JOIN USThis picture was taken in 1965 during the monthly meeting of our scout group known ‘Sri Krishnananda Scout Group’ at Panchavati situated on 15th Cross, 8th Main Road, Malleswaram. Along with me in the picture are the junior string of scouts.
Sri Krishnananda Scout Group was started in 1957 by Herenjal Gajanan. We used to regularly meet in an open ground, then located near Sri Radhakrishna Temple, opposite to Malleswaram Railway Station.
Our group was the sister concern of Hanuman Scout Group of Tumukuru, Jaya Scout Group of Mysuru and Chamundi Scout Group of Bengaluru.
Ours was a small but a close-knit group. There were 14 scouts and the numbers steadily increased. Some of the senior members such as Herenjal Gajanan, Vidyanand Kallianpur, Ramananda Bellare, Nandakumar Hattangadi, GB Kallianpur and Premanand Nagarmut regularly won prizes.
Our group made a good name for itself at the Third All lndia Scouts and Guides Jamboree held at Palace Grounds. Our group’s junior string also held camps at Panchavati on a regular basis and would end with a campfire.
Trekking to places in and around old Bangalore was also a regular affair. After the transfer of Herenjal Gajanan, the group was led by Vidyanand Kallianpur who later on joined the lndian Army.
After his stint, GB Kallianpur took over. Finally, the group became inactive because of the dwindling number of scouts. However, till it lasted, all of us had a wonderful time and learnt a great deal in the process.
I’ve lived in Bengaluru for most of my life. I studied from nursery to fourth standard at Cluny Convent in Malleswaram, then joined St Joseph’s Indian High School on Museum Road where I studied from fifth standard to SSLC. I joined MES College and completed my graduation in BCom in 1972.
Old Bangalore was sparsely populated with very few people and vehicles on the road. I was an active member of Canara Union (Regd) on 8th Main, Malleswaram (which still remains a landmark). I was a regular participant in the cultural activities and indoor and outdoor games. I would participate in their annual sports meet and win a lot of trophies and individual championships. I was also a member of The Malleshwaram Association. At both these places, I used to play table tennis with R S Harsha (a former state player).
He was also a coach. He passed on a while ago.
I used to travel by the buses and also cycle around with my classmates.
There was no hassle of getting stuck in traffic jams. The city was calm, peaceful and beautiful. I truly miss the charm and glory of old Bangalore.
This picture brings back memories of a beautiful childhood filled with joy, laughter and adventure.
(The author can be reached at 92434 05560)
To our readers
We invite you to share your memories through our column ‘From the Albums’ by sending in your photograph, with family or friends, in old Bangalore. You can mail us on metrolife@deccanherald.co.in