Latest news with #DivyajaKalyankar
Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Shelter struggles – Part 2: Late nights or low costs? The toss-up between hostels and PGs for Pune students
Written by Divyaja Kalyankar, Antara Kulkarni For students migrating to Pune every year for higher education, finding the right accommodation is a key concern. While some opt for the structured environment of college hostels, others prefer the freedom that comes with living in private paying guest (PG) accommodations. But what do students really prefer? Nandita Reghu, 23, a student who lives at Vaidya Girls PG in Baner, shares her experience. 'We're six girls sharing a 2BHK apartment. Two per bedroom, and two in the living room, which is converted into a bedroom. The PG is managed by the flat owner herself,' she said. For her, PG life offers flexibility and autonomy. 'There are no restrictions. I cook my own food, manage my timings, and inform roommates if I'm returning late. This independence is important to me,' she said. For many like her, the PG setup is a stepping stone toward independent living, despite the additional responsibilities. On the other hand, college hostels offer affordability and structure, a preferred choice for those seeking convenience and security. Riya Kulkarni, 21, a second-year student, who resides on the Savitribai Phule Pune University campus, said, 'Each room is shared by two students. There are five floors and biometric access. Security is 24/7, and wardens are available on alternate floors.' She described the hostel as 'safe and budget-friendly,' adding, 'At Rs 6,500 per year, it's economical. But the 10.30 pm curfew and visitor restrictions are strict.' While such rules can feel limiting, students like Riya find reassurance in the predictability and the institutional support that hostels provide. The cost difference is noticeable. While college hostel fees are around Rs 4,500 to Rs 8,000 per year, PGs in areas like Model Colony, Baner and Aundh cost anywhere between Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000 per month, often excluding food. The higher cost of PGs is often justified by the added personal space, lenient rules, and prime locations, but it remains a concern for students managing tight budgets. Another PG resident, Aastha Jain, echoed Reghu's sentiments. 'There's definitely more freedom in PGs. But that comes with responsibility. We manage our own cooking and household chores. It teaches you to be independent,' she said. For many students, this environment helps simulate adult life and develop life skills. Hostel student Ritesh Pawar, however, disagrees. 'I didn't want the burden of managing groceries or bills. The hostel is conveniently located near various campus facilities, including the library, gym, and classrooms. It saves time,' he said. For Pawar, the convenience of being on campus and having essentials taken care of outweighs the appeal of autonomy. While hostels remain a popular choice for those seeking routine and safety, PGs are emerging as the go-to option for students who prioritise flexibility and personal space. The choice, in most cases, reflects personal priorities, whether that is academic focus, budget, freedom, or convenience. 'Ultimately, where you stay should help you grow, not just as a student, but as a person,' said Reghu. As Pune continues to grow as an educational hub, both PGs and hostels will remain integral to student life, each with its own set of trade-offs. With rising student populations and evolving preferences, the debate between PGs and hostels is far from over and increasingly, the answer lies in what a student values most: freedom or familiarity. Divyaja Kalyankar and Antara Kulkarni are interns with The Indian Express.
Indian Express
27-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
The Wari's moving kitchen: How Pune feeds thousands of pilgrims, one meal at a time
Written by Divyaja Kalyankar Every June, Pune turns into a spiritual crossroad during the annual Wari pilgrimage as thousands of devotees walking from Alandi and Dehu to the temple town of Pandharpur converge in the city. As the chants of 'Mauli Mauli' echo through the streets, behind the scenes, something equally powerful simmers, a quiet culinary movement run entirely on faith and seva that sees Pune transform into a massive, open-air kitchen that feeds thousands of Warkaris. From family-run food stalls to large community kitchens, the scale of food operations during the Wari in Pune is staggering. According to estimates from a few organisations involved in the Wari every year, over 1.5 lakh Warkaris receive at least two free meals in Pune over two days. And yet, there is no single organiser, no central fund. Just people, cooking for people. 'We made food for 2,000 Warkaris yesterday and did not even notice how the day passed,' says Swapnil Doke, a farmer-turned-social worker from Baramati who sets up his free food stall every year near Nana Peth. 'When you are doing it for Mauli's devotees, you do not get tired. You get lighter,' he adds, referring to Lord Vitthal. The meals themselves are traditional and nourishing, designed for pilgrims walking nearly 250 km in the monsoon. Most common dishes include poha, khichdi, dal-rice, usal-poli, and sheera. Some groups also prepare pithla-bhakri or sabudana khichdi for easier digestion. Sonali Pundge, a homemaker from Kothrud, has been cooking at home for three weeks in advance. 'I dry roast ingredients, prepare masalas, and freeze chutneys. We serve about 300 people at our doorstep. My children help distribute. This is our way of connecting with Lord Vitthal,' she explains. The generosity does not stop with just food. Many locations across FC Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Policeline, Rokdoba temple, Hadapsar, Erandwane, and Nana Peth also provide Warkaris with drinking water, fruit, chhaas, and buttermilk, and some even offer first aid and shelter from the rain. A group of software engineers from Baner, calling themselves 'Bhakt Byte', has taken a modern approach. They have set up hydration points with energy drinks and electrolyte water outside local stores. 'We may not be able to cook like our parents, but we can still serve,' says Akshay Kulkarni, one of the volunteers. Yet, amid all this goodwill, there are logistical challenges. Sudden rain, transportation delays, and swelling crowds strain resources. Still, the system holds. Sangeeta Pawar, a sociologist studying Wari dynamics, explains, 'It is a fascinating case of decentralised service. There is no contract, no money, no monitoring, just a moral agreement between society and faith.' And while data may reflect fluctuations in the number of Warkaris this year, the spirit of giving remains as abundant as ever. 'I came with nothing but Lord Vitthal's name,' says Shivaji Wankhede, a first-time Warkari from Akola. 'I have eaten five times in two days without asking once. This city has fed me like a mother,' he adds. Wankhede's experience reinforces that for Pune, feeding the Warkaris is not just a ritual. It is a return to its roots, a reminder that in a world driven by transaction, there is still space for devotion without expectation. And in that space, over a warm bowl of khichdi or sheera, strangers become family, even if just for a moment under the cloudy sky. (The author is an intern with The Indian Express.)
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
PCMC, NHAI to widen service roads along NH48
Written by Divyaja Kalyankar In a significant step toward easing traffic congestion and improving road safety, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has initiated a service road widening project along the National highway-48, within PCMC limits. The project involves widening over 10 kilometers of existing service roads on both sides of the highway. As per the development plan prepared by NHAI, the existing 12 meter wide service road adjacent to the highway will be expanded by another 12 meters, bringing the total width to 24 meters. The expanded road will be constructed and maintained by NHAI and is expected to handle increased traffic flow more efficiently while ensuring safer conditions for local commuters. This includes the development of dual-lane service roads with underground drainage systems, footpaths for pedestrians, and properly marked entry and exit points. Bapu Gaikwad, Executive Engineer, Roads, Traffic & Transportation Planning Department, PCMC, said, 'Till now, we have acquired 80% of the total land needed for the project. Our current focus is on the service road shift, which is a crucial component. We intentionally prioritised developing the service roads before starting flyover construction to avoid major traffic congestion during that phase.' He added that PCMC is conducting special camps for landowners whose properties are yet to be acquired. 'These camps aim to address concerns and offer solutions. We have also been instructed to coordinate closely with NHAI to ensure smooth execution,' he said. Residents and commuters have welcomed the move. 'The narrow service roads make daily travel difficult, especially during peak hours. This widening project will make a big difference for people like me who rely on these routes every day,' said Pratik Gurav, a regular commuter. While the project has received positive responses from residents and commuters, there are ongoing concerns about the displacement of roadside vendors and property owners. PCMC officials have assured that a structured rehabilitation and compensation plan is being finalised in line with government policies. Once completed, the widened 24 meter service roads are expected to improve regional mobility, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance safety along one of Maharashtra's busiest highway corridors.
