‘Year of Germany’ in India begins from Sept

Celebrating 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the year of ‘Germany in India’ will begin in the country starting this September.

‘’Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities’ will be celebrated across the country focusing on culture, science, education and all the aspects of urban life and development.

“India is undergoing a transformation from being an agrarian society to a developed knowledge-based country. So, urban management is crucial for India. We will focus on city spaces and issues like water and waste management and alternate sources of energy. German technology will offer valuable inputs,” German Ambassador to India, Mr Thomas Matussek, told presspersons here.

The German Government has allocated €13 million for the programme. A similar year-long event would be conducted in Germany by India in 2012-13.

“We aim to deepen mutual understanding and traditional friendship between our people and showcase the entire spectrum of our cooperation in the spheres of politics, business, culture, education, science and research,” he said.

“Science Express”, a specific train displaying advancements made by Germany in science and technology, would visit important cities across the country.

“The Federal Chancellor will come to Delhi on May 31 and there will be a big event in Sirifort auditorium for this,” he added.

Apart from the seven cities — New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Pune, the celebrations would be held in some Tier—II cities as well.

Culture would be a major component of the celebrations and German artists will be performing at over a dozen venues in India.

Taking the mutual cultural relations forward, Germany has granted Rs 96 lakh for the restoration and conservation of Chausath Khamba, a 16th century Mughal-era monument in Nizamuddin in Delhi.

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