Four decades of urban change

Four decades of urban change

Bhargavi Kerur. Bangalore
It is a pictorial journey from Bangalore to Bengaluru. But it's far more than just pretty pictures, steeped in nostalgia, it is also a cautionary message for the authorities, sent by Anantha Ramu, the chief of architectural section of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Ramu who has a collection of more than 2,000 photographs that exhibit the spirit of the city in 60s and 70s, has set out to document the city in book form.
"I am putting together about 100 photographs of Bangalore 40 years ago and Bangalore in these modern times. The book will be the first of its kind on the city," says Ramu.
"It also sends out a message that the city is changing in terms of congestion and the concrete jungle is replacing the green forest. The photographs will tell you the story of how beautiful, serene, and green Bangalore was, and today how congested it is because of commercial growth. But we still have the hope to make the city greener by saving some buildings and areas and by restricting commercial growth," he said.
Ramu cites the example of the imposing granite tower and the SPJ College clock tower at KR Circle, which is to be replaced by a new multi-storied college campus. "The traffic situation will worsen, hence the circle should not be demolished," he said.
Ramu admits that there have been books that have documented Banagalore's history, but this book, he says, will draw comparisons between the Bangalore of yesteryear and the city today. "I have put together all the pictures. It will be a thick book that will have extensive pictures of Bangalore from the 60s till date. I am looking for a publisher," he said.
Ramu who specialised in architectural photography, also redesigned the old city market and the Jayanagar shopping complex.