The first time I went to Pune to work, my mother took three whole weeks worrying about me staying in a boys’ PG. Her fantasies had created images of dirty kitchens, loud fights, and boys living only on instant noodles. When she came to see me 3 years afterwards, she went ahead and asked me, “Beta, is it a sure thing this is a PG?” It looks better than our home!”
You may have heard such stories if you are a parent or a student in need of accommodation. To get the record straight, I would like to dispel five popular myths concerning boys’ PGs.
Myth 1: Boys’ PGs Are Always Dirty and Messy
Reality: Now it is likely to be the oldest stereotype, and, frankly, it is time to put it to rest.
The vast majority of the reputable boys’ PGs nowadays have housekeeping services from professional staff. The communal places in my PG were washed twice a day, and rooms were swept in the morning. No, not everybody has the same habits, but the hygiene standards are strictly followed by management. The reality is that most of the boys’ PGs are currently competing with girls’ accommodations in matters of cleanliness since they are aware that parents will be doing this inspection before the final settlement.
Myth 2: Food Is Always Unhealthy
Reality: Gone are the days when the term “PG food” used to refer to a breakfast of greasy parathas and a dinner of oily food.
The contemporary version of the PG realizes that students and employees should have a healthy diet. My PG was part of a weekly rotating menu consisting of dal, sabzi, roti, rice, and even salad. On Sundays, it was fresh poha or upma. A variety of locations have customization in case of dietary choices. Naturally, you will get the occasional Maggi night, but that is your life, not a PG restriction.
Myth 3: security Is Lax or Nonexistent
Fact: This myth is probably based on the notion that a boy is capable of self-care.
The truth? Security is now a concern for most city PGs. My office was biometrically entered, had cameras on every floor, and was highly strict on visiting policy. Company owners understand that their reputation relies on safety. Some even keep wardens or caretakers on the premises. To the parents, it is always a surprise to find that logs on entry are being kept and that strangers cannot simply walk in.
Myth 4: No Privacy or Personal Space
Reality: Although it is a typical practice to stay together in rooms, the level of privacy has disappeared.
Most of the boys’ PGs have single-occupancy rooms or shared rooms of only two occupants. Even in a collective arrangement, it has an unwritten rule concerning the need to respect the space of each other. Bed curtains, individual study tables, and cupboards are standard. You are not registering for a 90s film dormitory. The majority of boys in the PGs cherish their privacy as any other person does.
Myth 5: They’re Only for Students, Not Working Professionals
Reality: It is another one that I was surprised by when I first heard it.
The fact is that there are several boys’ PGs in the modern world that are targeted at working people. They are in close vicinity to IT parks and commercial regions. The crowd is more relaxed, and the surroundings are less noisy. Our group in my PG consisted of both the engineers and bankers, and there was even a chef who was too lazy to cook at home. We had age groups ranging between 21 and 30, and all people coexisted well.
The moral of the story is that at the end of the day, you should find the best-paying guest for boys. Go there, interview the existing inhabitants, and have faith in your gut. When taken in moderation, the PG experience can be one of the best stages of life.
And just do not believe everything you hear. And mothers, leave it to yourselves; stop worrying. I swear, we get on very well.
