Every educated and well-meaning parent desires that his or her child have the finest education so that the child can have a prosperous and fruitful life. When it is time for the child to receive higher education, usually the parent gets dutifully involved in the search for an educational institution that is best for the child in every possible way: it provides good quality education in a good environment, and of course it is located in a place that is safe for the dear child. Those very few parents who can afford to do so, send their child overseas, but most look for a superior institution in native “India” only.
A city that satisfies most requirements imposed by parents in regards to quality of life and availability of excellent educational institutions is Pune, the booming international center for education. It is a city that provides a most suitable place for higher studies for young adults away from home with its happening but quiet environment.
Pune is also known as ‘The Oxford of the East”, the name give by India’s first Prime Minister, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru. It attracts tens of thousands of students from around the world. Pune has the right mix of state and privately run educational institutions, with at least seven institutions that are known as “deemed universities” in Indian parlance. Pune is all set to have as many as 18 “deemed universities” in near future. Pune will be the only city in the country to have these many “deemed universities”. Several of Pune’s top institutions have also provision for distance learning. There are institutes for post-graduate training in various faculties of management; in particular, the city is well known for educational programs in human resources and finance. In addition to Pune University-run MBA courses, private management education institutes are mushrooming in the city. Pune University (UoP) is a five star university with undergraduate academic programs in many disciplines. It also has a large number of top-rated Masters programs in India. UoP has 240 affiliated colleges and 118 recognized institutions under its administration and supervision.
Studying in Pune is like dream come true; it is quite different from other educational hubs in India. The overall atmosphere is different. In Pune, one can witness unity in diversity. Every year, it attracts tens of thousands of students from different parts of the world.
Lots of students from Northeast, mainly from Assam aspiring for a better educational environment come here. We see a lot of Assamese students in every college and university in Pune.
There are lots of people from Assam who are also settled here in Pune. Assamese settlers in Pune are influential in various facets of society. According to one count, there were almost 5000 Assamese people in Pune in 2006 including students, working individuals and others settled here.
There is an Assamese Society here in Pune, which organizes various cultural programs and provides help to the students and people of the community in various ways. Previously it was known as ASAP, Assam Students Association, Pune. I was the vice President for two consecutive years. I was also the publicity secretary of the community. At that time, we used to organize Bihu celebrations and cultural nights, and also used to help all the new students who came to Pune by providing information about the colleges and universities. Recently, the community renamed itself as Assam Cultural Association, Pune, ACAP. Now, it is an organization that belongs to everyone from Assam who resides in Pune. Many of these individuals hold good positions in society; ACP is destined to move the community into a bright future.
There is a friendly brotherhood among the people of the Assamese community in Pune. The Assamese people also are friendly with other people residing here. People have a relatively and pleasant life in Pune.
Everybody in Pune wants a peaceful and decent environment to live, prosper and study. All this is possible in this historic city with its rich culture and positive attitude. People out here are by nature very friendly. Any disturbances are rare. It is a safe place for female students away from home. Law and order are strictly and fairly enforced here.
Pune is a ‘happening’ place for youngsters; you can find ‘spice’ to live and study here, a place where you would never feel alone; here everyone is for everyone, just have a look and experience it.
Pranjal Saikia, Pune
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