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A person who cares about the environment will go to great lengths to purchase ecologically responsible products; to create the least amount of harm to the environment. However, there is a good chance that businesses will deceive consumers into thinking they are more environmentally friendly than they are. This deceptive sales tactic is called greenwashing. As an organization that strives to improve every day to become more environmentally conscious, we have created this guide to help you. Let's dive deeper into this subject, shall we? Image Credit: All references from the image above are taken from the Instagram handle of waste-ed.com Greenwashing has been prevalent since the 1980s, and it is only getting worse for the environment because of several brands' unethical conduct. This marketing strategy entails persuading customers that they make environmentally conscious decisions, primarily through using eco-conscious terms to persuade them that the product is more natural or healthier than its competitors. Companies that greenwash their clients spend a lot of time, money, and other resources selling the idea of "eco-friendliness" rather than ensuring that their products are truly eco-friendly and sustainable long-term. An example of this could be, Coca-Cola which markets itself as sustainable and environmentally benign while producing more plastic waste than any other firm. Likewise, Colgate has designed a recyclable plastic tube, as toothpaste tubes are generally made of a mix of plastic and aluminum and are challenging to recycle. Colgate's recyclable tubes, however, are a complete fabrication; the recyclable tube itself contains unnecessary plastic, and claiming that it is recyclable is purely a greenwashing sales strategy. These products are only industry recyclable and most often end up in a landfill, NOT getting recycled. H&M, a well-known fast-fashion retailer, is an example of this as well. The H&M Conscious line generated a lot of positive publicity, and many appreciate this step forward, but the truth remains that H&M continues to mass-produce cheap, low-quality apparel, and as a "conscious" brand does not justify or change that. These are simple examples, but there are a variety of more intricate approaches to greenwashing. However, by using terms like ‘eco-friendly’, ‘100% natural’, ‘recyclable’, and ‘organic and pure’, these businesses escape being blamed for environmental damage. Greenwashing doesn't end with only the propagation of ideas but is much more. It may appear harmless, but it is detrimental because it diverts customers from authentic ecologically-sound brands. Genuine eco-friendly firms invest laboriously to ensure that their products aren't harmful to the environment, but they still obtain no benefit as a result of the diversion. However, consumers can discern the difference between legitimate and green-washed brands despite the gimmicks and choose their products/consumption wisely. Here are some pointers on how to go about it : Familiarize yourself with standards and certifications: Knowing which ones to look for and which ones are hoaxes will help determine the best possible choice. Look for green certificates on their website or the product's label. Opt for brands that have the Energy Star (for energy efficiency), USDA Organic Seal (for organic products), Forest Stewardship Council (for products produced from trees in responsibly managed forests), and Green Seal (for products made from trees in environmentally friendly forests). Do your research: These days, everyone claims to be working to minimize emissions and that sustainability is at the heart of their operations. However, examining the ingredients, the order in which they are, and the accusations on them will help you verify what they claim. Test the brand yourself: Buy products after your research, seek companies that prioritize sustainability. Rather than purchasing a single certified-organic product from a company whose overall approach is otherwise inorganic, shop from a brand that makes the environment its priority. Choose a firm that is also open and honest about its business practices, invites consumer input and open communication, and publishes impact reports; these companies are transparent and readily provide more information. Going green is no longer a novelty but a necessity owing to global warming and the environment right now. Even though Greenwashing is very prominent among brands now, it is not something all businesses do deliberately. ​But how do companies make sure they are not greenwashing their customers unintentionally and are making an effort to be environmentally conscious? Sourcing Locally: The company should start by sourcing locally to support local businesses while also reducing shipping and storage costs. It also aids in the reduction of emissions and energy consumption. Local sourcing not only helps to promote green manufacturing. Green packaging: Green packaging aims to utilize as little fossil fuel energy as possible to lower the carbon footprint of packaging manufacturing, and firms should make a conscious effort to conserve energy through it. Reduced use of natural resources: Sustainable packaging or eco-friendly packaging made from natural+recycled materials helps reduce natural resources consumption. The businesses must also utilize fewer resources because they aid in the overall production process by minimizing manufacturing costs, lowering the cost of waste disposal to landfills, and diminishing the hazardous effect on the environment. Building Sustainable Relationships: Building sustainability is another significant component to adapt to be a successful green company. Partnering with like-minded companies devoted to environmental responsibility can help a business thrive in its quest to become more environmentally friendly. To know more about how we thrive to become a better company, our conscious attempts to avoid greenwashing, and our transparency, learn about the eco-friendly initiatives. We encourage you to eschew being #greenwashed, be aware, and help the environment by making the right choices. Let us go green and give back to the environment.

Books, electronic appliances, furniture, groceries, clothes, precious jewellery and now eyewear, everything is available online. Oftentimes the online shopping experience is superior because a wider range of products are on offer at attractive prices. We at S R Gopal Rao have always taken pride in embracing change and catering to customer’s needs, since 1936. And recognising the need for an online store, SR Gopal Rao now retails fine eyewear through its own website and its chic online store called GETSPEXY . Online too, you can expect the same level of quality, trust and service that you have come to expect of us over the years. However, ordering spectacle frames, contact lenses or sunglasses online can be a little tricky. We have, therefore, put together a handy list of do’s and don'ts while shopping for eyewear online. Choose frames that suit your lifestyle At SRGR, we take care to understand your lifestyle and specific needs before prescribing frames and lenses. Do you wear your spectacles while running or working out? Do you wear contact lenses while riding your bike? If you have specific needs, it is best to come in for a physical consultation where you are assured personalized attention and care. Our on call services today consists of frame or lens replacements, re-order of contact lenses, purchase of contact lens solutions and/or ready to use reading glasses. You can find all these on the existing website or on www.getspexy.com. Don’t be short-sighted while choosing progressive lenses Other online stores may not tell you this but progressive lenses cannot be processed correctly without pupillary distance marking, and capturing this information online may lead to errors. And errors can prove expensive. Individuals can fall while navigating steps, not gauge traffic correctly while driving or see double when faced with oncoming lights. If you require bifocal and multifocal lenses, please make the effort to procure them in-store only. Necessary markings to maintain accuracy can only be addressed over the counter for accuracy. In keeping with this idea, SRGR online only retails single vision products online. No progressive or bifocals are dispensed online unless it is a replacement of old lenses, because our customer satisfaction, safety, and comfort come first, always. Making the switch to contact lenses for the first time? Contact lens technology has advanced tremendously. Today, customers can choose from daily, monthly, yearly disposable, and coloured contact lenses. Contact lenses power varies from your regular spectacle power and come in different sizes. And if you have astigmatism or cylindrical power, there are different contact lenses that are needed. So as a first time contact lens wearer it is very important that you consult experts to make the right choice. When you walk into our store, optometrists at SRGR will fit you with lenses that are most comfortable, and advice you on how to wear and care for them daily. So, please don’t take the risk of ordering lenses without an in-store visit for the first time. Image Courtesy : www.columbiaeyeclinic.com Pick brands you know and trust If you are trying out a new product or choosing an unbranded pair of frames it is best that you visit a store physically to get a ‘touch and feel’ sense of the product. It is hard to assess material quality online, even with all the technology at hand. Also, we strongly urge you to avoid buying from unauthorized retailers online. Offline and online, SRGR takes pride in maintaining exact quality standards. In order to maintain our reputation as retailers of fine eyewear, we never stock sub-standard products. All frames and sunglasses are selected by the management. Unbranded products too are procured with care and new products are first tried in house before being recommended to customers. Check for after-sales service Always check for after-sales service when you buy eyewear online. Because service is still done offline, in stores. Offline vendors do not service frames unless it is from their online-counterpart. However, S R Gopal Rao ensures a seamless experience for our customers. We are the authorized retailer for several brands and we ensure that our customers can rely on the same quality of service even if they purchase eyewear on our online store.

​We have taken several steps to ensure that our facility is kept absolutely clean and safe. The health of our staff, customers and self is the utmost priority at this time. As such we have moved several services of ours like reorder of contact lenses (a self service which can be done by you through our online website www.getspexy.com, the team is always there to assist), replacement of spectacles frames and lenses through phone/online communication, so that you don't need to visit us to avail these services. Fill out the correct form below and avail this service or call us on +9180-471-68060 if you have any doubts. Precautions taken at our stores are : Appointment based visits are encouraged so that social distancing can be practiced at all times At the entrance you will be greeted by a person who will screen your temperature, given you hand sanitizer, shoe covers and a disposable mask if you don't already have one. Please bear with us and follow these protocols Frames, counters, floors, furniture and equipment are sanitised using the appropriate solutions after each visitor leaves Only a section of the store is accessible to customers with appropriate distance maintained from counter staff. Optometrist will carry out eye refractions by wearing full personal protective equipment and they sanitise the equipment after each use. Opticians have masks, face shields and gloves for handling frames and lenses We have installed counter separators at every store and on each counter Air purifiers with Hepa filters installed at the N R Road outlet to ensure healthy air circulation Our lenses are made using state of the art technology and in the safest condition Customers are requested to wear their face mask to cover their nose & mouth, at all times when inside the store and pull it down only when they are trying on eyewear. For re-ordering contact lenses, reading glasses & solution : https://www.getspexy.com/collections For lens replacement services : Call Us on +9180-471-68060 or write to us at eyecare@srgopalrao.com For frame replacement services : Call Us on +9180-471-68060 or write to us at eyecare@srgopalrao.com For new frame & eye check up : Call Us on +9180-471-68060 or write to us at eyecare@srgopalrao.com

​As a boutique independent retail chain, we have invested well and taken pains to ensure that you are safe when you shop with us. We realize that Covid-19 is here to stay and while it is unknown as to how long this is going to be around it is important for legacy businesses to survive & do what ever is best suited for the healthy and safety of our customers & teams. We DO NOT expect you to compromise on your health & safety when you visit us as such we have adapted our stores (rapidly) to the meet the requirements of the current environment. The health of our teams & customers is the utmost priority at this time. While services like the reorder of contact lenses (a self service which can be done by you through our online website www.getspexy.com, the team is always there to assist), replacement of spectacles frames and lenses can be done through phone/online communication, so that you don't need to step out of your home; others like eye check ups and new sets can be purchased from our outlets comfortably. Precautions taken at our stores are : Appointment based visits are encouraged so that social distancing can be practiced at all times At the entrance you will be greeted by a person who will screen your temperature, given you hand sanitizer, shoe covers and a disposable mask if you don't already have one. Please bear with us and follow these protocols Frames, counters, floors, furniture and equipment are sanitized using the appropriate solutions after each visitor leaves Only a section of the store is accessible to customers with appropriate distance maintained. Optometrist will carry out eye refractions by wearing full personal protective equipment and they sterilize the equipment after each use. Opticians have masks, face shields and gloves for handling frames and lenses We have installed counter separators at every store and on each counter, this acts as a protective shield Air purifiers with hepa filters are installed at the N R Road outlet to ensure healthy air circulation Our lenses are made using state of the art technology and in the safest condition Customers are requested to wear their face mask to cover their nose & mouth, at all times when inside the store and pull it down only when they are trying on eyewear. Customers are requested to leave their footwear at the entrance (we do the same) or wear the shoe covers provided at the entrance. Please bear with us as this is important to maintain store hygiene For re-ordering contact lenses, reading glasses & solution : https://www.getspexy.com/collections For lens replacement services : Call Us on +9180-471-68060 or write to us at eyecare@srgopalrao.com For frame replacement services : Call Us on +9180-471-68060 or write to us at eyecare@srgopalrao.com For new frame & eye check up : Call Us on +9180-471-68060 or write to us at eyecare@srgopalrao.com

Studies have shown that too much screen time and excessive near vision work (like reading) can affect a child’s sight. Like adults, children are also impacted by dry eyes and screen fatigue caused by prolonged usage of devices. There’s a theory that also suggests that one of the reasons for the increase in the number of individuals who suffer from myopia (expected to be an alarming 50 per cent of the world’s population by 2050), is the excessive use of digital devices and prolonged reading hours. However, experts have not been able to come to a conclusion on this. Another study by the American Academy of Paediatrics recommends keeping all screens off around babies and toddlers younger than 18 months. They also say little screen time for children over two years of age and limited to one hour per day should be okay. During this pandemic, parents may find it challenging to keep their children occupied all the time as such succumbing to giving their children additional screen time. Moreover, with most parents working from home the attempt to juggle multiple tasks becomes all the more difficult, given the number of distractions around. Unfortunately, the solution cannot be to encourage outdoor activities for children during the pandemic, thus trying to keep them occupied while indoors becomes necessary. As such, our recommendation is to not take away the screen time or reading time but to reduce the child’s consumption of it and do the following things: The simplest thing to do is to remind them, every now and then to blink when watching the screen or reading. Set a timer or find a way to distract your child every 30 minutes to remove your child’s focus from the screen. Only when they look away from a prolonged fixed distance do their eyes relax and blink rate returns. Instead of only reading on a tablet or phone, encourage them to read real books and engage them with good old indoor board games. Place the digital media at least 18 to 24 inches away from your child. Encourage them to hold it at this distance when watching the screen in an appropriately illuminated space. Maintaining good posture when using the computer or reading is important; the screen should be placed at eye level. Adjust the monitor settings so that the brightness of light from the devices matches that of the surrounding and check for glare on the screen. A study conducted by Brain & Cognitive Sciences Professor- Daphne Bavelier from the University of Rochester states that gaming improves other visual skills, such as the ability to track several objects at the same time and paying attention to a series of fast-moving events. It also states that the ability to see contrast of the individual increases significantly, by 58 per cent for those who play action video games. So, if you must allow screen time then some good, regulated action games for entertainment would be a wise option. Apart from this, given the circumstances, this would be the best time for parents to notice any unusual habits that children follow during screen time. Are they sitting too close to the TV, squinting or tilting their head when trying to focus, closing one eye when trying to read or watch something, frequently rubbing their eyes or complaining of headaches and tired eyes? While headaches and tired eyes could be caused by excessive screen time or ‘computer vision syndrome’, if it persists even after, then an eye check-up would be recommended post the lockdown. All these habits are indicative of myopia, astigmatism or hyperopia in the child and there is no reason to be alarmed of such but necessary to get the child’s eyes tested once things settle. It is important to have the child’s eyes dilated by the practitioner at the time of examination. Blurred vision can impact the child’s studies and performance at school or in sports too. The child may not recognise it as attributed to vision problems, so the best way to score this off is to get your child’s eyes tested at least once every year or when noticeable habits like these develop. Hemanth Manay is CEO and Chief Consultant Optometrist, S R Gopal Rao Opticians & Optometrists and article is shared as published in The Indian Express on 22nd May 2020.

The current situation does not allow for us to move out as frequently and as necessarily as we used to prior to the lockdown. It is most likely going to continue being like this for a few months given the current circumstance. Moreover, at present, all opticians in the city are temporarily closed and you can only expect to visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist post this period. Most people would want to avoid visiting the hospitals too at this time unless absolutely needed. Staying at home is the best solution to contain the spread of the virus. As such taking care of your eyes and your eyewear is necessary. We most often tend to neglect that which is easily available and not expensive; eyewear has become one of those products over the last few years. A lot of people also take sight for granted, as such eye health is often abused. However, taking proper care of your eyes and eyewear at this time will help you avoid any uncomfortable and unnecessary situations, especially when most people are now working from home. Here’s what you need to know and do: Primarily avoid Contact Lenses (CL’s) and wear Spectacles. But if you are a Contact Lens wearer, do the following: Please maintain the hygiene of your lenses by disinfecting it and the container in which it is kept every day. Use water and soap to clean the container and the Lens cleaning solution to disinfect the Lenses Always store your CL’s in the container provided with sufficient lens solution Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly before wearing and taking them off, even if you haven’t stepped out of the home. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Use the Lenses only for the duration specified by the Optometrist and not longer. Do not sleep or take short naps with your Contact Lenses on (very important) If you have a common cold or dust allergy, avoid Contact Lenses since it may irritate the eyes. These steps will help avoid the cause of any damage, infections, pains or discomfort caused to the eye for Contact Lens wearers. If you use Spectacles as an alternative, then this would be the best time to use only your eyeglasses and not Contact Lenses. Eyeglasses will avoid a lot of unnecessary discomforts caused when working from home. You tend to touch your eyes lesser when wearing spectacles and it also acts as personal protective equipment. Another, for instance, is when one takes a short nap in between computer time, doing this with your Contact Lenses on is definitely not recommended. Studies show that the normal blink rate is anywhere between 10-15 times per minute. This is reduced to half when using digital devices, especially when working on the computer. Also, computer use tends to cause more incomplete blinks, so the tear film is not spread across the entire cornea. This leads to screen fatigue or what Optometrists call digital eye strain. How does one recognise screen fatigue or digital eye strain? The symptoms are as follows: eye fatigue and discomfort, dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain, eye twitching and red eyes (generally appears because of dryness and eye fatigue). 5 steps to help you recover from or avoid digital eye strain is as follows: Use proper lighting, avoid harsh light or bright light over your work area Minimise glare on computer screens by checking where the reflection is coming from in your surroundings and blocking it. Adjust your computer display setting to match the brightness of the light in your surroundings, change the text size and contrast to what you feel is comfortable and adjust the colour temperature to reduce the harmful blue light emitted from your device. Maintain proper posture; hands in line with your shoulders while using the keyboard and screen in line with your eyes. This will reduce or remove the pain caused in your shoulders and neck. Take at least one 10-minute break every hour. Consciously try to blink more often and if dry eyes persist call your Optometrist to ch eck on easily available lubricants that will assist you with the same. Exercise your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule which implies for every 20 minutes take a break from your device for 20 secs by directing your gaze 20 feet away from you. If you can’t do this then blink 10 times by closing your eyes like you would when you fall asleep. Do this every 20-30 minutes. Use eyeglasses with protective coatings and lens designs which will help reduce the strain on the eyes and will also cut out the entry of harmful blue light. Consult your Optician for these solutions. If you have broken your Spectacle Lenses and need a Replacement or have run out of Contact lenses and have no Lens Cleaning Solution, then reach out to us and we will sort you out. Stay home, stay safe. Written by Hemanth Manay, CEO & Chief Consultant Optometrist at S.R.Gopal Rao Opticians and published in the Pharma Times on 30th April 2020, during the Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The Melvins - a hip, contemporary round shell pair of glasses by Original Penguin allows you to slip into your own little world. Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood and Richard Nixon have each had the distinct but discreet icon of Pete the Penguin take pride of place on their eyewear. Melvin is the combination of a style that is truly forever with craftsmanship that lasts a lifetime. Check out the eyepiece on our online shop : Penguin's Melvin

Do you dream of changing the world? Excited about a new song you have written, a sauce you bottled, a hovercraft you built, a space you’ve discovered, a business you want to launch? Want to check if people love your recent invention? Well you are guaranteed an audience if you are in Bangalore, my friend. Because Bangalore has had a love affair with all things new, for as long as anyone can remember. No wonder, it is a favourite test market for brands, and a mecca for entrepreneurs. Today, we have selected a few experiences that will delight those of you who are always looking to experience the flavour of the season. This post is dedicated to the brave ones amongst us, who boldly go forth where others fear to tread. Become an Escape Artist Bangalore is now home to three different live escape rooms, where groups of people are challenged to enter a themed space, find clues, crack puzzles, and escape - all within a fixed amount of time. Inspirations for the rooms include movies, video games, fantasy writing and more. Image Courtesy: www.whatshot.in Get together with colleagues, family and friends, and pick the scenario that interests you the most. Some escape rooms will call for some old fashioned sleuthing, where you have to solve a murder, others rely upon your collective wit to outdo kidnappers, or bio-terrorists who will unleash a deadly virus if you don’t stop them in time. If ancient history interests you more, go forth and find buried treasure in a Egyptian landscape, or if you are a fantasy fan, step into a land of vampires. Always dreamed of being the bad guy? How about attempting a prison break? Or making off with priceless art and pulling off a heist! There are escape rooms of every colour and stripe. And they all challenge your ability to think on your feet. The concept originated in Japan and became popular in other parts of SE Asia, and today, they offer Bangaloreans a chance to detox from the digital world and test their real-world lateral-thinking skills. So the next time you are thirsting for a break from the same pub-grub routine, head to an escape room in Koramangala or in Indiranagar. You can pay anywhere from Rs 400 - 600 per head for a 45min to hour long adventure. Check out the following spaces: Riddle Room | Breakout | Escape Room, Bangalore Make in Bangalore How about spending a Sunday fashioning a bookshelf with your very own hands with carpentry tools, or using a 3D Printer to prototype anything from a smartphone cover to jewellery? Would you like to channel Elon Musk to build a robotic component or wearable? Or perhaps you are a whiz at coding the app of the future. Design a game, use a welding kit, or CNC lathe - there is no end to the tools at your disposal in the makerspace of your dreams, Workbench Projects. Makerspaces are spaces where tools and devices are at your disposal, so people can come together and collaborate, where they can talk to each other, design, and build a passion project, or perhaps create a breakthrough product of the future. Workbench Projects is Bangalore’s very own makerspace and co-working arena. It offers 5000 sq ft of space, right under Halasuru Metro Station, to all inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs and tinkerers of the city. A crucible for all sorts of experimental projects, they conduct regular workshops to train you, they offer access to tools and devices, and have created a platform where you can meet like minded folks and find mentors to bring your project to life. So go check out what’s bubbling under here. Image Courtesy: www.diyhacking.com Cook up a storm Do you julienne ginger and zest a lemon when you cook? Do you critique your takeaway dinner as if you were on your own version of Masterchef or Kitchen Nightmares? Do you wish you could don an apron and cook up a storm in a lovely looking kitchen, if only for a day? Well, look no further, Slurp Studio, culinary studio and school is here to make your gastronomic dreams come true. The chefs and trainers here are a damn sight, sweeter than Gordon Ramsay, and they will watch over your group as you chop, stir, mix, knead, fry, saute and bake your way to a delicious meal. Slurp Studio is on 12th Main in Indiranagar, and since they have opened, the studio has hosted birthday parties, baby showers, corporate team building activities, regional cuisine popups and more. Their event calendar always has something new to offer, be it a workshop on Asian cuisine, a crash course in Lebanese cooking or a how-to make your own Bento box. Reserve a seat at one of their public cook-along events or book the studio for a private cooking session, that ends with a meal tasting that you made yourself!

If you have moved to Bangalore not so long ago, you are probably familiar with every new watering hole in Indiranagar. Perhaps you can recommend the best place for a late night snack in Koramangala and make your way through Whitefield like a boss...but have the more traditional, unhurried parts of Bangalore remained a mystery? Do you rarely venture into Jayanagar, Basavanagudi, Malleshwaram or the market in Chickpet? We have curated a few fun events and must-see and do experiences to get in touch with the traditional side of Bangalore. Be an adventurer and explore a new side to your own city with your friends and if you have been a long time resident, renew your relationship with this familiar but forgotten territory. Walk like a Bangalorean Learn all about Nandeeshwara Temple that was buried under layers of soil until recently. Hear the story of how the temple was only discovered during a chance excavation to prevent a politician who was attempting to sell the land. Try the idli and shavige at Veena Stores, the masala dose at Janatha Hotel or the akki rotti at Halli Mane. Stop by C.V Raman’s home that still stands to this day, next to MES (Mysore Education Society) College. Discover the many delights of Malleshwaram in unhurried walk through the neighbourhood. And, if you want a trusted and knowledgeable guide to lead you through the area, sign up for the Malleswaram Walk, that begins bright and early at 7:30 am. You could check the details on the website for price, schedule and availability. The walk starts at the Kadu Malleshwaram Temple, home to the deity after whom the area is named. Image Courtesy : www.eventshigh.com Become part of a 77 year old musical tradition Kanjeevaram saree clad maamis with flowers in their hair, men in dignified, crisp white veshtis, kids learning to keep ‘taal’ to the music on stage...the atmosphere at the Sree Ramaseva Mandali’s annual event, the Ramanavami Music Festival is like none other. Their website lists this event as the world’s longest Indian Classical Music Festival, taking place over 31 to 36 days in April and May. This year’s lineup of musical acts is stellar. The Ramanavami Concerts are a great initiation into the world of Carnatic and Hindustani music for the novice, and a treat for regular kutcheri goers in Bangalore. For the acts include Malladi Brothers to Priya Sisters, legendary singers Yesudas, to Bombay Jayashree and Sanjay Subramanian, violinists L Subramanian and many many more established and upcoming names from the world of music. The entire list of performances and dates can be found here. Most of the performances are scheduled to take place in the Old Fort High School Grounds, in Chamarajpet, one of the oldest localities in Bangalore. Image Courtesy : Ramanavami Music Blogspot Watch an ancient art form in a contemporary avatar Imagine creatively fusing Karnataka’s folk theatre form Yakshagana, and modern theatrical tools, to create a hybrid performance that combines, dance, drama, elaborate costumes, makeup and music, to ask contemporary questions about gender and power. An experimental, critically acclaimed play, Akshayambara tries to do just that and it is playing in town at Shoonya Gallery on the 30th of April and Rangashankara on the 1st of May. Yakshagana, that originated in the coastal parts of the state, traditionally employed male actors who essay even female roles. However, Akshayambara, explores the conflicts that arise when a woman is cast in a pivotal role, and plays a man, whereas, a male artist plays Draupadi. The performance will be an interesting way to glimpse the grandeur of a colourful folk art form, in an inviting, wholly Bangalore setting. Don’t forget to go early and sample some delectable sabudana vadas or crisp rottis at the Rangashankara Cafe, in the leafy bylanes of JP Nagar. We can’t think of a more delightful way to see a traditional, culturally-rich side of Bangalore than that! Image Courtesy : www.bangalore.citizensmatter.in

Vintage cars, antique furniture, hand-embroidered silks, we are irresistibly drawn towards beautiful things from the bygone era, made with attention to detail and loving care. Because, even in this world where everything is about being bigger, better and faster, there is something to be said about objects that have been crafted slowly, the time honoured way. We at S R Gopal Rao, therefore, decided to travel back in time by creating a ‘Founder’s Room’ to mark our 75th year of retailing fine eyewear. Our latest ‘optical concept store’, the first of its kind in the country, pays homage to our humble origins by showcasing tools of the trade that our founder Mr. S R Gopal Rao used to use. Even then, S R Gopal Rao had a reputation for retailing only the most advanced and accurated eyepieces of the time, and each of these tools was exclusive to our brand. These in-house tools were used to fit lenses onto the frames, manually. On display in the store is a rather menacing looking instrument - an axis marker, from the 1960s and the decades before. The axis marker, as the name suggests, was used to mark the axis on the lens before before cutting and fitting it into the frame, just so. Next comes the lens edge polisher, which looks similar to a whetstone used to polish knives. This solid looking piece was actually employed for delicate purposes, to smooth over rough edges and provide a final touch to the lenses before fitting. Also you must visit and see the branding tool for yourself. This fierce looking object that vaguely resembles a betelnut cutter, was used to brand acetate frames with the logo of its maker. Each frame, when ready, would be heated and slipped into the mouth of the branding tool where it would be embossed with the name S R Gopal Rao, setting it apart forever. Today, these tools lay unused, just a reminder of a century gone by...when our founder, SR Gopal Rao, took over the optician-and-watchmaking business that his father had traditionally run, and set out on his own. He spent a few years setting up shop in Commercial Street before moving to NR Road, where our store still stands today. In a decisive move that has paid rich dividends he decided to focus on selling eyewear alone. He prided himself on having the most sophisticated tools of the time, so our clients only had the best quality lenses and frames. Happy clients continued to come back in droves, and in the past, SRGR sold popular homegrown brands like Montex, Rajni, Elite and others. And, decades hence, when the markets opened up in the early 90s, we continued to innovate. We were one of the first opticians to bring international brands like Ray Ban and Persol to India and Bangalore. Do drop by and take a walk through our ‘Founder’s Room’ to browse through vintage frames and see how eyewear trends have changed across time. And, yes you can also stop and stare at a ‘handmade’ grandfather clock that continues to keep time.

Savoring a slow cooked meal, hunting for just the right accent chair for your living room, feeling a delicious discomfort as the masseuse works away the stresses of a long week, or just getting away to commune with nature, indulgence can mean different things for different people. And while Namma Bengalooru is coy about her sophisticated side, luxury lovers in the city are familiar with her ability to charm and surprise. For Bangalore maybe known to serve up a mean masala dosa, but that’s not to say that you won’t find a delicious bowl of Bibimbap in Korea Town aka Kammanahalli. And yes old timers may rue the city’s chaotic expansion, but those in the know can escape into a decadent world of their making - a phone call or drive away. Here are some truly indulgent experiences we have curated for you, so you too can tune in and drop out! A staycation with a difference Not every getaway has to mean getting on a transatlantic flight. What if we told you that you could find a spot of calm in Villa Pottipatti a heritage bungalow turned boutique hotel in the heart of Malleshwaram. Villa Pottipatti is a charming home lovingly maintained and run by the Neemrana Group of Hotels. It used to belong to a wealthy family from Andhra Pradesh, and as an ode to their roots, the villa is named after their village, and the rooms have names like Venkatagiri, Pochampalli and Gadwal - all traditional handwoven sarees from the state. You can step out and explore the bustling markets of Malleshwaram or choose to do nothing but chill in the shade of a stately Shivalinga Tree. Go for a swim in their pool, or admire the woodwork on the teak four poster in your room. Be inspired to write an old fashioned letter to your lover while you sit at an antique writing desk. Perhaps you can walk through the bungalow’s mirrored corridors and have imagined conversations with the people, carefully posing in photographs from an era gone by. Luxury sometimes means being able to make time stand still, as it does at Villa Pottipatti. Image Courtesy : Villa Pottipatti Go on a wickedly luxurious ride Have you always dreamed of riding off into the sunset on a Harley? Are you in awe of the Ducati Scrambler, the lean and mean Italian beauty that can you take you places? Or have you wished you could take the unmistakably neon-green Ninja 650 for a spin? If you love high-end bikes for their unmatched performance and bad boy image you can be as wicked as you like for a few hours or an entire weekend with Wicked Ride . Started in 2014 by three friends in Bangalore this luxury bike rental company allows you to experience the thrill of these powerful machines without the hassle of owning and maintaining them. Rent any of the imported or desi beauties from their fleet and head perhaps to Ooty, via the Kalhatti Ghats and take on the hairpin bends solo! Or if you prefer the camaraderie of other riders head to the biggest bike carnival in India, India Bike Week , happening on the 19th and 20th of February in sunny Goa. Image Courtesy : Wicked Ride Experience the hottest culinary trend of the moment Imagine experiencing the delights of a truly successful dinner party with none of the stresses of sending out invitations, figuring out seating arrangements, or slaving over the menu. Imagine savouring a delicious meal in the company of delightful strangers who go onto become friends over the course of the evening. Share travel stories, swap recipes and ask for seconds. Experience the hottest culinary trend of the season and discover the vastly underrated but richly developed flavours of regional Indian cuisine. How about waxing eloquent about some authentic Parsi Dhansak or Bihari Litti Choka? Work your way through a 100% vegetarian Palakkad Iyer spread or experience the fiery delights of a traditional Andhra meal... Today, thanks to Bangalore based startup Likemind , you can secure a place at the home of a talented, homegrown host-turned-chef. These regional cuisine experts will invite you to their home and cook you the food they have grown up eating. Menus are customized for every event and the atmosphere is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of a traditional restaurant. Sign up for a dinner like none other - here . Image Courtesy : Likemind Read More on.... Indulgent Bangalore | Indulgent Bangalore Collection