Journalism of Courage
For the Expat community in the city,their social life is balanced through a right mix of cultural events and a happening night life
For any foreign national settled in the city,coming to terms with the place can mean finding a reflection of the culture closest to his native land. But for some like Luc Didon,director Alliance Francaise de Pune,social life in the city encompasses the cultural events that are on a roll all year round. This place offers so much that is specific to the country that I have been eager to observe. From something as extravagant as Spic Macay to the continuous exhibitions my journey has been an exciting one. Infact my wife is an Indian and we make sure we attend at least one cultural programme every week in addition to other social events, he says. As the city hosts expatriates in significant numbers,for the internationals its a journey of constant discovery of the country and city in particular.
Scattered in various fields the expat community while bonding with the city individually has also managed to come together forming a network. This weekend for instance will see the launch of the Pune Expat Club (PEC) a social club for expatriates and global citizens to network,integrate and enjoy along with events ,travels and forums. We have brought together the expats with Global Indian Citizens so that rather than being aloof we share and introduce them to what the city has right from the handicrafts to the unique brew house. The city does not just offer places for clubbing or events but also opportunities to be socially aligned through NGO’s and other organisations, adds Preeti Roongta co founder PEC.
Pritibye Alqasmee,French faculty at RIMS International School however feels that the cultural life that the city offers especially to the exarches needs to diversify than just clubbing and partying. I came to the city in 1995 ,and in these 15 years,the city has changed and metamorphosised into a slightly more cosmopolitan place. It was the rustic and a peaceful place where moving on the roads was a pleasure. At the same time,earlier,the people were reticent and reserved unlike Mauritius where greeting strangers on the road is a way of life. Although still reserved,the localities have loosened up a bit, she adds.
The community also bonds on various platforms with clubs like Everything Expats that provides various services for internationals relocating and assists families settling down in the city. With regular events the members will be seen catching up at Darios (restaurant by Dario Dezio-an expat himself in KP)for lunch this Friday.
But is the foreign culture only limited to areas like Koregaon Park and the Osho Ashram? Shola Carletti,(44),an Italian artist adds,I came to the city because of Osho. I read a book by him and came to India because of my love for spiritualism and meditation. And then I fell in love with the place. First few years I moved back and forth to India but around a decade ago,I decided to make Pune,my base,she says,adding,Although it is through Osho that I was introduced to the city,I have a life here now,I have friends and am shocked to see the cultural change in Pune and in India as a whole. KP is the foreign colony in the city and I still feel like an alien in other areas of the city.
