After a bachelor's degree from the University of Delhi, I studied behavioural science at the University of Wisconsin and then went to the famous Teachers College at Columbia University in New York. I began my Ph.D. thesis work there, and completed it at Jawaharlal Nehru University after returning to India. My studies focused on the health and behaviour of mentally challenged adults, and developed ideas for including them in mainstream education and training.

During this time I also worked with the Association for the Mentally Challenged in Bangalore, an NGO that I later became the Vice President of. I have also conducted research on the problems faced by blind people in India, and developed suggestions for including them fully in society.

Between 2003 and 2005, I was a Member of the Bangalore University Academic Council. I am a life member and past Executive Committee member of the Red Cross in Karnataka. I have also been actively involved in many other organisations in the fields of mental health and disability.

The main civic problems of our ward, and my solutions to these problems: Garbage and Cleanliness: This is top priority - our aim must be to see that all dry and recyclable garbage is separately collected and handled: and that wet garbage like kitchen waste is composted in individual homes or on a community basis. Stray dogs & Garbage: A related problem is that of stay dogs, which is partly due to exposed garbage, especially food items, lying outside. Until now the stray dog menace which is still claiming its victims, especially, small children has not been tackled effectively. Let us work out solutions which will be kind not only to the animal but also to human beings. Traffic: Discipline and control over the ever increasing traffic on the roads of Jayamahal and particularly on Nandidurg road where it is virtually impossible for children and even adults to cross the road in order to be able to attend to their work. Lung Space: The playgrounds of Jayamahal have been encroached upon. It is paramount for our children to be assured of clean and safe places to play and also provide the Lung Space for the elderly. Emergency Medical Facility: It is vital that emergency medical facility is provided to the residents, particularly to the senior citizens who have lived in this area for generations. I want that their emergency needs be addressed with immediate attention by way of providing services which they could avail of within the Golden Hour.

Six things you can do to help

1. Ensure all voters in your household are on the voter rolls. If not, please do so right away - check this SMART VOTE link.
2. Vote on Election Day, 28 Mar 2010. (Sunday)
3. Tell 10 friends in your ward about me and Loksatta
4. Encourage 10 other voters to join you and vote on election day.
5. Join my campaign for a better Jayamahal
6. Be my polling agent on election day, 28 Mar 2010.

Contact me
manibala@vsnl.com