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.

spaces around vartaphalak

spaces around vartaphalak
kumthekar road, sadashiv peth
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

spaces around vartaphalaks

spaces around vartaphalaks
tiranga young circle vartaphalak, ghorpade peth

Sunday, September 16, 2007

People behind the words- Atul Mane


Atul Mane, 21, S.S.C. Arranges theme parties and manages minor events, sells newspapers in the morning and helps his friend on the Chinese food stall by the night. Daily writes ‘suvichaar’ (thought for the day) on the Muktai Pratishthan vartaphalak in Ghorpade Peth. He was of the opinion that vartaphalaks which have an overtly political content do not give much to the society; he only wrote about the local community happenings and good thoughts on the mandal’s (youth collective) vartaphalak. Atul swears by his mandal, which seems to have provided him with a platform to connect with other boys, engage in several welfare activities and learn leadership skills.
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