German News

Rs 1 /  vol. 52

NEW STANDARD

the magazine on indo-german relations

Indo-German intergovernmental consultations

GERMANY + INDIA

Dazzling event series starts in September

issue no. 1 / aug. 2011

TRANSLATION SELLS

German novels spark interest in India

EDITORIAL

I

/ j e ns urb a n

t’s finally here. After months of preparation, hundreds of

Amitabh Sinha from the Indian Express describes why

meetings and negotiations, telephone and video confer-

Germany and India are a perfect match to foster low car-

ences, on 23 September we will kick-start our 15-month

bon growth. One case in point is infrastructure. Business

series of events › G ermany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Op-

journalist Volker Müller from the Financial Times Deutsch-

portunities ‹, and I am really excited about it. Writing about

land takes a closer look at sustainable solutions in this key

the many aspects of Indo-German relations as we do in GER-

sector. In our economics section, Mr Müller also portrays a

MAN NEWS is one thing, but having the opportunity to inter-

young, but very well-known Indian lady, who took over the

act with many of the people involved on the spot − the › heavy

German fashion brand Escada. She brought some of India

hitters ‹ from business and politics, scientists, artists, house

Inc's spirit to the company. Her dedicated commitment

DJs and fashion enthusiasts, in the seven Indian megacities

saved a lot of jobs. Jobs are needed in Germany and India,

that we will be touring − is something else. In the 60th year

especially highly qualified ones. If India wants to benefit

of diplomatic relations between our two countries, we want

from its demographic dividend, it needs to train its huge

to showcase the entire ambit of Indo-German cooperation in

pool of human resources. Skills development will do the

the fields of politics, business, culture, science and educa-

trick and Germany is very much engaged in this area. Su-

tion. The main focus will be on » C itySpaces « and solutions

nanda Rao-Erdem gives an insight into some of the ongoing

for the challenges facing our ever-growing metropolises. Hi-

activities in this field. Did you ever try to read a German

manshi Dhawan from the Times of India outlines some of

book? In German? Sounds all Greek to you? Not any more.

the highlights for you.

Christoph Hein from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung tells the fascinating story of how German literature gets

Federal Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel officially inaugurated

translated into Hindi and other Indian languages, e.g. Ma-

the festival during her visit to Delhi on 31 May. But that

layalam. His conclusion: translation sells!

was only one topic on a loaded agenda. The visit set a new milestone in our strategic partnership. Berlin and Delhi

In our science section Narayani Ghanesh from the Times

held their first intergovernmental consultations, a format

of India presents a German Research Foundation (DFG)

of comprehensive bilateral negotiations that we had so far

funded project on how cultural memory, history and belief

reserved for our close European partners and Israel. The

systems inf luence the way we deal with disasters. Chetan

consultations were a huge step forward and will enhance

Chauhan from the Hindustan Times gives you the back-

our cooperation in the spheres of trade, vocational training,

ground on the new Indo-German Centre for Sustainability.

science and education, renewable energies and defence, to

When it comes to culture, our bilateral exchange is growing

name just a few. Our joint stint in the United Nations Secu-

manifold: Aamir Khan was a member of this year’s Berli-

rity Council since January 2011, the situation in Afghani-

nale jury. Max Müller Bhavan engages with contemporary

stan and Pakistan, the fight against terrorism, the dramatic

Indian photography and more and more German galleries

events in the Arab world, the G20 and climate change were

exhibit at the India Art Summit.

also high on the agenda. Tanushree Sengupta reports in full for GERMAN NEWS.

Want to know more about other Indo-German joint initiatives and projects? I look forward to seeing you at some of

That's politics, some critics might say, but does it material-

the many upcoming events during the Year of Germany in

ize on the ground? It does! Our bilateral trade is thriving and

India!

there are ever more initiatives and projects between our two countries. GERMAN NEWS brings you some of the stories.

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

Enjoy your read!

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content

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18

Standards

politics

Touch down: first intergovernmental consultations

Editorial SHOTS notepad

Take off: Germany and India 2011 - 2012: Infinite Opportunities

5 8 48

Coming Up

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ImprINT

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Photo Credits

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NEW STANDARD First Indo-German intergovernmental consultations held,

by Tanushree Sengupta

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GERMANY + INDIA ›Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities‹ event series begins, by Himanshi Dhawan

GREATER EFFICIENCY, FEWER EMISSIONS 18 Delinking mobility from CO2 emissions presents major latitude for Indo-German partnership, by Volker Müller

LOW-CARBON GROWTH

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On the low-carbon growth path, Germany emerged as one of India’s most trusted partners, by Amitabh Sinha

PORTRAIT YOUNG, ATTRACTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL 26 A portrait of Megha Mittal, the owner of the German Cover Illustration by Groupe-Dejour.de

fashion label Escada, by Volker Müller

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Move on: Indo-German joint initiative to fill the skills gap

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economy

CULTURE

TRANSLATION SELLS

Catch on: India Art Summit attracts German galleries

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AAMIR STARS IN GERMANY

Indian publishing houses envisage German literature for

An interview with Bollywood actor Aamir Khan,

the indigenous market, by Christoph Hein

by Tanushree Sengupta

FILLING THE SKILLS GAP

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BEYOND IMAGE

Germany’s vocational education scheme offers a healthy

Fine art and contemporary photography grab attention

mix of theory and practice, by Sunanda Rao-Erdem

of Indo-German cultural exchange, by Raahab Allana

VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE

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EYE-CATCHER

Journalist turns chocolatier; Indian track record awakes

India Art Summit attracts more and more German galleries,

German entrepreneurial spirit, by Dorothea Riecker

by Meera Menezes

did you know that...

science CULTURES OF DISASTER

A German prince made stunning drawings of the Anglo-Sikh Wars of 1845-46, by Jutta Jain-Neubauer

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Cultural perceptions of a disaster influence reactions in its aftermath, by Narayani Ganesh

MISSION SUSTAINABILIT Y Climate change poses big challenges, Germany and India set up a new research centre, by Chetan Chauhan

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50 52 56 58

s hots

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GERMAN STREET ART

/ germa n s tre e t a rt

--Untilled space is not implicitly uncultivated. What might appear like squander resources, artists experience the same as wealth in open space. Thus, Berlin – still rich of fallow land – became a centre for national and international street artists. One of Berlin’s wastelands, embedded in the lively Kreuzberg neighbourhood, has made its mark by its dazzling paintings on the walls of adjoining residential buildings. This work was created by Blu, an Italian street artist, who is known for partly comic-

© l eo se id e l / o s t kr eu z

like, partly monstrous large-scale images on buildings.

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s hots

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GERMAN STREET LIGHT

/ german s tre e t l i gh t

--Countless streetlamps and headlights dress the Avus, one of Berlin’s traffic aortas, in illumination at dawn, giving the 11,9 km-long highway a mystic glow. Andreas Muhs, a renowned German photographer, took this picture from the

Š a n d re a s mu h s / o s t kr eu z

top of the Funkturm tower in March 2011.

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NEW STANDARD politics

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On 31 May 2011, as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s plane touched down at New Delhi’s international airport, in many ways it was a visit marked by departures from convention. Foremost among them – the chancellor was leading Germany’s first intergovernmental negotiations with India, a format of comprehensive bilateral negotiations that Germany had so far reserved only for its close European partners and Israel. / te xt: ta nu sh r ee seng upta

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nlike the ceremonial routine followed during a visit,

After the meeting, Merkel remarked, » We both share

the chancellor got straight to work on arrival. She

the conviction that we can only live well together … if we

was accompanied by four cabinet ministers and high-

truly define global rules in such a way that they are ben-

ranking officials, five members of the German parliament,

eficial not only for the industrialised countries but also for

as well as representatives of German business, education

those countries that still have a great potential for further

and research organisations. A day before the delegation ar-

growth. « The consultations proved to be fortuitous, given

rived, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle f lew in to meet

the subsequent developments in the Arab world, the start of

his counterpart S M Krishna and prepare the ground for

NATO-led troops pulling out of Afghanistan and the pros-

what the chancellor termed a » m ilestone in Indo-German

pect of an emerging economic downturn.

relations « .

In her talks with the German media, the chancellor reiterSince 2000, Germany and India have had a strategic part-

ated the respect and high comfort level she has with India’s

nership, which takes on a new meaning in 2011 when

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. She spoke of the Indian

Germany and India sit side-by-side for two years as non-

leader’s tolerant and calm approach to issues and his great

permanent members at the UN Security Council. At the

understanding of the world. » I think thrice before rejecting

May 2011 intergovernmental consultations, interlocutors

any idea that comes from him « , she remarked.

global issues, significantly, strategies at the United Na-

The consultations in New Delhi covered the full range of bi-

tions Security Council, the global fight against terrorism,

lateral relations, beginning with the conventional areas of

the situation in North Africa and the Middle East, as well

trade and education & research, but also extending into ar-

as the G-20.

eas like security and defence policy, vocational training,

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from Germany and India addressed current regional and

Š re u t er s

/ n ew s ta nd a rd

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infrastructure and sustainable energ y and environment

will mean a quantum leap for Indian scientists in bringing

technologies. On the sidelines of the intergovernmental

this project to fruition.

consultations, ministers and senior government officials accompanying the chancellor held bilateral meetings with

Providing a high level of skill-based training to India’s bur-

their Indian counterparts. As many as 10 agreements were

geoning working-age population is a challenge that was

signed, one in the economic sphere and nine dealing with

brought into focus during Chancellor Merkel’s visit in May

education, research and vocational training.

2011. Both Merkel and Singh stressed on the importance of sharing knowhow in the field of vocational education.

German transport and urban development minister Peter

Singh emphasised, » We have a lot to learn from Germany’s

Ramsauer – who visited India the second time in just over

experience in vocational training and skill development. «

a month – met Indian finance minister Pranab Mukherjee,

Germany’s world renowned system of dual vocational train-

minister of shipping G K Vasan and the secretary of road

ing – a combination of › in-the-school ‹ and › o n-the-job ‹

transport and highways, R S Gujral. The mandate of the

training – can prove invaluable for India to effectively capi-

Indo-German Joint Working Group (JWG) on the Automo-

talise on its demographic dividend.

tive Sector was renewed until 2013 in Ramsauer’s presence.

Set up in 2009, the JWG has representatives of the German

Three agreements on Indo-German cooperation in voca-

and Indian automobile industries. Its objective is to inten-

tional education and training (VET) were signed at a meet-

sify cooperation in the development of efficient automotive

ing between German education minister Annette Schavan

technologies and alternate fuels and drives.

and India’s labour minister Mallikarjun Kharge. The main agreement extends cooperation in VET under the lead-man-

Bilateral cooperation in education and research has been

agement of the Indo-German working Group on Vocational

a priority for both countries. Germany’s endeavour to fos-

Education and Training.

ter excellence in higher education and research and India’s growing pool of talented young scholars have created a win-

Another agreement was formalised between iMOVE and the

ning synerg y. While academic exchange began way back in

National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) in India.

1957, with Germany providing technical assistance to set up

iMOVE is an initiative of Germany’s Ministry of Education

the Indian Institute of Technolog y in Madras (IITM), rela-

and Research (BMBF) to support the export of German vo-

tions in the science & technolog y (S&T) sector have intensi-

cational education and training. Under the agreement,

fied significantly over the last few years. As part of the May

German training providers will be involved in the expan-

2011 visit, six research MoUs were formalised.

sion and improvement of India’s vocational education and training capabilities. iMOVE will support NSDC in promot-

The Leibniz Association and India’s Department of Science

ing private sector initiatives in the field, as well as provide

and Technolog y (DST) signed an agreement for organising

assistance in setting up Sector Skill Councils. The third

joint symposiums on frontier areas of science & technol-

agreement covers cooperation between the Chamber of

og y. The University of Stuttgart and the newly set up IIT

Crafts Rhein/Main and Infrastructure Leasing & Financial

Mandi penned an agreement to exchange students and fac-

Services (IL&FS) in establishing about 100 multi-skill voca-

ulty, as also to sponsor seminars and workshops. The Insti-

tional training institutes along the Delhi-Mumbai indus-

tute of Materials Physics at the University of Münster and

trial corridor.

the University of Hyderabad launched their cooperation agreement.

During the consultations, Chancellor Merkel and Prime

per year by 2012. The German business delegation, includ-

research, particularly in the field of infectious diseases.

ing representatives of the German industr y association

Dresden University of Applied Sciences and the National

(BDI), large German multinationals, as well as its real eco-

Institute of Hydrolog y, Roorkee formalised an agreement

nomic growth drivers – the SMEs – accompanied secretar y

to establish an Indo-German Competence Centre for Riv-

of state Hans-Joachim Otto to his meeting with Indian

erbank Filtration (IFCCRBF). DESY, a Research centre of

commerce minister Anand Sharma. While the Indian side

the Helmholtz Association, and the Saha Institute of Nu-

invited higher German investment commitments in infra-

clear Physics, Kolkata (SINP) signed an MoU on the usage

structure, advanced technologies, environment and en-

of PETR A III, one of only four third-generation synchro-

erg y, the German delegation expressed its hope for further

trons in the world. SINP proposes to construct a third-

policy reforms, especially in retail, insurance, defence and

generation synchrotron in India and access to PETR A III

banking.

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trade is on course to reach the target of 20 billion euros

of Medical Research (ICMR) signed an MoU for biomedical

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Minister Singh reaffirmed that Indo-German bilateral The Helmholtz Association (HGF) and the Indian Council

/ n ew s ta nd a rd

Transfer of sustainable energ y and environment technolo-

As with all events in India, the chancellor’s visit rounded

gies was another focus area in the talks. Katharina Reiche,

off on a high note of celebrations. On the evening of 31 May,

secretary of state in the environment ministry, met the then

she inaugurated the Year of Germany in India along with

Indian environment minister Jairam Ramesh to discuss

the speaker of the Lok Sabha, Meira Kumar. The traditional

international climate change negotiations, possibilities

Indian ceremony of › l ighting the lamp ‹ was followed by an

of cooperation in environment, as well as a future interna-

evening of music by the Young Euro Classic Orchestra and

tional scientific advisory body on biodiversity – for which

Indian Dhrupad artists. Preparations are now in the final

Germany has offered to host a secretariat. Reiche also met

stages for the 15-month long festival – a German › m ela ‹ of

minister for new and renewable energ y Farooq Abdullah to

mobile tents that will travel through India’s seven largest

explore Indo-German initiatives in the renewables sector.

metropolises – New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad – as well as a number of

Chancellor Merkel’s visit, though, was not all hardcore ne-

other cities.

gotiations. The chancellor was nominated for the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, which

The visit was lean and businesslike, and it laid the ground

she was awarded by Indian President Pratibha Patil on the

for enhancing the strategic partnership between Germany

afternoon of 31 May. In her acceptance speech Merkel said,

and India in the years to come. In her concluding remarks

» I regard this award as confirmation that our two countries

at a joint press conference with Manmohan Singh, Chancel-

have travelled along the right road together. « She further

lor Merkel said, » We would like to support you in achiev-

reiterated, » T oday we can look back on these 60 years of dip-

ing the same degree of prosperity that we have been able to

lomatic relations with gratitude and indeed some pride. «

achieve, in a spirit of partnership. « ■

--Tanushree Sengupta, a communication professional, works at the

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German Information Centre in New Delhi.

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politics

Germany + India --Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities − the so titled 15-month long event series in India strives to showcase the whole spectrum of 60 year long Indo-German partnership and further opportunities / t ext : himan shi dhawan

D

ivided by seas but united by disappearing spaces.

India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities ‹ will be held in In-

Spaces are a luxury for a generation that has grown

dia from September 2011 to November 2012 and will focus

up in a large metropolis, be it in Delhi or Berlin. Im-

on the theme › S tadtRäume – CitySpaces ‹ .

posing malls, glittering billboards and honking cars vie for attention relegating parks, cultural and creative spaces to

Cities across the world face similar challenges in the use

the background. As India gallops towards higher economic

of spaces and balancing climate change and sustainable

growth and its cities and people struggle to keep up, it is

development with the pressure of housing and provision

perhaps only right that it engages with one of its strategic

of amenities. Adding to this is the growing realisation that

partners – Germany − for solutions to better prepare for

rapid urbanisation and the fascination for malls and multi-

this tumultuous urbanisation it is witnessing.

plexes is devouring space meant for recreation, community interaction, cultural events and green spaces.

Germany and India have long seen each other as reliable partners in all fields of bilateral cooperation. This provides

The projects − planned across the period of 15 months −

an excellent foundation for both the countries to work as

have been created to tackle issues like mobility, energ y,

partners in addressing the issues of the future. One of the

sustainable city development and architecture through

primary objectives of the Year of Germany in India is there-

performing, visual arts and science, technical and business

fore to expand this partnership in all areas.

interactions.

The collaborative celebration − Germany and India 2011-

Cities are currently home to an estimated 30 per cent of the

2012: Infinite Opportunities − was jointly inaugurated by

Indian population and contribute about 60 per cent to In-

Dr Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of

dia’s total GDP. In the next 20 years these figures will rise

Germany, and Smt. Meira Kumar, Speaker of Lok Sabha, in

rapidly. It is estimated that 40 per cent of the Indian popu-

May this year.

lation will be living in cities by 2030, producing as much as 70 per cent of India’s total GDP. This means that in 20 years’

The upcoming 15-month long event series promises to

time, an estimated 250 million more people will be living in

bring in a fresh perspective to our cities. › G ermany and

Indian cities than today.

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/ germa ny + i nd i a

Rapid urban development presents a number of challenges

A vacant kindergarten in East Berlin has been transformed

– both today and for the future. These challenges occur

into a hip design studio, where authors, fashion designers

across areas ranging from practical issues such as efficient

and photographers brainstorm. A war bunker, reminiscent

transport infrastructure to water supply and wastewater

of many dying dreams, became home to artists’ vivid imag-

disposal, waste management and social issues, to the co-

ination. In India, Mumbai has witnessed a similar trans-

existence of rich and poor as well as of various religious

formation in a limited fashion in the industrial district of

groups. This results in new ways of life developing in the cit-

lower Parel, where shuttered textile mills have given way to

ies and creates numerous opportunities for art and culture.

office spaces, discotheques and malls.

› S tadtRäume – CitySpaces ‹ provides a broad and highly

The familiar turning unfamiliar can have a disconcert-

relevant platform of four interdependent thematic fields:

ing effect and a feeling of alienation. One of the projects

town planning and architecture, mobility and transport,

explores this fusion through the art installation › It’s All

supplies and infrastructure and culture, society and public

Rheydt ‹. The legendary › H aus u r ‹ by the famous German

life. The centrepiece of the project is the › M obile Space ‹ , a

artist Gregor Schneider, awarded with the Golden Lion at

set of modern multi-purpose pavilions, designed especially

the Biennale in Venice in 2001, will be reconstructed by lo-

for the Year of Germany in India by renowned German art-

cal craftsmen and integrated into the Durga Puja Festival

ist Markus Heinsdorff. The pavilions combine state of the

in Kolkata in October 2011. During his 2010 visit to Kolkata,

art steel and textile technologies from both countries. The

Schneider was inspired to design a puja pandal that would

› M obile Space ‹ will be set up for 10 days each in Mumbai,

incorporate his thematic work › H aus u r ‹ as well as contain

Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and New

the ideas of local artisans who make this annual celebra-

Delhi and will host interactive presentations by various

tion into trend-setting artistic structures typical of this

German corporations and organisations on topics and so-

festival.

lutions related to › S tadtRäume – CitySpaces ‹ .

As a foreigner and a sensitive artist, Schneider saw a mysThe set of pavilions consists of six differently shaped mod-

terious and unexpected angle to the artistry of the pandal

ules inspired by Indian motifs and symbols, like the Ashok

that housed the idols. In fact, he was prepared to » e xpect

Chakra. The designers hope that government and non-gov-

the unexpected « in Kolkata and this is the feeling he wants

ernment organisations can use these pavilions after the

to convey with his design. He will work in collaboration

project has been completed. The pavilions will play host to

with local artisans associated with the Ekdalia Evergreen

contemporary cultural performances and conferences with

Society using locally available materials. Once the Durga

business partners offering solutions to urban challenges

Puja festival is over, parts of this › G erman pandal ‹ will be

like effective water management and sustainable energ y.

shipped to Germany and reconstructed for exhibition there.

One of the most exciting parts of the programme series is

If the › It’s All Rheydt ‹ project weaves old-world tradition

the › A Wall is a Screen ‹ project that throws the multiplex-

with new sustainable materials, then › I ndia goes 3D ‹ rep-

experience with its popcorn and sanitised surroundings

resents the pulsating youth and their shared passion for

out of the window to create the magic of movies in ever y

electronic music. Electronic music artists from India and

day life. Cinema in public spaces is a popular concept

Germany will perform in Bangalore, Mumbai and New

in Germany with quiet residential areas or busy market

Delhi between November 2011 and February 2012.

spaces appended as part of several films. The viewer is no longer in wilful suspended disbelief but a part of an audio-

Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities is

visual interaction watching clips screened on a billboard or

being initiated by a unique private public partnership −

a familiar wall, then walking a short distance for the next

including the German Federal Foreign Office, the Goethe-

segment.

Institute, the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and

A rare occurrence in Indian cities, reusing old spaces for

Research. The project is managed by the Goethe-Institute

dramatically different purposes, is popular in European

New Delhi (Max Mueller Bhavan). Amongst the corporate

cities − on the banks of Berlin’s river Spree, for instance.

partners of the project are companies such as Bajaj Allianz,

Radialsystem V, a turn of the century pumping station for

BASF, Bosch, Deutsche Bank and Siemens. ■

the city’s water services, has been recreated as a cultural

---

centre, where new ideas › r adiate ‹ in all directions. Inciden-

Himanshi Dhawan is an assistant editor with the Times of India,

tally, the Centre is situated in the heart of Berlin between

and participated in the Berlin-Young Metropolis visitor’s pro-

Friedrichshain, Mitte and Kreuzberg districts.

gramme in June 2011 on the invitation of the German government.

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Greater efficiency, fewer emissions ---

India is growing at a rapid pace. Sustainable solutions that delink economic growth from energy consumption are needed for the new infrastructure that will be built.

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rates and sacks piled all over, the ground strewn

public transportation in India and was built, among oth-

with wilted salad leaves and squashed cartons. The

ers, by German companies. Munich-based Dywidag In-

frenetic voices of the traders, loaders rushing to and

ternational, a subsidiary of the Austrian Strabag group,

fro – this is the Azadpur Mandi wholesale market in north-

constructed key tunnel sections, while the rail technology

west Delhi, one of the lifelines of the Indian capital. Thou-

division of Bombardier in Brandenburg supplied a majority

sands of tons of fresh fruits and vegetables are traded here

of the metro cars.

every day. The produce is largely delivered by trucks from the surrounding hinterland: from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and

The operator consortium selected Munich-based technology

Punjab. It is quite a scene.

multinational Siemens as partner to build a further metro track section in the upcoming industrial and administrative

Less than two thirds of the products from the fertile plains

hub of Gurgaon. » T hey understood our requirements best,

in northern India actually reach Delhi’s wholesale market.

and were in a position to offer the right technical solution, «

The packaging is frequently inadequate, the trucks more of-

says Sanjiv Rai, head of Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon. Accord-

ten than not in a sorry condition – and transportation over

ing to him, Siemens offers first-rate technology, has had a

bumpy roads takes far too long. It is not rare for a stretch of

local presence for years and comes with excellent references.

50 km to take five hours. » W hat you end up getting in the truck is tomatoes on top, puree in the middle and ketchup

Supporting India in developing efficient and environmen-

at the bottom, « says Vishal Sehgal, Head Corporate Rela-

tally sound structures is also one of the objectives of the Ger-

tions at the wholesaler Metro. Up to 40 per cent is no longer

man federal government. Peter Ramsauer, Federal Minister

saleable.

of Transport, Building and Urban Development, underlined Germany’s considerations recently in April during a visit to

According to experts, the country’s infrastructure is seldom

Delhi, » I n addition to transport, building and urban devel-

able to keep up with the furious pace of economic growth.

opment, I see external economic relations as one of my main

» I n India the average speed of a truck is 32 km/h as com-

responsibilities as a federal minister. Germany is a world

pared to 97 km/h in Western Europe or the United States, «

champion in logistics and a world leader in the construction

observes a study by the economic research institute ICRIER.

of infrastructure as well as in energy-efficient technologies

Despite this, the bulk of inland logistics is borne by roads.

in the transportation sector. We are keen on sharing these

65 per cent of all goods are transported by trucks, while the

technologies with our partners in India. «

railways account for most of the rest.

He particularly singled out the automotive industry in this The situation is similar for passenger traffic, where private

regard. During the third meeting of the Indo-German Joint

passenger vehicles now account for 85 per cent. The share of

Working Group (JWG) set up in 2009, in which automobile

buses and railways is steadily declining. In response to this,

manufacturers of both countries are represented, Ramsauer

the Indian government has been focusing on building more

turned the spotlight on sustainable technologies. He said

roads. In fact, over 10 years ago the government presented

that the German Government was specifically promoting

a masterplan for an efficient highway network. India’s road

electric mobility, which was also an area of focus to further

network has now grown to be the second largest in the world,

intensify cooperation between the two countries. Germany

next only to that of the USA.

is a strong supporter of electric mobility. Currently, there are about 1,500 electric automobiles in service on German

© d pa

However, the condition of roads and vehicles and the in-

roads. » B y 2020, Germany aims to have at least one million

crease in freight and individual traffic are cause for grow-

electric vehicles operating on the roads, « Ramsauer said.

ing concern. With rising prosperity there has also been a

That should suit India just fine. Mahindra Reva, one of the

dramatic increase in CO2 emissions. India is currently the fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases. In about five years,

pioneers in electric passenger cars, is based in Bangalore in

it will advance to third position behind the United States

world. ■

and China. Therefore, more emphasis will be laid on public

---

transport in urban agglomerations. According to the Indian

Volker Müller is a Delhi based business journalist and runs the cor-

government, every city with a population of over three mil-

respondent office German Press India. He reports about the Indian

lion should have a metro system. The technical and opera-

economy regularly for leading German publications, including Die

tional benchmark is the metro system in the capital Delhi.

Welt, Financial Times Deutschland, WirtschaftsWoche, Capital

This sophisticated system has changed the perception of

and Spiegel Online.

/ / / ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

south India. It is now the largest supplier of its kind in the

19

politics

LoW-Carbon GroWth

---

India and Germany make an almost perfect demand-supply match. / te xt: A M ITA BH SI N H A

I

ndia is already the fourth largest emitter of green-

To avoid such a scenario, it becomes imperative for India to

house gases in the world. With the kind of develop-

embark on a low-carbon growth strategy that will harmonise

ment challenge it is faced with, it needs to grow at

its 9-10 per cent projected economic growth rates with the

breakneck speed over the next 2-3 decades to ensure

need to rein in greenhouse gas emissions. In the run-up to

decent living standards for hundreds of millions of

the Copenhagen climate change conference in December

its people. It aims to build many more roads, power

2009, India said its target would be to cut its carbon inten-

plants, industries, ports and other infrastructure in the next

sity – the amount of carbon dioxide released per unit of GDP

few years than any other country in the world. All this would

produced – by at least 20 per cent by the year 2020 from 2005

mean that India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, if not

levels. It has come out with a National Action Plan on Cli-

restrained wisely, would soar exponentially in the coming

mate Change that outlines present and future policies to

years, a situation that is dangerous not just for India but for

control the growth of emissions in eight different sectors.

the rest of the world as well.

These eight › m issions ‹ are currently under different stages of implementation.

22

// / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

© d pa

CO2-free coal power pilot plant in Germany, Brandenburg

/ low-carb o n gro w th

INDIA’S LOW-CARBON GROWTH PATH To embed the low-carbon strategy into the financial plan-

been present in India for long − with German Development

ning process, India set up a task force last year to suggest

Service (DED) and Capacity Building International, Germany

policies for the next five-year period beginning 2012. The in-

(Inwent). » We have one of our biggest operations in India.

terim report of this task force has just been submitted. This

Low-carbon is the motto for GIZ and our work in India is fo-

report projects India’s total GHG emissions in the year 2020

cused around energy, environment, economic and sustain-

to be double that of 2005 levels. Significantly, this report

able development, « said Stefan Helming, country director

concludes that during this time, India can easily bring down

of GIZ in India. On the Indian side, the projects are being

its emission intensity by 30-32 per cent compared to 2005 lev-

executed by government agencies like the Bureau of Energy

els, which is more than what India has targeted for. With a

Efficiency and the Central Electricity Authority, both under

little more effort, and some international help in terms of

the Ministry of Power or the Indian Renewable Energy Devel-

access of finance and technology, India can cut its emission

opment Agency (IREDA), which is under the Ministry of New

intensity by over 40 per cent.

and Renewable Energy.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

INDIA-GERMANY ENERGY PROGRAMME

It is in this requirement of international finance and tech-

Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Eco-

nology that Germany is playing a big role and has emerged

nomic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the broad man-

as one of India’s most trusted partners. Germany is a world

date for this programme is to help India in implementing its

leader in the use of renewable energy. Nearly 17 per cent of

Energy Conservation Act that came into being in 2001. This

its electricity is now produced by renewable energy. Out of

programme, which has several components, has been run-

the total electricity production of about 600 billion kwH in

ning since 2003 with the objective of achieving greater effi-

Germany in 2010, wind turbines, hydroelectric plants, solar

ciency in all forms of energy use be it oil, gas, coal or even

cells and biogas digesters together contributed as much as

renewable sources. About €400 million are being invested

100 billion kwH. This ratio is headed further upwards as the

every year in the programme, which is slated to run till 2013.

German government, after announcing a suspension of operations at its nuclear power plants in the wake of the Fu-

A major initiative of this programme is to replace millions of

kushima disaster in Japan, unveiled an ambitious expansion

incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving CFL. The CFLs

plan for the renewable energy sector.

are being distributed to households at a subsidised price of Rs 15 each. The interesting part of this exercise is that the en-

Similarly, German technology is known to be one of the

ergy thus saved is being sold in the form of carbon credits in

cleanest and most energy efficient. Globally, between 30 to

carbon markets under the Clean Development Mechanism

40 per cent of all patent applications for energy-efficient

(CDM). This is how the differential amount between the cost

technologies reportedly were filed by German individuals

of a CFL and the price at which it is being distributed is be-

and companies. India and Germany, therefore, make an al-

ing made up. » T his is a one-of-a-kind and the first large pro-

most perfect demand-supply match. India needs to take ur-

grammatic CDM in the world, « said Ajay Mathur, director

gent measures to ensure that its rapid economic growth is

general of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency that is executing

delinked from greenhouse gas emissions and Germany is an

the project on the Indian side. » A bout 20 million bulbs have

ideal partner in helping it achieve its objective.

already been replaced. The whole of Kerala has switched over to CFLs. Karnataka and Punjab are likely to switch over in

GERMANY IN INDIA

the next two months. The programme is in various stages of implementation in 20 other cities in the country, « Mathur

India and Germany have a rich history of scientific collabo-

said. The savings in terms of avoided greenhouse gas emis-

ration. Joint projects and cooperation in research have been

sions is huge, of the order of several thousand tonnes of car-

going on for the last 60 years. With climate change becoming

bon dioxide equivalent.

a global concern, there has been, of late, a lot of emphasis Another project that has huge potential to save energy is the

renewable energy and energy efficiency. Almost all of these

introduction of tri-generation technology in large buildings

projects are being executed through the Deutsche Gesell-

and industrial installations. A German technology, trigener-

schaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on

ation is about getting three results from a single fuel input.

the German side. GIZ came into being in January this year by

Traditional power plants release the waste heat into the en-

merging German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) – which has

vironment. In a trigeneration plant, however, this waste

© d pa

on low-carbon projects, focused mainly around two areas –

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

23

politics heat is utilised for cooling and heating purposes. » T rigen-

IREDA. This was the fourth such line of credit opened by

eration ensures about 33 to 80 per cent savings in energy con-

Kf W with IREDA for the promotion of renewable energy.

sumption. As a pilot project, this technology is being set up in the JP trauma centre at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences where a gas-based power plant is being installed, «

CARBON BAZAAR

said Dr Anant Shukla, a senior technical expert with GIZ,

At the initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Environ-

who is involved with this project. The recently opened luxu-

ment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, India and

rious Leela hotel in New Delhi has also installed the technol-

Germany are organising › C arbon Bazaar ‹ for the last two

ogy, and so have a number of other buildings.

years, providing a platform for businesses to prospect opportunities in low-carbon technologies in India. The Bazaar

On the renewable energy front also, several projects are un-

is turning out to be an effective way of establishing direct

der implementation. A prominent one is being carried out

linkages between different stakeholders in the energy sec-

in some villages in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, where

tor, all towards the overall aim of reducing the carbon foot-

people are being taught to produce clean electricity from

print of economic activities. Another similar initiative was

jatropha oil. Nothing comes out as waste from this process,

the annual Indo-German Environment Forum, which brings

with the last product being used as fertilizers. Test runs have

together industry leaders, government agencies, non-gov-

been going on for the last two months and electricity genera-

ernment organisations and other stakeholders together at a

tion is likely to start very soon. » T his is not just about elec-

conference. Being organised for the last two years, the en-

tricity production through environment friendly processes.

vironment forum has established itself as a useful platform

It is also about community participation, social engineer-

for policy makers to debate and discuss an environmentally

ing and giving the local people a stake in their own devel-

sustainable roadmap for the country.

opment. This is a do-it-yourself kind of experiment in which people from 4-5 villages, what we call clusters, have to get together to set up and run the plant, which will ensure full-

A FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP

time electrification of their villages, « said Anurag Mishra,

Ajay Mathur of BEE says the reason Germany is such a suc-

who is working on this project.

cessful partner for India is its ability to adapt and customise solutions for Indian conditions and requirements. » T he

Germany is also helping India in implementing its ambi-

Germans invest a lot in capacity building. And they are very

tious Solar Mission, one of the eight › m issions ‹ under the Na-

flexible in their approach. If it is discovered that the chal-

tional Action Plan on Climate Change. The main inhibiting

lenge is x and not y as was thought earlier, they are not afraid

factor in popularising solar power is its cost. It is very expen-

to change in response to the changed situation. That is why

sive compared to other traditional sources of energy. But in

they are such good partners and agenda drivers in many

some places, harnessing solar energy can not only be com-

cases, « he said.

option. » A n example of this is the telecom towers in remote

Stefan Helming of GIZ says the overall agenda for both In-

areas. They run on fuel-guzzling diesel generator sets and

dia and Germany matches. Therefore, there are immense

sometimes more than one are located in the same complex,

possibilities for cooperation. » I ndia has a very good knowl-

all running separately and consuming large amounts of en-

edge base and there is a keen interest in getting things done.

ergy. Solar power is abundant in these areas and if the cost

There is a huge commitment from the government side. On

of transporting and storing the fuel is considered, then solar

our part, we would love to scale up our activities and proj-

power actually turns out to be a cheaper alternative, « Mishra

ects, if more funding is available. « Helming points out some

said. Mishra’s team is now doing an exercise to hunt similar

recent initiatives in India’s North East through this collabo-

areas where solar power can be an economical source of en-

ration, » T his is about adapting to climate change. Each of

ergy. Top five industry sectors would be identified and sug-

the participating states is developing an action plan on how

gested for a switch over to solar energy. Simultaneously, a

people are affected by climate change, and what needs to be

solar mapping exercise is also on, to categorise areas on the

done. Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Nagaland are partici-

basis of the solar energy they receive.

pating in this project and the Department of North Eastern Region is our partner in the exercise, « he said. ■

Apart from such capacity building and technology demonstration exercises, Germany is also supporting financially

---

the upgrade of the renewable energy sector in India. Re-

Amitabh Sinha is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Ex-

cently, the German government-owned development bank

press. He writes on issues related to science and technology, cli-

Kf W signed a €200 million worth loan agreement with

mate change and environment, amongst others.

24

/// g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

© d pa , in f o gr a p h ic s b y g ro u p e- d ej ou r .d e

petitive in terms of price but also turn out to be a cheaper

/ low-carb o n gro w th

INDIA’S EMISSION STRUCTURE

/ source: low carbon strategies for inclusive growth,

Emissions Distribution in per cent and in MT CO2

interim report, may 2011

equivalent across sectors (2007)

38%

18%

12%

9%

7%

7%

6%

3%

719.31

334.41

238.71

165.31

142.04

129.92

117.32

57.73

Electricity

Agriculture

Other Energy Industries

Other Manufacturing Industries

Transport

Cement

Iron & Steel

Waste

INCREASE IN EMISSIONS

/ source: low carbon strategies for inclusive growth,

Compound annual growth rate (CAGR)

interim report, may 2011

Š d pa , in f o gr a p h ic s b y g ro u p e- d ej ou r .d e

of GHG emissions across sectors (1994-2007)

1.9% Other

2.0% Iron & Steel

3.8% Other

Energy

Manufacturing

Industries

Industries

/ / / ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

4.4%

4.5%

5.6%

Residential

Transport

Electricity

6.0%

7.3%

Cement

Waste

25

PO RTRAIT

Young, attractive and... successful ---

A year and a half ago Megha Mittal acquired the bankrupt fashion house Escada. It was the best thing that could have happened to the German company.

Megha Mittal rescued the German luxury fashion label Escada

26

// / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

Š a rc el o rm it tal

/ te xt: vo l k er m Ăźl l er

/ youn g, at t ract iv e an d.. . s ucce s s f ul

G

lamorous, his outfit certainly isn’t, not even overtly

the details. While successful entrepreneurs such as hotelier

stylish. It is a rather business-like mouse-coloured

P.R.S. Oberoi still involve themselves in deciding the colour

attire. Christian Gerloff, former insolvency admin-

of each f lower vase in each room, Mittal merely watches,

istrator of Escada AG, stands somewhat unobtrusively on

keeps herself informed, but relies on the competence of her

the sidelines during the opening of a store on Munich’s

employees. » S ometimes I steal into the design department,

chic Maximilian Street. He downs his glass of champagne

simply because I am curious. But I don’t interfere. «

and glances across at Megha Mittal, the new owner of the fashion label. » H er hands shook when she handed me the

In any case, Mittal found a kindred spirit in chief execu-

purchase offer, « Gerloff remarks casually. The offer was ru-

tive Bruno Sälzer. The former CEO of rival Hugo Boss and

moured at €70 million.

the new owner are both driven by the ambition of making Escada what it was in the 80s − the dominant global com-

For Escada it was hitting the jackpot; for the Mittal fam-

pany for exclusive women’s fashion. The latest expansions,

ily it was more like a minor investment. The family’s as-

however, reveal that it need not remain just that. In 2012,

sets are estimated at over €20 billion. Critics called it

the first men’s collection will hit the market. Niche prod-

play-money, a mere diversion for a rich but bored woman.

ucts like bed linen will be available by this year itself. » You

Even if Megha Mittal – recently turned 34 – wanted to be

know « , says Mittal matter-of-factly, » I always want more. «

taken seriously, she fitted the cliché perfectly: married at 22 into the world’s fifth richest family, her father-in-law the

The Mittal family has been living in London for many years

founder and controlling shareholder of the steel giant Ar-

and is involved in social causes. The emotional attachment

celor Mittal, husband, Aditya, the Group’s chief financial

to their home country India has remained intact. Megha

officer, she herself a mother of two with barely a year’s work

was born in Calcutta and her parents own a yarn factory in

experience. Compulsion to work: nonexistent.

Hyderabad. So will Escada venture into the subcontinent?

Escada’s development tells a different story. In 2010 the

currently has no presence there, not yet. We will start at the

fashion label was able to maintain its turnover despite

right time, « says Mittal. She is reticent, doesn’t want to cre-

dropping prices. Earnings were back in the black. Its stores

ate a hype about ideas that are not yet concrete.

» T he market there is growing slowly in our segment. Escada

and product line now sport a younger look and the company will employ 100 new staff in the current year – just 18

Even today, at Escada parties and fashion shows she re-

months after it filed for insolvency. » 2 010 went off well for

mains conspicuously inconspicuous. Others can strut like

us, better than we had planned. Escada is back in the run-

peacocks: her present and potential customers who simply

ning. I am proud of this turnaround, « says Mittal.

want to f launt their wealth. Mittal’s style is simple: occasionally a high-neck top with a knee-length skirt, some-

Escada was never intended as a pleasant diversion or oc-

times a dress with a discreet design. She doesn’t wear nail

cupational therapy for a woman in search of an identity.

polish or ostentatious jewellery. Insolvency administra-

» T here is a very strong work ethic both in my family and

tor Gerloff must have sensed it two years ago: Mittal is no

in my husband’s. My mother always worked and so did my

fashion victim with cash to spare. She is ready to roll up her

mother-in-law. That is how I have always known it. « Her ad-

sleeves. With her, Escada will be in good hands. ■

vantage: there are many more opportunities open to her. » T hree years ago I came to the conclusion that my interest

---

lay in fashion and I suggested acquiring a fashion brand to

Volker Müller is a Delhi based business journalist and runs the cor-

my husband and my father-in-law. «

respondent office German Press India. He reports about the Indian

© a rc el o rm it tal

economy regularly for leading German publications, including Die

She seems to have managed the balancing act of setting the

Welt, Financial Times Deutschland, WirtschaftsWoche, Capital

direction for the fashion house without losing herself in

and Spiegel Online.

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

27

economy

TRANSLATION SELLS ---

More and more German literature gets translated into Hindi and Malayalam. / t ext : chris t op h hein

I

n his 37-year career as a publisher in New Delhi, Pramod

of its coffee table books to German publishing houses,

Kapoor has missed just one book fair in Frankfurt.

for instance kite-view photographs of the subcontinent,

» T hat was in the year when I launched India’s first Sun-

a magnificent volume on India then and now, and even a

day newspaper. It was simply not possible then, « recalls the

cookbook. Frederking & Thaler have over time become one

founder of Roli Books, who religiously continues to travel

of Roli’s important partners.

– and we are part of it, « says the publisher who is known

The Goethe Institute − referred to as Max Mueller Bhavan in

primarily for his large-format coffee table books. » O ver the

India − is also actively involved in promoting German litera-

years we have built up our own network. « He hasn’t needed

ture. It has facilitated the increasingly close cooperation be-

agents for buying or selling titles. While the majority of his

tween the Suhrkamp Verlag and Seagull Books in Kolkata.

Indian colleagues focus on Great Britain and America for

Navin Kishore, Seagull’s dedicated publisher, has bought

linguistic reasons, Kapoor targets the French and German

the world rights for 28 Suhrkamp titles. » I ndia at best wants

market. » C urrently there is a keen interest about India in

Hesse or Brecht, « says Petra Hardt, who heads the rights

both countries, so we are on the right track. «

and licenses division at the Berlin publishing house, » b ut Seagull has shown tremendous interest and commitment. «

Others too have realised this and are training their sights

The translations for Seagull are financed by the Goethe In-

westwards. » O f course we want to popularise Germany as a

stitute, which is naturally interested in furthering cultural

land of books in India. It’s a two-way street, « says Akshay

ties between India and Germany. It was also the only way

Pathak. He heads the German Book Office (GBO) in New

Indian publishing houses could afford the highly qualified

Delhi. Set up in 2008 and financed equally by the German

but expensive translators whom the authors trusted. » We

foreign ministry and Frankfurt Book Fair, it is the hub of

do have an interest in selling rights outside the English

literary bridge-building between Germany and India. A

and British region, « says Hardt. Meanwhile, even the Han-

large poster hangs at the entrance to the office: » B ooks are

ser Verlag has started working with Seagull. » We are trying

Sustenance « .

to change the traditional India-West relationship and not end up merely reprinting their original titles for the Indian

Sustenance in the literal sense is also on hand at Meher-

market. We print books here and in the UK and distribute

chand Market in Delhi, where the Roli bookshop is located

in the rest of the world, « says Kishore, explaining his busi-

just next to the cafés. On entering, the first thing one sees

ness model to the financial newspaper Mint. The Tesloff

are not Indian coffee table books but a rack holding a heav y

Verlag, known for publishing children’s books, in fact set

pictorial volume on modern architecture – published by

up a joint venture with Sterling Publishers in Delhi in 2009.

Phaidon in Berlin. » We do the distribution for Phaidon in

Spokesperson Annet Hänel says, » O ur books appear in In-

India, « reveals Kapoor. But the business works the other

dia in English and we use Sterling’s distribution network in

way round as well. Roli has also been able to sell some

African, Arabic and Southeast Asian countries. «

28

// / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

bo o kc ov e rs b y d c b a n d p rat h a m b oo ks, c o v er fl o w - ef f ec t e d it e d b y g ro u pe -d e jo u r. d e

to Frankfurt every October. » It’s all one big family there

bo o kc ov e rs b y d c b a n d p rat h a m b oo ks, c o v er fl o w - ef f ec t e d it e d b y g ro u pe -d e jo u r. d e

/ t ran sl ati o n s e l l s

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

29

economy

The variety of strategies matches the huge interest Ger-

rate of 9 per cent has resulted in the creation of a middle

man publishers are showing in the Indian market. India is

class that wants to read. The literacy rate is 74 per cent for a

ranked sixth among book producing countries. Apparently

population of 1.2 billion, but among the youth it is already

about 19,000 publishing houses bring out roughly 90,000 ti-

83 per cent. Everyone in the publishing industry knows that

tles every year. But no one is absolutely sure. There are just

the demand is growing. In 2009 German publishers sold 98

65,000 ISBN numbers. » T here continues to be a dearth of

licenses in India. In 2006, when India was guest of honour

data on the industry and the market, « says Pathak. But one

country at the Frankfurt Book Fair, the number climbed to

thing does appear certain: the market is still dominated

a record 145. By way of comparison, 491 German licences

by medium-sized family-owned publishing houses. Fol-

went to China in 2009 and 113 to Japan. » F rom a purely com-

lowing the liberalisation of the economy in 1991, however,

mercial perspective, it is also an untapped market, which

even large international publishers are making forays into

waits to be discovered and developed, « says Pathak.

India. Random House, Hachette Livre, Harper Collins, the Penguin Group and McGraw-Hill have all come to the Gan-

But do Indians want to read books by German authors only

ges. The market today is estimated at €1.4 billion. About 40

in English? » N o, « says DC Kizhakemuri. The publisher from

per cent of new books are printed in English, 30 per cent

Kerala consequently translates them into languages that

in Hindi, the rest is made up of the 23 other national lan-

most Germans would never even have heard of. » I n India

guages. So it is not surprising that Penguin India began

the book market for languages like Bengali, Malayalam,

translating many of its bestsellers into Hindi and some of

Marathi or Tamil is at least as active as the one for English.

its Hindi classics into English several years ago. Overall,

Even the number of potential readers is much higher, « says

India is considered the third-largest producer of English

Pathak. It is hardly surprising therefore, that the Kolkata

titles. » E nglish has remained the language of the elite and

book fair is considered the largest in the world with 1.6 mil-

is widely used for the transmission of important ideas on

lion visitors.

policy and development, « says Vinutha Mallya, Senior Editor at Mapin Publishing, the leading Indian publisher for

Admittedly, total print runs are still low. Translations into

art books, based in Ahmedabad.

Hindi or other Indian languages still do not show up in the or the German Cultural Foundation, as opposed to titles in

young India is a voracious learner. The economic growth

Arabic or Chinese. But things are changing. Trivandrum in

30

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bo o kc ov e rs b y d c b a n d p rat h a m b oo ks, c o v er fl o w - ef f ec t e d it e d b y g ro u pe -d e jo u r. d e

Litrix system of the Goethe Institute, Frankfurt Book Fair About half of all new publications are educational books;

/ t ran sl ati o n s e l l s

southern India has had its own book fair for the last two

Christine Schelberger. The old German printing presses are

years where Indian publishers can acquire licensing and

still standing in the workshop of the painter, who is idolised

translation rights into regional languages from each other.

in India. A recent successor to this tradition is Heidelberger

The GBO is also represented at the fair. In Kerala, a com-

Druckmaschinen who are firming up their presence on the

munist state that is considered highly educated, people

subcontinent. The printing machine company from Heidel-

know their literature. The intellectuals here are familiar

berg has even opened a printing academy in Chennai that

with German philosophers like Jürgen Habermas. DC Pub-

covers the entire sector including printing for packaging.

lishers, named after the initials of its founder, has tapped this potential. It is publishing two volumes by German-

Nevertheless, Roli publisher Kapoor still prefers to get the

speaking Nobel Prize winner Herta Müller as also Daniel

bulk of his books printed in Singapore. » We have had con-

Kehlmann in Malayalam. Suhrkamp, too, has found two

tacts there for decades so the prices are comparable. But

women publishers who will translate their books initially

quality and reliability are better than they are here, « says

into Bengali and Hindi. » B ut the business is slow in taking

Kapoor. But this scenario is gradually changing. » We are in-

off, « feels Hardt.

creasingly trying to get our coffee table volumes printed in India. But some things are still lacking. « German publish-

The barriers are high. Describing the situation and urgent

ers too tend to shy away from printing in India. The art book

need to modernise, Mallya explains, » A key factor in recent

publisher Taschen from Cologne gets its books printed in

years that has worked to the disadvantage of publishing in

Singapore and Hong Kong but not in India.

bo o kc ov e rs b y d c b a n d p rat h a m b oo ks, c o v er fl o w - ef f ec t e d it e d b y g ro u pe -d e jo u r. d e

Indian languages is the lack of appropriate computing technolog y. Word processors, desktop publishing, and other

While it may still take a while for printing to take off in a

enabling technologies and localised IT solutions were un-

big way, a network of the entire publishing industry has

available for a long time. « Kishore also criticizes that while

now been built up. It started with India being the guest of

the Bengali publishers, for example, are committed, their

honour country at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2006 and has

standard is not yet at par with the world market. » For in-

been becoming increasingly close-knit. Pathak’s GBO is the

stance, they have to learn to prepare their advance infor-

nerve centre of these activities. The GBO serves as a kind

mation of future books at least a year in advance so as to

of incubator of literary exchange. Of course, there is also

be able to circulate it at venues such as the Frankfurt Book

money to be made. » B ut that is not our main objective. We

Fair. « And then of course there are the challenges of trans-

regard the GBO as a gateway to the Indian market. We want

lation. How would one translate chocolate pudding into

to build up enduring and dependable relationships, « says

Hindi? A chocolate pudding which no one in India knows?

Claudia Kaiser, who is responsible for business develop-

Pathak translated the children’s book » L enny and Tweak «

ment at Frankfurt Book Fair (FBF). Obviously FBF is happy

from German into Hindi. After much mulling he made the

when Indian publishers book a stand at the fair. » We are

unknown pudding into mithai, or simply › s weets ‹ , a finger-

also looking at the market in India with the objective of set-

licking treat for every Indian child.

ting up a book fair, « says Kaiser. The GBO now offers seminars covering various aspects of the publishing industry.

The cultural ties between Germany and India are far older

A five-day intensive course for senior management in the

and more wide-ranging than it would seem. With regard to

publishing industry conducted in spring was completely

printing alone, India and Germany have links that go back

overbooked. In June, GBO invited Indian publishers from

over a hundred years. The painter Ravi Varma printed pic-

the » M ind, Body, Spirit « segment on a trip to Germany to

tures of the icons of Indian mytholog y in Germany in the

link up with their German counterparts. Presumably yoga

1920s. At that time Germany offered a much more sophis-

books comprised part of the luggage.

ticated printing technolog y, sharper and with brighter colours. Varma subsequently brought a German printing

Pramod Kapoor ref lects, » We ourselves have not needed the

press to Bombay in the early 20th century. “The technical

German Book Office so far. « Then he pauses for a minute.

management of the press, however, was in the hands of ex-

» B ut perhaps we should try it out. « ■

perienced printers from Germany who were instrumental in introducing their highly organised management and work methods. Popular Indian imagery was as much inf luenced by the technical methods and stylistic conventions of

---

these technicians, as from cheap, imported ‘Made in Ger-

Christoph Hein is business correspondent for Asia for the German

many’ prints,” write the art historians Erwin Neumayer and

daily newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

31

economy

FILLING THE SKILLS GAP ---

With a newly laid foundation of bilateral cooperation in vocational education, Germany is supporting India in developing its vast base of human resources.

Commercial Vehicles

4.13 12.57

11.5

Cars

Three Wheelers

10.79 27.83 18.56

0.27

1.08 0.99

Two Wheelers

1.99 15.75 12.40

Direct employment – Incremental human requirement (in 100,000) expected in 2022 ■ Auto OEM ■ Auto Component Manufacturers 34

■ RM // / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

s o u rc e : im ac s a n a ly si s / i n fo - gr ap hi c : g ro u p e- d ej o u r .d e

/ te xt: s u nanda r a o -erdem

/ f illin g t he s ki l l s ga p

s o u rc e : im ac s a n a ly si s / i n fo - gr ap hi c : g ro u p e- d ej o u r .d e

A

fter the onset of liberalisation two decades ago, work

Germany’s › dual system ‹ has served as an excellent exam-

and living patterns have changed drastically in India.

ple of vocational education worldwide. The idea is to offer

Modern cars, stuffed with electronics, can not be re-

a healthy mix of › in-the-school ‹ and › on-the-job ‹ training,

paired easily in the garage next door. Airports and metro

supported by the government and industry simultaneously.

stations need highly-skilled personnel to cater to interna-

Along with theoretical training provided by vocational

tional construction companies. Not just in infrastructure

schools, companies take over practical instruction, which

and automobile industry, lack of skilled manpower is a con-

constitutes a major chunk of the education. The ratio be-

cern across all sectors. At the current rate of growth, India’s

tween theory and practice is 35 to 65 per cent. Based on a

requirement for skilled workforce will perhaps reach 500

compulsory curriculum, the training is adapted to the con-

million by 2020. According to a study conducted in 2005 by

ditions of a company but is monitored and controlled by the

consultants McKinsey, based on the current rate of up to 60

respective chambers. Besides, as trainees learn by working,

per cent school drop-outs before 10th standard exam, only

the company pays a › t raining salary ‹. There are many advan-

a quarter of the 500 million manpower will be available in a

tages to this system: Governments save on expensive costs

decade, which is aptly skilled. The main reason is still cited

for training equipment and students train with state-of-the-

as lack of practical on-the-job training within companies,

art machinery within companies, enabling them to experi-

which are unable to absorb raw talent.

ence real working processes.

The need for vocational education is also felt strongly by

Jürgen Männicke, Advisor for International Vocational Edu-

German companies based in India. A survey by the Indo-

cation with iMOVE, feels optimistic about the paradigm

German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) in 2010 shows that

shift in India’s approach, which strives to incorporate the

while German companies are poised to hire more personnel

private sector, business chambers and unions, lessening the

to adequately cater to the increasing demand, some com-

burden on ministries. » T his is a new playing field for Indo-

plain about the insufficient availability of talent. The survey

German cooperation. The b2b approach is very good as the

further derived that while vocational in-house training can

Indian government recognises the capacity of the private

compensate for a lack of skilled staff in the labour market,

sector. Companies are involving themselves more and more

only 37 of the 100 companies that participated in this survey

in training, which is a part of their corporate responsibility.

can afford an internal training programme. This is where

We are not looking at copying the German model in India but

iMOVE, an initiative of the German Ministry of Education

we want to adapt it to Indian conditions and search for solu-

and Research (BMBF), has helped in bridging gaps.

tions together, « he says.

Educational development cooperation between India and

Main targets of iMOVE are to contribute to a general and

Germany started some 50 years ago. Today, Germany offers

more harmonised curriculum development, capacity build-

mainly strategic consultancy, coordinated and led by BMBF.

ing for training of trainers, modernisation of instructional

The experts from iMOVE have researched prevailing condi-

media and setting general standards for examinations and

tions in India and the growing need for practical courses

certification along with accreditation. For this purpose, the

in vocational training programmes. The newly established

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) of India

bilateral working group on vocational education & training

has been identified as a new main partner to iMOVE. Also,

has been meeting regularly since 2008 to enhance voca-

the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry

tional training methodolog y based on the industry-driven

(FICCI) signed MoUs with the German Federal Institute

› d ual system ‹ .

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

35

economy for Vocational Training and Education (BIBB) and iMOVE

has always been the USP of IGTC. In IGTC, they are not aca-

in 2010, which supports FICCI’s activities in the training of

demicians, but experts: best in the business with rich indus-

trainers, cooperation in setting up Sector Skill Councils in

try experience, « remembers Tirthakar. After more than two

Retail, Media and Entertainment, Food processing, Hospi-

decades of successfully conducting courses in the manage-

tality and Tourism and establishment of a permanent net-

ment services sector, IGTC is now looking at entering into

working infrastructure for German training providers in

the sphere of technical training. The project of a training

India and Indian stakeholders.

centre in Pune is in the pipeline, for which the blueprint is ready and discussions on funding will start soon. Courses

The NSDC in India has identified 22 sectors catering to an

like welding technology, metal technology, vehicle mecha-

ever-increasing demand for skilled workforce. One of its

tronics and vehicle electronics are envisaged.

aims is to set up and monitor training standards in the auto manufacturing sector. This is where Germany has been ex-

According to Jürgen Männicke from iMOVE, India is under-

emplified: Instead of waiting for Sector Skill Councils (SSCs)

going not just an economic upsurge but also a socio-cultural

to be set up by the government, companies are encouraged

movement. He feels that social barriers towards handicrafts

to contribute towards SSCs and collaborate with authori-

and skilled labour have to be lifted and the time is ripe for

ties. Accordingly, German companies in India have been ap-

this. » T he magnitude of this sector is mind-boggling. If

proached by iMOVE, suggesting that they may team-up with

India gets the right opportunities to learn, the skilled per-

appropriate Indian partners while they establish their own

sonnel sector will explode, « concludes Männicke. Direct

training infrastructures. Many German-rooted companies

cooperation between Indian companies and German train-

have individually set up infrastructures for vocational train-

ing providers has also been initiated. The Shalimar Group

ing in India. Some of the well-known examples are VE&T-Sys-

of Industries is going to set up their own Satya Narain Khai-

tem of BOSCH India, Gedee Technical Training Institution

tan Institute of Mechatronics in cooperation with FESTO

in cooperation with G.D Weiler Machine Tool Ltd., FESTO In-

Didactic GmbH, Germany. For this purpose Shalimar Group

dia Ltd. or TUEV Sued India Ltd. Another example of this co-

has already contacted the concerned state governments of

operation is the VW Academy India, which was inaugurated

Rajasthan and Gujarat. In the first phase it is intended to

in October 2010. Run by Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. Pune, the

create up to 10 institutes. At the Business to Business (B2B)

academy has also employed 60 ITI-students under the ap-

level, the Indian Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Ser-

prenticeship act of 1961. Ralf Mayer, Head of Apprenticeship

vices (IL&FS) has agreed to cooperate with the Handwerks-

and Advanced Training at the Volkswagen Academy, empha-

kammer Rhein-Main in setting up 100 vocational multi-skill

sises the importance of iMOVE in bringing companies and

institutes along the industrial corridor between Delhi and

authorities closer. » T hrough iMOVE we came in contact with

Mumbai.

Indian Government institutions like the Directorate General of Education and Training (DGE&T), the Directorate of Vo-

India’s massive reservoir of talent, if properly trained, will

cational Education and Training (DVET) of the Government

not just fulfil domestic demands but also help countries

of Maharashtra and industry-related organisations like the

struggling with depleting skilled manpower. A big example

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Au-

is Germany itself: The country’s federal labour agency has

tomotive Skill Development Council (ASDC), « he adds.

shown an urgent need for two million foreign qualified workers to avoid an impending skilled worker shortage, and by

The Indo-German Training Centre (IGTC) – established in

2025 this number would rise to seven million throughout all

1991 by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce – has also

industries. Maybe it is too early to talk about India fulfilling

contributed in a big way to India’s growing industrial needs.

this shortage, but as Germany goes through a demographi-

Operating out of Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata,

cal change, this idea could soon become a reality.

it facilitates training of 18 months in world-class German and Indian organisations comprising of six months of practical

Mahatma Gandhi once said, » T hose who do not train their

‘on-the-job training’ in management courses. The success of

hands, who go through the ordinary route of education, lack

this programme is indicated through a 100 per cent place-

› music ‹ in their life « – Seeing the change that India is going

ment record, with the majority of students continuing to

through, these words are surely music to the ears. ■

work with their training company. This has enabled trainees feels Ashwin Tirthakar, the topper of the trainings batch of

---

2010. » W hat attracted me towards IGTC was its unique dual

Sunanda Rao-Erdem is based in Delhi and works as Consultant

education system offering six-months of industrial expo-

with CNC communications India. She has worked as Diplomatic

sure, that too with a German MNC. I was selected as a trainee

Editor for the Hindi daily New World. She lived in Germany and

by a company invented for life: BOSCH. Exceptional faculty

worked with Deutsche Welle for 13 years.

36

// / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

© d pa

to find excellent job placements in world-class companies,

Š d pa

37

ECONOMY

View from the other side ---

From business journalist to chocolatier – India’s growth story inspires German entrepreneurship

© im ag e so u rc e / mi h o mi h o

/ t ext : dorot hea riecker

38

// / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

/ v iew f rom t h e o th e r s i d e

F

or a year, Volker Müller watched from his desk

Volker Müller has, obviously, not remained the only choco-

as the Indian economy surged steadily upwards.

late confectioner in Delhi. Western-style Indian confec-

Then the entrepreneurial bug bit him. Müller,

tionery shops are sprouting all over the place, especially

with a degree in economics and journalism un-

in modern shopping malls, but Volker is not afraid of this

der his belt, set off in search of a business idea. He

competition. » T he secret of our success is very high quality.

found it in South Africa, in a small café at the edge of the

Everyone else uses cheap chocolate substitutes to raise the

desert sitting in front of a huge vat of melted chocolate. » T he

melting point « , he explains. In a hot country like India the

aroma was divine, « recalls Müller, » a nd I thought, if this is

biggest challenge for the › M avo ‹ founder is to produce real

possible here then it must be possible in Delhi too, despite

chocolate. » R eal chocolate is a difficult product. It is as un-

the 50°C temperatures in summer. « That was when › M avo ‹

predictable as a diva. It is extremely sensitive to heat. « Yet he

was born – the first chocolate production house in Delhi.

wouldn’t dream of compromising on the quality.

Business start-ups need facts. Müller required figures on

A visit to the German chocolatier’s factory takes one by sur-

chocolate consumption and the behaviour patterns of his

prise at first because it is no bigger than a living room. While

future customers. According to trade magazine Beverage

Müller pours the liquid chocolate from the melting pots

& Food Processing Times, the market for chocolate is peg-

into moulds, his wife Maya and an employee roll out fine

ged at Rs 30 billion and is growing at 15 per cent annually.

truffles at the other end of the table. An enticing aroma fills

Among the affluent, upwardly mobile, well-travelled middle

the room. » T here is more to it than just melting and cooling

class there is a demand for Western consumer goods. Apart

down. We produce small works of art « , Müller comments,

from wine, cheese and bread, smooth melting chocolate is

carefully putting the delicate treats in a refrigerator set to

the new luxury product. Müller’s analysis of the competition

18°C. The product range includes high-quality truffles, melt-

proved equally encouraging. He identified only three com-

in-the-mouth pralines and luxurious chocolate bars like

petitors and their products were very expensive. » We felt we

those sold in exclusive chocolateries in Germany. Taking a

were on the right track. The market for high-quality choco-

short break from the production process, the chocolate per-

late confectionery at a reasonable price was evidently un-

fectionist speaks with enthusiasm and a passion for detail

tapped. « Initial contacts with wholesalers, however, quickly

about his select ingredients that would be any connoisseur’s

brought him back to earth. No one deals in real chocolate

delight: raw chocolate from Belgium and France, Grand Cru

in Delhi. The raw materials have to be imported. What is

chocolate with cacao beans sourced from a single plantation

available is chocolate glaze, a heat-resistant substitute for

and premium blends of beans from Indonesia, Ghana and

chocolate in which cocoa butter is replaced by cheaper fats.

Ivory Coast. The mini company produces about 3,200 choco-

This was just one of the hurdles the chocolate start-up faced.

lates a day. New creations such as mango lassi confections

» None of us had a clue about making chocolate confection-

or pina colada truffles are the results of experiments. In his

ery, « Müller admits. He and his wife Maya finally enrolled

free time Müller is constantly trying out new recipes.

© im ag e so u rc e / mi h o mi h o

in a professional course in chocolate-making at the chocolate academy of the world’s largest cocoa producer. They

Two years ago the ex-journalist would not have dreamt that

were now ready for their first attempt. Chocolate v. 1.0 tasted

he would be conquering Indian hearts through chocolate.

awful. » O ur kitchen resembled a battlefield. « But the mar-

Although India lags far behind in the world rankings with

ket test two months later at the Christmas fair of the Indo-

a per capita chocolate consumption of just 300 grammes,

German Chamber of Commerce was a success. It was time to

he is convinced that this is the chocolate El Dorado of the

clear the last hurdle and set up a company. In Germany, it is

future. If his current success is anything to go by, he could

possible to establish a small partnership in a day. In India

well be right. On holidays, especially, he has to put in over-

that would suffice merely to obtain a rough idea of the bu-

time hours. His production of 35 kg a week falls far short of

reaucratic procedures involved. But the fledgling enterprise

meeting demand at these times. He is planning a chocolate

didn’t give up. Müller sought the advice of a business consul-

academy to train the Indian sweet tooth to appreciate choco-

tant. After 12 months he had finally made it. Initial discus-

late’s delicate seduction. Who knows, perhaps Volker Mül-

sions with potential business partners went off exceedingly

ler will succeed in kissing India awake from its chocolate

well. Sales were brisk at the Diwali and Christmas markets.

slumber. ■

Defying all odds, the company broke even in the first year.

--Dorothea Riecker is foreign correspondent for the German news magazine Focus.

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

39

science

CULTURES OF DISASTER ---

Cultural memory, history and belief systems have

important roles to play in the way we deal with disasters

W

hen does a natural event become a disaster?

network of researchers at Heidelberg University’s Cluster

And what’s culture got to do with natural disas-

of Excellence › A sia and Europe in a Global context ‹. Here,

ters and their management? Quite a lot, it seems.

scholars from different discipline backgrounds study

» A natural event becomes a disaster when it clashes with

the processes of exchange of ideas, concepts, technolo-

cultural settlement structures « , says researcher Prof Gerrit

gies, commodities, and people between Asia and Europe

Jasper Schenk, team leader of the Junior Research Group

throughout history, the impact these exchange processes

› C ultures of Disaster ‹ . Human agency and dealing with risk

have on local environments (human and natural), and how

shape the course a catastrophe takes decisively. It is here

these retroact in their places of origin.

that culture comes into play.

The application of such a perspective on disaster research To enable better understanding of why and how disasters

could reveal the ways in which we react to catastrophic

occur worldwide and how best we can learn to face the chal-

events and deal with them through the layers of social and

lenge, the German Research Foundation (DFG) has allotted

cultural conditioning while working within the constraints

generous funding to Schenk’s research group to encourage

imposed by political institutions, governance and public

the study of disasters from a historical and cultural per-

administration and sense of collective responsibility. This

spective. The research group is part of an inter-disciplinary

could result in finding solutions that are not merely

40

// / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

fl oo d e d w it h m emo r ie s: p or t ra i t s o f i n u n d at io n f ro m as sa m b y k az e m u d d in (k az u ) ahm e d

/ te xt: na r aya ni g a nesh

fl oo d e d w it h m emo r ie s: p or t ra i t s o f i n u n d at io n f ro m as sa m b y k az e m u d d in (k az u ) ahm e d

/ cult u res o f d i s a s te r

Matmora, where these photos have been taken, has long been lost in the depths of the Brahmaputra. The village has all but completely disappeared, leaving nothing but its memory in the swirling waters of the Brahmaputra.

/ / / ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

41

science operational in the sense of post-disaster management but,

undertaken by reconstructing the materials and technol-

more importantly, in dealing with disasters through cul-

og y that created them in the first place, thereby not only

tural learning experiences from across the world and per-

preserving the purity of that heritage but also ensuring

haps help minimise the trauma and damage.

their survival for longer periods.

Among the worst examples of parachute-dropping western

This is true not just of man-made structures but of natural

solutions to eastern crises was seen in the way rehabilita-

habitats as well, as was seen clearly in the way the Indian

tion of ancient monuments was carried out prior to the

Ocean tsunami wreaked havoc in the subcontinent in 2004.

earthquake that devastated Gujarat in 2004, particularly

Wherever mangroves were vibrant, the coastline remained

in Bhuj where the impact was most severe. Medieval struc-

largely protected or at least suffered minimum damage.

tures that had recently been › s uccessfully ‹ renovated by the

Wherever mangroves had been destroyed and the coastline

Archaelogical Survey of India were reduced to rubble while

was vulnerable, there was maximum damage to life, live-

those that had retained their ancient form remained intact

lihood and property. So the transfer of ideas, knowledge

despite the earth shaking their foundations. How did this

and commodities from one region or culture to another

happen? Western technolog y using cement was slapped

has to be done with great sensitivity and applied in a way

onto the dome that was constructed in ribbed fashion.

that synergises existing knowledge systems in affected ar-

Rendered top heav y with uniformly plastered cement, the

eas, and not by replacing them with entirely new ways that

structure simply collapsed under its own weight when the

have no organic presence. The striving is to institution-

ground shook.

alise a method that would be dynamic rather than static; well as include older perspectives that have grown out of

ulations and the ecosystems from a purely local standpoint;

ancient knowledge systems and cultural experiences that

with globalisation and explosion of economic and cultural

are invaluable when dealing with large scale catastrophic

activity crossing all man-made boundaries, the way we

events. In this context, the value of a cluster study that in-

interact with our environment is increasingly becoming

vokes international expertise as well as draws from local

global even if the origin of a disaster could be reduced to

wisdom could be immense. This way, the cluster seeks to

a local event. A disaster any where in the world has wide-

establish a network or fund of scholarship that can handle

ranging repercussions on the economic, political, cultural

area studies from a global perspective, which is what glo-

and psychological lives of communities living any where

calisation is about.

on the globe. The most recent example would be that of the earthquake and tsunami that has devastated Japan but

Edward Simpson, senior lecturer in social anthropolog y at

whose effects resonate to far f lung areas that are nowhere

the Centre for South Asian Studies, SOAS, London, deliv-

near ground zero. Disasters, thus, can no longer be viewed

ered a keynote lecture at the Delhi workshop on the signifi-

as isolated local phenomena; they are to be viewed from the

cant similarities in the way people of different religions lay

prism of a more holistic medium of the global and the local

blame and attribute agency in the region in the context of

− in other words, making possible what is being termed as a

earthquakes. By invoking collective social memory, com-

glocalised approach to the problem.

munities are able to » r ender the extraordinary, ordinary, «

To this end, a recent workshop on › T ransculturality of His-

mon sources of strength in facing large-scale disaster.

torical Disasters: Governance and the Materialisation of

Therefore, regional understanding of disasters and the lo-

Glocalisation ‹ was organised by Prof. Schenk’s research

cal way of dealing with them can prove to be significant in

group at the Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi. Experts from

calming nerves and ensuring collective responsibility.

he says, pointing to the importance of drawing from com-

around the world came together to share their views and findings on the subject. What is the relation between na-

Prof Schenk says that the network of 12 scholars in Europe

ture and society vis-à-vis what are termed as › n atural ‹ di-

studying the historical aspect of disasters is doing excellent

sasters like earthquakes, f loods, droughts and storms? The

work. He adds that disaster is only one part of research; gov-

importance of historical study and analysis of ancient ma-

ernance and administration are being looked at in equal

terials used cannot be underestimated only because they

measure. He has two doctoral students, Kristine Chalyan-

are ancient. If only a historical and cultural perspective

Daffner, who is studying disasters in the Middle Ages in

had been adopted, it would have become obvious that to re-

Eg ypt, and Eleonor Marcussen, who is focusing on India.

pair an ancient structure and preserve heritage, it would be

According to Marcussen, who has studied responses to di-

sensible to use only those materials that were used in the

sasters in northern Bihar in the early 20th century, it seems

first place. In the UK, restoration of monuments is largely

evident that cultural perceptions of a disaster inf luence

42

/// g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

fl o od e d w i t h m em or i es : p o rt ra i t s of i n u n d at io n fro m a ssa m b y k az e m u d d in (k az u ) ahm e d

that would take into account both modern developments as It is no longer viable or even practical to look at human pop-

/ cu lt ures o f d i s a s te r

reactions in its aftermath while at the same time people’s

The outcome of the workshop on the transculturality of di-

perceptions of the causes of a disaster may have only little

sasters − as the two held before this one, first in Heidelberg

impact on larger schemes for disaster management. » For

and then in Beirut − has been to sharpen ref lexes of involved

example, after the earthquake in 1934 in Bihar people re-

persons to cultural and not just technical dimensions of di-

ferred to myths and beliefs which placed the earthquake

sasters. » P eople don’t react the way that government and

within their worldview. This is not to say that › s cience ‹ or

policymakers expect them to « , says Prof Schenk. Therefore

seismological theories were less important; but, in order to

it is necessary to integrate local knowledge and tradition in

make sense of an extraordinary event that causes death and

the region you are working on to make it efficient.

changes physical landscapes within seconds, the myths and beliefs seem to help people to cope with a disaster, «

Sir Bernard Feilden, celebrated British conservation archi-

she adds.

tect, would repeatedly reiterate the importance of planning for the period » b etween disasters « – and here cultural mem-

Prof Schenk emphasizes that global technologies plus lo-

ory and sharing of community experience across regions

cal knowledge equals hybrid solutions. » T echnical ap-

play pivotal roles in preparing the ground for action. The

proach might have been developed in the west but we need

need is for a bottoms-up approach, not a top-down one. And

to include local knowledge that has important lessons to

one that takes into account all historical and cultural facts

teach us « , he asserts. When we cease to respect traditional

and belief systems, even if the latter are not comprehensi-

systems, the outcome can be disastrous, he says, quoting

ble to some, for they have a role to play in the way disasters

a bad example of adopting western techniques in east In-

are dealt with and in the way individuals and communities

dia. River embankments, an idea imported from the west,

come together to move ahead and take responsibility. ■

has disrupted the way riverine populations conducted their lives, without fear of f loods. Similarly, big dams can be

---

problematic, he says, especially when it leads to thousands

Narayani Ganesh is senior editor with The Times of India. She

becoming internally displaced people.

writes on issues related to science and technology, environment,

fl o od e d w i t h m em or i es : p o rt ra i t s of i n u n d at io n fro m a ssa m b y k az e m u d d in (k az u ) ahm e d

heritage and philosophy.

While the land is gone, the people continue to survive and need an identity to hold on to. An embankment hitherto nameless has been rechristened as the village and become home for the people of Matmora.

/ / / ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

43

science

Construction works at metro station Dubai Marina Mall, © t h o ma s mey er / o st kr eu z

Dubai, December 2009, United Arab Emirates.

The photograph is a part of › D ie Stadt. Vom Werden und Vergehen ‹ − an exhibition that searches for the essence of present-day urban realities and documents urban growth and decay in 22 cities worldwide. The exhibition is one of the programme highlights of › G ermany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities ‹ and will travel from Hyderabad (September) to Chennai (October), Delhi (November) and Kolkata (December).

44

/// g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

/ miss ion s us ta i na b i l i ty

--The Indo-German Centre for Sustainability aims at developing the capacity and the capability to promote sustainable development in Germany, India and South Asia. te xt: c h e ta n c h auh a n

I

ndian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and 54-year-

promote sustainable development through analysis, train-

old Kalka Devi in the northern state of Uttarakhand

ing, information dissemination and guidance and action in

resonate that climate change will pose the biggest survival

a few pilot demonstration projects, « says coordinator Pro-

challenge, but their areas of concern are different. For the

fessor S C Rajan, who has expertise on climate change is-

PM, changing climate could be a possible stumbling block

sues through his work at IIT-Madras. » O ur work can provide

for achieving India’s economic growth at 9 to 9.5 per cent

important inputs for policy makers. «

of the GDP in the next five years, with a council headed by him estimating that it can impact GDP growth by 1 to 1.5

To start with, the Centre is focusing on four areas − water,

per cent. Devi is more worried about getting clean drinking

waste, energ y and land use – vital for safeguarding India

water in the hill state – source of two big rivers in India,

from the onslaught of devastating effects of climate change.

Ganges and Yamuna − for her family, as glaciers are melt-

The issues chosen are important because India’s water re-

ing probably because of global warming. She has to walk at

sources are diminishing as demand increases, huge migra-

least two kilometres a day to fetch a bucket of water, which

tion to urban areas (half of India will be in cities by 2030) is

until late 1990s was available in her village.

leading to huge waste generation, 46 per cent of Indians do not have access to regular power supply and land is becom-

A possible answer to the trauma of the PM and Devi is inter-

ing the most priced commodity because of high industrial

national collaboration for deploying solutions as per local

growth.

needs. One such collaboration has started between Indian

© t h o ma s mey er / o st kr eu z

and German scientists at the premier Indian Institute of Technolog y (IIT) Madras. On December 6, 2010, India and

Water

Germany came together to set up the Indo-German Centre

In India, water will be the most sought after natural re-

for Sustainability (IGCS) at IIT-Madras, where scientists

source in the next decade mainly because of the impact of

from the two countries will jointly conduct research proj-

climate change on monsoon, a big source of fresh water.

ects on climate change issues with an aim to find solutions.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorolog y at Pune has

The IGCS is jointly headed by the Director of IIT-Madras

found that climate change has been causing lesser rainy

Prof. M. S. Ananth and the Director of RWTH Aachen Uni-

days during monsoon months, even though overall precipi-

versity Prof. Dr. Ernst Schmachtenberg. Experienced sci-

tation levels are constant. » T he main uncertainty regard-

entists from Germany will be stationed in Chennai for two

ing climate change is the sensitivity of the monsoon regime

years to provide input for improving current projects and

against changes in global climate, « Peter Fiener, visiting

developing new ones.

professor from Germany to work on water related issues at the Centre, explains.

The IGCS will mean cooperation between German and Indian scientists on fundamental and applied research,

By 2020, India’s water demand is expected to be around

teaching and training and dissemination of information in

1,000 billion cubic metre (BCM) as against the supply of

the area of sustainable development. » T he Centre aims to

about 700 BCM. The biggest demand generator will be

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

45

Science the agricultural sector, as it will reel under global warming.

treatment with the production of energ y in a sustainable

Fiener points out that the Centre will develop management

manner and are in great demand to solve regional prob-

techniques to reduce water demand for irrigation during

lems, « Steger emphasises.

the dry periods, and techniques for water harvesting, due

Energy

The Centre will also work on another area of concern – fall-

India needs over 100 million megawatts of additional en-

ing water quality – with 36 per cent of river water in India

erg y to ensure economic growth of 9 to 9.5 per cent and

being highly contaminated. » T here is a great need and op-

provide reliable electricity to all its citizens, from just 54

portunity in educating farmers on appropriate use of fertil-

per cent today. India’s power demand is expected to dou-

izers and agrochemicals, « says Fiener.

ble by 2020 and thermal, a major source of CO2 emissions, seems to be the most favourable way. This is a major chal-

For better water management, the Indo-German centre

lenge for the Centre as it will have to provide clean thermal

is working on strategies for water basins in India, which

energ y options different from the unacceptable ones such

would be regulated through a national authority in the

as carbon sequestration and storage. Rajan says that they

next three years. » T o my mind the centre has two main

are working on different energ y scenarios for India with

objectives in respect of mitigating water problems. On

the aim to provide an energ y mix that helps in sustainable

the one hand, the centre will promote interdisciplinary,

development. » We want to show the solutions after imple-

water-related projects, which should exemplarily show op-

menting them at the local level, « he adds. Besides, Prof. Dr.

tions of a sustainable water use. On the other hand, the

A. Kumar Kolar of the Department of Mechanical Engineer-

centre will encourage students − as multipliers of new

ing, IIT-Madras and Prof. F. Behrendt of Berlin Institute of

ideas − to focus on aspects of sustainable use of water

Technolog y will work together with students from IITM to

resources, which is a major challenge in India, « Fiener

develop new technolog y to provide energ y solutions. » It can

states.

be anything from solar to wind to thermal, « Kolar says.

Waste

Land Use

India, as a fast developing economy, is also facing huge

With India’s demographic profile changing at a fast pace

waste management problems. 28 per cent of municipal

and half of the country’s 1.3 billion population expected to

waste remains uncollected and over 80,000 tonnes of elec-

be in urban areas by 2030, the Centre will also carry out re-

tronic waste gets generated in 12 major cities of the coun-

search in the field of viable land use. Sustaining urban wa-

try. » A ssuming that most of the waste goes directly to land

ter bodies, ensuring better local air quality and sustainable

filling or incineration, this would lead to increasing emis-

land use will be the focus areas of research at the centre.

sions of CO2 and affect the climate as a long-term conse-

Dr. H. Schnyder of the Department of Grasslands Science of

quence. Moreover, groundwater can be affected by intensive

Technical University Munich will be the visiting professor

land filling, and water bodies, in general, are affected by

for the programme. IITM already has research programmes

accumulating waste, « warns Kristin Steger, who is also a

in urban air management, which could be handy for re-

visiting professor at the Centre and has vast experience in

search. The outcome of the centre’s research is expected

this field. The Centre will work on projects to find locally

by the end of 2011, when it does its preliminary studies

adaptable solutions for effective waste management. » We

on Chennai river basin and some other major river basins

can teach students about waste prevention, waste recycling

in India. In the coming years, it will also provide trained

and the potential of sustainable waste treatment and in

manpower to understand climate change better and to pro-

turn encourage students to be aware of our environmental

vide local solutions. » S tudents from IITs will be associated

resources. The centre could also be used as a platform for

in the projects, « Rajan says, and adds that the centre may

information, about newly developed waste treatment strat-

eventually offer Masters and PhD degrees. Welcoming the

egies, by technical staff from the waste industry or by local

collaboration, Jairam Ramesh, erstwhile Minister of State

farmers, « Steger adds.

in the Ministry of Environment and Forests said, » C limate change, whether induced by carbon dioxide or not, will be a

According to centre coordinator Rajan, there is huge poten-

challenge and any research to provide adaptation answers

tial for research and designing of solutions. For example,

will help us all. « That can also probably give answers to con-

anaerobic treatment of organic waste leads to the produc-

cerns of both PM Singh and Devi. ■

tion of biogas, which can provide fuel for the local public transport, like buses. » S uch concepts combine waste

--Chetan Chauhan is a senior assistant editor with the Delhi edition of Hindustan Times

46

/// g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

© t h o ma s m e y er / o st kr eu z

to the promotion of infiltration, for wet periods.

Š t h o ma s m e y er / o st kr eu z

NOTEPAD

GTZ becomes GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH (German Technical Cooperation) changed its name to the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on January 1, 2011. It also merged with InWEnt – Capacity Building International and the German Development Service (DED). It is owned by the German Government and works in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ is also engaged in international education work around the globe and currently operates in more than 130 countries worldwide. Germany has been cooperating with India by providing expertise through the organisations now forming GIZ for more than 50 years. To address India’s priority of sustainable and inclusive growth, GIZ’s joint efforts with the partners in India currently focus on the following areas: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Urban and Industrial Development, Natural Resource Management, Private Sector Development, Social Protection and Financial Systems Development. www.giz.de

TEICHMANN BROTHERS ON TOUR The Goethe Institute's invitation had the Teichman Brothers Electro DJ duo from Germany criss-crossing South Asia. Their stops on the tour were Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Dhaka, Chennai, Bangalore, Colombo and Kabul. The goal: to explore the electro music scene in the region. In their luggage were compact synthesizers and a few dozen LPs. Andy and Hannes Teichman discovered a small but enthusiastic and growing scene of DJs and musicians who combine disco, traditional music and Sound Art. » A part from our performances we also organised workshops.

Perhaps these will serve as a take-off point for someone to make it big in electro-acoustics, « hopes Andy. They returned to Germany with double the amount of luggage and an interesting realisation. » House and techno were not born in America or England – as most people think – but in Bombay in 1982. Charanjit Singh’s › 10 Ragas To A Disco Beat ‹ were the blueprint for the acid house wave that began in Chicago four years later, « sums up Hannes. The most commonly used electronic stand-ins in India, like electric tanpuras and shruti boxes or the tabla rhythm Digi 100 computer, whetted the brothers’ electro collector appetites. Ultimately for Andy and Hannes, their tour through India threw up many ideas for future cooperation – and a sizeable gain in luggage. www.myspace.com/teichmann 48

// / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

from humble birth to global dominance What began 125 years ago in Germany as a humble threewheeled motor carriage with a top speed of 18 km/h has evolved into today's high-performance automobiles tearing down the highways. It was on 29 January 1886 that Carl Benz filed an application in Berlin for a patent on his motor tricycle. Ever since, that day has been considered the official birthday of the automobile, which, in 2011, celebrates its 125th anniversary. The prototype device had a clattering, water-cooled horizontal single cylinder gas engine. On its first run, it managed to travel just a few hundred metres, but improvement was rapid. The first breakthrough came only two years later when Benz’s intrepid wife Bertha successfully piloted model number 3 from her parent’s home to the town of Pforzheim in August 1888. At the same time as Benz, Gottlieb Daimler was developing the first fourwheeled motorcar. In this way, working independently of each other, the founding fathers of today’s Daimler AG and its globally successful Mercedes-Benz core brand laid the foundation stone for all present-day passenger cars, commercial vehicles and buses. www.125-years-of-automobiles.com

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

49

CULTURE

Aamir stars in Germany ---

Each February, the German capital Berlin turns into a world film mecca with the hosting of the Berlin International Film Festival. This Year, Aamir Khan was part of the international jury.

Š d pa

/ in t erv iew: tan u s hree s en gu p ta

50

// / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

/ aamir s tars i n ge rma ny

M

r. Khan, you have attended the Berlin Film

for 4 – 5 hours outside the hotel to meet me. Based on all

Festival for the first time, and that too, as a

of this, I am assuming that it is a growing audience in Ger-

jury member. What were your expectations

many for mainstream Indian cinema. They (the fans) were

when you went to Berlin and your experience

constantly saying, » We want more Indian films to reach

at the festival?

us. « But all of them (Indian films) don’t, because Indian cinema doesn’t have a smooth pipeline of distribution as

Aamir Khan: I’ve always heard so much about the Berlin

yet. In the US we have a smooth pipeline of distribution. All

Film Festival. It is certainly one of the most highly regarded

our films release in the cities where a lot of Indians live. But

festivals in the world. So, I was very keen to experience it,

here it’s not Indians, here it’s Germans actually who want

and I was very pleased to be invited there as part of the jury.

to watch Indian films. They kept telling me, » P lease try and

The festival lived up to all the expectations that I had. It’s

see to it that a distribution set-up is in place so that we get

a very well-organised festival. The entire festival was such

to watch all the films. «

a lovely host for us. India is known for its hospitality and warmth, but I have to say that the Berlin Film Festival was

Your home production › P eepli Live ‹ was released last year

as good, if not better, as a host.

in Germany, and your latest production › D hobi Ghat ‹ is also due for release in Germany soon. What response did

Sitting on a jury with some of the most prominent inter-

› P eepli ‹ get?

national film personalities, what did you keep in mind as an Indian film professional while looking at the competing

Aamir Khan: The response for › P eepli ‹ from the distributor

films at the Berlinale?

of our film Stefan – his company is called Rapid Eye – was not very good. He mentioned that the business was much

Aamir Khan: I think that filmmaking is so subjective that

lower than what he had expected. Of course, Kiran, me and

it’s very difficult to be objective about cinema. It is a very

him – all three of us were disappointed with the response.

subjective medium and each one has their own emotional

Now › P eepli ‹ is, as I was saying, an art-house film. So maybe

response to different films and different things in the

the audience that watches mainstream Indian cinema did

films. The best that you can do is to be honest with what

not go for it. Let’s see how it goes for › D hobi Ghat ‹ .

you feel towards each film that you watch. That’s the best that any jury member can do and that’s what I tried to do – I

Do you also foresee co-productions with film boards or pro-

just tried to stay honest with what I felt towards the films

duction houses in Germany coming up under your banner?

that I was watching.

Aamir Khan: There have been a number of enquiries and As you know, Bollywood films are extremely popular in Ger-

scripts that have been sent to me for that purpose. I prom-

many. They sell an exotic image of India. But what is your

ised to read those scripts and if something excites me or

opinion on the potential of opening up the German and

interests me then I would definitely go ahead with that.

European film markets to the regional and art-house films from India, that are a portrayal of the real India?

What have been your experiences of Germany when you’ve travelled in the country, this time and on your earlier visits?

© d pa

Aamir Khan: I have to say that in my experience people, across the world – and this is for people in the US, in other

Aamir Khan: I found the people very warm and friendly.

countries in Europe and other parts of the world – I find

That’s something I can say straight away. But I have to say

that the audiences for art-house cinema, no matter which

that I was very much limited to the festival this time, be-

part of the world it’s coming from, is a fairly limited au-

cause I was trying to stay just within those films that I was

dience. In Germany also, I would imagine strictly an art-

supposed to watch. I didn’t even get to visit Berlin. My wife

house audience would be a small audience. My personal

did travel quite a bit – she managed to see Berlin to a cer-

experience has been that when I was in Berlin for those 12 –

tain extent. I didn’t at all, because of my responsibility as a

15 days, every day there was a mob of girls outside my hotels

juror. My wife went and saw some of the museums and art

and outside theatres where the screenings were happening,

and architecture, and she was praising it a lot. She said, » I

waiting to take my photographs and autographs. And in my

wish you’d come with me. « So certainly I would like to go

interaction with them, I realised that these young girls are

back, this time just to visit and see Berlin and experience

audiences of mainstream Indian cinema. They watch all

it better. ■

our mainstream films, they enjoy Bolly wood films. A number of them have travelled from outside Berlin to come to

---

meet me. You must remember it was very cold over there

Tanushree Sengupta, a communication professional, works at the

– minus 10, minus 15 on certain days. And they would wait

German Information Centre in New Delhi

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

51

Š a r n e d e kn eg t, n o b l e b ron z e, f ro m t h e se ri e s d h a r avi m en sw e ar co l l e ct io n , 2011, d ig ital , pu b l is he d in pix vo l 2, m ay 2011

Culture

52

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© a r n e d e kn eg t, n o b l e b ron z e, f ro m t h e se ri e s d h a r avi m en sw e ar co l l e ct io n , 2011, d ig ital , pu b l is he d in pix vo l 2, m ay 2011

Beyond Image

/ b e yo nd i ma ge

---

Max Mueller Bhavan engages with contemporary photographic practice in India / te xt: r ah a a b a l l a na

A

n image is born, but photographs are › t aken ‹,

sites for investigating › e xistences ‹ within the contemporary.

exposed, amended and sometimes framed.

The title PIX manifests due homage to an organisation of

The relationship between photos and images is

photographers by its namesake in New York in the 1930s.

imaginably similar to the way words and ideas

Many of them, now reputed, would go on to provide images

are shaped to create legitimate meaning. Simi-

for Life Magazine. The quarterly is meant as an honest invo-

larly, if this is the ethics of our engagement with the world

cation to their relentless spirit for hunting down › i mages ‹,

through a lens, then we are in fact › t reating ‹ it for a purpose,

seeking to reach out to a wider world of readers and viewers,

composing its elements, developing a measured view, and

and if possible, find a throbbing pulse of the modern world.

more often than not, dealing with a visual lexicon.

In a gesture to address a network of images, and how they Photography is now a field we can access in order to trace

constitute an exchange of identities, PIX is eager to investi-

histories, gender equations, politics and aesthetics, so much

gate and engage with broad and expansive fields of contem-

so that it is a › c ultural ‹ component by virtue of reflecting

porary photographic practice in India and outside, ranging

a moment in time. We hold a picture in our hands, view it

from the application, conceptual standing and adaptabil-

on a wall or otherwise, see it illuminated on a screen. This

ity of photography to its subjects: its movement, transmis-

equation with › pictures ‹ represents an › i nterface ‹ with life; a

sion, appropriation and distinct relation to the allied arts.

mode of operation that will allow us to look across borders

The structure for PIX will be consciously based on practices,

and barriers, simulate realities, reorient focal points, and

technologies, curating and circulations of photography in

often forge › r eality ‹ in a manner that resonates outside the

India and outside today. Photography has come to be viewed

frame.

as a means of the everyday, in possessing the power to influence us and even lead us astray. Images are now animated

With their unwavering support of a photography quarterly

beings, with desires of their own. For example, the › c ity ‹ as

titled PIX, Goethe-Institut − Max Mueller Bhavan (MMB) −

geographic and abstract space plays an important role by be-

has also taken a step towards questioning the true import of

ing the subject of reportage or the motivation behind com-

reality in photographs − together with a group composed of

missioned work. The city is itself a living being, and a gallery

artist collectives, practitioners and enthusiasts, who share

space. How do photographers use it? Roy Sinai, a Bangalore-

an inquisitive bent for images and how they form composite

based photographer who contributed to the first issues

/ / / ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

53

Š a r n e d e kn eg t, b u zzi n g d h a r av i, f ro m t h e se ri e s h u ma n is in g t h e m achin e , 2011, d ig ital , pu b l is he d in pix vo l 2, m ay 2011

Culture

54

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© a r n e d e kn eg t, b u zzi n g d h a r av i, f ro m t h e se ri e s h u ma n is in g t h e m achin e , 2011, d ig ital , pu b l is he d in pix vo l 2, m ay 2011

/ b e yo nd i ma ge

theme of PIX › S uburbia ‹, underscores the importance of us-

These ideas quickly moved westward and were expanded in

ing spaces as a means of expression that may connect outside

Germany between the two world wars by film makers like

the fetters of region or locale. » I n these images «, he explains,

Fritz Lang, and photographers like August Sander who docu-

» I choose to see the gasping silence left behind, as a homo-

mented these great shifts, « explicates Gupta.

geneous suburbia − confident, vibrant, brash and unrelenting − gets belched out of city centres and urban hinterlands

Over the last three years, Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi had

alike, across India’s metros. Surrounded as many urban

a couple of curious exchanges with art − for example: › 4 8°C ‹,

dwellers in India today are, by perpetually unsettled, churn-

the first international public art project in Delhi (2008),

ing spaces, I too watch the transient become permanent. «

MMBs all over India celebration of their 50 years presence in India (2009), the launch of the arts management programme

Drawing from another interesting recent exhibition, curated

› A RThinkSouthAsia ‹, designed to help develop skills and

by Sunil Gupta at the Max Mueller Bhavan, entitled › Photo-

networks of potential leaders in the cultural sector of South

graphing the Metropolitan ‹, Berlin-born Verena Jaekel in-

Asia (2010). Regarding future activities, Robin Mallick,

teracts with Sandip Kuriakose from the Delhi College of Art.

MMB’s Director Cultural Programmes South Asia adds, » No

The juxtaposition of such images is deliberate: documentary

doubt, there is a substantial representation of Indian culture

mode and digital photo-collage, creating a disjuncture in

in Germany, for example, through the German-Indian Soci-

both. Jaekel’s uncanny photos of an emerging Delhi Metro

ety e.V. (DIG) and its network of more than 30 local associa-

and Kuriakoses › R isePowerFall ‹ series show how spaces and

tions who closely work with the Tagore Centre at the Indian

bodies resist and entwine in what seems a forceful drive

Embassy Berlin. The Days of Germany in India 2011-2013 will

against the › s elf ‹ in being contained, by either culture or the

offer excellent opportunities to promote cultural exchange

frame of the image. As a mirror image, the city seems to lurk

between India and Germany furthermore. «

in the background of metamorphosing structures, pushing people out of the frames, growing as self-seeking entities.

Leading from here, one of the most compelling archives in

The city cowers in their presence, but they too are swallowed

Berlin that enhances this connection is located at the Asian

in what is called the Metropolitan. These are, perhaps, re-

Art Museum. It houses some of the most important 19th and

flections of an anxiety drawn upon the seamless movements

early 20th century prints from India. Already produced as a

in the › s tate of art ‹, where the art is in fact the state.

publication, some of the images have been drawn from the archives to project the life in Kashmir through the eyes of

Curator Sunil Gupta intimates how the construction of

one of the early picturesque photographers in India, Samuel

spaces and indeed these very frames is not bound by the idea

Borne. But this endeavour is not a solitary one, with exciting

of place. » The witnessing of such moments and the recording

plans to project Indian culture though photography more

of them on film, either as cinema or photography, and show-

directly in the Photography Museum in Berlin, next year. ■

ing them as projections or as graphic art on the printed page, has a long history going back to the Russian revolution and

---

the birth of cinematic montage in Sergei Eisenstein’s › B attle-

Rahaab Allana is editor of PIX: A Photography Quarterly, curator

ship Potemkin ‹ (1925) and artists like Alexander Rodchenko.

and founder of Alkazi Foundation for the Arts, New Delhi.

/ / / ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

55

EYE-CATCHER CULTURE

---

India’s biggest art mela,

the India Art Summit, attracted German Galleries.

© t o r st en h o l t z, d r essu r , 2 01 0

/ te xt: m e e r a m enezes

56

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T

/ ey e –catch e r

he buzz in the air was palpable. The 3rd edition of India’s

commercial photographer, certainly attracted a number of

largest modern and contemporary art fair, the India Art

visitors, who were eager to familiarise themselves with an art-

Summit, was like a giant beehive: energised and humming

ist they clearly did not know too much about.

with activity. Held from 21st to 23rd January in New Delhi,

the event offered a platform to showcase not just the best and

For the gallery owner, Flo Peters, the decision to participate in

most edgy Indian contemporary art but also a representation

the Summit was to keep herself abreast with the latest devel-

of artists from across the globe.

opments in other parts of the world. She wanted to get firsthand experience of the booming Asian art scene, having heard

Adding to the international flavour were undoubtedly a string

about the global success of Indian artists. While the sales and

of established German galleries, who regarded the fair as a

organisation of the fair may not have quite met her expecta-

chance – not only to tap into the Indian market but also to

tions, she was happy to have got a glimpse of the range of In-

go beyond and forge deeper connections with the Indian art

dian art on display and was enthused by the work of at least

scene. While for some this was their second participation at

one Indian contemporary artist – Vivek Vilasini.

the much awaited art event of the year, others were making their debut.

Indian artists were also a favourite with the Duesseldorfbased gallery Beck & Eggeling, who were participating in the

First time participants, Die Gallerie from Frankfurt, certainly

Summit for the second time. Buoyed by the interest that they

grabbed eyeballs with their display of French Pop artist Robert

encountered at the India Art Summit in 2009 and the encour-

Combas’s monumental sculpture in synthetic resin, titled › L e

aging sales of art works, they decided to return. Their portfo-

Pot de jambs en bouquet de pieds et le mollets ‹. A flowerpot-

lio included a mix of well-know European artists and artists

like structure from which some attractive female legs stuck

from Asia. So all time favourites Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall,

out, the work certainly ushered in a whiff of the Moulin Rouge.

George Braque showed cheek-by-jowl with Indian artists Viveek Sharma, Sonia Mehra Chawla and Desmond Lazaro.

The gallery also juxtaposed the works of established European artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Andre Masson and

For Katja Ott of Beck & Eggeling, the fair offered not just a

Salvador Dali with young contemporary German artists. This

chance to sell works but also to network with the international

gave Indian viewers the opportunity to get acquainted with

art community at large. The gallery’s long-standing interest

the paintings by Volker Stelzmann of the renowned School of

in Indian art and artists is also mirrored in the fact that all the

Leipzig along with his master students Torsten Holz and FD

three Indian artists they represent have had solo shows with

Schlemme.

them in Germany. Viveek Sharma was invited to show in Duesseldorf in 2010 and Sonia Mehra Chawla displayed her works

Also on display were works by sculptor Dietrich Klinge, while

at the end of May 2011.

an Indian touch was lent by Klaus Zylla’s mixed media on canvas titled › I ndian Drapery ‹. Judging by the number of visitors

While this might be a case of German galleries putting their

thronging the stall, it was clear that the gallery had managed

trust in Indian artists, the reverse also holds true. Ranjana

to awaken the curiosity of the Indian art loving public for

Mirchandani, the owner of Mirchandani + Steinruecke, has

contemporary German art. Die Gallerie’s owner Peter Femfert

exhibited works not just by the young German artist Norbert

was quite euphoric over the response » I am really happy about

Bisky in 2008 but also by the more celebrated Sigmar Polke at

the great interest shown here. It is extraordinary. There is an

her gallery premises last year.

energy and a great hunger to learn and see. «

© t o r st en h o l t z, d r essu r , 2 01 0

There is clearly a deepening of relationships between the InThis was an opinion echoed by fair director Neha Kripal.

dian and German art communities which is being fostered by

» T he key lesson we learnt at the art fair this year was the over-

private initiatives. The India Art Summit is certainly one plat-

whelming interest people have to see art in public places. With

form where art lovers from the two countries can engage and

1,28,000 visitors to the art fair from 17 cities across India in

learn more about each other. As Peter Femfert summed it up,

three and a half days, we all saw the potential of this mass in-

» I am really happy about the great success of the fair. I am also

terest in art; with school children buzzing around the art fair,

delighted by the enthusiasm and work put in by director Neha

visitors curiously following the curated walks and others buy-

Kripal and her team. I will definitely return. « ■

ing their first ever artwork, « she said.

--The other newcomer to the Summit was the Hamburg-based

Meera Menezes is the Delhi correspondent of Art India, a magazine

gallery Flo Peters. Unlike Die Gallerie, however, it decided to

on contemporary Indian art. She has been involved with the Indian

follow a different approach by concentrating on just one art-

contemporary arts scene since the late 80s and was the liaison per-

ist, putting up a solo show of Albert Watson’s photographs.

son in India for the Amsterdam-based Foundation for Indian Art-

Watson, one of the world’s most successful fashion and

ists (F.I.A).

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

57

CULTURE

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

---

… the Chandigarh Museum has exquisite lithographs of the journey of Prince Waldemar of Prussia to India in 1844 – 46

© kö n i gl i c h es l i t ho g ra f is c he s i n st i t u t z u b e rl i n

/ text: jutta jain-neubauer

58

// / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

/ did you k no w th at...

P

rince Waldemar of Prussia (1817 – 1849) was a

on doing his assigned duties. Waldemar angrily shouted at

remarkable person in many respects. Though he

him, which had the desired effect, followed by his guard-

went through the customary military training

ian's contemptuous and scornful glances. Prince Waldemar

and received the highest accolades for his brav-

writes further, » I was more than happy to get rid of this use-

ery and military service, his actions were driven

less attendant, and enjoyed going out anonymously. It is

by an insatiable desire to explore the natural phenomena,

such a pleasure for me to stroll around in unknown towns

to venture into the unknown world, and to understand the

and to observe the hustle and bustle in the local streets and

cultures of the Other. From a young age, he was in touch

markets. And if this appeals to me in Europe, how much

with the senior and world-renowned scientist and explorer

more in this country, where I encounter hundreds of new

Alexander von Humboldt (1769 – 1859), who fondly charac-

exciting images at every step. «

terised him as follows, » A deep admiration for the beauty of nature, an inner longing for achieving something Great

The outcome of this trip was not only innumerable notes,

and to explore distant lands, might have prompted the

essays and observations on the cultural, historical, social

young Prince to travel to East-India. « It was the admiration

and political scenery of India, which are extremely valuable

for von Humboldt’s adventurous life and field-research in

because they consist of first-hand scientific data, but also a

the Americas that further encouraged the young Prince to

valuable collection of Indian arms and armoury, which was

embark on a trip to India. Equipped with an inquiring mind

passed on to the Prussian Museum in Berlin, and a com-

and the latest technological devices to study geography, ge-

prehensive herbarium of plants collected and meticulously

olog y and f lora, Prince Waldemar started his expedition

pressed and annotated by Dr. Hoffmeister. The herbarium

in September 1844, accompanied by botanist and medical

included 456 species, of which 108 were newly-discovered,

doctor Dr. Werner Hoffmeister and others.

and 270 botanical genera. Two famous botanists, Dr. Friedrich Klotzsch and Dr. August Garcke, were hired to work on

The group reached Calcutta in January 1845 via Athens,

the material collected in India. They compiled a pioneer-

Eg ypt, and Ceylon. Other destinations of their field stud-

ing magnum opus entitled Die Botanischen Ergebnisse der

ies included Patna, Kathmandu, Benaras, Delhi, Nainital,

Reise seiner königlichen Hoheit des Prinzen Waldemar von

as well as the regions of the Himalayas up to Tibet. But

Preussen in den Jahren 1845 und 1846… . This truly won-

it was not only scientific explorations that they encoun-

derful work was published in Berlin in 1862, sixteen years

tered. They also happened to be drawn into the midst of the

after Waldemar returned from India. In commemoration

Anglo-Sikh Wars of 1845-46 at Ferozeshah, Mudki and So-

of Waldemar, who died in 1849, some plants which were

braon, where Dr. Werner Hoffmeister, only 26 years of age,

hitherto unknown in botanical circles were named after

was killed in battle. Leaving Bombay on 20 October 1845,

him, for example Waldemaria Argentea and Diospyros

Prince Waldemar returned to Berlin, where he arrived on

Waldermarii.

13 June 1846, only to hear about his mother’s death just a few weeks before.

Waldemar was a keen and talented artist, and while in In-

© kö n i gl i c h es l i t ho g ra f is c he s i n st i t u t z u b e rl i n

dia, he made hundreds and hundreds of fine sketches and While in India, Prince Waldemar wrote a comprehensive

watercolours, depicting landscapes, village life, monu-

diary, many notes and essays elaborating his observations

ments or the adventures of the Anglo-Sikh battles. These

and ideas, and numerous letters to his parents, which bear

were skillfully turned into lithographs by the most well

witness to his distinguished and inquisitive character.

known lithographers of the time in Berlin, Ferdinand Bell-

Prince Waldemar was most happy to explore different lo-

ermann and Hermann Kretzschmer, who were both famil-

cales on his own. Being of royal descent, he was given spe-

iar with the visual vocabulary of distant and remote regions

cial security personnel by the British high command, which

on account of previous journeys to Southern America and

he usually considered rather annoying. When he once tried

the Orient. Alexander von Humboldt admired these works

to sneak out of his room to stroll through the › n ative ‹ ba-

as » e ndowed with life and artistic value « . Some of these

zaar in Calcutta, his › B utler ‹ caught him and suggested that

wonderful lithographs, based on the paintings of Prince

he saddle the horses and prepare the carriage for him. The

Waldemar of Prussia, belong to the collection of the Mu-

Prince requested to be left alone, but his guardian insisted

seum in Chandigarh and are displayed there. ■

--------------------------------------

---

top: Outpost near Sobraon. The Battle of Sobraon was fought

Jutta Jain-Neubauer is an art-historian writing on Indian mini-

on 10th February 1846, between the forces of the British East

ature painting, history of Indian textiles and other aspects of

India Company and the Sikh Khalsa Army.

Indian art. Since 2006 she has been writing the column › Did you

left: Afghan attendance of Major Broadfoot near Mudki.

know that ... ‹ on lesser known aspects of Indo-German cultural

right: Outpost near Sobraon.

relations.

/ // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

59

CO M I NG UP

The City – Becoming and Decaying

Me&myMum by Samir Akika

1 September – 30 December 2011

23 September – 29 September

The 18 photographers from the photography agency

The ensemble production by Samir Akika is dedicated

OSTKREUZ present their work in an exhibition that

to the many facets of the mother-child relationship

searches for the essence of present-day urban reali-

and combines a virtuoso pathos and humour with film

ties in the form of a long-term photographic project

quotes, dynamic dance and theatrical elements. The

documenting urban growth and decay in 22 cities

work plays radically with clichés and stereotypes and

worldwide. The exhibition will travel from Hyderabad

gives solid ground to strong emotions. Me&myMum is

(September) to Chennai (October), Delhi (November)

dedicated to Akika’s mentor and the › mother ‹ of German

and Kolkata (December).

dance theatre, Pina Bausch.

www.germany-and-india.com/program

www.germany-and-india.com/program

It’s all Rheydt

India goes 3D!

2 October – 6 October 2011

1 November – 30 November 2011

The legendary › H ouse u r ‹ by the famous German art-

Berlin Music Commission, c/o pop (Cologne) and their

ist Gregor Schneider, awarded with the Golden Lion at

partners in India bring together German and Indian

the Biennale in Venice in 2001, will be reconstructed

electronic music artists who explore new spaces for their

by local craftsmen and integrated into the Durga Puja

performances along with workshops and competitions.

Festival in Kolkata. In the original › H ouse u r ‹ , Schnei-

Events will take place in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

der created movable replicas of the existing rooms by building complete rooms inside of other rooms.

www.germany-and-india.com/program 60

www.germany-and-india.com/program // / g e rm an n e ws / vo l u m e 52 / is s u e n o . 1 / au g u st 2 0 1 1

Merck Philharmonic Orchestra

Future Dialogue

23 September – 5 October 2011

24 September 2011

The powerful and dynamic orchestra consisting of

This unique international conference, themed › S us-

up to 80 musicians performs Ludwig van Beethoven’s

tainable Cities: Mastering the Challenges and Oppor-

Leonoren-Overture Nr. 3, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s

tunities of Rapid Urbanisation ‹ , will look at how cities

Flute Concert Nr. 2 D major and Johannes Brahms’

in fast-growing developing countries like India are

Symphony Nr. 3 F major on a tour through India. The

tackling the combined challenges of facilitating eco-

Merck Philharmonic Orchestra was founded by the

nomic growth, while controlling both the environmen-

Merck family, which set up the world's oldest pharma-

tal and social impact of rapid development.

ceutical and chemical company.

www.germany-and-india.com/program

www.future-dialogue.org

River — Yamuna and Elbe

Passageway — Overgoing

10 November – 24 November 2011

17 December 2011 – 13 January 2012

The project focuses on ecological, cultural, historic

Wolfgang Laib concentrates his work on few materials:

and economic implications of the river on the cities of

pollen, milk, beeswax, marble, rice and sealing wax.

Delhi and Hamburg. Contemporary Indian, German

Significant works are part of the collection of the

and international artists show their works at, on and

MoMA New York. Galerie Mirchandani & Steinrücke in

around the rivers Yamuna and Elbe in public spaces,

cooperation with Goethe-Institute Mumbai will show

bringing various issues facing the cities into public

some of Laib’s › a uratic installations ‹ .

discussions.

www.germany-and-india.com/program / // ge r ma n n ews / volume 52 / i ssue no. 1 / august 2011

www.ifa.de/en/exhibitions/exhibitions-abroad/bk/laib 61

I M PRI NT

PHOTO CREDITS

Editor: Jens Urban

Cover page 1 © Möbius strip by CoDESIGN, edited by Groupe Dejour Berlin (www.groupe-dejour.de) Editorial page 5 © German Embassy Content page 6 (left) © dpa / page 6 (right) © Möbius strip by CoDESIGN, edited by Groupe Dejour Berlin page 7 (left) © Volkswagen / page 7 (right) © DIE GALERIE Shots page 8/9 © Leo Seidel / OSTKREUZ page 10/11 © Andreas Muhs / OSTKREUZ New Standard page 13 © Reuters page 15 © dpa Germany + India page 16 © Möbius strip by CoDESIGN, edited by Groupe Dejour Berlin Greater Efficiency, Less Emission page 18 © dpa Low-Carbon Growth page 22/23/24/25 © Patrick Pleul / dpa page 25 Infographic: © Groupe Dejour Berlin (www.groupe-dejour.de) Source: Low Carbon Strategies for Inclusive Growth, Interim Report, May 2011 Young, Attractive and Successful page 26/27 © Arcelormittal Translation Sells page 28/29/30/31 © dcb, Pratham Books (Book covers), edited by Groupe Dejour Berlin Filling the Skills Gap page 34 Infographic: © Groupe Dejour Berlin (www.groupe-dejour.de) Source: IMaCS analysis View from the other side page 38/39 © Image Source / Miho Miho / dpa Cultures of Disaster page 40/41/42/43 © Kazemuddin (Kazu) Ahmed Mission Sustainability page 44/45/46 © Thomas Meyer / OSTKREUZ Notepad page 48 (top) © GIZ / Ostermeier page 48 (bottom) © Ina Kim page 49 © Daimler Aamir stars in Germany page 50/51 © Patrick Seeger / dpa Beyond Image page 52/53/54/55 © Arne de Knegt Eye-Catcher page 56 © Torsten Holtz, Dressur; 2010 / DIE GALERIE Did you know that ... page 58 © Königliches lithografisches Institut zu Berlin Coming up page 60 (top left) © Andrej Krementschouk / OSTKREUZ page 60 (top right) © Ralf Emmerich page 60 (bottom left) © Gregor Schneider page 60 (bottom right) © Reuters page 61 (top left) © Brigitte Schneider page 61 (top right) © Reuters page 61 (bottom left) © Reuters page 61 (bottom right) © Wolfgang Laib Imprint page 62 © IStockphoto

Managing Editor: Yvonne Krause Editor, Publisher and Printer: Jens Urban on behalf of the Press and Information Office, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, 6/50 G Shanti Path, New Delhi 110021 India.

Circulation: 76,000 Translation: Anya Malhotra / Anu Pande Design: Groupe Dejour, Berlin, Germany (www.groupe-dejour.de) Art Directon: Groupe Dejour Fonts: › P ort ‹ by Groupe Dejour and › A rnhem ‹ by Ourtype Printed at: HT Burda Media Limited Plot No. 8, Udyog Vihar Greater Noida The articles published in German News do not necessarily express the views of the German Embassy.

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