As a result of stronger ties between Germany and India, cultural relations between the two countries have found new impetus drawn from a longer tradition of German-Indo cultural exchange. Foreign cultural policy experiences multiple incentives and support on both sides, which makes it useful to establish sustainable structures of cultural dialogue. However, a number of factors could be listed to shed light on the still asymmetrical nature that marks cultural relations between India and Germany. Among them are: different conceptions of foreign cultural policy, different stages of the respective art industry and cultural infrastructure, a historically determined imbalance of financial and infrastructural resources and the sheer ignorance in the way both countries have perceived the other.

Continue reading "Tradition and Departure - Cultural Relations between India and Germany"

In my life I did many interviews. Sometimes with friends, people from public life or others who had a great story to tell. Today, after many years in India I got the confirmation that I would get the chance to talk to one my great idols in the Indian music industry – DJ Sunny Singh (http://www.djsunnysingh.com). Despite being a true legend as a DJ in India, Sunny Singh is also the Guru of many other artists who followed his footsteps and by now rock the clubs from Delhi to Dubai to Singapore. In his own DJ school Sunny Singh has trained more than 750 young ambitioned talents and until today maintains a guru-gyan relationship with many of them. With shaking hands and a trembling voice I asked my questions to DJ Sunny Singh who has played a central role in spreading the popularity of Indian Disco Beats all over the world.

Continue reading "DJ Sunny Singh: A True Legend amongst DJs in India"

Kung fu (功夫, in Mandarin Chinese pronounced as gong fu), the popular term for Chinese martial arts, is a notion that conjures up mystical masters living in misty mountains and awe-inspiring artistic movements. Even in the rapidly modernising China of today one can find this cliché real and alive. One protector of this treasure trove of traditional Chinese culture is Master Li Quan (师傅李全). Born in Heilongjiang Province in the far north-eastern reaches of China, Master Li Quan has been a student and teacher of Chinese kung fu for more than 25 years.

Continue reading "Master Li Quan - Cultivating Kung Fu Traditions in Sichuan’s Chengdu"

This is not an average travel narrative, replete with the wonders of a world that is truly wondrous: a jazzy world that, yet, has a large, welcoming heart. This is, perhaps, not an image run-of-the-mill Hollywood WW2/spy-flicks generate, immersed, as they seem to be, in anachronistic assumptions and the resultant antipathies. But, it is clear to this writer, Germany and Berlin define the new Gross European Cool, framed in terms of “Multi-Kulti” (multiculturalism, in colloquial German) and a Kalkbrennerian Zeitgeist.

Continue reading "Under a Northern Sky: Feeling “ich bin ein Berliner”"

Innovations in the Indian hospitality sector can be analysed on many different levels. This analysis makes the attempt to give a broad overview on innovations taking place in the industry according to various categories of hotels as well as relevant functions, concluding with a brief outlook on future directions these innovations might take.

India holds a special place in the international world of hospitality. Culturally the country might very well be the most diverse place in the world. It is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures, and festivities. Luxurious and destitute, hot and cold, chaotic and tranquil, ancient and modern - India's extremes rarely fail to leave a lasting impression.

Hospitality is a long running tradition in India. From the majestic Himalayas and the stark deserts of Rajasthan, over beautiful beaches and lush tropical forests, to idyllic villages and bustling cities, India offers unique opportunities for every individual preference. However, until fairly recently this was hardly evident when looking at India's hospitality industry.

Continue reading "Innovations in the Indian Hospitality Industry"