Dear Reader 

When we launched Janaagraha on December 8th last year, it was the beginning of a new approach to bringing citizens and government closer together. Why is this important? Because government is too important to ignore, because there are many good people in government who are struggling every day to make life better for all of us. For too long, communities of citizens and elected representatives have operated as different islands. It is time we built bridges through active engagement. This is an impossible task without our active involvement. The answers to make our country one of the best in the world are with us: in the lanes and gullies of our city, in the hearts and heads of our people, in the energies and enthusiasm of their spirit. 

Here, in Bangalore, if we can only tap these ‘oilfields’ of energy through some common pipeline, we can unleash a power that can literally transform our city and strengthen our government. Janaagraha is an attempt to do this, to be that conduit. 

Over the past 50 days, we can say that we have made a small beginning. This is not false modesty; it is important that we measure ourselves accurately, if we are to make a difference. Janaagraha has a long way to go before it can say that it has proven anything. This being said, the beginning is filled with tantalizing potential: how communities are coming together, how citizens and corporators are joining hands, how people are discovering their neighbourhoods and respecting public assets. How there can be hope. 

Janaagraha Times (JT) is about letting the rays of that hope spread. About telling you what makes this citizens’ platform, what took place, who came on board, what to expect in the coming days. About sharing experiences. The community is at the cornerstone of Janaagraha and JT will strive not only to inform you about citizens’ efforts to make government better but also solicit your views, reactions, and feedback. Good governance is both about rights and responsibilities. With your active support and participation both issues would be addressed. 

We have all become weary of carrying the burden of our hopes. It is time to let the positive energy of this hope come through. 

Janaagraha is about capturing that energy. JT is about communicating that energy, and letting it into your hearts. 

Wish us luck! 

Ramesh Ramanathan  

Campaign Coordinator