Bengaluru 2040 Summit highlights: City can be infrastructurally more welcoming to film industry, observes Samyukta Hornad

Check out the schedule of speakers

'It's about building something world-beating,' TPML CEO Shankar kicks off event

Sitaraman Shankar, CEO, TPML & Editor, Deccan Herald started the event by cementing why the city is more than a pensioner's paradise lost. He also shared some quick facts about Bengaluru.

- The city quadrupled in size over a three-decade period starting 1979 and an economic boom resulted in encroachments on water bodies and building over drainage.

- Only 20 out of 204 lakes in the city are free of encroachment now. Concrete covers more than 80% of Bengaluru compared with 8% fifty years ago.

- 1,500 vehicles will be added to its roads today, when you are here (while the 38 trees are being cut) -- or at least that's the average over the past decade. There's almost one vehicle per head in the city.

- To continue a litany of complaints, there is no city master plan, no elected local corporation since 2019 and not one km out of the 11,280 across the city that is pothole or problem free.

On the flipside, Bengaluru remains a 'city of ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship, of more greenery than many others, of great food and sport, and of weather to die for.'

- This is a city with a GDP of $110 billion, the same as Belgium, and a population similar to a small European country. By Indian standards, it is a rich city.

- 15% of the state's population drives 40% of state GDP, which is why it is a magnet for people from all parts.

- The city accounts for 40% of India's unicorns, and there are parts of the city you can't navigate without bumping into a billionaire.

- The cultural scene is vibrant, Bengaluru can lay claim to be the future food capital of India, and it produces brilliant sportspeople on a routine basis.

Doctors will still be around, directing AI for wellness, than to treat illness, says Chairman of Manipal Hospitals Dr Ballal

In his keynote address, he noted that healthcare is not moving at the same pace as other technological advancements, positing that soon brick-and-mortar hospitals will make way for AI-driven healthcare solutions.

How healthcare will shift

AI-driven monitoring will change the game, Dr Ballal explained in his address, noting how implants soon might feed data directly to a device after monitoring an individual's parameters, which might go on to help quicker detection and remedial cure.

Bengaluru is a global international city, says D K Shivakumar in video interview

- Compared to other parts of India, the technology and culture has attracted people from all over the world.

- The city has taken a major leap when it comes to healthcare.

- Bengaluru is not a well-planned city like Chandigarh or Delhi, but the citizens are giving a lot of taxes to the Central and State government.

On commute, DKS says that improving the metro line is one option and the other is to focus on developing satellite towns along the city.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken the stage at Bengaluru Summit 2040.

CM Siddaramaiah

Deccan Herald and Prajavani have their roots in Bengaluru and have been the consience-keepers of society for decades: CM Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru deserves our utmost attention. It is a city of development: CM

Infrastructure, economy, and amenities are our main goals for the development of Bengaluru, the CM says.

The corporates and every stake holder of Bengaluru should make their contributions to our city.

Our vision is comprehensive and holistic, looking after the betterment of every citizen of the city, CM says at Bengaluru 2040.

Public healthcare is a top priority for the government: CM

The CM also highlighted the Indira canteen as one of the policies benefitting the city.

Development is not about the money we spent, it is about the conscience and collaborative efforts, innovative solutions that will help in the development of the city.

I'm sure this summit will discuss the different issues the city is facing: CM Siddaramaiah

The CM also said that he will be looking forward to the matters discussed in Bengaluru 2040 and assured that his government will look into them.

Session on 'Bengaluru as the World's Tech Lab' to start shortly

Panelists: Priyank Kharge, Karnataka IT/BT Minister | Sunil Kumar Gupta, CEO, QNu Labs | Madan Padaki, Entrepreneur | Manu Saale, MD, MBRDI

Session on 'Bengaluru as the World's Tech Lab' starts

Tech plays a major role in how Bengaluru ticks. It is one of the top five tech cities in the world: Manu Saale, MD, MBRDI

Bengaluru is just not a city of entepreneurship, it has a spirit of entrepreneurship: Madan Padaki

Students from a Belagavi school built a light writer pen. The confidence that they have in developing and presenting their work is what the spirit of entrepreneurship is about, Padaki says.

Bengaluru was built by Kempegowda as a trade hub: Priyank Kharge

The government of Karnataka is firmly kindling the spirit of entrepreneurship by supporting incubation, research: Priyank Kharge

The govt of Karnataka has given grants to around 900 startups, the minister says.

Kharge said the talent of people living in the city is what has made the city a tech hub.

One-third of all tech talents in the country land up in Bengaluru: Priyank Kharge

In accordance to the policy of Beyond Bengaluru, the govt is trying to spread out the tech industry to other parts of the state like Belagavi: Priyank Kharge

-Mysuru is emerging as a GCC hub and cybersecurity hub. The right kind of training is needed to nurture talent, the minister said.

-Covid has allowed people to reskill and relearn, he further added.

If Mercedes wants 500 people for tech jobs, we shall be happy to train them, Kharge says

Sunil Kumar Gupta, CEO, QNu Labs, says he decided to start his business in Bengaluru because the city is abound with talented individuals.

-Despite others suggesting US as the place to start as a quantum computing company, but we decided to stick to Bengaluru: Gupta

Bengaluru is a place that makes you have big dreams: Sunil Kumar Gupta

-The beauty of Bengaluru is its ecosystem. It helps you connect with the right people, Gupta said.

-A lot of good universities have physics students, whom we were able to employ for QNu Labs, Gupta further added.

24.3 per cent of the world's total workforce will have Indian talent in the coming five to six years: Priyank Kharge.

During my US visit, a number of business professionals told me that we are looking at India for talent. And when we are looking at India, we are looking at Karnataka: Priyank Kharge

Madan Padaki says Bengaluru will start inventing new tech for the world

In the early 2000s it was for US but built by Bengaluru

In the post Covid world, it will be built for Bengaluru, but built in Belagavi, Padaki said.

Push the envelope for decentralised model of entrepreneurship instead of just making Bengaluru the central, Padaki says

The critical solution-oriented environment of the city also has a lot to do with the city's infrastructure: Manu Saale, MD, MBRDI

We are way ahead of other states when it comes to digital infra: Priyank Kharge

Digital infra is always a work in progress since technology keeps changing, Priyank Kharge says. All the panchayats are connected with WiFi and last-mile connectivity, Kharge says.

Cybersecurity and forensics are also among aspects the govt is looking into, Kharge says.

We are not competing with Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh. We are competing with China: Priyank Kharge

Need to engage with private sector more to understand how we can boost digital infra, the minister further added.

The emergence of a huge number of angel investors is helping startups: Madan Padaki

Govt initiatives help investors look at the startups in a more serious way. Good startups and good entrepreneurs will always find investment in Bengaluru, Padaki further added.

If you give right education, skill set, support incubation, bring in centres of excellence for developing entrepreneurship, then only there will be innovation: Priyank Kharge

'Elevate', 'Unnati', 'Elevate Women' are some of the initiatives launched by the govt to boost the tech industry, Kharge says, adding that the former is doing everything to ensure the industry spreads to other parts of Karnataka.

The panelists were handed mementos at the end of the event.

'Balancing Commercial and Public Interests: Strategies for sustainably developing Bengaluru' begins

Panelists: HC Kishore Chandra, Chairman, RERA | Rakesh Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, UDD | Mallanna Sasalu, CEO, Provident Housing | Rajat Rastogi, CEO, West & Commercial Assets Pan India

We had plans to make some integrated cities of Karnataka, and one happens to be near Bengaluru, Rakesh Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, UDD says

There will be a satellite town in which the mainstay will be commercial, but residential hubs and other infra will be built as well, Singh said.

Mallanna Sasalu, CEO, Provident Housing, says developers are often blamed for problems in the city, but such is not always the case.

Sasalu lists the number of factors that have to be kept in consideration while going ahead with developmental work, like environmental issues and other governmental norms.

There should be coornation among the govt and private sector in order to develop Bengaluru in a better way, Sasalu says

HC Kishore Chandra, Chairman, RERA says Bengaluru developed quickly because of a lot of fly-by developers.

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) has to ensure the customer is protected, and also see the property is handed over to the consumer on time: Chandra

Rakesh Singh says population growth in the city has shot up the requirement of water

Stormwater drains have been an issue, but World Bank is lending money for their development. Paperwork is done, it should soon be translated into action, Singh further adds.

There will always be pressure on the city since the population of the city is increasing at a huge pace: Mallanna Sasalu

We have to follow the contours of the city when trying to deal with the water issues. Dealing with wastewater and storm water is needed, Sasalu further added.

Unless a project is registered in RERA, there can be a punishment of three years' imprisonment: HC Kishore Chandra, Chairman, RERA

After RERA has come, builders ensure they only make promises they can deliver upon, Chandra further adds.

Have zeroed in on land for four gardens in the four corners of Bengaluru: Singh

He further added that the idea is to develop more green patches in the city.

Mallanna Sasalu, CEO, Provident Housing says Lok Adalats have helped solve a lot of problems between developers and customers.

Guests were presented with caricatures at the end of the session

Air, Water, and Infrastructure: Can Bengaluru set an example in climate resilience?

In this climate panel, we have Harini Nagendra, ecologist, Aromar Revi, author, HS Sudhira, Director, Gubbi Labs, and Tushar Giri Nath, BBMP Commissioner.

Multiple tipping points headed if we don't act on climate change, warns ecologist Harini Nagendra

Dependence on Cauvery as sole source of water is a matter of great concern, says BBMP Commissioner

He added that alternatives are being considered and Shivamogga is one possible option. The Commissioner went on to say that the citizens are also not doing their bit to treat water.

Have plans but need support of citizens, BBMP Commissioner

Once citizens see what their money is getting, maybe they will be more amenable to paying taxes, the Commissioner mused, again confirming that the BBMP has plans in place to tackle climate-related issues, but needs the support of the city's people.

Move to carbon-negative infrastructure a must, says author Aromar Revi

Having overshot the 1.5 degree Celsius benchmark, it is imperative that a carbon-negative infrastructure is achieved to offset this, he noted.

Cliamte panel takeaways

- Bengaluru needs to build on its existing culture - Aromar Revi, author

- Bengaluru needs to keep its ecological system at the centre - Harini Nagendra, ecologist

- Need new city planning act, where climate change and other issues are addressed - HS Sudhira, Director, Gubbi Labs

Dr. Pravin Godkhindi, Flautist, Composer & Innovater in action

Education panel to start speaking shortly

What's on the agenda - Innovation and Accessibility: Bengaluru as a premier destination for higher education

Speakers - Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM-B | Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc | Nigam Nuggehalli, Registrar, NLSIU

Moderator - Kavita Gupta

Good start, still some ways to go, says IIM-B Director, Rishikesha T Krishnan on education in the city

We have students from across India, but will try to get students from across the world as well, says Nigam Nuggehalli, Registrar, NLSIU

He was addressing the impact of globalisation on education.

NEP has a good roadmap in terms of interdisciplinarity, says Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc

You need teachers who try to approach interdisciplinarity with the students, not just to check boxes: Nigam Nuggehalli, Registrar, NLSIU

Given India's aspirations today, there aren't adequate quality higher education institutions: IIM-B Director, Rishikesha T Krishnan

The Teen Dream: Bengaluru in 2040, a presentation by students of EuroSchool begins

Students of the 10th standard from EuroSchool share their vision for the development of Bengaluru. They play three different women who speak of what changes each of them would like to see in the city to make it a home for people of all ages.

The students highlighted the exponential growth of Karnataka's GDP in the last ten years, and said that this means the government is capable of making the changes that wil make Bengaluru a dream city to live in by 2040.

Session on 'Making Bengaluru India's Sports Capital' set to begin soon

Rushdee Warley, CEO, JSW's Inspire Institute of Sports | Gaurav Manchanda, CEO, FC Bengaluru United | Arjun Halappa, former Indian hockey player | Deepthi Bopaiah, Moderator

Rushdee Warley says he's fortunate tobe a part of Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra's journey

Warley said his company focuses on wholesome progress of athletes, including education. "We have the flexibility to create the right circumstance where they can play and also get education."

Warley pointed out that his company is currently helping around 19 athletes in Karnataka. Boxing, wrestling, and athletics have seen growth in Karnataka in the recent years, he added.

Gaurav Manchanda, CEO, FC Bengaluru United speaks on the collaboration between La Liga club Sevilla and his club

A football hackathon organised by the two clubs has brought forward a number of talents. It comes down to your passion for the sport: Manchanda

Indian football has a long history, have to keep building on that and generate new talent. We need a consistent pipeline of talent and heroes whom kids can look up to: Manchanda

He was speaking on why European football has more takers than Indian football.

In the last decade, every athlete said they just wanted to go to the Olympics, now they say they want to win a medal at the event: Deepthi Bopaiah

When I started my journey, we got Rs 700 per day. Now, there is a lot of changes in food, accomodation, travelling, and other aspects. I want my academy to be successful where more corporates come forward to donate. We want to see athletes coming out of our institutions and representing the state or the country: Arjun Halappa

If you look at the recent successes in India, particularly in the Olympics, a lot of women are bringing laurels to the country. 45:55 ratio of girls to boys is still seen in sports in the country. You also have to start looking at the support staff, and coaches: Rushdee Warley

Bengaluru's infra and weather are good for sports. We look forward to the development of infra through public-private partnerships. We have to make sure all aspects align for the development to be smoother: Gaurav Manchanda

The government as well as a number of private sectors and institutions are coming in to help sportspersons in the state now: Halappa

If you want to create a world-class environment for sports in the city, all stakeholders have to come together. This has to be across all sectors. If you want to create a culture of sports in the city, it has to start with education. Have to ensure we create a sustainable model where everyone has a common vision: Rushdee Warley

Would like to create sports centres in every city if we have the budget, which allows you to have a huge pool of talented athletes and will also create a culture of sports in Bengaluru: Rushdee Warley

Session on 'Towards a Healthy Bengaluru with the Gentle Magic of Tai Chi' to begin soon

Speaker: ShiFu Avinash, Tai Chi Master

Tai Chi gives you absolute balance. You can do it at 18 or 90: ShiFu Avinash

If you can control your 'Pranik force', you will be able to control most ailments, ShiFu Avinash says.

ShiFu Avinash demonstrates Tai Chi with his students

A memento for ShiFu Avinash, presented by Pulkit Gupta, Senior News Editor, Deccan Herald

Coming up: Shaping the Dining of the Future

Panelists: Chef Regi Mathew, Co-Founder & Chief Patron, Kappa Chakka Kandhari | Chef Johnson Ebenezer, Founder, Farmlore | Arun Adiga, Managing Partner, Vidyarthi Bhavan

Moderator: Ranjini Rao

Change is the only thing that's constant: Chef Johnson Ebenezer, Founder, Farmlore

He explained that as food entrepreneurs one needs to keep the food trendy while ensuring the 'soul' remains intact.

Sustainability can start with reducing food waste: Arun Adiga, Managing Partner, Vidyarthi Bhavan

He went on to explain how food has evolved from satiating hunger to becoming a social phenomenon that can help connect people.

Sustainability in terms of packaging and food waste should be the two main points of focus.

Businesses are not solely responsible, he continued, looking to the government for support in the matter.

Govt should have subsidy so biodegradable packaging is affordable: Arun Adiga, Managing Partner, Vidyarthi Bhavan

Entire restaurant industry needs to go more ethical, says Farmlore founder Chef Johnson Ebenezer

He mentioned power consumption as one of the issues, noting that Farmlore opts for solar power.

The chef also mentioned how perspectives changed during Covid. "I am thankful to Covid," the Farmlore founder observed.

Take what you need, don't hoard or waste, suggests Chef Regi Mathew, Kappa Chakka Kandhari co-founder

He was making a point about sustainability at the 'Shaping the Dining of the Future' panel.

From bread to bread upma is one of the many ways our mothers ensured no food was wasted, the chef observed.

Restaurants and entrepreneurs need to share data knowledge to avoid food wastage, says Arun Adiga, Managing Partner, Vidyarthi Bhavan

Buffets waste a lot of food, thali system helps save food; our roots have the answers: Farmlore founder Chef Johnson Ebenezer

He added that western influences on Indian cooking culture has led to a lot of such issues, including non-seasonal cooking.

Congratulations to the Flash Film Challenge winners!

Some snaps from their felicitation - the second and first prize winners are seen here

Coming up: Emergence of a New Bengaluru Cinema

Speakers: Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, Director | Chaithra J Achar, Actress | Samyukta Hornad, Actress

Moderator: SR Ramakrishna

Audience needs to develop a larger palate for all kinds of films: Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, director

We don't see real people represented in our films anymore: Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, director

The director noted the paucity in character depth in recent cinema with stereotypical heroes and antagonists, which ends up restricting characters in set boxes, not giving them the necessary colour or richness which the director grew up watching.

In Kannada films, there's a lot happening for women characters: Actor Samyukta Hornad

She went on to explain that even in the role of the girl-next-door who falls in love, the women character are portrayed as working people. The treatment is not black and white, she noted, adding "I love it."

While the city is changing, how we feel has stayed the same: Actor Chaithra J Achar

She was responding to a question of whether recent movies showing Bengaluru has focused on the underbelly of the city and brought out 'edgy' elements, à la Wong Kar Wai's Chungking Express.

Film industry far more organised in Mumbai: Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, director

Aspects of the industry like casting is much more organised, granting more accessibility to actors to try out for roles. The industry is here is very nascent, the director observed, and it can be much more organised.

Opportunities in Mumbai are far greater in terms of magnitude and budget.

Infrastructurally Bengaluru can be much more welcoming to the film industry: Actor Samyukta Hornad

She noted that it would generate a lot more employment and that with Bengaluru's fantastic weather, it would be much better to shoot in the city.

Every film is now a pan-India film, claims actor Samyukta Hornad

It came up when asked about the future of Bengaluru movies.

The 2040 summit ends with the Vote of Thanks by KV Subramanya, Associate Editor, Deccan Herald

That's a wrap, see you at the fourth edition of Bengaluru 2040 Summit.