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Chancellor Merkel in India to Further Research, Economic Relations
In New Delhi, Chancellor Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sent the “Science Express” off on its journey on October 30. The launch of the exhibition on a train highlighting German-Indian cooperation also symbolizes Chancellor Merkel’s aim to intensify German relations with research-rich India. Her agenda on this multi-day India visit also includes expanding business relations. Angela Merkel was greeted by Manmohan Singh in New Delhi with military honors. At the welcoming ceremony, Merkel declared that Germany would like to take the strategic partnership with India further "in the fields of science, business and politics." On a visit to Raj Ghat, the memorial at the spot where Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), the Indian human rights activist and pacifist, was cremated, Chancellor Merkel wrote in the visitors’ book, "with deepest respect for a courageous statesman, a great son of the Indian nation and the pioneer of non-violent resistance." Mahatma Gandhi led the peaceful resistance against the country's British colonial masters as of 1920. After years of organised civil disobedience, India finally achieved independence in 1947. One year later Gandhi was murdered in New Delhi. In Raj Ghat, a park-like area, a number of important Indians have been cremated. The places where the bodies of the politicians were consumed by fire are today memorial sites. “Science Express” sets off
After laying a wreath at Raj Ghat, the Chancellor, along with Prime Minister Singh and the Federal Research Minister Annette Schavan, sent the “Science Express” – a science exhibition on a train – off on its journey. "This will be a fascinating scientific exhibition, which will bring science closer to the people of the world," Chancellor Merkel said before she raised the green flag and the express pulled out of Delhi-Safdarjung Station. On its travels along India’s rail lines, the “Science Express” will be presenting German-Indian scientific cooperation in the fields of IT and biotechnology, space travel research and health technology. For children, a special "kid’s lab" has been installed, in which they can do their own experiments. The “Science Express,” with its 13 cars, will be visiting 56 towns, including many isolated places. It is hoped that it will fire the enthusiasm of young people in India for science. And it will be encouraging Indian experts to undertake courses of study in Germany. At present some 4,000 Indians are studying in Germany, while 80,000 of their compatriots are undertaking higher education in the USA. This afternoon, the Chancellor will be attending a German-Indian economic forum, after which several economic agreements are to be signed, including an agreement relating to the founding of a German-Indian technology centre in Germany. October 30, 2007 Source: REGIERUNGonline
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