Urban Mela to be melting pot for cultures, ideas

The 10-day Indo-German Urban Mela scheduled to begin on June 22 at the Palace Grounds in Bangalore will not only be a cultural extravaganza, but also a platform for youths who plan to pursue education and a career in Germany to familiarise themselves with the opportunities.

Goethe Institute, Bangalore, is organising a programme called ‘Youth University’ at the Mela to provide information to youngsters, especially students, on the opportunities in Germany. The programme is scheduled to be inaugurated on June 23.

The events as part of the Youth University will be held in three sessions at 11 am, 1.30 pm and 5 pm every day till June 29. Urban Mela, which is a blend of culture, science, technology and entertainment, is being organised as part of the celebrations to commemorate 60 years of Indo-German diplomatic ties - ‘Germany and India 2011-12: Infinite opportunities’.

After Bangalore, the Mela is scheduled to be organised in Chennai, Delhi and Pune. It has already been held in Mumbai.

As many as 20 CEOs, researchers and educators from top German companies and universities will interact with participants at the Youth University. They will not only inform and educate about the opportunities, but clarify doubts, if any, on any issue pertaining to education and research in Germany, Dr Anne Renate Schoenhagen, Deputy Director and Head, Language department of Goethe Institute, Bangalore, said.

The Youth University will be held in three categories. The first category will provide information on German universities, their academic structure, international degree programmes offered and procedure of application.

“Students will have an opportunity to interact with professors of reputed German universities. Besides, the German Academic Exchange Service will conduct a counselling session,” she said.

At the second section, German entrepreneurs, CEOs of German companies based in Bangalore will share their views and experiences. The third section will explore science and research in Germany. Researchers from German and Indian institutions will deliver lectures on topics like mobility, energy, sustainable urban development, architecture, cultural space, education and urban art, she said.

Mela calendar, Palace Grounds

*  June 22: Inauguration of the Mela, Centre stage, 7 pm.
*  June 23: Inauguration of Youth University, Cultural Pavilion, 2 pm; Masala FX, choreographed by Samir Ajija, Centre stage, 7 pm.
*  June 24: Metal Mania – Waken in Bangalore, Centre stage, 7 pm.
*  June 25: Science Slam, Cultural Pavilion, 2 pm; Science Quiz, Centre stage, 2 pm.
*  June 26: Build Your Dream City in 10 days, Goethe Lounge, 10 am; Story Telling, Cultural Pavilion, 3 pm.
*  June 27: Thesperate Dreams, Cultural Pavilion, 8.30 pm; Bavarian Night, Centre stage, 8 pm.
* June 28: Science Quiz, Centre stage, 2 pm; Football Fever, Centre stage, 8 pm.
*  June 29: Build Your Dream City in 10 days, Goethe Lounge, 10 am; Sounds of Silence – the Cabinet of Dr Cligari by Robert Wiene, accompanied by Prakash Sontakke, Centre stage, 8 pm.
*  June 30; Poetry Slam, Centre stage, 10 am; Masala FX, Centre stage, 7 pm.
*  July 1: Grand Finale, Centre stage, 7 pm.