BLR Echoes - January '25
What we talk about when we talk about Bengaluru.
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BLR Echoes - our newsletter, curates a monthly package on Bengaluru events, interesting tidbits, and the many amazing things that UnboxingBLR is up to - all yours to unbox and discover!
Before we dive into our January update, Happy New Year folks! It has been a packed month for the team already, and we are excited to bring you more fun activities and events in 2025 🗓️ Keep scrolling to view more details about the winners of the Namma Bengaluru Challenge 2024, what we’re getting up to this Valentine’s, and all about Aero India — a spectacle that offers an insight into how aviation has progressed over the years.
The Fascination With Flight : Our Endless Love Affair with the Skies
Why do humans love the idea of flying? As far back as 1480, Da Vinci was experimenting with the idea of an Aerial Screw; a sketch so powerful that the modern-day helicopter drew inspiration from it. Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier experimented with cloth, fire, (and a healthy amount of good luck) just to test whether flying was possible for humans. (Spoiler: It was and that’s how, in 1783, we got the hot air balloon) With the Wright Brothers’ invention, there was no looking back. The course of history had been altered irrevocably.
So, you’ve gotta ask — why has the idea of flight fascinated humans over centuries? And more importantly, how did we go from the Aerial Screw to taking flight like it’s no big deal?
Well, flying as an idea is exciting because it is magical. It’s not just physics, the engineering, or the technology, it is the idea that humans, grounded creatures, have somehow tricked the laws of nature and taken on the sky as our domain. Magic aside, flying is also a powerful idea. By 1909, DELAG was already running the first transatlantic passenger flight, and by 1911, we were already looking at using flight for world domination. From there, space travel became the next frontier, and today, flying feels like an everyday, common activity.
Here’s where it all comes full circle though. Flight — the quest to conquer the skies has been with us for centuries, but humans in the 21st century don’t fly for fun alone. Today, flight embodies power, innovation, global connectivity, and a boundless imagination. And where better for such innovation to take shape than in India's own Silicon Valley—Namma Bengaluru? (No prizes if you guess where I’m going with this.)
Since 1996, Aero India has been hosted by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, part of the Ministry of Defence, at Yelahanka, Bengaluru. It has become a trailblazer in showcasing cutting-edge aviation technology, and even for someone like me—usually indifferent to the latest in aviation— the sheer scale of it all is nothing short of impressive (and, honestly, a bit mind-boggling)
As is expected, countries will be vying for air dominance, showing off everything from supersonic fighter jets to space tech, but as of 2025, India’s place in the aviation world has shifted. We have had a growing role in the commercial aviation sector as not just a consumer of tech but also as a creator, innovator and leader in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Aero India has become the country’s modern-day proving ground for everything flight represents — power, progress, and the pursuit of the seemingly impossible. From cutting-edge drones to electric aircrafts, this year’s airshow is about the future of flight in every way you can think possible.
The show which kicks off on February 10 and runs until February 14, will showcase state-of-the-art fighter jets, helicopters, drones and sustainable electric aviation to industry professionals, government officials and aviation pioneers. Personally, I’m looking forward to the aerobatics because there’s nothing that fascinates me more. On the last two days, the show will open itself to the public. And those of you who live in Jakkur or CRPF, don't worry, fellow Yelahanka girlie this side. You might just have the best seats in the house, all from your balcony 🙂↔️
From ancient dreams of flight to Elon Musk’s infamous flamethrowers (yes, it’s a real thing), aviation has always been about more than just technology. Aero India is a testament to how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. Soooo… all this to say, see you in Yelahanka for one hell of a ride :)
It’s never too early for Valentine’s!
Love is in the air, and we can't wait to share all our exciting February plans with you ;) Until then, don’t forget to send your loved ones a Valentine’s Day wish — the UnboxingBLR way 💌
Namma Bengaluru Challenge ‘24 - A Deep Dive 🏆
At UnboxingBLR, we believe that the true spirit of Bengaluru lies in its people — thinkers, doers, and dreamers who refuse to settle for the status quo. Last December, through the Namma Bengaluru Challenge, we set out to uncover ideas that could transform our city for the better.
Designed in collaboration with WTFund, this initiative seeks to empower citizens to address some of the city’s most pressing challenges, from urban mobility and waste management to education and climate resilience. Out of 600+ submissions, these projects stood out for their innovation, practicality, and potential impact on Bengaluru’s future. To meet the change makers set to redefine our city, tap on this link for a deep dive.
And… that’s a wrap for January, folks! We’ll be back with more updates and exciting content in Feb, so look out for our email in your inbox 📨
Until then,
Team UnboxingBLR