JOIN USGet ready to treat yourself to ‘Glorious 50’, yet another exhibition of rare photos of old and new Bangalore. The event, which took off at Belaku Art Gallery, Rangoli Metro Center on M G Road on Thursday, shows how the City and its police force have evolved over the years.
“It is a great tribute to the police force on the 50th anniversary celebrations of Bangalore City Police Commissionerate,” remarked Raghavendra H Auradkar, the Commissioner of Bangalore Police, after inaugurating the exhibition. Principal City Civil and Sessions Judge, Veeranna G Tigadi, was present on the occasion.
A photo exhibition, of the Cantonment areas and the Indian Army, was held recently at the same venue, bringing alive memories of the armed force in the City.
The collection of rare and historical photos reflected the various moods and colours of City in its journey, Auradkar said. Most of the photographs were taken between 1963 and 2013 by police photographers and some volunteers.
At least 68 photographs are on display. “Each photograph tells a story about how the City grew along with its police force,” said Vijay Grover of Bangalore Media Foundation, co-sponsor of the exhibition. “A photograph clicked in 1935, of the police force, has caught people’s attention.”
Besides, there is a photo of Queen Victoria’s visit to the City. Another depicts the 1983 visit of Prince Charles. Visitors were also glued to the photo of police personnel defusing a bomb outside the Forum Mall in Koramangala during a mock drill. A photo of the late thespian Dr Rajkumar alighting from a helicopter at Jakkur after he was released by forest brigand Veerappan has also caught visitors’ attention.
Kamal Pant, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), said, “These rare photos are a treat to watch and we won’t get opportunities to see them time and again. Citizens should come and take a look at these photos which will help them know more about Bangalore.” The exhibition is open till January 19.