What Bengaluru found in 64 PGs 🫨

Good morning, Bengaluru ☀️

Bengaluru once had a neighbourhood where people could legally hold a driving licence without owning a car - or even knowing how to drive.

Jayanagar’s old traffic park taught children road rules using miniature roads, signals and zebra crossings. Basically, the city prepared kids for Bengaluru traffic before homework became difficult. 

Jakkur balances two versions of Bengaluru: the old settlement around its lake and the apartment-and-office belt expanding near Airport Road. Residents recognise it through lake walkers, birdwatchers, aircraft from Jakkur Aerodrome and mornings that still feel quieter than the highway nearby.

The neighbourhood received fresh attention when citizens gathered at Jakkur Park on 5 September under the I Am Bengaluru - Volunteer for Parks initiative.

Jakkur matters this week because it faces a very Bengaluru question: can a rapidly developing area protect the lakes and parks that gave it character?

🎶 Sharad Sandhya: 8 September | 7–8:30 PM | BIC, Domlur
Sarod, tabla and Tagore-inspired melodies. Free with RSVP.

🎹 Utsav Lal’s Ragas to Reels: 9 September | 7–8:30 PM | BIC, Domlur
An Indo-Irish mix of piano, fiddle, flute, saxophone and tabla.

🎭 Vanapuri Vaathukaaran: 11 September | 7–8:30 PM | BIC, Domlur
A Tamil play with English subtitles about memory, migration and unheard voices.

😂 Almost, May Be: 13 September | Multiple shows | BIC, Domlur
MRP’s relatable stand-up about life and love. Tickets are filling—swalpa fast.

Every Tree Matters

Residents of HRBR Layout protested after a mature banyan tree was reportedly felled late at night without clear public consultation. They questioned the decision and called for greater transparency before neighbourhood trees are removed.

For residents, the banyan was more than greenery - it provided shade, supported wildlife and formed part of the area’s identity. Their response shows how Bengaluru’s environment is often defended one street and one tree at a time. Read the report.

A Karnataka food-safety inspection of 64 Bengaluru paying-guest accommodations found hygiene or food-storage violations in several kitchens. Twenty-three PGs received notices, while inspectors seized expired or misbranded ingredients.

One Bommasandra PG’s dining area was sealed after a bedbug-repellent product was found on a dining table. If you live in a PG, check the kitchen - not only the Wi-Fi speed - before paying your deposit.

Kannada Words for This Week

Five handy words for smoother everyday conversations:

Try: “Illi oota sigutta?” - “Is food available here?”

When the meal hits the spot, say: “Oota tumba chennagide!” - “The food is very good!”

Visit Kannada Gottilla for beginner-friendly Kannada learning. A few local words can make Bengaluru feel much more like home.

See you in the next kaapi. Same city, slightly better plans.