THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ‘Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities,’ a 15-month programme marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and India, will open in Thiruvananthapuram on September 30.Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph and Deputy Consul General of Germany Hans-Guenter Loeffler will jointly inaugurate the programme at Hotel Taj, Vazhuthacaud.Air Marshal S P Singh, Air Officer Commanding- in-Chief, Southern Air Command, will be among the chief guests on the occasion.‘Germany and India 2011- 2012: Infinite Opportunities’ is being organised by German Federal Foreign Office, the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA), the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and the Goethe- Institut.The project is managed by the Goethe-Institut/ Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi.‘’Earlier too, we have organised similar festivals, but they have been confined to Metros.This is the first time such a fest is being organised here,’’ Goethe- Zentrum Trivandrum director Syed Ibrahim said.With a thematic focus on ‘StadtRäume’ (CitySpaces), the 15-month programme series will illustrate implications of rapid urbanisation and challenges posed by the enormous changes the cities of both countries face today.Issues like mobility, energy, sustainable city development, architecture, cultural spaces, urban art and education will be prominently featured, Syed Ibrahim said.The programme will showcase a broad spectrum of Indo-German collaboration in the spheres of politics, business, culture, sports, education, science, technology and research.Most of the projects will be realised in collaboration with Indian partners and reflect different facets of urban life and development.The first event will be held on September 30 immediately after the inauguration - a fusion dance recital by renowned Indian classical dancer Dr Alekhya Punjala and the European danseuse Victoria Hauke.A music concert is planned in the third week of October in addition to a theatre event by Ranga Sankara, the Bangalore- based troupe.In November, a workshop will be held by noted German photographer Thomas Brenner.This programme is being funded by the city of Kaiserslautern.Kaiserslautern has now entered into a cultural cooperation with Goethe-Zentrum Trivandrum.This programme will coincide with the 60th anniversary celebrations.In November, noted German illustrator Christoph Mett will hold a workshop for children.November will also see a performance by the Minguet Quartet in the city.
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