India is a topic in Karlsruhe

At the annual reception of the City of Karlsruhe on 1 March, the good relations of the fan-shaped city to India were again visible in the programme. The Indian dance school "Lasya Priya Fine Arts", which is based in Karlsruhe, was part of the evening's programme, along with other cultural events - including a traditional dance from Maharashtra, the Indian state with which Karlsruhe has good relations, and Bharatanatyam, one of the eight classical dance styles in India, whose roots lie in the South Indian temple culture.

Whether partnerships between Karlsruhe and institutions in Pune and Mumbai, partnerships between German and Indian companies and universities, economic cooperation, tourism, cultural exchange, among others with the ZKM, the Goethe Institutes in India and around the "India Summer Days", or partnership between the states of Baden-Württemberg and Maharashtra: India has long been of great importance to Karlsruhe, said Lord Mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup, recalling the development of the past 15 years. According to the Lord Mayor, his vision is that this will continue to develop into a "hub for India". This is also important with regard to the issue of attracting skilled workers. A topic that was also recently addressed by a Karlsruhe delegation in India.

On the way to more internationality in Karlsruhe: The many Indian skilled workers are young and well qualified - but they do not find enough jobs there. Putting this into practice here with partners in and around Karlsruhe is an important concern. In order to get this off the ground, the existing good partnerships are very important. Karlsruhe is on the right track in this respect, said the Lord Mayor.

Honorary citizens, members of parliament, representatives of public offices, mayors from the region, company representatives, city councillors and local councillors - and many volunteers - came to the Tollhaus and took advantage of the opportunity for informal exchanges in addition to the programme, which featured the Karlsruhe "Kevin Karl on guitar", the Latin American dance group Wayra, Viviane de Farias and Balakumbala as well as Caramuru. "Karlsruhe shines outwards," said the Lord Mayor, who was pleased that such meetings are possible again after the forced break.