Ravichandra V played a major role in the construction of Bangalore International
Center or Bic At the grassroots level, a space for key intellectual engagements. In a conversation with TOI, he elaborates on the journey of BIC, the challenges faced during its founding phase, the vision behind building a core team and how BIC has become a template for success.
How did you find yourself leading the project to develop the BIC?
In the year 2005, it was originated. Bangalore International Centre (BIC) was inspired by TERI (The Energy Resources Institute), which opened its Bengaluru office.For almost 14 years from 2005 to 2019, BIC operated Terry About five to six events are held every month at the Teri Auditorium in Domlur. The inspiration behind BIC came from the fact that Indian International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, the key persons involved in its establishment were senior members of IIC. They believed that it would be beneficial to set up a similar institution in Bengaluru, thereby promoting intellectual exchange and community engagement. The main idea behind BIC was to provide people a platform where they could discuss a variety of topics, including current affairs, history, politics, travel, wildlife and more. Although the concept of BIC began in 2005, it really flourished from 2019, when it moved into its new building spread across 50,000 square feet.
Can you elaborate on some of the major obstacles you faced along the way?
The biggest hurdle we faced was a legal dispute that arose over the classification of our site. While it was a civic amenity site in the master plan, it was argued in court that it was for a park. The debate lasted three years, from local courts to the High Court and eventually the Supreme Court. We successfully demonstrated that our land was a civic amenity site and the adjacent vacant space was for a park, as clearly mentioned in the CDP (comprehensive development plan). Despite the clarity in the CDP, resolving the matter through the judicial process was a long ordeal.
Another major hurdle we faced was that a major BWSSB pipeline was passing through the middle of the site. Fixing this required extensive negotiations with the BDA and BWSSB, resulting in a year-long delay in shifting the pipes to the side. The complex permitting process required for construction further complicated these legal and infrastructure challenges. Obtaining the necessary permissions and obtaining an occupancy certificate demanded meticulous adherence to details. It is important to note that our project remained fully compliant and fair, with no violations or irregularities.
I have been deeply involved with the organisation for the last 14 years as a board member and former honorary director succeeding Pranab Dasgupta. Vikram Bhat came on board as the new director on January 1, 2024. Over the years, this project has been a labour of love for me. From its inception in 2010 to today, I have been involved at every step of it. The cornerstone of our approach has been to build a diverse and dynamic team, particularly embracing the insights and energy of millennials. Recognising the invaluable perspectives they bring, we have endeavoured to create an environment where all voices are not only heard but actively encouraged. Given India’s young demographics, our team primarily comprises individuals under the age of 35
If you had a chance to see things differently, what changes would you make?
The site was allotted in 2010, and it took us a full nine years to get the building up. While ideally, I would have preferred a shorter timeline, we had to work with many constraints. Navigating permissions, although the government was quite supportive, and of course, the constant challenge of raising funds – all of this added to the ticking time. Yet, looking back, I have no regrets or wish to change anything. These experiences serve as valuable lessons.
If you are wondering if we would do something different if we got a chance, the answer is no. I believe such initiatives should be taken in Bengaluru and other cities as well. Whenever I get a chance, I try to promote such centres. I am a part of it. Chennai International CentreAnd now, they are entering the construction phase as well.
Reflecting on our journey, I can honestly say I can’t think of a single thing I would change. I believe what we have achieved can be replicated anywhere else in India. And our policy is open source, shareware.
Can you tell me if there is a list of people you would like to invite here…
Our main constraint is affordability. Attendance at all our events is free. Some artists charge fees so high that they exceed even our modest budget. As a result, we are very selective in our selection. Though we would like to present famous names, our 180-seat auditorium imposes limitations. Nevertheless, we have been fortunate enough to host renowned and promising artists as well as eminent intellectuals including six Nobel laureates, four former RBI governors and several authors.
Why did it take so long for Bengaluru to get a place like BIC?
It needed a catalyst, and TERI provided that spark in 2005. The TERI leadership took the initiative, recognising the need for such an institute in Bengaluru. Today, we see similar international centres flourishing in Pune, Chennai and Goa. Converting ideas into reality requires a committed core team. It requires implementation orientation, a group of individuals dedicated to making it a reality. It is not a one-person job; it is a team effort. Fortunately, in BIC, we found an exceptional board of directors and committee members who gave their time and effort to this initiative.
What type of young crowd comes to BIC?
In the past, we were basically various shades of grey. However, through conscious effort, we have undergone a transformation. Today, with over 35,000 naturally grown Instagram followers, we have tailored our content to resonate with younger demographics. It is safe to say that over 50% of our audience on BIC is under the age of 45, with a quarter under 35. These figures indicate our appeal to the younger crowd. Even when examining our YouTube demographics, it is evident that over 60% of our audience is under the age of 45.
How green is the BIC building?
We expected 2 acres of land along the lake. We got half an acre along the creek! We have achieved significant greenery within our boundaries and brought the ‘outdoors’ inside through the designs of our architects. We have implemented the necessary infrastructure, including a sewage treatment plant and solar panels that supply about 10% of the building’s electricity demand. With our STP plant, all wastewater is processed, ensuring environmental responsibility. To further reduce our ecological footprint, we have installed recycled water lines.
How many members are there currently?
Currently, our institution has over 1,100 individual members and a few institution and corporate members. The initial fee for individual membership is a one-time payment of Rs 1 lakh, with an additional Rs 7,500 paid annually. Our expense burn rate is around Rs 35 lakh per month and we are fortunate to be sustainable due to our membership and the use of the premises by others for events similar to BIC’s objectives. We are not a club and offer no special privileges. Instead, we see membership as a means to support BIC’s objective of creating a privately enabled, public purpose institution for Bengaluru to support informed conversation, arts and culture. There are currently over 40 free events per month that Bengaluruites can enjoy!
Center or Bic At the grassroots level, a space for key intellectual engagements. In a conversation with TOI, he elaborates on the journey of BIC, the challenges faced during its founding phase, the vision behind building a core team and how BIC has become a template for success.
How did you find yourself leading the project to develop the BIC?
In the year 2005, it was originated. Bangalore International Centre (BIC) was inspired by TERI (The Energy Resources Institute), which opened its Bengaluru office.For almost 14 years from 2005 to 2019, BIC operated Terry About five to six events are held every month at the Teri Auditorium in Domlur. The inspiration behind BIC came from the fact that Indian International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, the key persons involved in its establishment were senior members of IIC. They believed that it would be beneficial to set up a similar institution in Bengaluru, thereby promoting intellectual exchange and community engagement. The main idea behind BIC was to provide people a platform where they could discuss a variety of topics, including current affairs, history, politics, travel, wildlife and more. Although the concept of BIC began in 2005, it really flourished from 2019, when it moved into its new building spread across 50,000 square feet.
Can you elaborate on some of the major obstacles you faced along the way?
The biggest hurdle we faced was a legal dispute that arose over the classification of our site. While it was a civic amenity site in the master plan, it was argued in court that it was for a park. The debate lasted three years, from local courts to the High Court and eventually the Supreme Court. We successfully demonstrated that our land was a civic amenity site and the adjacent vacant space was for a park, as clearly mentioned in the CDP (comprehensive development plan). Despite the clarity in the CDP, resolving the matter through the judicial process was a long ordeal.
Another major hurdle we faced was that a major BWSSB pipeline was passing through the middle of the site. Fixing this required extensive negotiations with the BDA and BWSSB, resulting in a year-long delay in shifting the pipes to the side. The complex permitting process required for construction further complicated these legal and infrastructure challenges. Obtaining the necessary permissions and obtaining an occupancy certificate demanded meticulous adherence to details. It is important to note that our project remained fully compliant and fair, with no violations or irregularities.
I have been deeply involved with the organisation for the last 14 years as a board member and former honorary director succeeding Pranab Dasgupta. Vikram Bhat came on board as the new director on January 1, 2024. Over the years, this project has been a labour of love for me. From its inception in 2010 to today, I have been involved at every step of it. The cornerstone of our approach has been to build a diverse and dynamic team, particularly embracing the insights and energy of millennials. Recognising the invaluable perspectives they bring, we have endeavoured to create an environment where all voices are not only heard but actively encouraged. Given India’s young demographics, our team primarily comprises individuals under the age of 35
If you had a chance to see things differently, what changes would you make?
The site was allotted in 2010, and it took us a full nine years to get the building up. While ideally, I would have preferred a shorter timeline, we had to work with many constraints. Navigating permissions, although the government was quite supportive, and of course, the constant challenge of raising funds – all of this added to the ticking time. Yet, looking back, I have no regrets or wish to change anything. These experiences serve as valuable lessons.
If you are wondering if we would do something different if we got a chance, the answer is no. I believe such initiatives should be taken in Bengaluru and other cities as well. Whenever I get a chance, I try to promote such centres. I am a part of it. Chennai International CentreAnd now, they are entering the construction phase as well.
Reflecting on our journey, I can honestly say I can’t think of a single thing I would change. I believe what we have achieved can be replicated anywhere else in India. And our policy is open source, shareware.
Can you tell me if there is a list of people you would like to invite here…
Our main constraint is affordability. Attendance at all our events is free. Some artists charge fees so high that they exceed even our modest budget. As a result, we are very selective in our selection. Though we would like to present famous names, our 180-seat auditorium imposes limitations. Nevertheless, we have been fortunate enough to host renowned and promising artists as well as eminent intellectuals including six Nobel laureates, four former RBI governors and several authors.
Why did it take so long for Bengaluru to get a place like BIC?
It needed a catalyst, and TERI provided that spark in 2005. The TERI leadership took the initiative, recognising the need for such an institute in Bengaluru. Today, we see similar international centres flourishing in Pune, Chennai and Goa. Converting ideas into reality requires a committed core team. It requires implementation orientation, a group of individuals dedicated to making it a reality. It is not a one-person job; it is a team effort. Fortunately, in BIC, we found an exceptional board of directors and committee members who gave their time and effort to this initiative.
What type of young crowd comes to BIC?
In the past, we were basically various shades of grey. However, through conscious effort, we have undergone a transformation. Today, with over 35,000 naturally grown Instagram followers, we have tailored our content to resonate with younger demographics. It is safe to say that over 50% of our audience on BIC is under the age of 45, with a quarter under 35. These figures indicate our appeal to the younger crowd. Even when examining our YouTube demographics, it is evident that over 60% of our audience is under the age of 45.
How green is the BIC building?
We expected 2 acres of land along the lake. We got half an acre along the creek! We have achieved significant greenery within our boundaries and brought the ‘outdoors’ inside through the designs of our architects. We have implemented the necessary infrastructure, including a sewage treatment plant and solar panels that supply about 10% of the building’s electricity demand. With our STP plant, all wastewater is processed, ensuring environmental responsibility. To further reduce our ecological footprint, we have installed recycled water lines.
How many members are there currently?
Currently, our institution has over 1,100 individual members and a few institution and corporate members. The initial fee for individual membership is a one-time payment of Rs 1 lakh, with an additional Rs 7,500 paid annually. Our expense burn rate is around Rs 35 lakh per month and we are fortunate to be sustainable due to our membership and the use of the premises by others for events similar to BIC’s objectives. We are not a club and offer no special privileges. Instead, we see membership as a means to support BIC’s objective of creating a privately enabled, public purpose institution for Bengaluru to support informed conversation, arts and culture. There are currently over 40 free events per month that Bengaluruites can enjoy!
