Mug Holder of the month

Our customers have always been our primary focus. They’re the ones who bring life to the place, create memories and end up giving the place its familiar, friendly vibe.

And there are so many different kinds of people who come through our doors daily, that we wanted to get to know their stories.

The Mug Holder of the Month is our little way of celebrating our customers, and their unique stories.

Say hello to Sriram Kanan, our Mug Holder of the month from The Permit Room.

Our standard opening question: why do you think you were selected as the Mug Holder of the month?

I’ve been visiting The Permit Room frequently since it opened, and I’ve gotten to know Mr. Hari, Ms. Cynthia and quite a few of the waiters well. I recommend the place to anybody who visits Bangalore and wants an interesting take on great cocktails and food with a South Indian twist.

Are you from Bangalore?

Yes, I am.

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?

I’m a lawyer by education but my interests and passion have led me to a career as a political consultant.

What is it about The Permit Room that brings you back here so often?

The ambience and service. Great old school music most evenings, a fantastic terrace and balcony area, and the service with a genuine smile.

A few of your favourite things at The Permit Room?

Paati’s Magic Rasam, Geist Uncle Dunkel, the Pandi Spare Ribs, and of course the Cheesy Gunpowder Pondy Fries (Tapioca).

Tell us about things other than work that interest you?

I’m a big fan of music and cooking. I’m an amateur at both and take time off work at least once a week to learn more about both. Other than that, I follow a fair number of sports and swim regularly. I also consider myself a voracious reader, although I’ve recently rediscovered the joy of reading after half a decade.

How did you first come upon TPR?

I’m a patron at Arbor Brewing Company located near TPR, and noticed the TPR coming up one day, and I’ve been visiting the place since 2017, when I came back to Bangalore.

What made you choose law as a career?

I come from a family of lawyers with four cousins, three uncles, and my grandfather in the profession. I guess I was wired for it, rather than a particular instance pushing me towards it.

How and what made you shift your interest towards being a political consultant thereafter?

I’ve always been an ardent follower of politics, and I was active in student politics during my school and college days. I wanted to contribute to making the electoral process better and chanced upon this sector in consulting.

Can you tell us more about what being a political consultant is all about?

Political consultants primarily work on election campaigns for electoral candidates. We help candidates develop strategies, collect, sort and analyse primary data and provide solutions to the existing electoral problems, and manage the logistics and implement the best possible strategy for a campaign. We investigate the major issues in a campaign or a candidate’s opponents.

What are the core aspects in designing a political campaign?

Political campaign is quite unlike anything else. It generally involves research, brain-storming for ideas and a lot of trial and error. The key elements would a good understanding of the grassroots issues, and an ability to project the leader in the right light among the electorate.

What do you feel are the differences or similarities in elections campaigns between India and other countries?

The demographic vastness. India is extremely complex with the demographics changing from village to village at times.

Do you think strategic media campaigns have changed the face of Indian politics?

Most definitely. The advent of social media has changed the outreach mechanisms for politicians.

Social causes that you support?

Climate change, increasing hate crimes in India, and crimes against women.

What are 5 books that you consider a must-read across genres?

Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman; Half Lion – Vinay Sitapathi; Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; Malgudi Days – R. K. Narayan; and The Lord of the Rings series – J. R. R. Tolkien

If you had the opportunity to take over the Permit Room kitchen for one day, what would be the dish you would create?

Gongura Prawns with Akki Roti.

Band that you would have loved being a part of?

Megadeth, or may be Nirvana.