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- Revati Pokale


Revati Pokle. Has appeared for B.A. examination in psychology this year and aspires to become a counselor. She has been actively involved in the work of Sanatan Sanstha since 3-4 years and writes on the vartaphalak as a part of this work. Her task is difficult since her vartaphalak mostly carries anti-minority content; but that does not deter her, since she is convinced that they are showing the truth to the people. She believed that public spaces are gendered in nature because of the patriarchal set up that our society was based upon, but urged that today’s women should at least try to express their opinions and wishes.

This message claims success for Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, which protested strongly against M.F. Hussain, who has depicted many Hindu deities in an obscene manner. As a result of these protests, law suits have been filed against Hussain in 7 courts in the country. The message informs, that following the orders of Haridwar court, Mumbai police has also started confiscating Hussain’s property.

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