PUNE: The delectable city food, the historical hotspots and the reputable educational institutions regaled foreign delegates from six nations during their maiden visit to Pune from May 25 to May 27.
As part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under its Gen-Next Democratic Network programme organised the exchange event.
A group of 27 young leaders and parliamentarians from six nations were taken to various parts of the country, which included Pune, being one of the significant cities in terms of culture and education. The tour covered places in and around the city, including Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum and Hiware Bazar among other places.
The India tour was carried out under the guidance of ICCR president Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and co-hosted by his representative. The visitors were overwhelmed to see the traditional-and-modern-life balance across the country.
“The goal of the panel discussion in Pune was to engage active youths with the delegates sharing their views from their respective regions and adding value to each other’s professions,” said Piyush Girgaonkar, the co-host of the discussion and a representative of ICCR.
On the high points of the city, a delegate from Norway said bakarwadi, an authentic Puneri food, has already tickled her taste buds. “Pune is full of foodies but we often wondered why. Now that we tasted bakarwadis, we have the answer. It simply tasted amazing,” he said.
Indraneel Chitale, head of the Chitale Group and the one who represented the city food on the dais, said a way towards knowing a new culture is often through its food.
“I am glad the guests enjoyed the traditional city snack. I am hoping for more such cultural exchanges to make this Puneri snack globally famous,” he said.
The city is colourful in terms of traditions and has a scientific aspect rooted in its traditions, said Asish Thakur from Nepal.
“The city has beauty in every corner right from the old wadas to the structure of educational buildings. We are taking a package of ideas back with us,” said a minister from Ghana.
Kunal Tilak, the youth representative of the Pune city, said the exchange programme helped the foreign delegates to expand their vision about India’s grassroots and modernity.
Manushi Yami, a delegate from Nepal said, “I particularly got impressed by its feat in the education sector. Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha’s (MKSSS) contributions and research centres were awe-inspiring. One can see a good blend of indigeneity with modernity here.”
