The Richmond Circle flyover in Bengaluru has become a canvas of admiration since Sunday, featuring vibrant murals of 10 cricket legends from Karnataka. The artistic endeavor is spearheaded by the India Rising Trust (IRT), a not-for-profit organization, in collaboration with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), as part of the Brand Bengaluru initiative.
Source: India Today
This initiative aims to transform spaces beneath flyovers into aesthetically pleasing and publicly accessible areas. The concept, known as ‘Kreeda Junction,’ pays homage to the city’s rich sporting culture, with the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kanteerava Stadium, KSHA Hockey Stadium, Bangalore Football Stadium, and Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association stadium all located within a 2 km radius of the flyover.
The murals, portraying cricket icons like Rahul Dravid, Javagal Srinath, Anil Kumble, and Syed Kirmani, among others, serve as a nod to Karnataka’s robust cricket culture. The initiative is not just an artistic endeavor but a tribute to the state’s achievements in cricket, notably winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 1974. As the city lacks organized displays of local pride, the murals aim to fill this void, bringing the community together in appreciation of its sporting heritage.
Source: DH
India Rising Trust, in collaboration with BBMP, has been at the forefront of transforming neglected spaces beneath flyovers into visually appealing public spaces. Richmond Circle, now affectionately known as ‘Kreeda Junction,’ stands as a testament to this collaborative effort. The initiative not only showcases the artistic prowess of local talent but also fosters community engagement by making these spaces open and accessible to the public.
The decision to focus on cricketing legends is rooted in the sport’s unparalleled popularity in India and Karnataka’s strong cricketing heritage. With the 50th anniversary of Karnataka winning the Ranji Trophy approaching, the murals serve as a timely celebration. The representative from IRT emphasized that cricket, as the most beloved sport in the country, resonates deeply with the local community. The recent excitement surrounding the World Cup further fueled the enthusiasm for this thematic choice.
Source: Bangalore Mirror
The Richmond Circle murals join the ranks of previous successful projects by IRT, including the ‘Wild Arena’ at Veeranapalya, ‘Bengaluru Margadarshana’ near Hebbal, and ‘Chaturanga Mantapa’ at Carmelaram Junction. Each project transforms mundane spaces into vibrant reflections of Karnataka’s rich culture, be it wildlife, road systems, or chess. Looking ahead, the IRT representative shared plans to expand the mural collection, featuring icons from various fields such as engineering, aeronautics, and history. This forward-looking approach aims to celebrate a diverse range of achievements and personalities that have contributed to Karnataka’s identity.
