Impressions of Pune.

 

Malavli station, Maharastra. Waiting for the train from the rural village of Malavli, for the 1 1/2 hour journey to work in Pune. Pune is a mid-sized urban sprall of 4 Million people about 150 kms inland from Mumbai. It is known for its large university and was the birthplace of India’s I.T industry.

Train, just outside of Pune station. Indians love nothing more than a chat, even with strangers. Particularly on the train, a captive foreigner is a prime target. Even with little english, it is possible to share a laugh with a simple “Ricky Ponting”. Despite being packed to bursting most of the time all travellers are well natured and are happy to share their personal space with dozens of strangers.

Train traveller, somewhere in Maharastra. Train is easily the most preferred way of travelling medium to long distances in India, particularly for the poor. This woman was transporting half a dozen sacks of grain and rice.

Thousand Oaks, Pune. In even the most decrepid street, open the doors to a walled compound and enter a new world. Full of light, manicured trees and beer! India, full of contrasts and contradictions.

Osho Ashram, Pune. The picture perfect gardens of Osho Ashram in Pune, a world famous centre for spiritual enlightenment, healing and yoga. In reality, it looked more like a money spinning spiritual theme park. Some believe the ‘spiritual enlightenment’ is in fact orgies for old, wrinkly Americans. This is the only picture taken as a number of security people ejected us immediately afterwards.

Iron man, Pune. Ironing cloths the old fashioned way. Open the top of the iron, load a couple of handfuls of red hot coals, then away you go. The other vendor in charge of lighting and heating the coals (out of shot) is exposed to thick smoke all day. These guys make only a couple of rupees per item despite the time consuming manual labour.

Pune Prison Walls. Inmates inside Pune prison are required to work in the large fields adjacent the prison, tending vegetable gardens. Their share of proceeds from the vegetables sold is given in a lump sum on release. In the absence of the male, his family will struggle to survive until the main bread-winner is released and can earn a regular income once again. During incarceration, wives of inmates rely on the father-in-law to provide food, shelter and other necessities.

Guava seller, Pune. In the absence of supermarkets, a la Coles & Woolies, most food shopping in India is done in markets and street stalls. This stall was on MG (Mahatma Gandhi) Road in Pune, a main shopping street, selling snacking guavas for shoppers. A bargain at only 5 rupees each.

Micro-finance billboard, Pune. Luckily, there is no penalty for premature withdrawal.

 

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