Indo-German urban fair in Bangalore from Friday

By IANS,

Bangalore : A 10-day Indo-German Urban Mela (fair) will unfold from here Friday to commemorate 60 years of both the countries establishing diplomatic relations and showcase a blend of science, technology, culture and entertainment.


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To be held in the historic Bangalore Palace grounds in the city centre, the urban extravaganza titled “Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities” will have a set of modern, multi-purpose pavilions to unleash the potential of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

“The fair offers an opportunity to view cities of tomorrow, with innovative approaches and smart solutions for urban life like energy and water supply, respect for environment, construction and urban planning, besides music, dance and entertainment,” German consul general Ingo Karsten told reporters here Tuesday at a preview of the megaevent.

With the thematic focus on “City Spaces”, the multi-faceted exposition will offer information through interactive feature, games, models and experiments. The fair will also study the impact of rapid urbanisation and challenges of change in Indian and German cities.

“Issues like mobility, energy, sustainable urban development, architecture, cultural space, education and urban art will be featured through performing and visual arts, science, education, technology and business,” Karsten said.

The 15-month-long event, which began in September 2011, had its inaugural expo in Mumbai from April 13-22, and attracted about 70,000 visitors aged from 20 to 60 years.

The mobilepavilion, which will travel to Chennai (Aug 24-Sept 2), New Delhi (Oct 26-Nov 4) and Pune (Jan 11-20, 2013) over the next six months, will also display interactive solutions related to the thematic focus in association with partner organisations and institutions involved in shaping the future with their research and development activities in India and Germany.

“Apart from innovative solutions and presentations to help visitors envision better cities, the fair will offer an array of programmes and activities for everyone – from thinkers to break-dancers, from kids to heavy metal fans, from young researchers and students to budding poets,” said Goethe Institute director Christoph Bertrams.

Renowned German artist Markus Heinsdorff, who was inspired by Indian gemstones and architecture, designed the pavilions into six differently shaped modules to create a unique festival venue.

“Visitors can also feast on German delicacies and drinks at the Beergarden, which is inspired bythe German ‘Biergarten’, an important social space for friends and family to interact,” said Bertrams.

Besides gastronomic treats, a host of activities will be held for visitors. They will include performances by heavy metal acts such as Arkadius and Kryptos, workshops in break-dance by Niels Storm and a dance act by Samir Akika and Attakkalari.

The event is being organised by a host of German organisations, including its foreign office and corporate partners such as Bajaj Allianz, BASF, Bosch, Deutshe Bank and Siemens.

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