about vartaphalaks...
the ubiquitous vartaphalaks which dot the older parts of pune city in hundreds, represent a fascinating case of public spaces which become sites of articulation of different kinds of agendas and identities, in an urban context. vartaphalaks generally serve as visual markers of the collective that exists in the precincts of that notice board. this could be local branches of political parties, youth collectives, residential collectives, auto rickshaw drivers’ unions and so on.
the various symbols and imagery that is inscribed in and around these spaces and the content and the rhetoric of the matter written on vartaphalaks make for a public space extremely rich in visual content.
this is a typical space as defined by a vartaphalak. this message was written a day after the civic election results were declared, expounding on the topic of 'kartavya':
It is but natural to be enthused by victory and be disappointed by defeat. However our tradition tells us that more important than victory or defeat is our duty
Articulate Spaces
On the left is the Vartaphalak located in the Ram Mandir in Sadhashiv Peth. There are a couple of boards advertising 'Sanskaar Shibir' next to the saffron flag. These are basically 'Sanskaar' classes run for children during summer vacations, during which they are taught 'culture' (Hindu) and taught religious hyms , given information about significance of our customs, are told stories and so on.
The vartaphalak in Guruwar Peth (above) is a Congress vartaphalak as is obvious by the flag hanging from the phalak. The ward office of Congress party is located just next to the vartaphalak.
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