Unique Designs using Channapatna Art Developed for over 50 Metro Pillars
Celebrating the ‘People Who Shape Bengaluru’
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: February 11, 2025:
Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Biocon Group, has implemented a unique public art project to honor the everyday champions of Bengaluru. Over 50 Metro pillars running between Huskur Gate and Biocon Hebbagodi Metro Station have been adorned with vibrant Channapatna art. This initiative, titled ‘Pillars of Bengaluru – Celebrating Everyday Champions,’ features unique designs that portray people of Bengaluru from various walks of life such as flower sellers, electricians, tailors, cobblers, doctors, nurses, musicians, research scientists, IT Professionals, aerospace engineers and many more, who shape the city.
The ‘Pillars of Bengaluru’ project has transformed the space under the elevated Metro corridor on Hosur Road near Electronic City into a vibrant cultural space. This project serves as a reminder of the fact that a city’s essence lies in its people, not just in its infrastructure or technological advancements. Without diverse working professionals, Bengaluru city can not function and will probably lose its soul and identity. The project showcases Bengaluru’s diversity by celebrating individuals who contribute in Caring, Nourishing, Embellishing, Moving, Building, and Safeguarding the city. The project highlights the essential roles these everyday champions play, forming the critical pillars of the city.
Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, “Our project ‘Pillars of Bengaluru’ is a one-of-a-kind initiative that has transformed the Metro corridor between Huskur Gate and Biocon Hebbagodi into a vibrant landscape. By transforming a functional urban space into a cultural showcase, the project invokes a sense of pride and connection among citizens while offering a visually enriching experience to commuters and passersby. This artistic endeavor re-imagines over 50 metro pillars as colorful canvases that celebrate the true spirit of Bengaluru by depicting the everyday champions who form the backbone of the city. From street vendors and auto drivers to tech professionals and artists, these illustrations bring to life the diverse community that gives Bengaluru its unique identity. The project pays tribute to such unsung individuals.”
The ‘Pillars of Bengaluru’ project executed by Biocon Foundation is a CSR initiative of Biocon Group supported by Biocon, Biocon Biologics, and Syngene.
This is in addition to the contribution of Rs. 650 million (Rs. 65 crore) towards the construction of the Hebbagodi Metro station, given to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), by Biocon Foundation since 2020, in order to promote Sustainable Urban Mobility for the people of Bengaluru. The Biocon-Hebbagodi Metro Station is part of the elevated 18.82-km Yellow Line linking R.V. Road with Bommasandra.
The Metro connectivity would provide a sustainable and efficient mode of transport for commuters, reducing traffic congestion on Hosur Road and helping lower the environmental impact from vehicular pollution.
BMRCL, a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka, is responsible for implementing and operating the Bangalore Metro Rail Project.
The Foundation had engaged Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology (SMI), to develop the concept and unique designs for metro pillars.
Biocon Group though its CSR arm Biocon Foundation has been working in the areas – civic infrastructure, education, healthcare, environment, rural development, safety of women and children, and art & culture promoting social and economic inclusion.
About Biocon Foundation:
Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Biocon, Biocon Biologics and Syngene International, has been working to empower marginalized communities since 2005. Biocon Foundation partners with society to promote social and economic inclusion.
It has thus made significant investments in enhancing access to quality healthcare, education, and civic infrastructure along with environmental sustainability projects. Combined with field initiatives, these programs create momentum to elevate the marginalized sections of society.
Over the years, Biocon Foundation has built a strong reputation for the quality of its programs and their impact in addressing the social, humanitarian, and environmental challenges facing India. To make a more meaningful impact, the Foundation regularly partners with government agencies and like-minded organizations for program delivery. Besides addressing critical national and state level challenges in primary healthcare, education and rural development, the Foundation is also augmenting environmental sustainability through the lake revival mission in Bengaluru.
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