By the SENIORS for the PUBLIC - ANANDAVANA

A long stretch of tall trees, unkempt rock benches, and muddy paths, aptly named Miniforest is located in JP Nagar 3rd phase. It consists of 3 blocks. All are lined with beautiful majestic trees planted ages back when this part of JP Nagar was still a remote area and not many frequented these lovely woods. As the surrounding areas saw phases of developments the Miniforest also underwent few changes. But the 3rd block of the Miniforest saw drastic change. This modification was not done overnight. This was possible due to the combined efforts of a group of senior citizens who took small steps of progress with lot of vigor and enthusiasm. This task is even more commendable since it was done voluntarily without any interference from the government.
Firstly the mud path was transformed into a neat walking track with well maintained lawn, plants and of course the trees throughout. Cement benches was placed at convenient locations. With the aid of few corporate companies (which are coincidently located at the vicinity of the park) a kid’s play area was also included in this well planned forest turned park which was christened as “ANANDAVANA” (Park of happiness).
Some of the unique features of this park are:

• Writing boards where thoughts, general knowledge information, announcements, etc. are written on daily basis
• Granite laid corner dedicated for doing pranayama and meditation known as “Yoga Kendra”
• A corner dedicated for cardio exercises with few gym equipments to use
• Supply of various news dailies to engage the people at the “chat corner”
• Drinking water
• Tall lamps laid at regular intervals throughout the park which is switched on till the wee hours of night aiding people to enjoy their post dinner walk
• The entrance of the park is lighted attractively in a arch format
• Latest addition are speakers installed at regular intervals in the park which plays soft, soothing music in the mornings and evenings making the visit to this park a rejuvenating experience

Apart from these features the senior citizens who maintain this park with great love and care have also been organizing cultural evenings once in a month at the “Yoga Kendra”. Famous artists like Sangeeta Katti have graced this place to perform. Usually this is held during the Sundays for around 2hrs with a good turnaround of people to enjoy the concert. Some people sponsor coffee and biscuits voluntarily during these shows.
Even activities like free medical checkups, sale of literary books and handouts are undertaken here. This park serves many purposes for people of all age groups. Working people in the vicinity of the park frequent here to take a break from their hectic schedule or simply stroll around after the heavy lunch, elderly people visit for walk and catch up with their buddies, kids enjoy playing in the merry-go-round, swing and slide , ladies of course indulge in gossip along with their evening walk. To add some glamour, celebrities like Girish Karnad also frequent this park at times.
To make all this happen was not a smooth ride for the group. They had to face some hurdles and are still facing whenever something new has to be incorporated. But they never feared or retraced their steps back, instead went ahead with determination to make whatever they aspired happen and are still going strong in this path. The public also has joined hands in small way by contributing whatever they can on monthly basis voluntarily for the development of this park.
Hats-off to this group of senior citizens who are striving hard everyday to maintain the cleanliness, discipline and beauty of this park with lots of concern and dedication. True to its name it is a pleasure to unwind at “ANANDAVANA”, gazing at the greenery and listening to the gentle music and twittering of birds.