Pune - Oxford Of East
Pune - Truly the Oxford of the East
Known as the Oxford of the East the city of Pune has a rich legacy in education. And this legacy preceeds the establishment of the University of Pune (formerly known as the University of Poona) in the year 1949. Being the cultural capital of Maharashtra the city has always had an intrinsic connection with theatre, music, arts and literature and been a centre of learning and research in all fields.
When the University of Poona was established there were only 18 colleges affiliated to it. Today the university has over 433 affiliated colleges and 232 recognised research institutions. The university has been accorded the highest A rating by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) for its overall performance. Since the inception of the universty the city has been famous for film and television studies and engineering courses. Today the city is a veritable stronghold of almost all academic disciplines and is home to the leading institutes of management, defence, science, commerce and law. Rooted in culture and traditions Pune is known for it receptivity to modern influences and thought. The city is a seamless blend of Marathi culture and global influences. From its vibrant night life for youngsters to its longstanding culture of students working to earn pocket money Pune is in many ways a true microcosm of the West. While the people are hospitable, scrupulous and law abiding it is also one of the safest cities in India.This environment undeniably augurs well for academics and makes students from other states and countries feel comfortable and welcome in Pune. The academic fervour of the city is so strong that the distinction between the college campuses and the rest of the city are very blurred. Somehow the entire city at one level exudes the essence of one huge varsity campus. There is hardly any place for shopping, eating, entertainment and leisure which does not resonate with the psyche of the student poupulation of the city. This is something unique to Pune and rightfully translates to its label of an educational city. The multicultural and cosmopolitan environment of the city facilitates understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
History
History :
Pune derives its name from Punya Nagari, or the city of virtuous deeds. By the 11th century, it was known as Kasbe Pune or Punavadi when under the Mughal rule. It was known alternatively as Poona by the British.
Until circa 1818, it continued to be ruled by various dynasties, especially the Mughals and the Marathas. During the mid 17th century, it became the temporary residence of Maratha King Shivaji. In 1749 A.D, it gained prominence as the capital of the Maratha kingdom under the Peshwa rule. It was during this period that the city expanded considerably
During the struggle for Indian independence, Pune took its place as an important center for social and religious reform movements that were sweeping the country. The presence of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar dominated the political scene for six decades during this period. It was the home to some reformers who were stalwarts of the national movement, like Mahadev Govind Ranade, R.G Bhandarkar, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde and Jyotirao Phule.
Economy
Economy:
Pune is a major industrial centre, growing rapidly every year. It is home to one of the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturers, Bajaj Auto. Other automobile majors are Tata Motors, India's largest passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturer, DaimlerChrysler, it has an assembly line for its Mercedes-Benz brand, Kinetic Engineering, Force Motors Ltd (previously known as Bajaj Tempo). Engineering goods industries situated in pune are Bharat Forge Ltd, world's second largest forging company, Cummins Engines Co Ltd, has its Research & Technology India center, Thermax Limited a global player providing sustainable solutions in energy and environment, Alfa Laval, Sandvik Asia, Thyssen Krupp (formerly Buckau Wolff), KSB Pumps, Finolex, Greaves India and Forbes Marshall, among others.
Pune has a burgeoning software industry, thanks to the presence of IT parks like Rajiv Gandhi IT Park at Hinjewadi, Magarpatta Cybercity, MIDC Software Technology Park at Talawade, Marisoft IT Park at Kalyaninagar, International Convention Center (ICC) etc. Many of India's major software players such as Sasken, Infosys, Tata Elxsi, Fluent, Xansa, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Wipro, Patni, Satyam, Cybage, KPIT Cummins, and Kanbay Software have a major presence in Pune.Pune is also emerging as a prominent city for Business Process Outsourcing
Places To Visit:
Lively nightlife,vibrant atmosphere,fantestic restaurants,good museums,surrounding hill forts,pleasent climate, efficient transport system,historic places / monuments,renowned university & colleges, IT parks,internet cafes have made Pune a travellers paradise. Thousands of Tourists visit Pune every year.
Raj Dinakar Kelkar Museum
Tribal Museum
Mahatma Phule Museum National War Museum
Shaniwar Waada
Vishram Bagh Waada
St. Mary's Church
Saras Garden
Aga Khan Palace
Parvati Hill temples
Mulshi
Pune University
Fergusson College
NDA (National Defence Acadamy
Pashan Lake
Pataleshwar Caves
Bund Garden
Osho Ashram
Gliding Centre Pune
Iyengar Yoga Institute
Tranportation:
Pune is a major transportation hub of western Maharashtra.
By Plane :international flights operate only to Dubai and Singapore. Taking a flight to Mumbai and then traveling by taxi or train to Pune is a feasible option.
By Train :Pune is well connected to other Indian cities by rail
By Road :Pune is served by three national highways (NH) and an expressway
Local Transport :Bus,Auto Rikshaws,Two / Four wheelers & suburban train.
