Pune's 'Poddar Uncle' Reflects on His First International Journey to Germany in 1982
‘People from my town came to see me off’: Pune's 'Poddar uncle' recalls his first international trip to Germany in 1982
Image: The Economic Times
Kamalakar Potdar, affectionately known as 'Poddar Uncle' in Pune, reminisces about his first international trip to Germany in 1982. As the first in his family to travel abroad, his journey was a source of pride for his hometown of Kolhapur. Potdar's experiences in Germany, from cultural discoveries to homesickness, shaped his perspective on the world.
- 01Kamalakar Potdar became the first engineer in his family and moved to Pune to work at Tata Motors before his trip to Germany.
- 02His journey to Germany in 1982 marked a historic moment for his hometown, with residents gathering to see him off.
- 03Potdar was amazed by the cleanliness and discipline in Germany, noting the dignity associated with every profession.
- 04He experienced homesickness during his trip, particularly missing Indian food, and even searched for Chinese cuisine.
- 05Today, at nearly 80, Potdar creates toys and miniature art, sharing his work on social media as 'Poddar Uncle.'
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Kamalakar Potdar, known as 'Poddar Uncle' in Pune, reflects on his transformative journey to Germany in 1982, which marked him as the first person in his family to travel abroad. Growing up in Kolhapur during the 1960s and 70s, Potdar's aspirations to become an engineer were a significant achievement, leading to his employment at Tata Motors in Pune. His trip to Germany was a momentous occasion, celebrated by his hometown, where residents gathered to bid him farewell. Upon arrival in Germany, Potdar was captivated by the pristine roads and the societal norms, particularly the independence of women. He was deeply moved by the dignity associated with every profession, recalling a woman cleaning hotel rooms who drove an expensive car. Despite enjoying European cuisine, he found himself longing for Indian flavors, even seeking out Chinese food. His experiences included witnessing the Berlin Wall, and he captured these memories with his first camera. Now, at nearly 80, Potdar engages in creative pursuits, making toys and art, and shares his creations with a global audience on social media.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the impact of international travel on personal growth?
Connecting to poll...
More about Tata Motors
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.

_fitted.png&w=1200&q=75)





