Pictures’ Credit: Embassy of India, Berlin
Germany’s capital turned into a vibrant stage of colours, music and festivity as the Embassy of India in Berlin, in collaboration with the Indian Cultural Centre (INDCC) and the Tagore Centre, organised a spectacular Bharat Parade at the iconic Brandenburg Gate to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day.
Flag Hoisting at the Embassy
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Ajit V. Gupte hoisted the National Flag at the Embassy of India, Berlin. On the occasion, he read out President Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day address, which underlined India’s march toward Atmanirbhar Bharat through robust economic growth and indigenous advances in defence, space, technology, and trade.
The Embassy programme also included a prize distribution ceremony for winners of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) Photo & Video contest, followed by a spirited performance of patriotic songs by the Karthik Mani Ensemble.
A Celebration of Freedom and Friendship
Later, at Brandenburg Gate, Ambassador Gupte, joined by Mrs. Priti Gupte, led nearly 1,000 members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India in the Bharat Parade. The march extended to the Sanchi Stupa at the Humboldt Forum and was marked by patriotic fervour, vibrant music, and cultural performances.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Gupte highlighted the exponential growth of the Indian diaspora in Germany, noting that the community now numbers well over 200,000 and is among the fastest-growing in Europe. He emphasised how professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and cultural groups from India have become vital contributors to Germany’s economy and society — from research and technology to healthcare, academia, and the arts.
The Ambassador commended the diaspora for serving as a “living bridge” between India and Germany, strengthening people-to-people connections and creating deeper bonds of trust and collaboration. He underscored that these contributions not only enhance bilateral trade and investment but also enrich Germany’s multicultural fabric.
Cultural Showcase with Indian Heritage
The Bharat Parade featured a captivating Mallakhamb demonstration set to the hymn Jayastute Shree Mahamangale, interspersed with chants of “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai,” which drew enthusiastic applause.
Performances of Garba and Bhangra added colour and energy to the festivities, while the Karthik Mani Ensemble closed the event with a rousing musical finale — filling central Berlin with the rhythms of India’s diverse cultural traditions.
Atmanirbhar Bharat and Indo–German Cooperation
While the Embassy ceremony emphasised Atmanirbhar Bharat through the President’s address, the message resonated in Berlin’s broader context of Indo–German cooperation. From renewable energy and hydrogen to smart mobility and advanced research, Germany has emerged as a key partner in sectors that align with India’s vision of self-reliance.
Joint ventures and knowledge exchange in these areas not only foster India’s technological independence but also create new opportunities for German businesses in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
A Milestone in Indo–German Relations
This year’s Independence Day celebrations carried added significance as they coincided with the 25th anniversary of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the Bharat Parade reaffirmed the close bonds of friendship, cultural exchange, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
As patriotic songs reverberated through Berlin’s historic avenues, the dual celebrations — at the Embassy and at Brandenburg Gate — became more than a commemoration of India’s freedom. They stood as a powerful reminder of the Indian diaspora’s contributions and as a symbol of the cultural bridges and strategic collaboration that continue to define Indo–German relations in the 21st century.
