The photographs here are of the Vidhana Soudha, located in Bangalore (Bengaluru), which is the seat of Karnataka’s secretariat and legislative assembly. It is constructed in the Neo-Dravidian style and also incorporates Indo-Saracenic elements of architecture.
Ayyo Appa... Constitutional breakdown
Conflicts and conspiracies
Peddling of politicians
Land grabbing, horse trading
Land scams, struggle for power
Kidnapping, goons ruling
Ruthless and tyrannical
Defections, corruption rampant
Situation out of control
Deterioration by the day
What use of prayers and rituals
To idols and the gods
While poor are not cared for and die
When will the so called leaders
End such insolent autocratic rule?
What happened to oaths and duties
Morals and responsibilities
Integrity and honesty
Has it all been thrown in the winds
Gone for a toss so easily?
Is there anyone out there
Ready for selfless and honest service
To bring about needed change
Raise the standard and dignity
In the life of the common man
I think they were around
During the freedom struggle
Can we not find them anymore
Except in movies and books
Or should we seek them in statues?
~~~
Photographs shot: 24 December 2009
(during my last visit to Bangalore)
Poetry created: 22 November 2010
(keeping in mind the present chaos and political crisis
in Karnataka, the state I was born in)
