Pillars of Bengaluru: A Heartfelt Tribute to Everyday Champions
Biocon Foundation’s unique public art project transforms the space under the elevated corridor of the Biocon-Hebbagodi Metro Station
When you close your eyes and try to picture the roads of Bengaluru, what do you see? Do you see a traffic policeman frantically waving his hands, signalling vehicles to keep moving? Do you see an IT executive on her way to work, her eyes fixed firmly on the traffic policeman, her hands impatient to restart her car? Do you see a flower seller running up to the IT executive, wearing her flowers in her hair and a smile on her lips?
The traffic policeman, the IT executive, the flower seller and countless other people, who have made Bengaluru their home and workplace, are the ones that keep the city’s heart beating. They are the ‘pillars of Bengaluru’ that Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Biocon Group, is celebrating through a unique initiative for Bengaluru Metro, supported by Biocon, Biocon Biologics, and Syngene.
Pillars of Bengaluru – Celebrating Everyday Championsembellishes the space under the elevated metro corridor of the Biocon-Hebbagodi Metro Station with pier wall paintings portraying Channapatna dolls representing people from various walks of life. In collaboration with the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, over 50 Metro pillars running between Huskur Gate and Biocon Hebbagodi Metro Station have transformed into vibrant canvases adorned with Channapatna art.
The murals weave a vivid tapestry of the professions that keep the city running. Flower sellers, electricians, tailors, cobblers, doctors, nurses, cops, musicians, research scientists, IT professionals and aerospace engineers — these everyday champions are brought to life and celebrated in stunning visuals.
This transformation also serves as a poignant reminder that Bengaluru’s essence lies not just in its infrastructure or technological advancements but in its people who have built this city. Through their hard work and dedication, they are the ones who shape the identity of this thriving metropolis and help it grow.
The art installation is complemented by Biocon Foundation’s substantial Rs 650 million (Rs 65 crore) investment since 2020 in the Hebbagodi Metro station. This contribution enables the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited to build a future of sustainable urban mobility for Bengaluru.
“The ‘Pillars of Bengaluru’ project is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our city. It reminds us that a city’s true strength lies not in its infrastructure, but in the diverse individuals who bring it to life. By celebrating the everyday champions who shape Bengaluru, we honor the true essence of our community. This initiative not only beautifies our urban landscape but also ignites a sense of pride and belonging among residents. As someone who has seen this city grow and thrive, I am deeply moved by the stories of these unsung champions, and these pillars make me very proud.”
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Executive Chairperson
Celebrating a colourful cultural heritage
The Pillars of Bengaluru paintings have breathed new life and colour into the concrete space, but that’s not their only purpose. The broader vision behind the project is to showcase local art and give it the attention it deserves. And there is no better way to do it than with Channapatna dolls, which truly represent Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage.
Made in the Channapatna town in Karnataka’s Ramanagara district, these dolls can be traced back to Tipu Sultan’s reign in the 18th century. According to legend, the ruler of Mysore invited Persian artists to train locals in toy-making. Since then, the families of Channapatna have kept this craftsmanship alive, and it has evolved into a striking symbol of Karnataka’s artisanal tradition. In 2005, Channapatna dolls got a Geographical Indication tag, which certifies that these toys originate from this town alone.
Handcrafted using age-old techniques handed down through generations, each toy is one-of-a-kind. The toys also embody eco-friendly principles, aligning with Biocon’s steadfast commitment to sustainability. They are made from ivory wood, sourced from managed forests, and finished with non-toxic vegetable dyes that ensure they are safe for children. They are also durable, designed to last for generations, which minimizes waste.
“‘Pillars of Bengaluru’ is a unique public art project that blends Karnataka’s historical identity with the essence of modern existence. By bringing traditional Channapatna art into the urban landscape through Metro Pillars, it creates a bridge between the past and the present. Through this project, Biocon Group Companies express their gratitude towards people who make the city. This fusion of traditional and contemporary elements reflects the dynamic nature of Bengaluru, a city that seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modernity.”
Seema Ahuja Global Head of communications & Corporate Brand, Biocon Group
Bridging the Past and the Present
This unique public art project blends Karnataka’s historical identity with the essence of modern existence. By bringing traditional Channapatna art into the urban landscape, it creates a bridge between the past and the present. This fusion of traditional and contemporary elements reflects the dynamic nature of Bengaluru, a city that seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modernity.
Bengaluru is a melting pot of cultures, professions, and backgrounds. The Pillars of Bengaluru project showcases this diversity by celebrating individuals who contribute in various ways in sustaining the city. Whether it’s caring, nourishing, embellishing, building, or safeguarding the city, each role is essential in maintaining the delicate balance that makes Bengaluru unique.
“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.”
Dr Anupama Shetty Mission Director, Biocon Foundation
A Vision for the Future
Art has the power to transform urban spaces, celebrate communities, and inspire positive change. The Pillars of Bengaluru project is a testament to this power. It is also a vision for the future of urban spaces, a model for urban transformationthat can be replicated in other cities around the world.
The initiative embodies Biocon Foundation’s continuous commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact on the communities it serves. It’s a shining example of how corporate social responsibility can go beyond traditional philanthropy to create innovative and meaningful initiatives that benefit the society as a whole.
This is not just art for art’s sake; it’s art with a purpose.
A Blog by Biocon 