Oxford Of The Eastt: There are many cities in India which are known all over the world for their distinct identity. Some are famous for their food, some for art, culture and historical heritage. But do you know that there is a city in India which is called ‘Oxford of the East’ in the field of education? The identity of this city is not limited only to big colleges and universities, but it also has a centuries-old history of education behind it. A large number of students from India and abroad come to study here. Let us know the story of this special city of India and its becoming the ‘Oxford of the East’.
The history of this city related to education is 1400 years old.
Pune in Maharashtra is today counted among the major education hubs of the country. Its rich educational heritage is a major reason behind it being called the ‘Oxford of the East’. The roots of Pune’s education-related history are believed to be around 1400 years old. Even during the Maratha Empire, this city remained a major center of politics as well as knowledge and culture.
The important work done by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule for women’s education in the 19th century also gave a distinct identity to Pune. Savitribai Phule is counted among the first women teachers of India and Pune has been an important place for her education movement.
More than 600 colleges and many big universities
Today Pune is included among the major education centers of the country. There are more than 600 colleges and many universities related to different subjects and fields here. This is the reason why Pune has long been the choice of students for higher education after school. Here, study options are available in almost every major field like science, engineering, medical, management, research, arts and technology.
Institutions that strengthen Pune’s educational identity include institutions like Savitribai Phule Pune University, Fergusson College, College of Engineering Pune, Armed Forces Medical College, National Chemical Laboratory, AYUK and C-DAC. Not only this, Pune also holds a special place for students making career in the world of film and television. The country’s prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is also located here.
The atmosphere is like Oxford of United Kingdom
Pune is ‘Oxford of the East’ It is also called so because this city also has the same atmosphere as the United Kingdom. A large number of students live in the city, which is clearly visible in the everyday life here. Vibrant cafes, book shops, libraries and student-filled areas around colleges give the city a unique atmosphere. Along with studies, there are many options for entertainment, art, literature and different types of activities for the youth.
This is why Pune is not just a place to obtain a degree but also provides students with an excellent platform for personality development, networking and gaining new experiences in life.
The story of Nehru calling him ‘Oxford of the East’
There is also a popular reference to Pune being called the ‘Oxford of the East’ attributed to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It is said that when the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru reached Pune in the 1950s, seeing the educational environment and institutions here, he called it the ‘Oxford of the East’.
After this this name became part of the identity of Pune. However, Pune’s education-related reputation was not only due to this one address, but the city’s long educational tradition, prestigious institutions and developed environment for students also played a big role in it.
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FAQ
Which city of India is called ‘Oxford of the East’?
Pune city of Maharashtra is called the ‘Oxford of the East’.
Who gave the name of Oxford of East to Pune?
In the 1950s, India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru called Pune the ‘Oxford of the East’ after seeing its educational environment.
How old is the education history of Pune?
Pune’s history related to education is considered to be about 1400 years old.
What is the contribution of Savitribai Phule in the education history of Pune?
Savitribai Phule, along with Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, started India’s first girls’ school in Pune in the 19th century and brought a revolution in women’s education.
Which famous educational institutions are located in Pune?
Pune is home to over 600 prestigious institutes such as Savitribai Phule Pune University, FTII, AFMC, COEP, and C-DAC.