How Pune Is Helping in Beating Loneliness As India Ranks 2nd Among the World’s Loneliest Nations

As India ranks among the world’s loneliest nations despite strong family structures, Pune’s thriving communities, hobby groups and outdoor culture are offering newcomers a chance to build meaningful friendships and social connections.

By Vidhi Lalla 

Pune: A recent global study on loneliness has sparked conversations across India after ranking the country among the world’s most emotionally isolated nations. The report highlighted a surprising trend: many people feel lonely even while living with family members and surrounded by others.

The findings are particularly relevant in fast-growing urban centres like Pune, where thousands of students, IT professionals, entrepreneurs and job seekers arrive every year from different parts of India. While the city offers career opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle, many newcomers initially struggle to build friendships and find a sense of belonging.

Yet for many residents, Pune has quietly developed a reputation as one of India’s easiest cities to socialise in, provided people know where to look.

Amanda Prabhu, from ‘Pune Connection Club’ whose passion drove her to partner with like-minded Dr. Karuna Kamble, to take the initiative in organising various social events like Open Mic, Board Games, Trivia Nights and more pan Pune shared that, her experience has been very positive and response is overwhelming. “I am myself from another city, which gave me the idea of arranging a safe and comfortable environment, where people could share their passion and also get an opportunity to meet and socialise with like-minded people,” she said. “People are really thankful to get opportunities like these, especially those who are new to the city,” she added

Weekend treks have emerged as one of Pune’s biggest social connectors. From Sinhagad and Rajgad to nearby Sahyadri trails, organised trekking groups attract hundreds of participants every weekend. What begins as a morning hike often turns into lasting friendships built through shared experiences and regular meetups.

“I moved from Indore for an IT job and knew absolutely nobody here,” said Rohan Kulkarni, a software engineer who joined a trekking group during his first month in Pune. “Within six months, I had a circle of friends who now feel like family. The trek itself lasted a few hours, but the conversations continued long after.”

Sports and fitness communities are also becoming popular social hubs. Swimming pools, cycling clubs, running groups and badminton communities regularly bring together people from different backgrounds who share common interests.

For Priya Menon, who relocated from Kochi for work, a local swimming club became the starting point of her social life in the city.

“After practice sessions, people would gather and chat. It felt natural because everyone already had something in common. I met some of my closest friends there,” she said.

Pune’s growing dance culture has created another avenue for social interaction. Latin dance schools frequently organise city-wide social events where students from multiple academies come together to dance, learn and network.

Volunteering has also emerged as a powerful way to build meaningful connections. Environmental drives on local tekdis, animal welfare initiatives, educational programmes and community campaigns regularly attract residents eager to contribute while meeting like-minded people.

Photography walks, motorcycle riding clubs, heritage tours, reading circles and community events have similarly gained popularity among newcomers seeking genuine interactions beyond workplace conversations.

Experts say these communities matter because loneliness is increasingly emotional rather than physical. People may spend their day surrounded by colleagues, neighbours or family members yet still feel disconnected. Activity-based groups help bridge that gap by creating opportunities for regular, meaningful engagement.

The city’s housing societies are also playing a role. Clubhouses, badminton courts, table tennis rooms and cultural celebrations often become informal meeting points where residents are introduced to wider neighbourhood networks.

As conversations around loneliness continue, Pune’s experience suggests that friendships often begin not through apps but through shared activities, common interests and community participation.

For many newcomers, the first step can be as simple as joining a trek, volunteering for a cause or saying yes to a local community event.

Popular ways to meet new people in Pune:

• Weekend trekking and hiking groups
• Swimming pools and fitness communities
• Cycling and running clubs
• Latin dance schools and social events
• Photography clubs and photo walks
• Motorcycle and riding groups
• Volunteering for NGOs and environmental initiatives
• Reading clubs and film clubs
• Society clubhouse activities
• Heritage walks and community events

FAQs: Staying Safe While Socialising

Is it safe to join social groups through social media?
Yes, but join established groups with active communities and public reviews. Attend meetings in public places initially.

Should I share my personal phone number immediately?
It is advisable to share social media handles first and exchange personal numbers only after building trust.

Where should first-time meetups take place?
Prefer public venues such as cafés, community events, trekking assembly points or club activities.

How can I verify a group’s authenticity?
Check social media activity, member reviews, event history and recommendations from existing participants.

What information should remain private initially?
Avoid sharing home addresses, financial details, workplace security information and personal documents.

What should I do if someone makes me uncomfortable?
Trust your instincts, leave the situation, block the individual if necessary and inform group administrators.

Disclaimer: Social experiences vary from person to person. Readers should exercise caution while meeting new people and follow basic safety practices when joining social groups or attending events.