Pune has long been known as a hub for education – and its legacy in foreign language learning stretches back over a century. What began with German in the early 1900s has now blossomed into a multilingual landscape rich with opportunity, culture, and global connectivity.
From European classics like German and French to emerging Asian languages like Mandarin Chinese and Korean, Pune has evolved into one of India’s most vibrant cities for language enthusiasts.
German – The Beginning (1914 Onwards)
German was the first foreign language to be systematically taught in Pune. It all started in 1914 at Fergusson College, thanks to the Deccan Education Society.
Prof. Panduranga Gune was the first to bring German into schools, introducing it at the New English School.
The language gained further prominence when Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan opened its Pune branch in 1962, laying the foundation for structured, internationally aligned German education.
French – Cultural Expansion (1932 Onwards)
French followed soon after, first introduced at Nowrosjee Wadia College in 1932.
By the mid-1930s, Y.K. Sohoni began teaching French in schools like Nutan Marathi Vidyalaya and M.E. Society’s High School.
The University of Pune (now SPPU) added a Department of Foreign Languages in 1954, and the Alliance Française de Pune was founded in 1973, creating a strong Indo-French cultural bond that thrives to this day.
Russian – Diplomacy and Depth (1964 Onwards)
Russian arrived in Pune’s academic landscape via Savitribai Phule Pune University in 1964.
From part-time certificates to PhDs, the offerings have grown deep and wide, especially relevant for students in political studies, translation, and diplomatic careers.
Collaborations with the Russkiy Mir Foundation further support student exchange programs and cultural immersion.
Japanese – The Rise of Industry Integration (1977 Onwards)
In 1977, pioneers like Hari Damle and Nichiko Tendulkar began teaching Japanese in Pune.
The Department of Japanese Language at SPPU was established in 1978, and the language quickly found relevance in Pune’s IT, automobile, and academic sectors.
A proud highlight: Pune’s own Rameshchandra Divekar was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun (Class V) by the Emperor of Japan for his work in promoting Japanese language and culture.
Spanish – The Global Gateway (1996 Onwards)
Spanish was introduced at SPPU’s Department of Foreign Languages in 1996, and Instituto Hispania followed in 1997.
Today, Pune is a national hub for Spanish learning – perfect for those interested in tourism, international business, and Latin American culture.
Mandarin Chinese – Language of the Future (2005 Onwards)
Mandarin made its early entry at SIFIL, but private institutes like The Oriental Dialogue transformed how the language is taught.
We’ve designed specialized courses for business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs – equipping learners for real-world use, global internships, and scholarships.
Mandarin is now one of the most strategic languages for Pune’s globally ambitious professionals.
Korean – The K-Wave and Career Boom (~2018 Onwards)
Korean entered Pune’s language scene through SIFIL and saw a major surge in popularity during the Covid lockdowns, thanks to platforms like The Oriental Dialogue.
Driven by K-pop, K-dramas, and the rise of translation and localization careers, Korean is now a favorite among Pune’s youth.
With companies like Hyundai Motors, Lotte, Posco, and LG operating in MIDC zones, Korean isn’t just pop culture – it’s a career-building tool.
The city even has its own “Little Korea” with growing communities of Korean professionals and their families.
The New Wave: Niche Languages & Passionate Teachers
Beyond big institutes, Pune also thrives on individual educators who teach lesser-known languages in small, personalized batches.
Languages like:
Arabic, Dutch, Thai, Portuguese, Italian, Swahili, Persian (Farsi), Turkish, Hebrew
These are often chosen for:
- Travel and migration
- Cultural exploration
- Business and diplomatic needs
- Academic and research purposes
Thanks to these dedicated teachers, Pune’s language map continues to diversify and globalize.
What Language Should You Learn?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Language Group | Why Learn It? |
| German & French | Academic prestige, established ecosystem – competitive but rewarding |
| Mandarin, Japanese, Korean | Ideal for tech, business, innovation, and cultural immersion |
| Niche languages | Tailored for specific goals – travel, diplomacy, migration, unique careers |
Ready to Start Your Language Journey?
Join our FREE ONLINE demo session for Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Korean – the languages shaping the next generation of global professionals.
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