Ravichandar V: The Civic Evangelist Who Shaped Bengaluru's Cultural Soul
If you have ever spent a vibrant day at a literature festival, discovered an emerging artist at a cultural hub, or felt the city's pulse slow down during a community gathering, there is a strong possibility that Ravichandar V played a pivotal role in creating that experience. A corporate professional who transformed into a full-time civic evangelist, this 68-year-old visionary has dedicated the past quarter-century to meticulously sculpting Bengaluru's cultural landscape. In an exclusive conversation, he shares insights about the Bengaluru of his youth, the metropolis he helped cultivate, and the legacy he hopes future generations will cherish.
Earliest Memories: The Classic Bengaluru Days
"What is your earliest memory of Bengaluru?" we asked. Ravichandar responded, "I have been living in Bengaluru since 1969. Our family resided in Hanumanth Nagar initially, then moved to Chamarajpet. Later, in the early 1980s, when I began my professional career, I fondly recall riding my bicycle to Nandi Hills with colleagues and spending leisurely evenings at ice cream parlors. Those were truly classic Bengaluru days."
From Corporate Life to Civic Transformation
The evolution of his relationship with the city marks a significant transition. "Until the year 2000, I was simply another resident of Bengaluru," he explained. "That changed dramatically when I joined the Bangalore Agenda Task Force. Within just one month, I recognized the immense potential of collaborating with the government and the substantial scale of change that could be achieved. It proved far more exhilarating than my corporate career. Soon, I became deeply immersed in shaping the city's future."
The Shift to Arts and Culture
Around 2010, Ravichandar pivoted toward arts and culture. He clarified, "I realized that success rates in governmental projects are often low, and even when initiatives do succeed, they typically require many years. I sought domains where I could operate more swiftly. Arts and culture provided that essential freedom. While I am not an art expert, I passionately enjoy enabling creative endeavors to flourish. This inclination traces back to my college days when I organized festivals and debates."
Birth of Iconic Festivals: Bengaluru Literature Festival and BLR Hubba
The inception of festivals like the Bengaluru Literature Festival and BLR Hubba illustrates his impactful work. "The literature festival commenced around 2012," he recounted. "I assisted in fundraising and managing it annually. Today, it stands as India's largest community-funded literature festival. BLR Hubba emerged later, partly inspired by global celebrations. The core concept was to craft a festival that attracts people into public spaces. Witnessing strangers arrive, participate, and derive joy gives me immense satisfaction."
The Vital Role of Arts in Urban Life
Ravichandar emphasized the critical importance of art and culture in animating a city. "Arts and culture foster shared experiences," he stated. "In today's screen-obsessed world, these spaces reconnect us with our humanity. They also play a significant role in enhancing mental well-being."
Bengaluru's Unique Character Among Metros
What distinguishes Bengaluru from other metropolitan cities? "Bengaluru has always possessed a distinct openness and informality," he observed. "People migrate here from diverse regions, and the city seamlessly absorbs them. It boasts a robust tech culture, yet simultaneously harbors a profound undercurrent of art, music, theater, and literature. This combination is truly unique."
Transforming Perceptions of Public Spaces
Festivals like BLR Hubba have revolutionized how public spaces are perceived. "They have demonstrated that public spaces can be joyful, safe, and inclusive," he noted. "When thousands congregate at an open venue for a cultural event, it fundamentally alters the perception of that space."
Creating Sabha: A Modern Cultural Hub
Ravichandar also spearheaded the creation of Sabha, a contemporary cultural space. "Sabha represented our personal investment in the city's cultural vitality," he explained. "It showcases how one can honor the past while making it relevant with modern amenities like advanced lighting, sound systems, and air-conditioning. What excites me most is that it has organically evolved into a hangout for younger generations. More than the physical structure, people define Sabha by the activities that occur there. It has become the next cool destination, precisely as we envisioned."
Engaging Younger Bengalureans
How are younger residents interacting with the city? "Young people do not visit a place merely because it is labeled cultural—they come because it feels authentic and cool," he said. "At BIC, audiences once predominantly comprised individuals over 50. We intentionally worked to attract younger attendees. At Sabha, I now observe numerous Gen Z visitors. They discover spaces through Instagram, friends, and overall vibe. They are irreverent and outspoken, yet they inject tremendous energy. It represents a different form of engagement, and it is incredibly exciting."
Corporate Lessons for Urban Governance
Drawing from his corporate background, Ravichandar highlighted what cities can learn from the private sector. "The private sector teaches valuable lessons about outcomes, incentives, and scale," he asserted. "There exists a clear connection between performance and rewards. Additionally, there is flexibility and innovation in overcoming obstacles. In government, systems are often siloed and process-oriented. Cities necessitate stronger collaboration among government entities, the private sector, civil society, and citizens. That is where meaningful, transformative change genuinely occurs."
Reflecting on personal memories, he added, "My strongest recollections involve cycling all the way to Majestic. There were days when I would watch three or four movies consecutively on Kempegowda Road and then pedal back home."
