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Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Shelter struggles: Why many students in Pune are opting for luxury hostels
Written by Kivi Lydia Vito, Riddhi Berry An increasing number of students and working professionals in Pune are opting for high-end luxury hostels as a preferred alternative to traditional accommodations. These accommodations offer fully furnished rooms, meal plans, gyms, and vibrant common areas, often located in gated communities with 24/7 security and app-based check-in systems. They combine comfort, safety and a sense of independence, making them a popular choice. Several companies in Pune offer such luxury accommodations, including Cozmo Living and Tribe Stays. Both provide single and twin-sharing rooms for boys and girls. At Cozmo Living, twin-sharing rooms start at Rs 18,000 per month, while single rooms begin at Rs 38,000 per month. Tribe Stays offers both twin-sharing and private single rooms for students, with prices ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 42,000 per month. Kaif Shaikh, a 16-year-old boy preparing for the IIT-JEE, says that the amenities at Cozmo Living in Viman Nagar add to the comfort and ease of his daily routine. 'We have access to the swimming pool and gym in the society as part of the accommodation, and there are air conditioners in the rooms as well, so I prefer living here instead of other PGs or hostels.' The apartments and rooms, part of these accommodations, come fully furnished with specifically catered meal plans as well. This focus on comfort and convenience is echoed by Prateek Garg, co-founder of Cozmo Living and a graduate of Symbiosis University. Based on his own experience as a student in Pune, he said, 'We did not really have good quality rooms and had to worry about little things like cooking and cleaning, instead of focusing on our careers and studies. This is what inspired us to build a space where students could focus on their futures and let us deal with the small stuff.' Along with comfort and amenities, safety plays a major role in the appeal of luxury PGs, Sakshi Jaiswal, who is originally from Ranchi and currently working in Pune, says, 'Personally, for me, I think it is safer than normal PGs. There is a MyGate facility (a community and security management platform designed for gated communities) because the apartments are in a proper housing complex. So, the entries of every person can be backtracked because every detail is recorded.' Operators of such premium accommodations also emphasise the role of technology in enhancing resident safety. 'Our app-based check-in is not just about convenience, it is built for accountability and safety. Every resident is digitally verified before moving in and grievances can be raised through the app as well. This ensures we always know who is on the premises, which adds a strong layer of security without compromising anyone's safety,' says Malika Kandru, marketing manager at Tribe Stays. She continues, 'Security is something we never compromise on. We have guards stationed at every entrance of our living spaces, and we maintain clear boundaries where boys cannot access girls' spaces and vice versa.' Some students also feel that the environment created by such living spaces is more interactive and enjoyable than that of university hostels. Yash Joshi, a management student at Symbiosis University who lives in Tribe Stays, says, 'We have a common area and café where everyone who stays here can hang out and chill. In the university hostels, we need to be back by 8 or 9 pm, even on weekends, but here we don't have such restrictions, so most students prefer to live outside.' Although the prices of these luxury co-living spaces are slightly on the higher side, many students still prefer them over regular hostels and PGs. Shilpa Aditya, a management student at Symbiosis University who lives at Tribe Stays, says, 'It is much more comfortable living here than in the university hostel. We get AC rooms, the food is better, and there are vending machines, so we can grab something to eat at any hour. There is no curfew either, which makes it much more convenient for us.' This growing preference for comfort and flexibility over cost is also reflected in how student housing is evolving. Kandru, speaking from the organisational side, notes the rising interest in such accommodation. 'There is a clear shift in how students and even their parents are approaching housing. The demographic for our living space is from 18–24, and there is a demand for premium living that combines comfort, safety, and independence,' she says. Kivi Lydia Vito and Riddhi Berry are interns at The Indian Express.
Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Matcha: the green drink growing increasingly popular in Punekars' mugs
Written by Kivi Lydia Vito From social media trends to aesthetic cafés, the green-coloured drink matcha has taken over social media feeds and now, mugs of young Indians and Punekars. So what's really brewing behind this bright green obsession? Matcha originated in China but found its cultural home in Japan, where it became central to traditional tea ceremonies. It's made from the top three leaves of the tea plant, which are shade-grown to boost their bright green colour and earthy flavour. The leaves are then steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder. Unlike regular tea, where the leaves are steeped and removed, matcha is whisked directly into water or milk, so you end up consuming the whole leaf. That means more antioxidants, more caffeine, and a bold, creamy taste that packs a punch. For some, the matcha journey began long before it went viral. Anaika Kusalkar, 24, says, 'The first time I had matcha was in 2012 during a trip to Bangkok, but not as a drink. It was in a matcha-flavoured Kit Kat. Later, when I moved there for college, I tried matcha boba and it quickly became one of my favourites. My mom travels quite a bit, so she often brings back a variety of matcha products. So that's what I drink or eat when I'm craving one.' Then there are those who grew into the flavour over time. Aarushi Bhatnagar, 19, first tasted matcha in 2017 during a family trip to New York. 'I used to watch a lot of food videos and was always intrigued by things like matcha, boba, and Japanese cheesecakes. I saw matcha at a crepe stand in Times Square and decided to try it, but I didn't like it then since it was quite bitter,' she recalls. But as an avid baker, Bhatnagar later began experimenting with matcha at home, using it in drinks and desserts. 'I ordered my first matcha powder online and slowly warmed up to the taste. Now, I usually get it from cafés like Café Bahaar or Bai Mu Dan, which serve excellent matcha,' she said. Noor Shergill, 20, had a similar journey. Coffee didn't sit well with her, causing acne, anxiety, and palpitations. 'It just didn't agree with me, so I turned to matcha and never looked back.' Her first matcha was from Starbucks, but it quickly became part of her routine. 'It keeps me alert without the crash and feels gentler than coffee. I usually have it at Cafe Bahaar or Bai Mu Dan in Pune, or I order from Amazon,' she says explaining how Matcha is more than just a drink, 'It's refreshing and helps me get through tough days. At this point, it's not really about wellness trends. It's become my little daily indulgence.' Azenla, 27, a doctor, says, 'I was first introduced to matcha through a matcha-flavoured KitKat, and that sparked my curiosity. Eventually, I began drinking it regularly. In my experience, matcha provides a more sustained and smoother caffeine boost compared to coffee. While it can be expensive, what I really like is that it's packed with antioxidants and the caffeine releases slowly, so it keeps you alert without the jitters or crash that coffee brings.' And for others, the hype didn't quite live up to expectations. Ankita Sharma, 18, decided to try matcha after months of being bombarded by perfectly lit café shots and aesthetic reels online. 'I kept seeing posts and reels about matcha for two months straight. It was all over my explore page, and everyone made it look so cool and refreshing,' she says. Eventually, she gave in to the trend and ordered a matcha frappe from Starbucks. But the first sip didn't quite live up to the online hype. Sharma adds, 'I didn't like it at all. It tasted like grass. I was expecting something, but it just wasn't for me.' Whether it's loved for its calming vibes, caffeine without the crash, or simply for its creamy green aesthetic, matcha seems to mean something different to young punekars sipping it. (The writer is an intern with Indian Express)
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Iranian students in Pune lament Iran-Israel conflict: We just want a normal life
Written by Kivi Lydia Vito As tensions between Iran and Israel continue to rise following recent airstrikes and retaliatory attacks, Iranian students studying in Pune are quietly grappling with fear, sadness, and a longing for peace. 'All of us are affected, not just me. Whether it is people back home or people here, it is impossible not to feel the impact of something like this,' said an Iranian student who did not want to be named. His companion expressed similar emotions, 'It is heartbreaking to see people in my country dying. Even though I am far away, I think about my family and friends back home every day. No one knows what might happen next,' she said. She continued, 'Innocent people are caught in a conflict they didn't choose, yet they are the ones suffering the consequences.' For many Iranian students across the city, the emotional weight of the conflict is hard to put into words. One student shared a more reflective view, shaped by his identity as a traveler. 'I do not belong to any political side. I am not defined by borders or religion but when people die, it is always tragic.' 'Whether it is the Air India plane crash or a bombing, any loss of human life is painful. All this destruction is deeply sad. I just want to live a normal life like anyone else,' he said. When asked about the possibility of peace, the students offered different perspectives but shared a common desire for an end to violence. 'I believe peace is possible, but only if the governments truly want it. Right now, war benefits political and economic agendas. That is why innocent people continue to suffer,' said a student. Another added, 'Yes, I believe there is a chance for peace, but only if the governments truly want it. Even now, with the ongoing nuclear talks, there is an opportunity to move toward peace. At the end of the day, borders are man-made. What truly matters is that we are all people with the same hopes, fears, and dreams, living in overlapping cultures.' Kivi Lydia Vito is an intern with the Indian Express
Indian Express
08-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘Each tree is worth over one crore': Raghunath Maruti Dhole on his remarkable conservation model
Written by Kivi Lydia Vito 'When I was a child, I saw my mother cooking with firewood. I realised she was cutting trees to feed me. Our 400 generations did this for survival, and now it is my duty to replant,' says Raghunath Maruti Dhole, 69, reflecting on his forest conservation journey. Today he is responsible for a veritable revolution in the preservation of native plants in Pune. Through the Devrai Foundation, Dhole has been working to revive barren land using the model of the Devrai, sacred groves traditionally protected by local communities for spiritual reasons. Though the Naigaon-based Foundation was registered in 2013, Dhole's personal efforts date back to the 1980s. Dhole and his team including close friends–Dhananjay Shedbale, Suresh Namaji Shinde, and Uday Bhanudas Gujar–his wife and children developed a plantation model featuring between 119 and 190 native species of trees and plants. These species are drawn from sacred groves where no planting or cutting has taken place for centuries, reflecting the region's original biodiversity. 'We studied sacred groves from different regions and created a plantation plan for one acre of land, selecting 119 appropriate native species from a pool of 500,' Dhole explained. Speaking about the importance of preserving native plants and the ecological consequences of losing these native plants, he says, 'If a species of tree vanishes, one butterfly species also vanishes because each tree depends on pollination.' He continues, 'Some 40 years ago, I planted two eucalyptus trees and later found out they were exotic. At the time, I didn't know which species were native and which were not,' Dhole said. Highlighting these common planting mistakes, Dhole says, 'Palash is a native tree that attracts many birds, butterflies, and honey bees but instead, we are planting Gulmohar, which is not native to India and provides no food or support to local wildlife.' He adds that many non-native species introduced during British colonial times are vulnerable to heavy rain and winds, undermining the ecosystem's stability. The foundation offers saplings and guidance free of cost but only to those who have one acre of land, water and protection ready. 'Planting is just 1 per cent of the job, growing the tree is 99 per cent. If we charge for saplings, we turn nature into a business. That must be avoided,' Dhole emphasises. He continues, 'So far, we have contributed to 414 sacred groves on barren lands in places like Solapur, Sangli, Amravati, Kolhapur and beyond Maharashtra in Bhopal, Gujarat, Calcutta, and Goa. We have also created more than 80 ghanwans (dense forest), over 200 tree libraries, and set up 18 types of nurseries.' Dhole recounted once sending 43 saplings to Noida by plane, emphasising that roots can be safely wrapped and replanted when they reach their destination. The foundation has donated 3.4 million saplings, with a 70 per cent survival rate, over two million trees still thriving. 'If you multiply that by what a single tree gives back in terms of oxygen, pollution control, soil regeneration, each tree is worth over one crore. This is real wealth,' he adds. In educational outreach, the foundation has also created over 200 tree libraries for schools. These mini-forests feature potted plants with informative cards giving details such as botanical names, flowering periods, and medicinal uses, encouraging students to connect with nature. While acknowledging the inevitability of urbanisation, he believes a balance is possible, he says, 'If a tree must be cut for a road or building we can't avoid it but plant a hundred elsewhere. Go to your native village and invest in trees there.' He urges a return to responsibility towards the land that sustains us. 'Everyone has come from somewhere where the land has given us water, food, and childhood. It is time to repay it.' Operating without external funding, the foundation remains community- driven. 'Everyone has to repay the earth in some way. That is why we created Devrai Foundation, to ensure this work continues after I am gone,' Dhole says. Dhole's commitment is global in outlook. 'If a person wants to plant in Goa or China, let them. Trees do not recognise borders. They are a global asset.' 'What I've learned in 40 years is that people love plants but they just need direction, the right saplings and a reason to start,' he says. He continues, 'This is not charity. We cannot eat money or gold but we can eat fruit, breathe clean air, and drink water. All of this comes from trees. Nature is not asking for charity. It is asking us to remember who we are.'
Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
PMC intensifies crackdown against plastic bags; over Rs 1 crore collected in fines since October last year
(Written by Kivi Lydia Vito) The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its crackdown on the use of banned plastic items, collecting over Rs 1.04 crore in fines and seizing 8,090 kg of bags and other items between October 2024 and May 2025. As many as 2,074 violations were also recorded during this period. Single-use plastic remains a common sight in many markets, with vendors citing the lack of alternatives and demands from customers as major hurdles. As per PMC data, inspections have increased significantly across high-density commercial areas. 'Our key targeted areas include Mahatma Phule Mandai, Laxmi Road, Ravivar Peth, Market Yard, Tulsi Baug, and zones with street vendors. Our flying squads concentrate on places with lots of markets and shops, and we have intensified raids in mutton and chicken markets, tourist spots, etc,' said Sandip Kadam, deputy commissioner, solid waste management, PMC. 'We are targeting not only retailers, but also manufacturers and distributors who supply banned plastic. Simply penalising shopkeepers is not enough. Breaking the supply chain is key to effective enforcement,' he added. Kadam confirmed that some vendors have also been fined multiple times, 'We follow the official fines stipulated: Rs 5,000 for the first offence, Rs 10,000 for the second, and Rs 25,000 for repeat offenders. There are some repeat cases, but we haven't seen resistance from anyone yet.' However, on the ground, vendors say that compliance is difficult due to customer demands and lack of options. Imtiaz Khan, a meat vendor, explained, 'Our choices are really limited. Paper bags simply aren't good enough to hold the meat properly. Even though plastic bags are more costly, I still have to use them because if I put the meat in a paper bag, it can fall out before the customer even reaches home. It's not just about convenience but about making sure the product reaches its destination.' Sharing the same concern, a vegetable vendor said, 'I can't put potatoes in a paper bag because they are too heavy and the bag will tear easily. We tried using paper bags for a while but they often get ripped when holding wet or heavy items. Most customers do not bring bags, so we had to switch back to plastic bags even if they might not be legal because we do not have many options.' A shopkeeper said, 'At first we completely switched to paper bags because of the new rules, but many customers told us that their items kept falling out because the paper bags were not strong enough, and caused a lot of problems for them. Now, we keep a small number of plastic bags ready for customers who ask. It is hard to say no when they insist. But thankfully, most of my regular customers have started bringing bags from home.' The PMC said enforcement is only one part of the solution. It has been promoting eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth, jute, and certified compostable bags through awareness drives and collaborations with local self-help groups. Acknowledging the challenges, Kadam said, 'Affordable alternatives are limited, and consumer behaviour remains hard to shift. We understand the economic strain that small vendors face. That is why we are working to ensure that more affordable and accessible alternatives are available.' Kivi Lydia Vito is an intern with The Indian Express.
