GDIZ
Munchen
Dear Members & Friends of GDIZ, 2011 is a significant year in the history as it marks 60 years of official diplomatic relations between India and Germany. Hence India is celebrating the Year of Germany in India based on the motto “Germany and India 2011-12: Infinite Opportunities“. On this occasion, German Chancellor Angela Merkel traveled to New Delhi with a high-profile delegation and inaugurated this fifteen months of collaborative celebration across India. One of the programs, “StadtRaüme - CitySpace”, concentrates on implications and solutions to challenges faced due to rapid urbanization of the cities in both countries. Culture would also be a major component of the celebrations with German and Indian artists performing together at over a dozen venues in India. On the same lines, the Year of India in Germany is planned for 2012-13. Germany is India's largest trading partner in the European Union and India ranks seventh among Asian exporters to Germany. India with its significantly young force, huge domestic market and growing purchasing power offers a massive hidden potential for Germany which in turn offers a competitive advantage in technology. Through bilateral talks during the Germany Year in India, Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Singh have taken first but encouraging steps in the right direction. Potential in areas ranging from trade, education, research, security, defense, vocational trainings and infrastructure to sustainable energy and environmental technologies will be discussed as part of the bilateral talks.
In the very same year, India is also witnessing a unique mass protest against rising corruption, in a way very different to the Arab Spring. Acclaimed social activist Anna Hazare promised to fast until death following Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence. The tremendous popularity of his movement was visible in the solidarity shown to the protest in and outside India including Germany. This leaves hope and reason to believe in a corruption-free India. With an aim to integrate and represent Indians in Germany and to offer a platform for Indo-German exchange in the spheres of business, politics and education, the non-profit Gesellschaft für DeutschIndische Zusammenarbeit e.V. was founded in 2008. We already have significant achievements under our belt including this second yearbook showcasing different Indo-German projects. On behalf of the entire GDIZ team, I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Diwali and thank you all for your continued support and affection. I look forward to seeing you at one of our future upcoming events. Enjoy reading!
Yours Sincerely,
Shailesh More Executive Board Member Gesellschaft für Deutsch-Indische Zusammenarbeit e.V.
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