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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Know Your City: Bangalore International Centre, an engaging community space in a fast-growing metropolis
As the city expands and the 'old Bengaluru' that long-time residents were nostalgic about slowly fades, the conversation around the city's public spaces has emerged. Often, these are centuries-old lakes and monuments, and parks dating back to the era of the Raj. But just as worthy of conversation are those public spaces that bring visitors together to share culture, music, or art. One of the foremost such spaces in the city today is the Bangalore International Centre (BIC), located in Domlur, just off Indiranagar's 1st Main Road. Scroll through the list of events being held here, and you might see a prominent local musician performing, an interview with an internationally known author, or an exhibit of the works of a legendary cartoonist. The venue has seen events from cricketer Javagal Srinath discussing the physics of a cricket ball, to conversations with RBI governors. Recently, it even hosted writer-translator duo Deepa Bhasti and Banu Mushtaq, barely weeks before Mushtaq's short story collection The Heart Lamp won the International Booker. While the BIC has operated out of its own premises since 2019, when it originally started up in 2005, events were hosted on the premises of the southern regional centre of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in Bengaluru. According to V Ravichandar, who became a member of BIC's board in 2010, the India International Centre in New Delhi served as an inspiration. He said, 'November 20, 2005, was when Abdul Kalam came to inaugurate the centre (BIC)…we continued using the TERI premises until 2019 as the building project took nine years.' He recalled, 'We used to average about five events a month – now it is closer to 40. Now that we have our own centre we have been able to ramp up to about 480 programmes per year.' Ravichandar noted that a committee of around 15 members is responsible for coordinating the events at the centre. There are three main sources for these events – walk-in inquiries where people approach the centre regarding a programme; programmes with partners such as the Science Gallery Bengaluru; and in-house efforts to conduct programmes. An example of in-house efforts is the upcoming June 7 event for World Environment Day, which will feature exhibitions on topics as diverse as coffee and cartoons, alongside children's workshops and film screenings with discussions. On how the centre keeps the process funded, Ravichandar said, 'We have about 1,100 members paying about Rs 7,500 per year as an annual subscription, who are doing it because they believe Bengaluru needs a place like BIC. It is not a club, which is more exclusive, but an inclusive space that is free to attend. Another source is the rental of the space for events with objectives similar to BIC, such conversation, art and culture.' Prominent persons had also pitched in to cover two-thirds of the costs for the building and land in Domlur, including Nandan and Rohini Nilekani, the Azim Premji Foundation and Mohandas Pai, to name but a few, with members covering up the rest of the cost. Ravichandar recalled a competition in around 2011 where 84 architects from around the world applied to design the BIC and Bijoy Ramachandran of Hundredhands was selected through a jury. 'We always joke that we wanted two acres by the lake but got half an acre by the drain. The location was a challenge. The question was how do you build a public space in a residential area? The scale cannot be different. How do you build a space that looks spacious in not that much space? Bijoy has achieved this very well,' Ravichandran said. Sharing the thought behind the building with The Indian Express, architect Bijoy Ramachandran described it as an unusual project for an architect. 'Something that is open for everybody to use….a lot of what we did is examine what it means to make a public building, what kind of space is truly public, what about its space, materiality, its connection to the outside and what makes it feel like a communal space?….we realised that the holding was smaller than what we did in the competition. We had to completely reform the building in the new site boundary. The real challenge was to have this kind of public building which feels generous and open in a very tight site,' Ramachandran said. Those interested in attending events at the BIC may consult their website at Events are largely free, with a few rare exceptions, though some have RSVP requirements to manage effective seating.
The Print
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
TERI joins hands with Hiranandani, Krisala Developers for sustainable 105-acre township near Pune
TERI, a think tank and research institution focused on sustainable development, has joined as a knowledge partner to guide the project on its path to achieving high sustainability and livability standards. The integrated township, planned in North Hinjawadi in Pune, aspires to set new benchmarks in air quality and overall livability, according to the developer. Pune, May 26 (PTI) Hiranandani Communities and Krisala Developers have partnered with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to transform their 105-acre greenfield township project into a model for sustainable urban living. The association came through a collaborative initiative with VK Architects and VK Environment, the Pune-based architectural and environmental consultancy firm working on the project. 'This is a first-of-its-kind partnership for TERI in the real estate sector,' Sanjay Seth, Senior Director at TERI and Vice President & CEO of the GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) Council, told PTI. 'We have been brought on board to ensure that the developers meet their aspirations of creating a livable and sustainable township, with air quality and ecological balance at the core of its planning and operations,' he said. The township, being developed as a greenfield project, will act as an 'urban living lab', a concept TERI is helping implement. The initiative aims to integrate sustainable design, construction, and operation practices throughout the project's lifecycle. The partnership officially kicked-off with a workshop led by TERI's sustainability experts to identify key benchmarks and design interventions. 'We will look at every aspect – from the concept stage to construction and eventual operation – to help the developers make informed decisions. Our goal is to guide them towards the highest achievable sustainability standards, while also ensuring the economic viability of the project,' Seth added. He also highlighted the role of end-users in driving demand for green developments. 'If homebuyers and occupiers begin to demand sustainable features and better air quality, the entire sector will shift. Developers will be compelled to deliver,' he said. Aakash Agarwal, Managing Director at Krisala Developers, said that this partnership with TERI aligns perfectly with their vision of creating an integrated township that doesn't just house people, but nurtures them. 'Sustainability is not a buzzword for us, it's the foundation. With TERI's expertise, we're not only safeguarding the site's natural strengths like air quality, greenery and water bodies, but also building an ecosystem that meets future expectations of health, climate resilience, and long-term value. This is about setting a new standard for what modern, responsible development should look like in India,' he said. The township will feature several forward-thinking interventions such as outdoor air quality monitoring, micro-climatic planning, EV charging infrastructure, biophilic landscaping, dust suppression during construction, and water- and energy-efficient systems. These measures aim to reduce the carbon footprint, enhance health outcomes, and offer long-term cost savings to residents, according to the developer. PTI SPK SHW This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Now, an EV dashboard to help motorists locate charging stations across Kolkata
In a significant step towards transforming Kolkata's urban transport into a greener, cleaner system, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) unveiled a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) dashboard and interactive map to help city motorists easily locate charging stations. Titled 'Accelerating Net-Zero Transition of Public Transportation in Kolkata', the web portal is designed to address the city's growing demand for EV infrastructure by projecting long-term charging requirements up to 2050. The portal was recently launched at an energy conclave in Kolkata and aims to bridge the critical information gap about charging infrastructure for both residents and incoming EV traffic from neighbouring districts such as Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas. The real-time dashboard offers an interactive map displaying 166 existing charging stations for over 15,000 registered EVs in Kolkata. However, TERI officials caution that the real number of electric vehicles in the city is likely much higher, as a large portion of e-rickshaws and low-speed two-wheelers — travelling under 25 kmph — do not fall under the registered category and remain undocumented. With support from the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, TERI commissioned the study and developed this digital tool as part of a broader roadmap to help Kolkata reach its net-zero targets. The new portal also responds to findings from a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study which revealed that despite rapid growth in EV numbers, public awareness about charging station locations remains critically low. Samik Dhar, a Kolkata-based EV owner, said: 'The govt must include EV charging stations in road signage. So far, there is none.' A K Saxena, a senior director at TERI, said: 'With strategic recommendations on grid infrastructure, energy storage, and decentralised energy access, this portal lays out a clear roadmap for a sustainable and inclusive energy future. Bengal is actively pushing its e-mobility goals, with a target of 1,260 electric buses by 2025, up from the current 80.'
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Now, an EV dashboard to help motorists locate charging stations across city
Kolkata: In a significant step towards transforming Kolkata's urban transport into a greener, cleaner system, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) unveiled a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) dashboard and interactive map to help city motorists easily locate charging stations. Titled 'Accelerating Net-Zero Transition of Public Transportation in Kolkata', the web portal is designed to address the city's growing demand for EV infrastructure by projecting long-term charging requirements up to 2050. The portal was recently launched at an energy conclave in Kolkata and aims to bridge the critical information gap about charging infrastructure for both residents and incoming EV traffic from neighbouring districts such as Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas. The real-time dashboard offers an interactive map displaying 166 existing charging stations for over 15,000 registered EVs in Kolkata. However, TERI officials caution that the real number of electric vehicles in the city is likely much higher, as a large portion of e-rickshaws and low-speed two-wheelers — travelling under 25 kmph — do not fall under the registered category and remain undocumented. With support from the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, TERI commissioned the study and developed this digital tool as part of a broader roadmap to help Kolkata reach its net-zero targets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The new portal also responds to findings from a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study which revealed that despite rapid growth in EV numbers, public awareness about charging station locations remains critically low. Samik Dhar, a Kolkata-based EV owner, said: "The govt must include EV charging stations in road signage. So far, there is none." A K Saxena, a senior director at TERI, said: "With strategic recommendations on grid infrastructure, energy storage, and decentralised energy access, this portal lays out a clear roadmap for a sustainable and inclusive energy future. Bengal is actively pushing its e-mobility goals, with a target of 1,260 electric buses by 2025, up from the current 80. "
India Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Delhi schools, colleges to join climate action under new campaign
In a major push towards environmental education, the Delhi Government on Thursday unveiled an ambitious eco-sensitization campaign aimed at empowering nearly two lakh students to become "eco-warriors." The initiative will be carried out across schools and colleges in the Delhi-NCR campaign will be implemented by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a globally reputed organisation with more than 40 years of expertise in sustainable development. An MoU was signed between the Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, and TERI to formalise the a budget allocation of Rs40 lakh, the programme will be rolled out in approximately 2,000 eco-clubs functioning in educational institutions across the region. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who spearheaded the launch, emphasised that the effort is more than a mere awareness drive—it's a catalyst for lasting behavioural change. 'This campaign is about instilling a deep-rooted sense of responsibility in our youth. These students will not just learn about climate action—they will lead it,' Sirsa said. The initiative, set to run from June to November 2025, includes a variety of activities such as storytelling sessions, hands-on environmental actions, interactive games, and creative outreach efforts to embed sustainability into daily student life.A standout feature of the programme is the creation of a team of 80 trained "paryavaran sanrakshaks" (environment protectors)—a mix of students and educators—who will act as eco-leaders in their respective institutions. These individuals will undergo specialised training and will help scale the campaign by mentoring peers and spreading also highlighted that the campaign aligns with the broader vision of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to combat pollution through grassroots-level engagement and public participation. "We're going beyond enforcement and infrastructure—we're investing in education and empowerment," he initiative forms a key part of Delhi's overarching environmental strategy, which also includes clean mobility promotion, regulatory measures, and citizen-led efforts to address pollution and climate change. Officials reiterated that involving students directly in climate advocacy is a testament to the government's commitment to participatory and inclusive environmental governance.(With PTI inputs)
