Pune: Goethe-Institut Max Mueller Bhavan Pune and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration will focus on teacher training, arts, culture, and literature, with the agreement formally signed by senior representatives from both institutions.
The MoU was signed by Markus Biechele, Director of Goethe-Institut Pune, Alicia Padros, Deputy Director and Head of the Language Department at Goethe-Institut Pune, Prof. Dr. Swati Acharya, Head of the Department of Foreign Languages at SPPU, and Prof. Jyoti Bhakre, Registrar of SPPU.
A key aspect of this partnership will be the continuation and formalization of the "Deutsch Lehren Lernen" (DLL) program, a specialized teacher training initiative designed by the Goethe-Institut.
This program will be integrated into the curriculum for students pursuing an MA in German at SPPU, providing them with essential skills for teaching German as a foreign language. In addition to this, selected students will be offered scholarships for specific courses through the Goethe-Institut Pune.
The MoU also extends the scope of collaboration to include various cultural and artistic initiatives, with the German section of SPPU’s Department of Foreign Languages set to actively participate in events organized by the Goethe-Institut.
These activities will promote broader engagement with German arts and literature in Pune, fostering deeper connections between German and Indian cultural landscapes.
Markus Biechele, Director of Goethe-Institut Pune, said, “Pune has a rich legacy of German language learning, and this partnership offers numerous career opportunities for students. This collaboration also strengthens Indo-German relations, and we are excited to take this relationship forward with SPPU.”
Prof. Dr. Swati Acharya expressed enthusiasm for the MoU, noting that more than 100 students have benefited from the pilot DLL program since its inception in 2021.
“This agreement formalizes and strengthens the long-standing cooperation between SPPU and Goethe-Institut, ensuring a sustainable partnership. It also allows us to officially incorporate elements of the DLL program into our MA curriculum, further enhancing the quality of our teaching,” she said.
Alicia Padros, Deputy Director of Goethe-Institut Pune, emphasized the growing demand for German language teachers in Maharashtra. “As the number of students learning German continues to rise, now is the right time to consolidate and expand our teacher training program. Pune has a historical significance as the first city in India where German was taught, and we remain committed to fostering partnerships that promote language education,” she said.
Biechele added, “As a globally active cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Goethe-Institut strives to promote mutual understanding between Germany, Europe, and the world. Our network of 151 institutes in 98 countries, including six in India, continues to support educational and cultural exchange, particularly for students and professionals seeking opportunities in Germany.”
