Pune is certainly gaining prominence on the world map: Former MCCIA president

Pune Unplugged 3.0, an annual event organised by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), concluded on Sunday. With a series of initiatives to promote integration amongst people across nationalities, Pune Unplugged aims at forging better ties with the expatriate community. Mukesh Malhotra, former president, MCCIA, spoke with
Priyanka Naithani about the journey so far, the growing expat community and the foreign investment in the city.

This is the third year of Pune Unplugged. How has been the journey so far? What special events were added this year?
The journey so far has been extremely satisfying and the event itself has grown from strength to strength. The expatriate community look forward to this event and the participation is getting better every year. This year, a special item called ‘Diwali Evening’ was added as the event was organised just a couple of weeks before Diwali. A special dance performance based on Diwali theme was arranged along with an exhibition of festive items and foods.

What was the idea behind starting Pune Unplugged?
When Pune Unplugged was started In 2009, the basic idea was to have a ‘Friendship Week’ for the expatriate community of Pune to make them feel at home and to integrate them with the local community.
Programmes were chosen to increase interaction between expatriates and local citizens. The aim was to give the expatriate community a better understanding of the Indian culture, customs and cuisines.

The expat community in Pune has grown significantly. Do you think Pune is gaining prominence on the world map?
Yes, Pune is certainly gaining prominence on the international map. The direct flight from Frankfurt to Pune and back is full and one can hardly find a seat.
A number of multinational companies are choosing Pune as their home due to its multifarious advantages in terms of climate, social infrastructure, skilled manpower and excellent educational and health facilities, besides a welcoming local population. This event brings
together Indian and foreign cultures under one roof.

Do you think it will help in increasing foreign investment?
Yes, certainly. Events like Pune Unplugged help in increasing foreign investment in the city. Expats, who participate in such events, often become friends with the local populace and go back to their native countries as positive ambassadors of the city and motivate their compatriots to set up shop in Pune, if they are planning a business base in India.

The MCCIA has been known for promoting regional trade and investment with various countries. How has been the response so far?
MCCIA’s efforts for promoting trade, investment and institutional links with other countries around the globe have obviously been fruitful, keeping in mind the ever-growing number of foreign companies that are choosing Pune as their base in spite of having other options. The constant endeavour of the organisation is to build on its successes and attract more foreign investment and trade to our beautiful region.