participation of Women in Andhra Pradesh

18th Dec, Tuesday - Karnataka High Court (Agara Lake case)

16th Dec, Sunday - Gender Equality Run, Kaagaz Foundation

12th Dec, Wednesday - Karnataka High Court (Agara Lake case)

9th Dec, Sunday - Agara Lake review meeting & BCLIP Milana (Reunion)

8th Dec, Saturday - India Women's Caucus - Shakti, Panchayat to Parliament Women Reservation Bill

7th Dec, Friday - Attended Urban Infra & Mobility INC Manifesto Consultation Meeting

6th Dec, Thursday - Installation of Water Purification Units in Schools & Colleges 

2nd Dec, Sunday - Spoke at Blr North District Mahila Congress Social Media Workshop

1st Dec, Saturday - Visit to Vonisha School (Bridge School, under Govt SSA) 

30th Nov, Friday - Lead Street Vendor delegation to meet Shri DK Suresh, MP

29th Nov, Thursday - Iblur Govt Primary School, meeting regarding access road for children 

27th Nov, Tuesday - Green Ambassador Program (Haralur Govt School, Hosa Road Govt School)

20th Nov, Tuesday - Singasandra School, Karnataka High Court (Agara Lake case)

19th Nov, Monday - KPCC, Indira Gandhi Birth Anniversary

18th Nov, Sunday - Sportzify Womenasia 10K Run

16th Nov, Friday - Kar Street Vendors Association meeting

15th Nov, Thursday - Chief Guest at MLA College Program

14th Nov, Wednesday - Meetings of Mahila Congress and Bommanahalli AC  

13th Nov, Tuesday - Education Dept meeting (Agara Govt School incident), AG GoK meeting on Agara Lake

9th Nov, Friday - Meeting with Shri Rizwan Arshad regarding Bellandur Ward & Media

9th Nov, Friday - Protest on DeMon that was imposed on people on India on 8th Dec 2016

7th Nov, Wednesday - E-Waste Drop Center

5th Nov, Monday -  #PatakkiBittaki Pledge Campaign, 5 Schools, 2458+ Children

4th Nov, Sunday - Street Plays in 3 locations, #PatakkiBittaki Campaign

3rd Nov, Saturday - Kannada Habba, Purva Skywood Apartments

31st Oct, Wednesday - Press Meet, B.PAC Alumni Association Patakki Bittaki Campaign Launch

31st Oct, Wednesday - Visit to Agara Govt High School (Green Ambassador Workshop)

28th Oct, Sunday - Gave inputs for INC Manifesto on Environment at meet called by Shri Shashi Tharoor

26th Oct, Thursday - Meeting with Chairman KSPCB regarding Safe, Clean, Green Deepavali

23rd Oct, Tuesday - OBT for Vodafone, Basecamp Adventures

19th Oct, Friday - Ayudha Pooja at Agara Lake

17th Oct, Wednesday - Meeting with Forest Minister GoK

14th Oct, Sunday - Skechers Performance Run 10K

13th Oct, Saturday - Bengaluru Lakes, Floods Mgmt, Speaker at KLE Society's S Nijalingappa College

9th Oct, Tuesday - Chief Secretary and Addl Chief Secretary Meeting

6th Oct, Saturday - Deccan Herald Event

2nd Oct, Tuesday - Plogging at Mangamanapalya Lake

1st Oct, Monday - Trek and Lake visit, Jalamangala

23rd Sept, Sunday - Wipro Run 10 Kms

13th-17th Sept - Ganesha Immersion at Agara Lake

8th & 9th Sept, Saturday & Sunday - Clay Ganesha Making Workshop

6th Sept, Thursday - BBMP, Ganesha idol immersion meeting

1st Sept, Friday - Meeting with DyCM GoK, Civic issue of Silver County Road and surrounding areas

28th Aug, Tuesday - Meeting with ACS Forest Dept and Chief Secretary GoK, Agara Lake legal issues

20th-23rd Aug - Kodagu Relief Work 

16th Aug, Thursday - DULT & KSPCB meeting along with B.PAC

15th Aug, Wednesday - Blood Donation Camp

12th Aug, Sunday - HSR 10K Freedom Run

16th July, Monday - Suggestion to WRD GoK, Effective Management of Water Resources

30th June, Saturday - Karnataka Mahila Congress State Executive Meet

27th June, Wednesday - Minister visit to Agara Lake

20th June, Wednesday - Getting BBMP TEC to fix road divider, KEB junction

13th June, Wednesday - Meeting with Kar DyCM & Blr Rural MP

9th June, Saturday - Kere Utsava

5th June, Tuesday - World Environment Day, Agara Lake

2nd June, Saturday - Agara Lake maintenance drive with ALPMS - AVL

27th May, Sunday - Agara Lake mini-forest clean-up drive

She the Law-Maker

Millions of Women Elected Representatives in Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) since 1993, yet we have fewer Women in Assemblies and Parliament, while many men who were Elected in Panchayat or ULBs have made it to the Assemblies and Parliament, the Women are left far behind, making it a fit case to analyze why the women reservation is actually not empowering women politically at the Panchayat and ULB level.

Women reservation at the Panchayat and ULBs was hailed as a revolutionary step, but little did we know how reservation would be misused for the benefit of the few powerful. Male Leaders fielding female relatives as proxy candidates to hold on to power is rampant, far fewer independent women get opportunities at the Panchayat level. In the ULBs where elections are fought on Party tickets the scenario is no different, women workers in the political parties are sidelined in favor of female relatives of the male leaders who keep the power within the family as and when the reservations rotate. If women reservation was implemented with the right intent and with the spirit to create a pipeline of women leaders, more Councilors and Corporators like their male counterparts would have aspired to become MLAs and MPs.

                         

Yes, in reality the women reservation at Panchayat and ULBs has been misused, but does it make an argument not to pass the Women Reservation Bill, and stall the political empowerment of 50% of our population? Well, drunk driving is no reason to ban cars, and there is a need to find ways to end political power becoming family extension of male leaders in the name of women reservation.

Even though every major political party talks about making the Women Reservation Bill a reality, and have proudly put it in their manifesto, the Bill is still gathering dust, and discourse on political empowerment of women by the political parties is a mere lip service.

Deeper argument is also that political parties have few women in their decision-making bodies in the organization structure, so expecting them to give more tickets to women is a far cry. Why are political parties reluctant to field women candidates in Assembly and Parliament elections? And two common excuses are Winnability or(and) Lack of ticket seekers!

Winnability, rather non-winnability is the most common excuse given by every political party in every election, but actual data calls their bluff, on the scale of winnability women have done better than men. Also, when all men who get tickets don’t win why is the responsibility of winning is so heavily pushed as a criterion on women? Assuming even if winnability is an issue than, it’s all the more important to pass the Women Reservation Bill so that it’s the women who are contesting against each other in the women reserved constituencies.

Lack of ticket seekers, when winnability claims gets questioned this becomes the next safe excuse, and certainly the most bogus argument. When political parties claim to have women wing in their organization, how can one accept the lack of ticket seekers as a legitimate claim? Debunking this claim is the huge increase in the number of independent women candidates over the last 20 years in the Assembly and Parliament elections, indicating how keen women are in fighting elections and being part of political process.

50% of the Indian population is not equally represented in the lawmaking process both in the State and in the Center, any argument to further delay the Bill is injustice and political exile for the women of this country. From Panchayat to Parliament women reservation has to be seamless, and unless we do not see 50% of the population represented in the Assemblies and Parliament our law-making process is not inclusive indeed.

Women Reservations does not mean women have to be judged differently on competency or performance nor it’s an entitlement or one more avenue to push the female relatives of male leader. It is about providing a level playing ground for women to be part of the political spectrum and be counted as lawmakers.

Make no mistake, India needs inclusivity in its lawmaking process and today lawmaking is almost an exclusive men club in which views of 50% population of this nation are excluded.

Patriarchy has no place in new age politics, time has come to end the political exile of the women. Parties have to demonstrate political will and empower women of this nation politically, women are no political pariahs!

Kavitha Reddy

AICC Member & KPCC Spokesperson

(views expressed are in personal capacity)

Published in B.PAC Blog