Web messenger drives civic campaigns for noble cause
 

Hello Everyone,

BANGALORE: With C-day fast approaching, this Bangalorean is in overdrive on civic awareness — counting different votes from the people. It’s not about the BBMP election or candidates or politics. His simple online campaign takes the common man’s problems to the government. He’s the civic web messenger for all those who voted and those interested in cleaning up local politics.

A post-graduate student of Psychology, Vivian Philips is the common man’s messenger, collating people’s votes on small yet crucial civic issues. Around June last year, he launched
consciousevolutionmovement.com, a website where people can file their petitions. He was also at Cubbon Park with a big banner, asking for votes on two issues — ensuring wall climbers on Metro rail pillars and urging manufactures to produce non-polluting autorickshaws.

This year, Vivian is still on the same campaign but has some interesting observations: “A majority of those who voted and even volunteered for these issues are students. We got the maximum response to wall climbers campaign. Many college students supported the introduction of non-polluting autorickshaw or even replacing them immediately.’’

Following public demand, recently he added three other issues. These include education minister raising enough funds to educate every under-privileged child and the government mass producing solar panels (photovoltaics) and introducing compulsory lane discipline on Old Airport Road, Richmond Road and Kasturba Road with extra space for bus stops to engage flow of regular traffic and even extending to MG Road once the Metro rail work is completed. He plans to include five more issues.

He’ll take these votes and messages to officials and agencies. “These are small steps and ideas. Those who’ve stayed in Bangalore for a long time know that pillars left alone will soon be plastered with billboards and posters. I’m aware that development must take place but we must realize that we need to tackle these issues at some point. I’ve just made a start’’ he says, and is quite confident of bringing about change.

Thank you!