Shikaripura Shimogga

Work related travel took me to a nondescript location away from Bangalore’s madding crowds last week. However the place I halted was anything but ordinary,  this inspection Bunglow (IB) had an eclectic mix of the old & new. Thanks to the former chief minister (Mr. Yeddyurappa whose constituency falls here) a spanking new guest house with inner courtyard rubs shoulder with some old colonial bungalows on a sprawling govt estate  laid out with well manicured garden and a variety of trees. Serene surroundings , a garden buzzing with birds, insects & troop of monkeys  and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a welcome tonic for the tired body & weary soul.

An Indian Summer in Germany

Mr Wolfgang Hoeltgen who was featured earlier in this blog is a tireless campaigner of German - India relations. His indefatigable spirit takes him across the country, and which has become an annual pilgrimage for sometime now, spreading GIBC mantra of catalyzing business exchange between the 2 countries especially the region of Niedersachsen. This is despite the almost fatal car crash incident he was involved on the Pune - Mumbai highway last year (some  bone chilling snaps of the accident). Apart from the shock & trauma of the accident he also underwent an ordeal with the Hospital which not only treated but also fleeced him to the hilt.

Yet none of these stops him coming to India year after year. I caught up with him this time around in Bangalore and we spent some time together.  This years sojourn also had its share of unfortunate event, he had just lost his wallet in the Taj Vivanta where he was staying and along with it some considerable amount of cash. I offered him some financial help but he politely turned it down. It later turned out that the International ATM card that he was carrying was of no use in India. Weirdly enough none of the multinational Pvt Bank ATMs (we tried 2-3 bank ATMS) were able to transact & dispense the cash. Yet though somehow he managed to chug along with his journey without seeking any help. 

Event Logo

Beginning this year I will represent GIBC Hannover impulse as Strategic partner representing Bangalore region. Hopefully I wish to translate this into mutually fruitful Business exchange. This year also marks an eventful milestone in the History between the 2 countries i.e., 60 years of  diplomatic relations and to commemorate that GIBC is bringing an Indian summer to Germany . For 4 full days the spotlight will be on India at the famous Hannover fair called India days Hannover packed with various events. I have coined it an ‘Achtung Indie’ event for the sheer novelty of its theme & significance. This event has something for everyone; Industry captains, Entrepreneurs, Students, Academicians, Cultural enthusiasts and think-tanks all alike.