As the Namma Metro family, including the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director N Sivasailam’s wife, was busy gazing at various aspects of the Rangoli Art Centre inaugurated on Monday, Narayana A, the man who is busy conceptualising the BMRCL’s Phase-2 in 3D, was in a different zone.

“I had done a 3D conceptualisation of M G Road in 2007, which the BMRCL used and, today to see the boulevard space developed the way it is, makes me happy,” he said, pointing out that he had nothing to do with the planning or designing of the boulevard.
Metres away were Yasmine Mashia, 9, and Zaiba, 10, playing on the swing, while Rohit and Malati were busy comprehending some abstract artwork that adorn some of the walls at the Centre.

Different mindsets

The Centre, in line with BMRCL’s expectations, was able to attract people with different mindsets.

The Kadambari-stoneware from Shivarapatna, bronze artifacts, Channapatna toys et al being displayed in the display area also garnered attention from the public.

Among other attractions were the demonstration on spinning the Charaka, a collage of pictures showing the Khadi process – from spinning to weaving and dyeing. Besides, hand-made recycled bags, 3D paintings, et al saw prospective buyers queue up.

Briefing reporters, Sivasailam said: “We will inaugurate the Santhe near the station on the Swami Vivekananda Road on Wednesday.” The facility will house tens of huts, designed to depict different cultures of Karnataka. These will be rented out to people on a temporary basis to conduct business.

On a specific question by a reporter on the controversy over the land on which the Art Centre has come up, Sivasailam said: “I will answer to the government if they ask.”