E-Government was the beginning, what we now need are e-citizens. The technology tools that we have begun to use for our daily life, across all sections of society, starting with SMS and email to web portals and discussion forums can now be harnessed to provide a transparent government, where you have an active role to play in making the government respond to your aspirations and address the needs of your neighborhood.

Ever since 2009 began, it feels like we have been in the midst of serious security threats both as citizens of India and residents of Bengaluru. First it was the horrific carnage at the Taj and Oberoi hotels and CST station in Mumbai, which we watched in despair.

Ever since 2009 began, it feels like we have been in the midst of serious security threats both as citizens of India and residents of Bengaluru. First it was the horrific carnage at the Taj and Oberoi hotels and CST station in Mumbai, which we watched in despair.

These were followed by a different kind of attacks, no less shocking, closer home in Mangalore, when girls at Amnesia pub were beaten up; ostensibly by members of the Sri Ram Sene.

The French have a saying: Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose. The more things change, the more they remain the same.

As I was searching for a theme for my column, I was looking for something that had the potential to cover a range of issues that I would like to discuss with you, a concept that provided enough structure to focus my thoughts and agendas, a theme that was meaningful, and above all, a framework that was flexible and malleable enough to allow me to opine freely on anything under the sun.

Something like India certainly fit the bill.

Our city has just finished celebrating Bangalore Habba. Happily, this year, the festival went smoothly, without any groups taking potshots at it. There are lessons in this.

About twenty three years ago, I was Vice President of the Students’ Union at St. Joseph’s College. And an avid quizzer on the intercollegiate and cultural festival circuits. Out of the blue I got a call requesting that I join a small group of people at Jagdish Raja’s apartment to discuss the formation of a Quiz Club in Bangalore.

I grew up in Bangalore in a family with active farming roots in the dry lands of Kolar district next door. For us, looking heavenward at the clouds is not a philosophical gesture but a fervent plea to the Gods to bless us and our neighbours with adequate rain. When our village tank overflows, only once every few years, we all celebrate with a Thepotsava—a festival where a makeshift boat is launched on the water and there is general rejoicing all around.