Savitribai Phule Pune University – Oxford of the East

Considered one of the leading universities in India, the Savitribai Phule Pune University formerly known as University of Pune is situated in the northwestern region of Pune. It is spread over 411 acres campus and houses around 46 academic departments. Established on 10th February, 1948 under the Poona University Act, this institution is one of the oldest institutions in India. It has around 612 affiliated colleges and 307 recognized institutes that offer excellent programs in several areas including Science, Arts, Commerce, Languages, and Management Studies. This university has made remarkable contributions in the areas of teaching and research and continues to strive for excellence.

Popularly known as the ‘Oxford of the East’, students from all over the world come to study at the University of Pune due to its quality and excellent facilities. It provides good accommodation, hostel, and library facilities. Plus, most importantly, the peaceful environment and the state of the art facilities ensure an optimal atmosphere for studies and research. It also offers scholarships to the students and conducts seminars and conferences for them. Even the widespread campus has a beautiful and picturesque view. The luxuriant greenery embellished with the attractive fountains and the magnificence of the main building never fails to grab the attention of the visitors. The main building of this institution is clearly depicted in its symbol. This building is monumental and has a very elegant architecture. It bears the flag of the university that projects high in the sky through its tower. Built in 1834 in Italian-Gothic style in Ganesh khind area, on the outskirts of what was then Poona, it was the residence for the Governors of Bombay (now Mumbai) during the British rule. The Pune University also has its share of numerous old trees that provide shade and adds to its beauty.

The location of the University of Pune holds historical significance. It is believed that the Battle of Khadki took place at its present location. Formerly, around 12 districts of Maharashtra were under the Pune University’s jurisdiction. However, the foundation of the Shivaji University restricted its jurisdiction to five districts including Pune, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Nashik, and Jalgaon. Today, Pune, Ahmednagar, and Nashik districts come under the jurisdiction of the Pune University, as Jalgaon and Dhule are a part of the North Maharashtra University since August 1990. Some of the national institutions that are recognized by the University of Pune for research include National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), National Institute of Virology (NIV), Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), etc.

Thus all in all, the Savitribai Phule Pune University has great significance in terms of education, beauty, and history. Even if you are studying in some other place, at least visiting the Savitribai Phule Pune University will be an enjoyable experience. The working hours of the Pune University are from 10:20 am to 6:00 pm. Make sure you visit the Savitribai Phule Pune University at least once to sense its beauty and grandeur.