In Bengaluru, the simple act of running is being transformed into a powerful social glue, fostering deep connections and community spirit. More residents are lacing up their shoes not just for fitness, but for the unique conversations and camaraderie found on the move, a trend now popularly known as 'runversations'. This shift highlights a growing desire for meaningful, shared experiences beyond the digital screen.
The BHUKMP Running Collective: Camaraderie on the Move
At the heart of this movement are groups like BHUKMP, one of the city's prominent long-distance running communities. The name itself is an acronym derived from major marathon events: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ultra, Kaveri Trail, Mumbai, and Puducherry. The group exemplifies how shared goals can build strong social bonds.
Every Saturday morning, members gather for a two-and-a-half-hour run, starting and ending at the iconic Cubbon Park. This weekly ritual, fondly called 'Dandi', allows runners to join at various points along the route, making it flexible and inclusive. Milind Chalisgaonkar, a 60-year-old member, explains that the runs are just the beginning. The real connection happens afterwards, often over breakfast, which serves as a time to celebrate personal milestones. "Two days ago, we met at a microbrewery for lunch," Chalisgaonkar shares, highlighting the social dimension. Coordination for the free-to-join group happens seamlessly on WhatsApp, where a variety of topics are discussed, strengthening the community fabric.
Community Celebrations and Cultural Tributes
This ethos of community extends beyond running tracks. The Embassy Lake Terraces (ELT) residential complex recently ushered in the New Year with a landmark celebration that mirrored this collective spirit. Planned by the Embassy Lake Terraces Apartment Owners Association (ELTAOA), the event featured a live band from Goa, a top DJ, and premium food and beverage offerings, transforming the central lawns into a vibrant celebration space.
Juggy Marwaha, a management committee member, captured the sentiment, stating, "At Embassy Lake Terraces, we believe that true luxury today goes beyond homes—it’s about experiences that bring people together." The event was a testament to the pride and collaborative spirit of a close-knit community.
Parallelly, Bengaluru's cultural heart paid homage to its literary giant. On December 29, the 122nd birth anniversary of poet laureate Kuvempu was celebrated as Vishwamanava Day. Beetle Book Shop in Vijaynagar marked the occasion with a special lecture and the launch of the second edition of 'Hosa Odugarige Kuvempu' (Kuvempu for New Age Readers), a collection of essays by KV Narayana. Writer-translator Vanamala Viswanath, known for translating Kuvempu's 'Malegalalli Madumagalu', shared her insights, while linguist-critic KV Narayana delivered a lecture on Kuvempu's play 'Bommanahalliya Kindarijogi', ensuring the legendary writer's legacy continues to inspire.
The Bigger Picture: Shared Experiences Define the New Urban Life
The common thread weaving through these stories—from running paths to residential lawns and book shops—is the undeniable human need for connection. In a fast-paced metropolis like Bengaluru, people are consciously creating pockets of community. Whether it's through the shared struggle and triumph of a long run, the collective joy of a celebration, or the shared reverence for cultural heritage, these activities are redefining urban lifestyle. They move beyond transactional interactions, building networks of support, friendship, and shared identity, proving that the city's soul thrives in its communities.
