Bengaluru, 09 May (HS): Eight neighbours’ of the state government staff quarters at Jeevanbheemanagar in the city over some time became close to one another to the extent of deciding to continue staying together even after vacating the staff quarters.
In different Departments: Visveswarappa, retired CM’s official Cameraman from the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), recalls the wonderful journey-“It was just accidental. While living in the state government staff quarters at Jeevanbheemanagar, a few of us became close and developed a bond…
…Religious and cultural events: We organized several religious and cultural functions further cementing the ties. Not all residents belonged to any particular Department, which anyway is unlikely. This way, many employees belonged to different categories along with the officers. But hierarchy never came in between to maintain healthy relations paving the way for a memorable and conducive atmosphere”.
Eight opt to stay together: “The days back home in the staff quarters were wonderful, irrespective from the paradoxical predicament in one’s offices to such an extent that whenever old timers met after retirement they used to rejoice remembering the good old days…
…Eight houses in two sites: However, about eight didn’t believe in enjoying reminisces and felt like making the post-retirement days remain the same. This thought triggered the idea of having homes at the same place and eight people came forward. In this way we built eight apartments in two sites 38 and 39 of 40’x60’ dimension in the second cross of Central Excise Layout, behind Hegde Nagar”, informs Visveswarappa.
From eight to 100 families! He also says-“After shifting to their own apartments in Central Excise Layout, the eight people couldn’t resist being away from the cultural and religious activities they had been used to during their stint in the staff quarters’. Hence, they gave a fillip to the desire by launching the Basava Balaga. This is the first time they have planned the birth anniversary of 12th-century revolutionary religious reformer Basavanna. Maybe, we are eight families living in the apartments, but we have succeeded in roping 100 families in the neighborhoods to celebrate the event”.
No permanent structure: Just like the Sree Basava Mandali of Jeevanbheemanagar, the Basava Balaga of Central Excise Layout also has no building. Just like Basavanna believed his ideals to be practiced amongst the lives of people and not in structures the executive bodies of both organizations pool voluntary contributions required for the programs and the accounts are settled along with the event.
Hindusthan Samachar/Manohar Yadavatti
