In a grand finale to the ongoing celebrations to mark 60 years of diplomatic ties between Germany and India, a ten-day ‘Indo-German Urban Mela’ will be held here from January 11 showcasing pavilions incorporating the best of innovation and design of the two countries.

Conceptualised by internationally renowned German artist Markus Heinsdorff, the unique exhibition will host interactive presentations by various German corporations and organisations on topics and solutions with a thematic focus on ‘City Spaces’, highlighting issues such as mobility, energy, sustainable urban development, architecture cultural space and urban art.

“This programme series across India broaches the implications of rapid urbanisation and challenges posed by the pace of change in German and Indian cities today,” Folico Nather, Director, Max Muller Bhavan, city-based cultural centre of Germany which houses the Goethe-institute, told PTI.

Max Muller Bhavan is one of the organisers of the mela.

Elaborating on the project he said: “the year of Germany in India ( 2011-2012)”, celebration which kicked off in September 2011 and is scheduled to continue till early 2013, reflected a “united vision in the field of politics, business, science, culture and education, serving as a platform to showcase, reinforce and develop this historical relationship — marking 60 years of diplomatic ties between two countries.”

“The Indo-German Urban Mela” which began its tour with Mumbai in 2012, followed by Bangalore in June, Chennai in August and New Delhi in October will now conclude in Pune with its final stop-over with the set of pavilions that will be arranged and adapted to local conditions to create a novel temporary festival venue at Deccan College on the outskirts of the city,” said Ketaki Golatkar, one of the coordinators of the fixture for which the students learning German are invited to work as volunteers.

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