#HERITAGEBEKU
Past Forward
in 2018, Heritage Beku evolved as a citizen initiative to maintain and preserve Bengaluru's fading heritage. 'Beku' is the Kannada word for 'want' or 'need'- so the simple phrase was really - 'We Need Heritage'. It was an agonised cry from the heart as our collective history crumbled. Our focus is to have an agile, dynamic, evolving framework to reflect citizen voices & channel it to positively impact preservation of the city's heritage - be it built, natural or cultural. We need a city we can pass on to our descendants and a shared history. #HeritageBeku
Not concrete .
#HERITAGEBEKU AT A GLANCE
A Bit of Background
Heritage Beku is a group of eminent citizens from all walks of life working towards one goal - protecting the history that makes Bangalore unique. We are conservation experts, policy researchers, lawyers, environment activists, corporate players, artists, journalists and architects in our day jobs. But first and foremost, we are full time Bangalore lovers.Â
Every city is unique because of its cultural, environmental and architectural history. But the last few years have been terribly unkind to Bangalore’s past. In our haste to ‘develop a world class city’, we have been very callous with our heritage. Heritage Beku’s focus is to engage with citizens, policy makers, the Government and other stake holders to preserve what is left of our legacy. #HeritageBeku believes that a city’s future cannot be built on the grave of its past and that citizens and experts must be involved in the process of building a city. #HeritageBeku = #PastForward
We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits.
HERITAGE REGULATIONS
Building up a proper framework for preserving and maintaining Bengaluru's dwindling heritage is key to its future. Whether it is legislation, heritage bye laws or updates to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act (KTCPA). #HeritageBeku is doing its best.
HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Whether its with government, educational institutions, other organisations & corporates, its important to to ensure one interacts to preserve and USE our Bengaluru heritage. Innovation in PPP models, govt funding and buy in becomes increasingly critical
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HERITAGE REACHOUT
#HeritageBeku would like to push heritage initiatives, across stakeholders,  set up awards & recognitions, interesting plans like
#KnowYourCity & Heritage Detectives, focus on technology & apps to enhance experience
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does"
William James
INSTAGRAM POSTS
#HeritageBeku gets social.
#HERITAGEBEKU EFFORTS
From 2018 to date
Heritage Inputs
DRAFT RMP 31
Massive meetings and a City wide detailed response to the RMP31 covering procedure, law, aesthetics, zone wise approach and formation of committee and city heritage group. Two man months went into creating a 50 page document on heritage, zones, committee and preservation (with global and India best practices) . The HB inputs were filed on Jan 23rd 2018, but the Master Plan itself went on hold ,These could have changed city heritage landscape and direction. HB petitioned for this as well.
Saving Queens Vet Hospital
KNIGHTS FOR QUEENS
Successful effort to save 3 heritage buildings and over 119 trees in the 120 year Queens Veterinary Hospital Campus , on Queens Road.
One of the few times where environmentalists, heritage enthusiasts and animal lovers came together to save a piece of Bangalore's history.
#KillBill
KTPA AMENDMENT QUASHED
The bill to amend the Karnataka Tree Protection Act was taken head on by Team #HeritageBeku , considering its impact on Bengaluru's trees. An online petition, a #GreysForGreen campaign and #StormThe Soudha over a fortnight saw a huge citizen out pouring. The #KillBill campaign with the online petition bit.ly/KillBillGoK with over 50K signatures, resulted in the amendment being dropped- the impact is seen in 85% of the potentially lost trees still being safe in Bangalore
If Janatha Bazaar stands tall. we stand tall
JANATHA BAZAR
Janatha Bazar/Asiatic Building  proposed demolition for a multi-storeyed mall – Heritage Beku organised citizen activities, lectures, meet ups, painting and awareness building  events including accessing huge RTI documentation and  writing to CS, MLA in charge and others to retain the heritage building. This along with a PIL by Intach resulted in a stay.
#IChangeMyCity Heritage Partner
BANGALORE CIVIC FEST 2019
First time Heritage participation in #IChangeMyCity- BBMP Civic Fest at Freedom Park on 14 Feb selecting Heritage Beku as  partner. #HeritageBeku Member Mason Ink organised a tremendously interactive Bengaluru Heritage walk through which impacted many especially the school children. Over 7000 footfalls emphasised the need to be aware and care for city heritage. Being selected as a visible civic cause brought heritage as an important city focus
First Public Consultation on Trees
ALL SAINTS TREES
After our online petition, extensive meetings with Deputy Conservator of Forests on rampant tree cutting and formation of Tree Committee. Thanks to Heritage Beku’s efforts and Forestry Department coordination, the first public consultation (on massive tree cutting planned by Metro across dairy Circle & All Saints was organised ) , setting a city wide precedent and most trees could be saved.
Sign up for free Heritage Beku Events!
Indian Locomotive LoreDate and Time is TBDIndian Locomotive Lore on Zoom
Keeping Good Company - with #HeritageBekuTime is TBDLocation is TBD
Heritage Detectives 101Time is TBDLocation is TBD
Rumpumpum about new RMP 31? V Ravichandar explains.Sat, 21 Novhttps://us04web.zoom.us/j/77259381181?pwd=O
The Art Park with #HeritageBeku - 12 JanSun, 12 JanRavindra Kala Kshethra Grounds
Memory Maps - Richmond Town ProjectSat, 30 NovVenkataramanan Associates
SIGN UP TO BE A HERITAGE WARRIOR
Get in touch with #HeritageBeku to learn more about our work and how you can get involved. Like our Facebook Page, join our group and follow us on twitter, Pinterest, instagram and Linked in as HeritageBeku. Tell us how much you love your city!
