While the rest of the city is still grappling with the metro rail construction, M.G. Road can now boast a well designed space to relax and for children to learn and play thanks to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation’s redesigning of the famed promenade that had made way for the city’s ambitious infrastructure project.
The Rangoli-Metro Art Centre (RMAC), inaugurated on Monday, also showcases the works of various artists and craftspersons.
The children’s recreational area is called Chilipili while the upper walkway, Hoovina Haddi, will soon be home to a restaurant.
Curious Bangaloreans milled around the area to see for themselves how the good old promenade — whose demolition had drawn widespread outrage — had morphed in a changed city.
“The younger generation has to understand their country and connect with its culture. This art gallery will make our youth realise the importance of Gandhian values and hopefully some day, we shall see the Gandhian era return,” said K. Mahadeva, a khadi worker whose works are on display as part of ‘The Essence of Khadi’ presentation.
The RMAC has also collaborated with The Regional Design Centre, thus offering visitors a unique opportunity to attend workshops conducted by master craftsmen till August 6.
Private enterprises
The boulevard is not all play; children between the ages of 3 and 8 can learn mathematics at the Belaku Gallery set up by Brain Star Innovations.
This venture which helps children learn the basic concepts of mathematics is not free though.
While some were busy viewing the art gallery, others were admiring the upper walkway where one can take a leisurely walk with bougainvillea flowers for company, harking back to the old promenade which was fringed with the famous blooms.
