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- Madhumalti Naik


Madhumalti Naik. 66. For her, the activity of writing a vartaphalak is part of her larger spiritual pursuit (sadhana), as defined by her organization, Sanatan Sanstha. According to her, Hindu religious practice had deteriorated a lot in recent times, and hence their vartaphalak content titled, ‘Dharma Shikshan’ (religious education) attempted to make people aware of our religious practices and heritage. She conceded that as a woman, she felt uncomfortable in writing a vartaphalak in a public space. She was even insulted at times, but said that her sadhana has helped her immensely in dealing with all kinds of experiences.
This message has been written on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, explaining the religious significance of the occasion and elaborating upon the method of worshipping Hanuman.
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