Pune is a beautiful place with some great people living in it. The weather is particularly great, it’s neither too hot nor too cold, although I personally prefer the winter season. The beautiful smell of the rain and cloudy climate is also one of my favourite times of the year,” says 20-year-old Ritesh Gupta.
Gupta is from Nepal but has stayed in Nainital, Uttarakhand for an extensive periods of time. He moved to Pune to pursue his studies in Mass Communication.
Like every outstation student, Gupta too has food stories to share. His preferred go-to snack is Vada Pav or Misal Pav. Says he, “The food here is quite cheap. I personally love street food and chaat. The dishes are really cheap and the portions are decent. Pune also has great dine out places that provide good food along with great services.”
Since he has spent a year or two in the city, Gupta has been interacting with the residents here, mainly for accommodation and commuting. “The people here, for the most part, are quite friendly and kind. During my initial days, several people helped me get to different places across the city and complete various formalities in college. Despite not knowing Marathi, I never felt isolated as most of the people are comfortable talking in Hindi or English.”
Gupta currently stays as a paying guest in Viman Nagar. He had previously stayed in a rented flat for a year. “It is a bit difficult to rent decent places as a bachelor. Most owners rent out only to families as they fear about the ‘activities’ that a student may indulge in. This attitude is a bit offensive and as a consequence we have to pay higher prices for renting flats.”
Gupta feels that travelling in Pune is expensive and bit of a hassle as he has to rely on auto rickshaws and cabs to reach his destination. “Sometimes I don’t have a pleasant experience with auto drivers as they act rude and agitated for no given reason. As a student, I have to shell out close to Rs 150 every time I make a trip to Shivaji Nagar from my place. That being said, I find it safer to travel in the city, even at night,” he says.
Gupta also makes a comment on the state of roads and the traffic scene. “Sometimes I come across roads that have more potholes in them than asphalt. Also, traffic can be really frustrating at times. I have spent hours waiting in traffic jams, but I feel it’s still better than the traffic snarls in Bengaluru or Mumbai.”
But what makes his stay in the city bearable and even enjoyable is the presence of mountain ranges and hill stations around the city. “I feel closer to nature,” he quips.
