In a collaborative effort between the University of Toronto (U of T) and Ashok University, nine students from each of the two institutions were selected to engage in a course that gave them a window into Pune’s social dynamics.
Among other activities, students accompanied workers from SWaCH, a self-employed waste collection cooperative, to analyze various social dynamics to develop critical social awareness as part of their urban studies program.
The universities partnered with the School of Cities India and the Tata Trusts to explore three city-building projects identified by Indian civil society organizations. This initiative was taken by U of T India Foundation.
“By collaborating and working with organizations like SWaCH, students have the opportunity to see how grassroots organizations approach urban equity and facilitate sustainability in a very specific Global South context. Academic urban theories about equity and sustainability come alive, and students learn how NGOs operationalize these concepts.” give examples of what they do,” said Aditi Mehta, an urban studies professor at U of T who accompanied the students.
Developing critical consciousness
Prof. Mehta said that critical awareness refers to the student’s ability to identify and analyze the social, political and economic structures that cause inequality in society and to understand their position in the world.
“Building an awareness of how these social, political, and economic structures work on a local and global scale requires you to leave a familiar place and enter a completely new environment. In the context of this project, Pune was chosen because it is roughly the size of the Greater Toronto Area. , with a similar range of urban challenges, strengthening opportunities for mutual learning and solution generation,” he added.
Over four days, the students visited Yutak Trust, MIST Cafe, Shaniwar Wada Fort, Pune’s Center for Development Studies and Activities, Osho Garden, and Tulsibag Bazaar, besides SWaCH collaboration to collect data, as well as local flyovers. They focused on various urban challenges and public policies.
Over four days, students collected data and focused on various urban challenges and public policies. (Photo credit: Reyansh Lokre)
Jake Karpozis, a fourth-year public policy and urban studies student, said: “We’re putting together a blog about the trip so that the different organizations involved can read about it and take those experiences into the classroom.” Karpozis spent his time exploring how temporary parking lots and garbage dumps under the city’s flyovers in Pune could be revitalized into more valuable spaces.
The final recommendations will be delivered in April 2025
Students will continue to work on their projects throughout the academic year as they conduct preliminary studies of the field and its issues. Their final suggestions and solutions will be sent to their partners in Pune in April 2025.
The course forms part of various activities and collaborations undertaken by the U of T India Foundation in recent months. “The opportunity to engage in joint projects with community partners in India and Indian students broadens students’ understanding of diverse perspectives and enhances connections and skills for lifelong career opportunities as global citizens,” said Gauravi Lobo, Principal. U of T India Foundation, Mumbai.
“The University of Toronto is engaged in international partnerships in many parts of the world with a network of over 200 global partners,” said Lobo.
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package
Click here to join Express Pune Whatsapp Channel And get a curated list of our stories