Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has unveiled the much-anticipated Unboxing BLR Habba 2023, an annual festival set to captivate Bengaluru from December 1 to 11. The festival, curated by the Unboxing BLR Foundation, promises to be a vibrant convergence of over 300 events, spanning arts, culture, literature, heritage, technology, environment, design, dance, music, and theatre. Shivakumar emphasized Bengaluru’s rich legacy beyond technology, highlighting the city’s cultural, environmental, and historical treasures.
Source: The Indian Express
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Unboxing BLR Habba is a collaborative initiative, blending private and governmental efforts to spotlight Bengaluru’s diverse facets. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar shared his vision for the festival, recognizing the city’s age-old traditions like karaga and kadlekai parishe, and expressing gratitude for the numerous organizations actively participating in the event. He affirmed the government’s commitment to providing unwavering support, acknowledging the importance of cooperation among various agencies such as the police, BMRCL, BMTC, Bescom, and the people to ensure the festival’s grand success.
Envisioned as a community-driven celebration, the Unboxing BLR Foundation anticipates that Unboxing BLR Habba will, within five years, emerge as a premier destination attracting visitors from across the state, nation, and South Asia. The festival aims to secure Bengaluru’s prominent position on the arts and culture calendar, bolstering the city’s identity as a cultural hub. The organizers aspire to strengthen the movement of Brand Bengaluru, creating lasting impressions for years to come.
Source: Times of India
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah marked the occasion by launching the book, “Unboxing Bengaluru: The City of New Beginnings.” Authored by Prashanth Prakash and former journalist Malini Goyal, the book explores Bengaluru’s transformation from a tranquil retirement haven to one of the world’s leading tech hubs and a vital economic engine of India. Providing a contemporary narrative of the city’s journey, the authors delve into its history, evolution, and emergence as India’s tech capital.
The book offers insights into Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan culture, multilingual society, and the rise of parallel economies. It addresses the challenges stemming from unplanned growth over the decades, highlighting the impact of the influx of young workers into the city. Furthermore, the authors shed light on Bengaluru’s pivotal role in the ongoing transformations of the digital era, spanning edtech, health tech, mobility, and electric vehicles.
In a joint statement, Prakash and Goyal emphasized the book’s depth, informed perspective, and nuanced understanding of Bengaluru. Based on 600-plus interviews, extensive research, and engaging anecdotes, the authors aim to provide an authoritative account of Bengaluru’s transformation, acknowledging the city’s residents and visitors as key contributors to its distinct ethos.
