Berlin, Germany - August 10, 2024

"The Indian community in Berlin marked India's 78th Independence Day with a vibrant Bharat Parade at the Brandenburg Gate on August 10, 2024, organized by the Indian Cultural Community Center (INDCC). The event, which began at 10 AM, brought together hundreds of participants in colorful traditional attire, reflecting India's diverse cultures and states. The celebration, aimed at showcasing the unity and diversity of Indian culture, featured a lively array of performances. Participants filled the Pariser Platz with the vibrant colors of India, creating a spectacular display against the historic backdrop of the Brandenburg Gate. Adding to the occasion's significance, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India's Ambassador to Germany, addressed the gathering. In his speech, Ambassador Harish highlighted the importance of cultural heritage and the strong bilateral ties between India and Germany. Ambassador Harish, who assumed his role in November 2021, brought a wealth of experience from his distinguished diplomatic career, including key roles in economic diplomacy and multilateral relations. Ambassador Harish's speech resonated with the community. He stressed the importance of unity, cultural pride, and the enduring relationship between India and Germany. Interview with Ambassador Harish, Transcript:"For the large, growing community here, it's a happy location to celebrate this with other members of the community. They are very much integrated into the society, but they also have very strong national and patriotic feelings towards India. This is the location for them to bring the two strengths of the cultures of India and Germany together, and it gives them an occasion to celebrate Independence Day here in Berlin. The vast and growing Indian community includes a lot of students, whose numbers are increasing in Germany, so I'm very happy to interact with a lot of young people and students here."