University of Pune celebrates 100 years of German classes

The University of Pune (UoP), will organise a function to celebrate the 100 years of German classes in India.

UoP will conduct series of Exhibitions and Competitions and student rallies through the year 2014 to celebrate 100 years of teaching German in the city.

"A team of experts from Germany would visit the University to discuss the changes that could be incorporated in the Education faculty," said, VC, W N Gade.

In 1914, New English School, Pune had started teaching German Language. This was the first time German was being taught in India.

"Nashik and Ahmednagar, apart from Pune, have a high number of students who study German in undergraduate and postgraduate courses," said V B Gaikwad, Director, Board of College and University Development (BCUD).

"To commemorate the centenary year of the first German lessons in India, we plan to organise a host of events throughout the year 2014 with participation from embassies of German-speaking countries, universities and various other organisations," said Gade.

"We are in talks with the German universities about sponsoring faculty here who will teach German. There are also talks going on with Germany-based companies to collaborate and sponsor fellowship programmes," said Gade.

Present, UoP has 2,500 Undergraduates, 10 Postgraduates and 10 Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) students studying German language.

The inauguration of the centenary function will be held on 23 Feb 2014. The programmes will start from 11 Jan 2014.

An international conference on German studies has been organised from 27 to 28 Feb 2014.