On the bright and sunny morning of Saturday, October 7th, 2023, the students of The Khaitan School had the privilege of attending the annual German Language Festival, “Namaste Deutschland.” Held at the Thyagraj Sports Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, this event was an extraordinary showcase of language, culture, and learning. The festival offered a wide array of activities, ranging from art and craft to sports events, workshops, competitions, film screenings, and informative game stalls. It was an exceptional opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse world of the German language and culture.
“Namaste Deutschland” was not just an ordinary school event. It was a grand celebration of the German language and culture, bringing together over 4200 students from various schools and more than 300 German teachers. The sheer scale of participation made this event a resounding success and a testament to the growing interest in foreign languages and cultures among Indian youth.
The festival was organized by Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi, the German Embassy, and the Austrian Embassy. Such collaboration not only speaks to the significance of the festival but also demonstrates the mutual commitment to fostering cultural exchange and language learning.
The festival was graced by esteemed guests, including the German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Dr. Philipp Ackermann. Mr. Ashok Kumar, Secretary of Education, GNCT of Delhi, and Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Director of the Directorate of Education, GNCT of Delhi, also added to the distinguished list of chief guests. Dr. Maria Stukenberg, Director of Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi, and Regional Director South Asia, was present to represent the organization’s commitment to promoting the German language and culture in India.
Principals from various schools in Delhi-NCR also attended the event, further emphasizing the collective interest and support for promoting foreign language learning and cultural exchange in the education sector.
The heart of the event lay in the students’ performances and their involvement in hosting the festival. Students from various Delhi-NCR schools mesmerized the audience with their artistic and linguistic talents, further emphasizing the power of language in connecting cultures and hearts.
For the students of The Khaitan School, this festival was a great learning and informative experience. Though they might not have received any awards, the lessons learned and the cultural exposure gained were invaluable. It was a day that they will cherish for a long time to come.
The enthusiasm and participation of The Khaitan School’s students at “Namaste Deutschland” have left an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. This experience is bound to fuel their curiosity and passion for languages and cultures from around the world.
As the festival came to a close, it left all participants eagerly looking forward to the next edition. “Namaste Deutschland” was not just an event; it was a celebration of cultural diversity and linguistic exploration, and an unforgettable experience that will continue to inspire the students in their pursuit of knowledge and cultural understanding.
