From the strains of a jazz band to the graceful steps of a waltz, the Embassy of Germany’s celebration of the Day of German Unity brought music, dance and German flavours together for a festive evening. Pretzels and sausages featured on the menu, while the occasion held special significance this year as India and Germany marked 75 years of diplomatic relations. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was the chief guest at the reception hosted by German Ambassador Jaspar Wieck.Among the guests were a delegation from the European Parliament led by David McAllister, chair of its Foreign Affairs Committee, and two members of the German Bundestag.Aao, hum saath mein jashn manayein: German AmbassadorMusic was an important part of the evening, with the Jazz Formation of the German Army Music Band Neubrandenburg, led by Master Sergeant Marcel Vollmann, keeping guests entertained. Ambassador Wieck, who welcomed the gathering, also addressed the guests in Hindi, adding a personal touch to his speech. Reflecting on the significance of German Unity Day, Wieck recalled the country’s reunification 36 years ago. “36 years ago, Germany reunited – after 40 years of division, of barbed wire and of families torn apart… Each year, we remember this moment of joy and happiness with deep gratitude to all those who have made this turn of history possible – in particular, the people who stood up against communist dictatorship in Leipzig, Dresden, Berlin and many other parts of Central and Eastern Europe,” he said.The occasion was particularly special this year as India and Germany marked 75 years of diplomatic relations. Wieck spoke about the ties between the two countries and Germany’s commitment to the partnership.“Germany is proud to stand alongside India as a trusted partner in this journey… Iss safar mein Bharat aur Germany saath milkar aage badh rahe hain,” he said, signing off with, “Aao, hum saath mein jashn manayein.”Our partnership continues to flourish: Foreign SecretaryMisri, too, extended his greetings to the German government and people, underlining the importance of the bilateral relationship. “It is my great pleasure to join you all in celebrating German Unity Day. On this special occasion, we would like to convey our warmest wishes to the government and people of Germany… Our partnership continues to flourish in all dimensions – political, economic, security, defence, technology, people-to-people ties and cultural cooperation,” he said.
