When I was told to pen an article about Pune, it was the first time I had thought about Pune from so many different directions. Pune is a small city situated in the Western Ghats. This cultural capital of Maharashtra reflects a blend of traditions with modernity through its culture. Being one of the important educational hub and 9th largest metro city in India, Pune still stands apart from the other metro cities. I have made the above statement with some reference. As Pune is acquiring cosmopolitan identity with setting up of software companies and professional institutions, the city has assumed a multi-ethnic personality. Like other metro cities, it has not been incapable to hold up its culture, its identity.
When it comes to talk about people in Pune (Puneites or Punekar), there is one fact that no one will deny. Punekars are with an attitude: “wouldn’t mind to break but will ‘never’ bend”. For Punekars their self respect and their priorities are some of the things on which they will never compromise. Punekars have a peculiar sense of humour. If I may call it, that which borders on the sarcasm and is sometimes rude. This could also be related with ‘Puneri patyas’ –the boards seen outside the shop or temple or now even on the back glass of a car. Puneri patya has gained fame not only in Pune but all over the world (to take a look visit puneripatya.com). These patyas may seem to be funny or even rude but in actual sense it reflects the straight forward attitude of Punekars.
Punekars have their own style. Puneri style of wearing ‘kanbali’ , ‘bugadi’, ‘puneri pheta’ has received admiration from all over. One thing comman to all Punekars is their ‘ never say die’ spirit. Whatever be their educational background, economic background, religion, they know to live their life to the fullest. They want success and money but not at the cost of their life. This makes Pune different from other metro cities.
