If you’ve always thought of taking German classes but never really got around to doing it, now might be the best time. Come Friday, the YMCA grounds at Nandanam will be resplendent with the best of Germany - culture, construction, food, innovation, ideas and what not - all with a dash of Indianism thrown in. The Indo-German Urban Mela, a celebration that has travelled from Mumbai to Bengaluru and now to our city, will kick off with a bang for all of Chennai to see, feel, savour and enjoy.
Themed around innovating with city or urban spaces, the exhibition will look at the challenges of urbanisation that are challenging our cities through a spectrum of displays and arts from the city. “There will be infinite opportunities to learn and have fun,” said Dr Stefan Weckbach, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai, “There are common issues that cities in India and Germany face and some of these will be shown wonderful solutions in this expo,” he said.
With a smattering of German artists, musicians and architects touring with the expo, the whole exercise is part of the Indo-German celebrations of 60 years of diplomatic ties. And if you think that it’s all serious stuff - think again. With plays by local theatre groups, a concert by the city’s best rock and metal bands, a cafe with traditional German food and workshops and contests for kids, the week-long affair is bound to be a blast. Like Goethe-Institut’s Director Karl Pechatscheck put it, “There’s plenty to look forward to, whether you’re looking to build a better future or just have a great time!”
And rest assured, you will not need to know German to enjoy the fest. In any case, there will be plenty of expats and people from the Max Mueller Bhavan around the place, so there’s no way you can say ‘Nein’ to coming.
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